We have taken HEROARTS.COM and added even more ways to find ideas, inspiration, and stamps!

• New PRODUCTS section!  Now you can search on products, find ideas related to your favorite stamp, and browse digital catalogs.
• New LEARN section!  Check out our new video library, our technique gallery, digital learning, and more!
• Redesigned IDEAS section!  Coming soon, easier to find card and layout ideas with tons of great projects!

Everything just got better.

Enjoy!

PS.  Did someone say FREE SHIPPING?  And NEW SPRING stamps?  Why yes we did!  Check it out HERE.

Hello!  We’re happy to announce that the NEW stamps from our New for Spring supplement are now available for purchase in the Hero Arts Online Store — click HERE to see them and start shopping!

AND! We have a little “tweet” springtime FUN for you!

Enter promo code SPRINGFUN at check out to receive FREE SHIPPING now through March 14th! WOO HOO!  (US orders only, $20 minimum purchase, cannot be combined with other offers.)

We’ll be back later today with another announcement — we’re updating our site navigation and adding new sections to inspire you and get your  stamping creativity “hopping”!

See you then,

P.S. Don’t miss Sally’s Wednesday post — scroll down or click HERE to check it out!

Earlier today we were clicking around the Hero Arts Flickr Group, when a number caught our attention. A very LARGE number. Do you see it…?

29,873. That’s the number of projects that YOU all have submitted to the Flickr group since the start of the Hero Club Blog on March 31, 2008.

On average, that means you’re sharing…

• 1299 creations per month
• 299 per week
• and 43 per day

And we find that rather…AMAZING! To say thank you and to celebrate the upcoming 30,000 project milestone, we’re having a 30 Grand Giveaway that includes a wonderful selection of woodblock stamps from our brand new Designs in Wood supplement!

Stamp selection may vary from photo above.

All you need to do for a chance to win is stamp a card/layout/project, upload it to the Hero Arts Flickr Group, and include the tag 30grand. The theme is completely open, so have fun and stamp whatever your wish!  New creations only, limit one tagged project per person, please.

The deadline for entry is 11:59 pm PST on Sunday, February 28. Assuming we reach 30,000 this weekend, we will draw a random winner on Monday. However, if we have not reached 30,000 by 11:59 pm Sunday, we will extend the contest until the Flickr project count stands at 30,000 or above.

Thanks so much for sharing your art with us and with your fellow stampers. Here’s to stamping, sharing, and the next 30 grand!

Hello! We’re happy to let you know that ALL new stamps and accessories from our Designs in Wood supplement are now available for purchase in the Hero Arts Online Store — click HERE to shop now!

Designs In Wood is a collection of 26 new floral, frame and stylish designs, plus a collection of accessories, including 12 new Distress Inks from Tim Holtz and Ranger. We’re also now carrying Perfect Pearls and Glossy Accents, two tried and true products we love.

Want to flip the pages of the Designs in Wood digital catalog to see everything for yourself? Just click HERE or on the catalog image below.

Happy shopping and creating!

P.S. Didn’t want you to miss our regular Monday post — scroll down or click HERE to check it out!

Hi all! It’s time to hand out our sixth and final apron today, and we’ve saved this one for…(drumroll)…Arlene McClung (Clarian’s Hawk * Arlene)!

Arlene has been commenting, answering questions, welcoming new members, and praising cards every step of the way since the beginning of the Hero Arts blog. Steadfast, generous, and kind, she is a Hostess in every sense of the word. We so appreciate her many contributions to the group! Arlene’s love of stamping has rubbed off on her granddaughter too! She mentioned that her granddaughter has really taken to the cute girls from the Sweet Wonderful You set, and just look what Arlene created with one of the girls on this super sweet card for today! I love the way she colored the hair to make it fun, playful, and youthful, and the strip of music paper is a wonderful touch!

Click HERE for more information on Arlene’s card.

Now, let’s sit down and visit with our newest Hostess!

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started? It feels like forever that I’ve been stamping, however I think my earliest recollection would be in the early 1990s (I still have a 1995 Hero Arts stamp set that hasn’t gone out of style). Quality shows and Hero Arts stamps were quality stamps then too. My daughter-in-law, Rosalie, had some stamps and I became interested in what she was doing, found some stamp shops and became immersed in stamping right away…very flat, one layer stamping. As I gathered more stamps, Rosalie wondered why I purchased more stamps…didn’t I already have enough (NO)…So many years and stamps later, I’m happy to be part of the Hero Arts Flickr group of stamping addicts.

When did you discover the Hero Arts blog and did you leap into the Flickr group right away too? I found an email from Hero Arts in my in-basket about a new blog with their web site address…that was all it took. It was easy to start with only a few people to view your first attempts. I had lost my stamping buddies years before and couldn’t wait to learn new techniques and have someone who was interested in the same things I was…stamping. I felt my inspiration had died before the blog started, but with the Hero Arts challenges, I began to enjoy and challenge myself.

What has been your favorite Hero Arts blog challenge so far? It is so difficult to name just one favorite Hero Arts blog challenge. I’ve usually learned something new with each challenge and I may have been completely out of my comfort zone on quite a few, but I think my favorite challenge was the “shabby chic” challenge. I had to look up the definition of this odd name and still couldn’t decide if I was just being shabby without any chic…A lot of time has passed since that one, but I think I remember it so well because of the fun name…think that was November 2008.

What is your favorite kind of card to stamp? I think my favorite card to stamp is one where I color in something. I frankly love to color. Give me a coloring book - that’s what I guess stamped images are…part of a large fun coloring book. I’d love to just color if I had nothing else in the world to have to manage or do.

If you could have one “stamping wish” what would it be? I think my one “stamping wish” would be to have enough room to spread out…maybe two tables would be enough. I used to have a large room, but I was down-sized and now share my craft room with Rosalie. Having a larger room means room for others to stamp too. I had a “stamping wish” that has been fulfilled and I’d like to share it with you. I wanted stamping friends and now I have them - all the wonderful people I’ve met through the Hero Arts Flickr Group.

What a heartwarming sentiment, Arlene…thank you! We’re so glad you’re here!

How about a few more ideas featuring the sweet girl images? Check out this fabulous (and oh-so-cute!) group of cards by Lisa Spangler…

You can click HERE for more information on all four of Lisa’s designs.

Congratulations once again to our new Hero Hostesses — Suzanne, Jill, Sue, Vera, Linda and Arlene. You’ve been perfect Hostesses all along. Our heartfelt thanks for all you do!

We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another “100 Days” card, and then on Monday the new February contest will be announced. Can’t wait! Here’s wishing you a wonderful, creative weekend!

Hello and a happy Friday to you all! The Hostess announcements continue today, so now let’s meet our newest Hostess — Linda Metteer (Linda aka Oz)!

Linda brings something very special to our group — a sense of humor! Whether she’s leaving praise for someone’s card, describing her own card, sharing a video, chiming in on a discussion, or telling a story, she makes us smile and laugh. So good for the soul! (For just a taste of her humor, read this card description, ha!) And Linda’s stamping? Not to be missed! She is one VERY talented gal, and has a way with layering images in unique ways. Lucky for us, today she’s sharing a most beautiful card! Take a look…

Linda’s got supplies and instructions waiting for you HERE in the gallery. Enjoy!

Now here’s a little Oz interview!

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started? I feel very lucky to say that I was introduced to stamping at a very young age. My mother was always creating something and drug us kids right along! She sewed, decorated cakes, quilted, painted, wood carving, sculpture and I am just scratching the surface. I wish I had 1/8th of her talent. What I do have is her ability to apply everything I have learned before to whatever I am doing now. For that alone, thanks mom, love ya!

When did you discover the Hero Arts blog and did you leap into the Flickr group right away too? Just last January I was watching, and loving, Jennifer McGuire’s videos on YouTube. She mentioned Hero Arts and the flickr group several times and posted a link. As soon as I stole… I mean borrowed.. some Hero Arts stamps from my sister I was up and running. I was extremely impressed by not only the talent but the positive attitude that was being expressed by the members of the group. It is still the major reason I am there. I have always found Hero Arts to be a good quality product, but now I know they have a good quality heart behind it.

What has been your favorite Hero Arts blog challenge so far? The first thing that popped into my head was the “SHAPE” challenge. That was so much fun. I truly look forward to all the challenges, every one has made me think and learn to look at my craft in a different way.

What is your favorite kind of card to stamp? My heart beats vintage… I have old distressed blood running through my veins. But I think it is very important to understand and be able to do other styles. Knowledge is the key that unlocks everything.

If you could have one “stamping wish” what would it be? To continue to meet and share the love of this art form with others. AND to laugh…oops that is 2 … and to have a bigger craft room…oh shoot 3… Maybe my one wish should be to have more wishes!

Thanks Linda, for sharing your talent and for bringing lots of smiles to our group!

Before we go, here’s another idea to inspire you today. Sally Traidman used two different backgrounds to create her signature heart and dropped it onto a lovely lilac card with more fabulous stamped patterns. Love it!

For more information on her card, click HERE.

Thanks for popping by! Be sure to come back tomorrow to find out who our final apron will be going to. Wishing you a happy Friday!

Three Hostess announcements down, and three to go! Today it’s my pleasure to introduce our next Hero Hostess, Vera Indarti Rhuhay (Vera Rhuhay)!

Vera is from Indonesia and if you’ve spent time over in the Flickr group you already know how friendly, sweet, and supportive she is. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she creates the happiest of cards! I just love everything she comes up with, and today’s card is no exception — I mean, how beautiful is this!? It’s a hybrid card, something Vera does often and does wonderfully, combining traditional stamping (the circular floral image, in this case) with digital elements (the background.)

Complete instructions and a supply list for Vera’s hybrid card can be found right HERE in the Cardmaking gallery.

Now let’s get to know Vera a bit better with a few questions…

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started? I have been stamping for 1 year, I got started last December 2008. I love crafts, like making flannel dolls, making hair pins, and then one day I got some craft magazine about stamping cards, and since that day I fell in love with stamping.

When did you discover the Hero Arts blog and did you leap into the Flickr group right away too? I accidentally found the Hero Arts blog when I read an article in a craft magazine then I browsed on the internet. I didn’t become a Flickr group member yet, but I heart the Hero Arts blog since that day. Until one day I met with Monika Reeck at her multiply site, and she invited me to join in the Flickr group. I have been a member since January 17th, 2009.

What has been your favorite Hero Arts blog challenge so far? Even though I didn’t like the one layer challenge (this is my weakness so far), I have enjoyed every Hero Arts challenge. Because I think this is the way for me to develop my skills. My favorites so far are the shapes challenge and paper piecing challenge!

What is your favorite kind of card to stamp? My favorite is something that is cute, makes someone smile and feel happy.

If you could have one “stamping wish” what would it be? It would be FUN …meeting and stamping together with Hero Arts artists!

Many thanks Vera! We are honored to have you as a Hostess!

Next up is today’s “100 Days of Ideas” card. It’s a beauty from Sally Traidman that shows the wonderful versatility of the Stripes Pattern Cling background.

You can find complete instructions and supplies HERE.

Join us tomorrow when we’ll hand out our fifth apron! See you then…

Hello, hello! I’m very happy today to introduce our next addition to the Hero Hostess team — Sue McRae (Stampin Sue)!

Generous with comments and always willing to jump in and answer questions, Sue is a natural for the apron!  And her cards…OH, her cards! So very inspiring. Take a look for yourself — Sue designed a seriously gorgeous friendship card for today. Could this be any more elegant?! The big flower is a digital image from the Botanical Tulips digital kit, and it looks so beautiful set against the dual stamped backgrounds.

Click HERE for supplies and instructions on Sue’s lovely creation.

I asked Sue a few questions and this is what she said:

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started? I’ve been stamping on and off for 16 years. I started stamping because I wanted to make my own Christmas gift wrap. I used kraft parcel paper and some cheapie stamps I found in the toy section of a store. I really enjoyed doing that and so it only seemed natural to start making cards.

When did you discover the Hero Arts blog and did you leap into the Flickr group right away too? I discovered the blog during Christmas 2008 and uploaded my first photos to Flickr on January 1, 2009. I only lurked in the background for a few days!

What has been your favorite Hero Arts blog challenge so far? My favorite challenge was the ATC challenge. I had never made one before and was surprised at how much I enjoyed playing around with the smaller size.

What is your favorite kind of card to stamp? I think birthday cards because I can stamp almost anything so it lets me be the most creative.

If you could have one “stamping wish” what would it be? To have a really large room all to myself where in 5 years there will still be space to store all the new supplies I keep buying! I’d want it to be super organized and have all the things I regularly use sit out and be easily accessible and there would be a really long craft table to work at.

Thanks so much Sue! You will make a great Hostess!

Today’s second card was designed by Shari Carroll and much like Sue’s card, features a large bold floral image. Coloring floral images such as these is a breeze, since some shading is already provided right along with the image.

HERE are the complete card details.

Thanks for stopping by…I hope you have a great day!

Hi everyone! We’re back this morning to introduce our next Hero Hostess…say hello to Jill Foster (jillianavery8222)!

Jill provides so much support through her numerous card comments over in the Flickr group — you can just “feel the love” every time she comments! She has a wonderful stamping style all her own, and her “Inspired By” blog feature has become an inspiration to many. She showcases the work of another stamper and then creates and shares her own take on that stamper’s work. Love it!

Check out this fabulous little number Jill created just for today — what a jaw dropper! Stitching, scallops, butterflies…what could be sweeter?

Click HERE for complete supplies and instructions.

Jill’s personality is as sweet as her card. Let’s spend some time chatting a bit with our newest Hostess…

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started? I bought my first stamps 8 years ago, but I got “serious” about stamping in the last two years. Once I discovered the Hero Arts challenges there was no turning back.

When did you discover the Hero Arts blog and did you leap into the Flickr group right away too? I discovered the Hero Arts blog in March of 2008 and jumped into the flickr group right away. The support and encouragement on flickr is incredibly motivating. I feel truly blessed to have found this community.

What has been your favorite Hero Arts blog challenge so far? This is tough! I have especially loved all of the “inspired by” challenges. They really get my mojo going. Plus, the challenges themselves inspired my blog.

What is your favorite kind of card to stamp? Anything with a butterfly! (Even my hubby could answer this one! LOL) I love to stamp “just because” or “hello” cards. It is incredibly fun to surprise friends and family with a little unexpected snail mail.

If you could have one “stamping wish” what would it be? My one stamping wish would be to have unlimited time to create! (And of course, unlimited chocolate to snack on while stamping!)

Thanks Jill! You will make a wonderful Hostess!

Today’s “100 Days” idea features the same Poppy Background Cling stamp as yesterday’s cards. Feast your eyes on the pretty watercolor look here…

Click HERE for supplies and instructions.

See you again tomorrow for another apron announcement!

Hello there! Today we’re super excited to kick off a very special week, as we introduce a new group of  Hero Hostesses! Those of you who have been around the blog and Flickr group are likely familiar with the Hostess program we introduced last spring. (Here is a post with more information on the role of the Hero Hostess.)

Now it’s time to introduce our first Hostess…Suzanne Czosek (stampersuzz)!

Suzanne is always generous with words of encouragement and her cards are works of art, filled with luxurious layers and fabulous details. Each of the new hostesses will be sharing a card on the blog this week, so let’s take a peek at what Suzanne created especially for today!

Isn’t it beautiful?! Complete supplies and instructions for Suzanne’s card can be found HERE.

Now, let’s get to know Suzanne with a little stamping Q & A!

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started? I started stamping around 4 years ago. My good friend Lisa had given me a few beautiful cards that she had stamped. This peaked my interest and before I knew it I had a few ink pads, stamps, and card stock and was creating cards and loving it!

When did you discover the Hero Arts blog and did you leap into the Flickr group right away too? I saw the announcements about the new Hero Arts blog and Flickr group when they first started. I was very excited because I already was a big fan of the Hero Arts products. As soon as the first challenge started I was participating. I have learned so much from the Hero Arts blog and the Flickr group. The HA design team and the Flickr members are so helpful and wonderful!

What has been your favorite Hero Arts blog challenge so far? The vintage and distress challenges were two of my favorites. They are things that I love to do which made them even more fun. I find all the challenges are fantastic, they drive you to try new things as well as give you so much inspiration from the blog and all the Flickr group entries.

What is your favorite kind of card to stamp? Nature and scenery. I tend to create cards that use the natural elements: flowers, butterflies, and trees.

If you could have one “stamping wish” what would it be? Bigger craft space and storage. I have so many supplies that I have to keep re-organizing to try to make everything fit!

Thanks Suzanne! We’re honored to have you as a Hostess!

Now, here’s even more inspiration for this Monday morning! Presenting an elegant grouping of poppy cards that appeared in the 2010 catalog, courtesy of Sally Traidman:

Many have asked about the technique used on the tan and cream card, so be sure to click HERE for the how-to. Hint: it involves a “kiss”!

Please join us tomorrow as we welcome another Hero Hostess!

See you then,