January My Monthly Hero Countdown: Idea #3 + Giveaway

Jessica Frost-Ballas

Hello and welcome back to the countdown to the release of the January My Monthly Hero kit! Release day is Monday, January 6th at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific. Now let's join Jess for another fabulous sneak peek!

Good morning! Jess here with a cheery card using the new January My Monthly Hero kit!

I love all the flower dies in the kit and wanted to create a vibrant and cheerful bouquet! To start I die-cut the flowers several times from Hero Hues Dove White cardstock. Then I colored them with Copics in varying shades of purples and pinks. Once I had a good-sized stack of flowers colored I started assembling my bouquet. First I die-cut the wrapping from Hero Hues Sand cardstock. Then I die-cut it a few more time with some leftover white tissue paper from holiday gift-wrapping! You can easily cut five layers with one pass of your die-cutting machine! Then I crinkled the tissue paper slightly and tucked it inside the wrapper.  It's hard to see but it also pokes up behind the flowers. I used ATG adhesive to seal up the wrapper and then used a few dots of Precision Glue to keep the tissue paper in place. Just a quick tip, if you're finding that your heavier weight cardstock tends to tear when you fold the score lines just spritz it lightly with water before folding and it'll help keep the fibers from splitting! ;) I also curved the front of my wrapper slightly while it was wet and it held its shape nicely as it dried. I wanted my bouquet to be quite dimensional as you can see below but you can also keep it flat for easier mailing! I think my card would be best hand-delivered with some real flowers! I arranged all the flowers inside and used a mix of Precision Glue and foam dots to give the flowers some dimension!

While my bouquet was drying I worked on my background. The kit includes a GORGEOUS Aqua Glimmer Metallic Ink and I used it to create a shimmery soft watercolored background! I squeezed a few drops onto my palette, watered it down slightly, and then painted it onto a wet panel of watercolor paper. I let it dry completely and then trimmed it down to an A2 panel. On Monday I'll also share a more vibrant way of using the Glimmer Ink by mixing it with Dark Teal Liquid Watercolor! ;) I stamped two sentiments onto Hero Hues Pitch Black cardstock with Clear Embossing and Watermark Ink and heat-embossed them with White Detail embossing powder. I used the fishtail banner die included in the kit to die-cut them down to thin strips and then trimmed off the ends to create thin labels instead of fishtail banners. I adhered my bouquet and then added the sentiments with foam mounting tape. Finally I tucked a few more flowers and greenery into my bouquet to fill it up!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and have an amazing day!

Win a kit before you can buy it! Just leave a comment on this (and every) Countdown to Creativity post. We’ll randomly draw one lucky winner from all the comments left across all countdown posts. The winner will be announced first thing Monday morning, January 6th, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances to win!

Good luck!


  • Carol McCready

    That flower bouquet is gorgeous. Another great kit!!

  • Nancy Tolan

    I love the colors and all the dimension. It’s like you are really sending flowers.

  • Alanna P.

    Gorgeous card!

  • P Wilson

    Wow, the coloring is just beautiful. Anyone would love to receive a card this pretty.

  • Julie Gastelum

    So colorful and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

368 Responses

Twylla Smith

Twylla Smith

Jan 04, 2020

I can almost smell the flowers. Gorgeous!

Ellibelle

Ellibelle

Jan 04, 2020

So beautiful! Loving all the layers!

Terri cox

Terri cox

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful colors!

D Hoxworth

D Hoxworth

Jan 04, 2020

Jessica Frost-Ballas re: Idea #3
This get well card is just Be-U-Ti-Ful! What an amazing looking card. I just love it! Great job. Thank you!

Michelle Montemurro

Michelle Montemurro

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful bright pink and purple flowers. Beautiful bouquet.

Mary Holshouser

Mary Holshouser

Jan 04, 2020

Love the fussy-mussy. The flowers
are gorgeous. thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Beth Merrill

Beth Merrill

Jan 04, 2020

Gorgeous card! I love all the different ways you created dimension.

Wendy C

Wendy C

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful! Love the color of all the flowers and how they pop with the lighter background.

Cyndi Morris

Cyndi Morris

Jan 04, 2020

Your card is absolutely gorgeous. The coloring and style are amazing. This may be my favorite kit so far.

Lou Ann Evans

Lou Ann Evans

Jan 04, 2020

Love the colors you chose and the shading ! It makes the flowers come alive. Beautiful!

Beverly Robinson

Beverly Robinson

Jan 04, 2020

What a happy card! Love the metallic ink and the soft background.

Kailash

Kailash

Jan 04, 2020

This kit is a definite must have, such a gorgeous bouquet of flowers!

Shirley Wallen

Shirley Wallen

Jan 04, 2020

Once again a beautiful card. I love these teasers on what we’re getting. Everything looks usable pretty much year round and I love that.

Connie

Connie

Jan 04, 2020

Love the card idea.

Allie

Allie

Jan 04, 2020

GORGEOUS Jessica! As always. Love yr work!

Sandi Griffiths

Sandi Griffiths

Jan 04, 2020

I love the new kit and cards made from it. The flower die cut is awesome.

Julia D.

Julia D.

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful coloring of the die cuts! And I love how you popped them up to give dimension. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the peeks and the kit reveal. Thank you for the chance to win!!

Barbara-Jean

Barbara-Jean

Jan 04, 2020

That card is so beautiful! And vibrant! A wonderful spirit-lifter to be sure!

Patti Killen

Patti Killen

Jan 04, 2020

The flowers are so lifelike! I can’t wait to see all the elements of this stunning kit! Another win Hero Arts!

Rhonna Blatt

Rhonna Blatt

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card with such vibrant colors.

Andrea Shell

Andrea Shell

Jan 04, 2020

Your bouquet is beautiful! Thank you for the tip about spritzing the paper with water!

Madeline L

Madeline L

Jan 04, 2020

This kit looks amazing! Can’t wait until Monday to see the whole thing!

C Alderman

C Alderman

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card! Beautiful stamp.

Karen Jordan

Karen Jordan

Jan 04, 2020

Oh, Jessica! You’ve done it again! It’s absolutely gorgeous and your coloring is amazing, as always. I can’t wait to try out these dies!
Karen

Emily Henry

Emily Henry

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful bouquet. I love layering flowers.

Lagene

Lagene

Jan 04, 2020

Gorgeous bouquet of flowers, I love all the dimention you achieved with the foam dots!!!

Marlene Johnson

Marlene Johnson

Jan 04, 2020

Another beautiful card! Can’t wait for the entire kit to be revealed..

Connie Griffin

Connie Griffin

Jan 04, 2020

This is a gorgeous bouquet!!

Meghan Kennihan

Meghan Kennihan

Jan 04, 2020

This is beautiful! I LOVE the 3-D effect!

Patty A Eifert

Patty A Eifert

Jan 04, 2020

Wow! Such beautiful bright colors! That will definitely bring a smile to the receiving party!!

Beth Harple

Beth Harple

Jan 04, 2020

This card reminds me of getting flowers at the street vendors.

Helen

Helen

Jan 04, 2020

What a fabulous bouquet of flowers, Jess. Your layering is amazing — great for this card design. Thanks for the inspiration.

Laurie Schlichter

Laurie Schlichter

Jan 04, 2020

I love your vibrant colors on the flowers.

Nonie

Nonie

Jan 04, 2020

I absolutely 💖💖💖💖 this, I can’t wait to get my kit!

Flo

Flo

Jan 04, 2020

What a great get well card. Someone not feeling well would love to get this.

Anne

Anne

Jan 04, 2020

You have created a beautiful card! Love the tissue and “paper bag” holder for the flowers! just stunning!

Charlotte G

Charlotte G

Jan 04, 2020

I love this! You have created a beautifully colored card. I can hardly wait to receive the kit.

Michelle Sambajon

Michelle Sambajon

Jan 04, 2020

Wow! Coloring the flower die-cuts really make them pop!

Retta Lutte

Retta Lutte

Jan 04, 2020

Such a pretty card! I love these flowers. Beautifully colored!

Claudine Vance

Claudine Vance

Jan 04, 2020

I love this card! I love the dimension and the colors and well, just everything! Thank you for sharing with us! Can’t wait to see this kit!

Karen L Hetherington

Karen L Hetherington

Jan 04, 2020

Your card is beautiful! I would definitely hand deliver it. I can’t wait to see the whole kit!

Cynthia Cole

Cynthia Cole

Jan 04, 2020

Simply stunning floral bouquet.

Carole Renneker

Carole Renneker

Jan 04, 2020

Gorgeous card! I love your beautiful bouquet. Thanks for the peek.

Theresa P

Theresa P

Jan 04, 2020

Just love this bouquet stamp. Love the dimension on your lovely card!

Amy Cooley

Amy Cooley

Jan 04, 2020

Wow, gorgeous, romantic and such great dimension! I can’t wait to see more of this kit.

Marianne

Marianne

Jan 04, 2020

What a fabulous flower bouquet!

Christy Malone

Christy Malone

Jan 04, 2020

What a gorgeous card! Thanks for the tip to spray cardstock before folding. I’m going to try it because that is definitely a struggle for me.

Melanie Parnell

Melanie Parnell

Jan 04, 2020

Just stunning! I love how you added different levels of dimension.

Melanie

Melanie

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card, can’t wait to see the release

candy Hazzard

candy Hazzard

Jan 04, 2020

Love it!

Dawn Thompson

Dawn Thompson

Jan 04, 2020

That card is just stunning… I love all the layers…. cannot wait to see this kit

Margie

Margie

Jan 04, 2020

Love the pops of color and that you gave it so much dimension

Carol H.

Carol H.

Jan 04, 2020

Your card is totally beautiful!

MrsB8T

MrsB8T

Jan 04, 2020

Such a gorgeous card

Michelle Hackett

Michelle Hackett

Jan 04, 2020

I love the tissue paper idea!!! And I always enjoy seeing what you create with the monthly kit. Such a beautiful arrangement!! I’m excited to see the whole kit.

Sheri Weems

Sheri Weems

Jan 04, 2020

So pretty! This kit will make such great Mother’s Day cards and themes for Spring. Just lovely!

Yolanda F.

Yolanda F.

Jan 04, 2020

I love the dimension of your card. Those flower dies are wonderful. The background compliments the card so nicely.

Kathy A

Kathy A

Jan 04, 2020

The flower dies are awesome. They look like blending ink on the will be easy

Rachel

Rachel

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card! I love the layers of dimension. And the color palette is gorgeous.

Kathy James

Kathy James

Jan 04, 2020

I love all of the flowers! And it’s so fun to see the way you colored them. Beautiful card!

Anne

Anne

Jan 04, 2020

Wow, SO pretty! I could use some pretty in my life. Even if I don’t win thanks for the inspiration, but darn it sure would be Great to win !

barbara w

barbara w

Jan 04, 2020

What a beautiful card! I love all of the dimension.

Kiyomi

Kiyomi

Jan 04, 2020

wow! so vibrant and gorgeous! I love this card.

Kimberly T.

Kimberly T.

Jan 04, 2020

This card is beautiful. I love the bouquet is nicely done!

Betty

Betty

Jan 04, 2020

every sneak peek idea gets better and better – love your little tissue paper behind the bouquet!

Virginia Delpiano

Virginia Delpiano

Jan 04, 2020

Another absolutely fabulous card from the January kit. Love the colors. Hurry hurry Monday!

Toni L

Toni L

Jan 04, 2020

Oh so pretty! Love the dimensional aspect of this card too.

marianne barr

marianne barr

Jan 04, 2020

Love the flowers, can’t have too many. You could make all types of cards birthday, sympathy, thinking of you, get well and so much more.

marianne barr

marianne barr

Jan 04, 2020

Love the flowers, can’t have too many. You could make all types of cards birthday, sympathy, thinking of you, get well and so much more.

Anne Furth Snelgrove

Anne Furth Snelgrove

Jan 04, 2020

Such a lovely breath of spring and I really like the dimensional quality of this card. The flower dies will make a wonderful and unique addition to my stash.

Ellen Gilliam

Ellen Gilliam

Jan 04, 2020

What a beautiful handmade gift this card would be for an ailing friend!

Darlene

Darlene

Jan 04, 2020

Jess, this card is spectacular. Love the vibrant colors and your clever construction. Thank you Jess and thank you Hero Arts!

Dgolly

Dgolly

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card. LOVE all the dimension. Thanks for sharing.

littlen

littlen

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card. Adding dimension really makes a statement.

Charly

Charly

Jan 04, 2020

Absolutely stunning! WOW!

Toni F

Toni F

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful color combination on the flowers

PHYLLIS FREESE

PHYLLIS FREESE

Jan 04, 2020

Love all the layers of these flowers.

Elaine Hawley

Elaine Hawley

Jan 04, 2020

I like the variety of flower dies in this kit.

GLenda M Sultan

GLenda M Sultan

Jan 04, 2020

Thank you Jess for showing us a side view. You made a fabulous card!

Gail O'Keefe

Gail O'Keefe

Jan 04, 2020

I love the clever idea of a bouquet wrapper. Making this dimensional just gives it special zing!

Heidi Macy

Heidi Macy

Jan 04, 2020

What a wonderful get well card, very cheerful!

Anushree Vaish

Anushree Vaish

Jan 04, 2020

I am amazed and drooling over this beautiful art work…Thanks Jessica for always inspiring!!

Laura P.

Laura P.

Jan 04, 2020

What a spectacular card! The Aqua Glimmer Mist background is beautiful and the dimension on the flowers is so pretty. Thanks for sharing highlights of this fabulous new kit!

Lissa

Lissa

Jan 04, 2020

I love these cards! The flowers, and colors are just enticing!

Michele W

Michele W

Jan 04, 2020

Mission accomplished! I love your vibrant and cheerful bouquet, your use of tissue paper, and the way you added dimension to the brown wrapper. Thanks for the inspiration!

Marty Harris

Marty Harris

Jan 04, 2020

How I love this kit! You have made a stunning card, Jessica—one that would be a joy to give and to receive.

Lonya H Mathys

Lonya H Mathys

Jan 04, 2020

Thanks for the tip for folding heavy cardstock. Love your bouquet.

Marcela Alvarez

Marcela Alvarez

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card! I love the dimension you gave to bouquet of flowers!

Kimberly McField

Kimberly McField

Jan 04, 2020

I love this gorgeous card, and I can’t wait to play with that Aqua Glimmer Metallic Ink!

Lisa Byers

Lisa Byers

Jan 04, 2020

Absolutely gorgeous card!! I love all of the different layers and the background made with the glimmer ink is awesome!!

BeverlyBL

BeverlyBL

Jan 04, 2020

What a lovely flower arrangement with beautiful coloring. I like the added touch of the tissue paper.

Brandy Duncan

Brandy Duncan

Jan 04, 2020

Gorgeous bouquet. I’m exhited to see the kit as a whole.

nancy f

nancy f

Jan 04, 2020

Love the colors. This is going to be a great kit.

Sherry Parsons

Sherry Parsons

Jan 04, 2020

Love love love the dimensional flowers and the envelope. WOW! Cannot wait to see the whole product package.

Patty McMurray

Patty McMurray

Jan 04, 2020

This is so gorgeous

Denise Kitts-Wadlow

Denise Kitts-Wadlow

Jan 04, 2020

Jess, your card is so beautiful and full of gorgeous dimension! Love the colors you chose for your flowers, and the spring feel of your card makes me long for winters end. Nice added touch with the holiday tissue wrap, and the stacked foam dots really give definition as well as dimension to your flowers and foliage. Beautiful job!

Janet Durbin

Janet Durbin

Jan 04, 2020

I love everything about this!! Thanks for all your tips!

SarahC

SarahC

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful! Just what I needed on a glum rainy day. TFS

Diana Morrison

Diana Morrison

Jan 04, 2020

Wow, I love those flowers, seems this kit is stacked full of goodness.

Lindarub

Lindarub

Jan 04, 2020

Love your card!

Linda S.

Linda S.

Jan 04, 2020

The coloring on your bouquet is stunning. What a lovely card to make and share. Looking forward to this kit.

Ann

Ann

Jan 04, 2020

I’m really loving those flower dies. You’re bouquet is gorgeous.

Jeanne Beam

Jeanne Beam

Jan 04, 2020

Absolutely gorgeous card! Love the beautiful layers of flowers.
Thanks for sharing…

Marion Winall

Marion Winall

Jan 04, 2020

This is my favorite one so far… the hues of lavender & purple are my go to colors!

Beth Canary-Lee

Beth Canary-Lee

Jan 04, 2020

Love your card. Your coloring is wonderful and foam tape for 3D just adds another wow factor! Thanks for sharing your creative card idea with all of us.

Robyn Miller

Robyn Miller

Jan 04, 2020

Love the card. Can’t wait for the kit.

Bonita Reyes

Bonita Reyes

Jan 04, 2020

I can’t wait to use this fab kit!

Gloria Gorby

Gloria Gorby

Jan 04, 2020

This is a stunning card. Great job.

Andre M.

Andre M.

Jan 04, 2020

Lovely paper bouquet!

Susan Petersen

Susan Petersen

Jan 04, 2020

The colors your chose are bright and vibrant.

Linda Harris

Linda Harris

Jan 04, 2020

Love the way you used the tissue paper in this! So pretty!!!

Fionna Wheatley

Fionna Wheatley

Jan 04, 2020

I find dies harder to work with, but you make it look effortless! Can’t wait to see the full reveal!

Lin Brandyberry

Lin Brandyberry

Jan 04, 2020

This is really lovely, Jess! And I liked your tip about wetting the cardstock if you want to manipulate it for dimension – thank you!

Susy Ramirez

Susy Ramirez

Jan 04, 2020

Beautiful card! I love everything about it. The background is very lovely and I love the vibrant leaves.

Karen Nelson

Karen Nelson

Jan 04, 2020

I absolutely LOVE the flowers, the different types of flowers and vibrant colors!! This is a beautifully designed card with the vibrant colored flowers and the dimension of them as well as the dimension of the envelope. You are an artist Jess! Thank you for the beautiful card.

Seema Raja

Seema Raja

Jan 04, 2020

The colors on the card are so vibrant and I love how the wrapper was created giving it a very realistic look!

Lauren Z.

Lauren Z.

Jan 04, 2020

The bouquet is overflowing with beauty.♥️ I love your tissue paper idea. This will be a beautiful kit.

Cindy WB

Cindy WB

Jan 04, 2020

Great use of layers!