May My Monthly Hero Countdown: Idea #3 + Giveaway

Jessica Frost-Ballas

Hello and welcome as we continue the countdown to the release of the May My Monthly Hero Kit! Release day is Monday, May 6 at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific. We will be here for the rest of the weekend, sharing inspiration before the launch. Now let's join Jess for another look at this fantastically crafty kit.

Hello! Jess here and I am just head over heels for May's My Monthly Hero kit! It is perfect for creating cards for your crafty friends of all kinds! ;) Today I've created two cards using one of my favorite background techniques: ink smooshing using our soon-to-be released Reactive Inks!

For my first card I smooshed Pool Party and Thistle Reactive Inks onto a piece of scrap acetate. (I got a little excited and jumped the gun on using these inks before they're available; however they will be available at your favorite retailers earlier this month and will be in the Hero Arts shop on May 22nd!  And once you get your hands on them you'll realize why I couldn't resist! ;) ) Anyway, I spritzed the inks with water and then pressed the acetate to a piece of watercolor paper. I let the ink soak in for about 15 seconds and then lifted the acetate. I immediately spritzed the leftover ink with even more water and pressed it to a second piece of acetate to create a softer smooshed background. I let those dry while I worked on the rest of the card.

While the backgrounds were drying I stamped a bunch of the envelope, folded card, and heart stamps from the kit onto Dove White Hero Hues cardstock with Versafine and heat-embossed them with clear embossing powder. I added a little grey shading to the envelopes and cards with Copic markers and colored the hearts a pretty pink. Most of the more intricate stamps in the kit have coordinating dies but these easy envelope shapes do not so I fussy cut those. Then I used the coordinating dies to die-cut the hearts and cards!

Once the backgrounds were dry I stamped the sentiment onto the softer background with Versamark and heat-embossed it with detail black embossing powder. I also stamped the second sentiment on Pitch Black cardstock and heat-embossed it with white embossing powder. I used a combination of Precision Glue and foam mounting tape to arrange the images on the smooshed backgrounds and then adhered the panels to Dove White top folding card bases. Finally I added a layer of clear lacquer to the hearts to finish the cards with a little shine! 

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, and announce the winner first thing Monday morning, May 6, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances to win!

Good luck!


  • Breina Burgin

    Such a sweet pair of cards. I’m hoping to make a bunch for my crafty friends.

  • Jana Yeager

    So excited for this one!

  • Monica K

    Love the card… who doesn’t love fun mail?

  • Kandi Gallegos-Garcia

    Love love love this!!

  • Jean maxwell

    Love the little envelope & hearts

376 Responses

Lindar C

Lindar C

May 04, 2019

I can’t resist anything mail/postal related. Very cute card.

Jeanette D.

Jeanette D.

May 04, 2019

Oh, I can already see the possibilities for this kit. Love this card!

Deb

Deb

May 04, 2019

Wow! This just keeps getting better and better! Love it. Love the technique you used. Your cards are darling!

littlen

littlen

May 04, 2019

Simple but cute. Love it.

Marianne

Marianne

May 04, 2019

Such a beauty; clean and simpel. And the sentence: so very true 😃

Allie

Allie

May 04, 2019

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Totally up my Allieway 😁 Now to fret it out until Monday SIGH 😅

Marianne

Marianne

May 04, 2019

Such a beauty; clean and simpel. And the sentence: so very true 😃

Juana Vega

Juana Vega

May 04, 2019

Great color background, looking forward to finding this ink. Love the sentiment!

Linda

Linda

May 04, 2019

Love, love, love❤️

Ute

Ute

May 04, 2019

Oh great cards, can’t wait to see the kit, love your colorcombination… Hugs

Cyndee

Cyndee

May 04, 2019

Love the soft backgrounds! Just the colors I would pick. The reactive inks look like they will be a terrific new addition.

Judy

Judy

May 04, 2019

I love the small envelopes and the colorful background!

Mary Beth

Mary Beth

May 04, 2019

Love these sentiments! Can’t wait to see it all!

Michelle Montemurro

Michelle Montemurro

May 04, 2019

Love this technique. Can wait to try it. Love the adorable little envelope can cards.

Mary M

Mary M

May 04, 2019

This is a great set. Love your cards.

Cindy Hanson

Cindy Hanson

May 04, 2019

So cute! Love your cards!

Andre M.

Andre M.

May 04, 2019

Beautiful sentiments on these cards. Thanks for sharing this inspiration with these fun products.

Nancy Wilcox

Nancy Wilcox

May 04, 2019

Love these itty bitty envelopes and the crafty sentiments.

Beverly Robinson

Beverly Robinson

May 04, 2019

Great backgrounds. Love the sentiments.

Judy W.

Judy W.

May 04, 2019

Beautiful cards! Love the smooshed background created with the new inks. This new kit looks like so much fun!

Phoebe

Phoebe

May 04, 2019

I love the colors used in the card.

Claudia N

Claudia N

May 04, 2019

Lovely card! Ink smooshing always makes a great background.

Sue Rodriguez

Sue Rodriguez

May 04, 2019

This looks like such a fun kit! I know my friends and family will be seeing a lot of elements from this kit on upcoming cards 😁

Lana

Lana

May 04, 2019

Clean, simple, and oh, so pretty!

Concepcion Diaz

Concepcion Diaz

May 04, 2019

❤️❤️can’t wait!

Deneen Wilson

Deneen Wilson

May 04, 2019

So pretty

Lori Poffenroth

Lori Poffenroth

May 04, 2019

This background is so pretty.

Seema Raja

Seema Raja

May 04, 2019

Love the colors of these reactive inks and how you have blended them. Looking forward to this month’s kit!

Lieve Stoffels

Lieve Stoffels

May 04, 2019

Those cards are beautiful ! Great backgrounds, the “bold” as well as the softer one.
This new kit looks promising ! If I see it right, the envelope stamp is without the little heart — that way it makes it usable for may ocasions.
Curious to find out more soon.
Spring greetings from Belgium.

Kathy Wills

Kathy Wills

May 04, 2019

Like it, love the inks.

GLenda M Sultan

GLenda M Sultan

May 04, 2019

I like your idea of using acetate. I think this will give more control of the inks. I can’t wait to see the colors. The clear embossing makes the lines on the envelopes crisp. Lovely card, Jess.

JillT

JillT

May 04, 2019

Beautiful cards! Can’t wait to see the full kit

Heidi Macy

Heidi Macy

May 04, 2019

Love the results with your inky backgrounds! Very pretty and textured!

Lynn C

Lynn C

May 04, 2019

Looks like May is a great month at Hero Arts! Love these stamps.

Iggy

Iggy

May 04, 2019

Love the background!

Kim S.

Kim S.

May 04, 2019

Reactive inks, sigh. Wallet, here I come.

marylouh

marylouh

May 04, 2019

This would be fun to use on the outside of
the envelope. thanks for the sneak peek.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Traci

Traci

May 04, 2019

This just keeps getting better! Love the color choice for these cards.

Liza Dehnel

Liza Dehnel

May 04, 2019

I’m somexcited for this kit. Love your card!

Cynthia Cole

Cynthia Cole

May 04, 2019

Love these happy mail cards!

Jean G

Jean G

May 04, 2019

Very cute idea.

Meghan Kennihan

Meghan Kennihan

May 04, 2019

Oh I love the little envelopes! SOOOOO CUTE!

glenna

glenna

May 04, 2019

I love envelops that are decorated, love these ideas. This is a great example, thanks so much.

Evan F

Evan F

May 04, 2019

This kit is so much fun!

Retta Lutte

Retta Lutte

May 04, 2019

I always forget to “smoosh”. Love the results!!! Sweet cards!

Mateja P

Mateja P

May 04, 2019

This would be an amazing card to find in the mailbox. Love it!

Maria C F

Maria C F

May 04, 2019

This kit is right up my alley!

Isabel Z

Isabel Z

May 04, 2019

Love this kit!

Lindarub

Lindarub

May 04, 2019

Beautiful card!

Lynette

Lynette

May 04, 2019

I love the simplicity of these cards. Can’t wait to play with the reactive Inks.

Linda S.

Linda S.

May 04, 2019

I really like the envelopes in this card kit. Can’t wait to get mine.

Natalie Winterstein

Natalie Winterstein

May 04, 2019

So pretty!

Laura P.

Laura P.

May 04, 2019

I love your card and am so excited to try the Hero Arts reactive dyes! The colors are so beautiful. Thanks for explaining your smooshing technique!

Eva

Eva

May 04, 2019

Oh wow!! With this Inspiration I‘m really happy that I started a subscription!!!

Avra N Williams

Avra N Williams

May 04, 2019

So cute!

Emily Henry

Emily Henry

May 04, 2019

I love the backgrounds. Can’t wait to try out the new inks. Thanks for your input on them.

Martha Deines

Martha Deines

May 04, 2019

Love this, can’t wait to see more!!!

Jane Rakonczay

Jane Rakonczay

May 04, 2019

I LOVE the tiny envelopes! Great card. This is proving to be a very fun kit!

Anne hudgens

Anne hudgens

May 04, 2019

These are so adorable ! Can’t wait to but the inks!!

Claudia A

Claudia A

May 04, 2019

Such beautiful colors and stanps! Looking forward to seeing the whole release!

Jo Ham

Jo Ham

May 04, 2019

I love this. The verses are perfect. The water color look is beautiful. This kit looks like a winner and I am sure it will sell out quickly.

Teri S.

Teri S.

May 04, 2019

Isn’t it the truth? Crafting does make us happy! I really like the CAS style of your card Jess & love the bit of watercolour smooshing in the background.

MandaLJ

MandaLJ

May 04, 2019

Your cards are so cute! I love the backgrounds and the sentiments are so apt!

Jenny K.

Jenny K.

May 04, 2019

I love the open white space – the cards are clean but very eye-catching! Nice!

Jeanne Beam

Jeanne Beam

May 04, 2019

Love your fun card! It is perfect for crafters. Also like it’s clean and simple design.
Thanks so much for sharing…

Gail Fort

Gail Fort

May 04, 2019

I can hardly wait to see what else is in this kit! Love the crafty components so far!

Susan S

Susan S

May 04, 2019

Such cute cards; lovs the colors. Snail mail lives on.

Susan A Busada

Susan A Busada

May 04, 2019

I love that there are stamps we can use to send cards to our crafty friends!

Gina McCarty

Gina McCarty

May 04, 2019

Love your smooshed backgrounds. Anxious to see more of the reactive inks. I’m not to good with watercolor but these inks make it simple to create awesome backgrounds for cards.

Cindy C.

Cindy C.

May 04, 2019

These CAS designs are super fun, I love the sentiments!

Randy

Randy

May 04, 2019

I’m going to need to try this smooshing technique! Love how it turned out!

Denise Kitts-Wadlow

Denise Kitts-Wadlow

May 04, 2019

I am already head-over-heels for this kit, and am on the edge of my seat for it to show up in my mailbox!!! Sweet little crafty happy mail you’ve got goin’ Jessica!

Margie

Margie

May 04, 2019

Cute card and will coordinate nicely with some other stamps and dies I have

Georgette A

Georgette A

May 04, 2019

Beautiful simplicity! ♥️

Barbara-Jean

Barbara-Jean

May 04, 2019

I completely agree with what your cards say! This new kit looks like lots of fun!

Helen

Helen

May 04, 2019

Like this design using simple envelopes on a colorful background. This promises to be a great kit. tfs

SHARI CZERWINSKI

SHARI CZERWINSKI

May 04, 2019

Love the background colors, and the tiny envelopes are perfect for cards!

Karen Hale

Karen Hale

May 04, 2019

Thanks, Jessica for sharing your darling card AND the new inks! Look forward to seeing more about them.

Debra Ordoyne

Debra Ordoyne

May 04, 2019

Can’t wait too try the new inks.it will make great backgrounds for my cards

Theresa Pollack

Theresa Pollack

May 04, 2019

Great cards! Love those mini envelopes.

Susan Bennett

Susan Bennett

May 04, 2019

Still loving this kit!!!

Valerie

Valerie

May 04, 2019

I’m really enjoying the simplicity of those cards and how refreshing and joyful they feel.

Janine Gearhart

Janine Gearhart

May 04, 2019

These are great cards to send to a crafty or artist friend. I know so many people who are retired and most of them have a craft they love. These cards are perfect for them. Beautiful cards.

Jeanette Rochnowski

Jeanette Rochnowski

May 04, 2019

So soft and pretty. I have been wanting to try ink smooshing and still haven’t done it yet. I like that you made a second softer version. Both very lovely. ❤️😊

Karen L Hetherington

Karen L Hetherington

May 04, 2019

Thank you Jess. I always enjoy your card creations. This kit hits the spot!

Debbie Rumpza

Debbie Rumpza

May 04, 2019

Adorable! Love those tiny envelopes.

Marianne

Marianne

May 04, 2019

Sweet! Wish I could afford to buy this kit…

Susan

Susan

May 04, 2019

Too cute! I’ve been looking for stamps with these little “heart” envelopes – so these will be super fun to use and send!

Jane Mcbee

Jane Mcbee

May 04, 2019

Those reactive inks are beautiful. The backgrounds are amazing.

Kimberly T.

Kimberly T.

May 04, 2019

So cute…can’t wait to see this kit!

Amy Cooley

Amy Cooley

May 04, 2019

These mini envelopes are adorable! I love the crafty theme this month.

Jackie S

Jackie S

May 04, 2019

This kit looks perfect for crafty friends !

Lonya H Mathys

Lonya H Mathys

May 04, 2019

Cute cards and I do like the new ink colors. Thanks for sharing.

Lynn

Lynn

May 04, 2019

I have been with My Monthly Hero kits almost from the beginning. I think this kit may end up being my new favorite! Your card design is perfect to have on hand and then add your sentiment at the last minute. CAN’T WAIT to get this one!!

CaroleRenn

CaroleRenn

May 04, 2019

Awesome CAS cards! Love your pastel backgrounds.

Becky Reynolds

Becky Reynolds

May 04, 2019

This is such a cute set, perfect for anyone or the crafty friends in my life. Can’t wait to see more.

BeverlyBL

BeverlyBL

May 04, 2019

Love the smooshing on your really cute card.. love those little envelopes, too.

Cheri Johnston

Cheri Johnston

May 04, 2019

I love the 1st message, it’s perfect to send to my 10 year old granddaughter! I look forward to this release every month! I’m a new subscriber and want to kick myself for not doing it sooner!!

Lisa K

Lisa K

May 04, 2019

Lovely card! I like the envelopes floating through the sky.

Teresa Doyle

Teresa Doyle

May 04, 2019

Great cards Jessica, the smooshed backgrounds are so pretty, the ‘card’ and envelopes really look great on it. New reactive inks???? AWESOME!

Beth Harple

Beth Harple

May 04, 2019

I really love the “Make stuff. Be Happy”, I often say stamping is my form of therapy.

Pamella Albright

Pamella Albright

May 04, 2019

I always love ink smooshing through acetate, and although those colors aren’t available yet, we did get a few of the other colors in a previous kit 😊. Nice card idea!

Tracy Lynn Lustick

Tracy Lynn Lustick

May 04, 2019

Can this kit be any cuter ?!? I think not !

Paula Hymel

Paula Hymel

May 04, 2019

I am so excited to get this kit! Looks like so much fun!

Vicki Kroll

Vicki Kroll

May 04, 2019

I like the look of ink smooshing. A great effect. Cute card.

Patt H.

Patt H.

May 04, 2019

These cards are super cute, Jess! What a great kit!

Becky Green

Becky Green

May 04, 2019

Hi Jess!
I can see WHY you “jumped the gun” on these inks! They’re BEAUTIFUL!!! LOVE the affect! AND THE COLORS ARE WONDERFUL!!! I am ADORING this kit! JUST FOR CRAFTERS/CARD MAKERS! Your card came out WONDERFULLY!!! All I can say is, CAN’T WAIT TO SEE EVEN MORE THIS WEEKEND! ;) INKY HUGS! <3

Paula S.

Paula S.

May 04, 2019

Greetings from Maine.
Loving the examples so far. Excited to see the full release!

Lisa Byers

Lisa Byers

May 04, 2019

I love the soft backgrounds. The little love envelopes are too cute. Can’t wait to see more of this kit!!!

Sharon Brand

Sharon Brand

May 04, 2019

Love your card! The sentiment is so true!

Carol Krup

Carol Krup

May 04, 2019

Oh the envelopes and hearts are so cute! Love background.

Jude

Jude

May 04, 2019

Adorable!

KT Fit Kitty

KT Fit Kitty

May 04, 2019

Super cute card! Loving this kit!

Kailash

Kailash

May 04, 2019

I love these beautiful CAS cards, great artsy look and those mini envelopes are just too sweet!

Celeste Cassino

Celeste Cassino

May 04, 2019

Cute!

Celeste Cassino

Celeste Cassino

May 04, 2019

Cute!

Gilda Brooms

Gilda Brooms

May 04, 2019

All these sneak peeks are adorable!! I don’t blame you for playing with the unreleased reactive inks, no doubt I would’ve done the same thing!!

Susy Ramirez

Susy Ramirez

May 04, 2019

Lovely card! Two new colors look great! These inspirational cards are perfect for crafters and artists!

Arianna Barbara

Arianna Barbara

May 04, 2019

Two lovely cards!!!

Donna Hatfield

Donna Hatfield

May 04, 2019

Love the background colors.

Susan Petersen

Susan Petersen

May 04, 2019

Ink smooshing gives a great background.

Sue

Sue

May 04, 2019

This kit just keeps getting better!

April

April

May 04, 2019

Love the card and envelopes with hearts! So fun! Great way to send some crafty happiness to others.

Michele Hogarth

Michele Hogarth

May 04, 2019

Great card. Love your backgrounds can’t wait to see the rest of the kit..

Lise Mariann

Lise Mariann

May 04, 2019

So pretty! Love your backgrounds and can’t wait to get my hands on the inks. 😍

Joy Smith

Joy Smith

May 04, 2019

Clean, simple and to the point……..we are stampers who love to create.