May My Monthly Hero Countdown: Idea #2 + Giveaway

Michelle Short

It's time for our next countdown peek! The May My Monthly Hero kit will be available to pre-order on Monday, May 4 at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific. Now let’s join Michelle, who is sharing some more fabulous inspiration using this month's kit! 

Hello there! Although this month's kit is geared towards all things happy mail, including decorating envelopes, I think the tendency is to decorate the front of the envelope, but I thought it would be fun to decorate the backs of them today instead!

Envelope Art by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

You get both A2 and A7 envelopes in the kit, so I thought it would be fun to use one of each on my post today. For the A2 envelope, I started off by die cutting the Cloudy Sky Scene Dies (which is an add-on this month) from acetate to create a DIY stencil.

Envelope Art by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I took a piece of scrap paper and placed this under the flap of the envelope to protect the bottom portion. I then placed the DIY stencil over the flap of the envelope starting at the bottom. Using an ink blending brush, I blended Splash Reactive Ink on to the envelope to create a cloudy background, moving the stencil up as I went. 

Envelope Art by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I then took the hot air balloon die that comes in the kit and die cut this three times from Hero Hues Dove White Premium Cardstock. I blended Soft Brown Shadow Ink at the bottom for the baskets and then bright colors for the tops. I used Thistle and Grape Slush Reactive Inks for the purple balloon, Taffy Reactive Ink for the pink and Pool Party Reactive Ink for the aqua one. I then adhered them on to the envelope using Precision Glue

Envelope Art by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

For the A7 envelope, I started off by adding a piece of scrap paper under the flap  again, ready for ink blending. I blended on a light layer of Lemon Drop Reactive Ink across it and then placed the Sun Background Stencil (another add-on this month) on top. This time I blended on Creamsicle Reactive Ink

Envelope Art by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I then die cut the sun die from the kit from Hero Hues Canary Premium Cardstock and added ink blending to it with the same yellow and orange inks. I cut a heart from the Nesting Hearts Infinity Dies set from the same Canary Cardstock and blended on Creamsicle Ink. It was adhered to the center of the sun with Precision Glue. The sun was then adhered on to the flap of the envelope, applying adhesive to the top only so that it can be used as an envelope seal. To finish off, I added a layer of Crystal Clear Lacquer on to the heart. 

You can seal these envelopes with a sealant or fixative, but I will likely hand deliver these ones. I think these envelopes would be sure to brighten up anyone's day and adds that bit extra to sending a handmade card! 

*** 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, May 4, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances to win!

Good luck!


  • Michelle Michalski

    I’m loving the colors this month, beautiful card!

  • linda smith

    love the hot air balloon!

  • Kathryn D

    The Kit looks awesome !

  • Dhruvika

    Michelle, I love your card from the moment I saw it.. Such beautiful stenciling, choice of colors and total transformation ❤️❤️

  • Anna Rodgers

    This looks like a fun kit! Loving the happy envelopes!

338 Responses

Tanya Suresh

Tanya Suresh

May 01, 2020

Such a fun, surprise idea to decorate the back! This would have made me smile if I received a card like this! :)

Hazel Remington

Hazel Remington

May 01, 2020

Such cute envelopes, receiving one would brighten anyone’s day anf they wouldn’t want to open them, but would be dying to see inside.

KC Wong

KC Wong

May 01, 2020

Beautiful! Maybe I could just send people decorated envelopes with just a simple note inside!

Denise Kitts-Wadlow

Denise Kitts-Wadlow

May 01, 2020

What a perfect time to unroll such a happy kit!!! I love the way all of the elements work for cards and the envelopes. I can hardly wait to get my kit so I can start making some bright, happy, uplifting cards to send out to everyone I know. Michelle, I know the recipients of your cards in these bright, fun envelopes will feel truly special and blessed! Stay safe and healthy! 😀

Caroline

Caroline

May 01, 2020

Such a cute card and envelope! Can’t wait to see more. Thanks for sharing.

Anne Snelgrove

Anne Snelgrove

May 01, 2020

Adorable envelopes. Love how vibrant and positive this is.

Lyndi

Lyndi

May 01, 2020

Such a cute idea. Love it.

Barbara-Jean

Barbara-Jean

May 01, 2020

I like to decorate the back of my envelopes, too! Great job!

Melissa S

Melissa S

May 01, 2020

These envelopes are so bright and cheery and will be a nice compliment to the card. I am excited to see the kit.

Yolanda F.

Yolanda F.

May 01, 2020

You are setting the bar high. Those envelopes are wonderful. If you duplicated and then added on to the card front ti would be a wonderful surprise for anyone.

Kendra

Kendra

May 01, 2020

These envelopes are so lovely. I need to put time into doing more envelopes. Thank you for the inspiration!

Carole Renneker

Carole Renneker

May 01, 2020

Love these up beat envelopes. I bet the recipients get a warm fuzzy feeling as soon as they open their mail box., Thanks for sharing.

Teri

Teri

May 01, 2020

Neat idea! Those are such fun envelopes.

Golda

Golda

May 01, 2020

I love that you decorated the backs of the envelopes! These are sure to be a hit with both post people and the recipients.

Rachel W

Rachel W

May 01, 2020

I love the embellished envelopes. It’s like a preview of what’s to come when opened.

Rachel W

Rachel W

May 01, 2020

I love the embellished envelopes. It’s like a preview of what’s to come when opened.

Sharyn Davis

Sharyn Davis

May 01, 2020

Such fun envelopes! I’m looking forward to seeing the entire kit and add-one.

Carla Hundley

Carla Hundley

May 01, 2020

Fabulous fun ways to
decorate the envelopes!
Carla from Utah

Fionna Wheatley

Fionna Wheatley

May 01, 2020

Hi Michelle!
This is absolutely cheerful. Needed a bit at the moment as we start to head into winter. Hope you and yours are well! Stay healthy!

Fionna

Michelle Montemurro

Michelle Montemurro

May 01, 2020

Wow. And to think I would put Washi tape and say mine are decorated. Love the ballots so pretty.

Linda Sodano

Linda Sodano

May 01, 2020

Very clever designs for the envelope flaps. Very cheery!

Laura B

Laura B

May 01, 2020

Great idea. Thank you for sharing. So happy and cheerful.

BECCA YAHRLING

BECCA YAHRLING

May 01, 2020

These are wonderful! I love decorating my envelopes, too.

Marjorie Sinclair

Marjorie Sinclair

May 01, 2020

Envelope Art is one of my favorites!! Thanks for showing yours!!!!

Nicole S

Nicole S

May 01, 2020

Love the idea of bringing color and fun to the envelopes…. very pretty!

Deborah Cooper

Deborah Cooper

May 01, 2020

Who wouldn’t be excited to see these in their mailbox! Adorbs!

Stephanie VR Burns

Stephanie VR Burns

May 01, 2020

It’s such a fun bonus to decorate the envelope, people get really excited for their happy mail as soon as they open the mailbox! I’m looking forward to seeing what is in the kit!

Carol E. Wortman

Carol E. Wortman

May 01, 2020

Decorated envelopes always adds that special something as if every card gets a bow too. Why shouldn’t they?… they are a gift from the heart! Loving the sneak peek of the theme..sunny days , blue skies filled with beauty and rainbows. Cant wait! Thanks and please continue to be safe! Up up and away to get this kit!

Kimberly McField

Kimberly McField

May 01, 2020

These are lovely, but I’m a bit sad that they’re add-ons. I’d like to see more examples with the main kit.

Lynn

Lynn

May 01, 2020

Creating a coordinating envelope is such a nice touch. You spend time & effort to create a card & a complimentary envelope can be easy. You already have out all of your supplies! Both of your designs are nice, but the hot air balloons are just magical.

Jackie S

Jackie S

May 01, 2020

I love these envelopes! I haven’t ever decorated them before so might have to start something new!

Mylene

Mylene

May 01, 2020

I love what you did with the envelopes. Very cheerful.

Celeste

Celeste

May 01, 2020

Oh my goodness!!! I love this!!! Beautiful!!

Jana Millen

Jana Millen

May 01, 2020

Wow

Rosemary D

Rosemary D

May 01, 2020

your envelopes are amazing!

ESTELLE

ESTELLE

May 01, 2020

Can’t wait seeing the main kit.

Beverly Robinson

Beverly Robinson

May 01, 2020

These envelopes are too pretty to open! Love the idea of making envelopes to match the cards we make.

Madeline L

Madeline L

May 01, 2020

Beautiful envelopes. Probably the nicest ones I’ve ever seen! Love the bright colors!

Dori Leslie

Dori Leslie

May 01, 2020

I have just recently started decorating my envelopes… so excited it’s a focus of the kit! Love the way you decorated the backs!

Janna D

Janna D

May 01, 2020

I always love your work Michelle! I love decorating my envelopes and your are cheerful and awesome!

Jackie

Jackie

May 01, 2020

Bright and cheery! Beautiful.

Patty Q

Patty Q

May 01, 2020

Whenever I decorated the front of the envelope I always did the back, it just didn’t seem complete without it. Thanks for reminding everyone about this. I love the clouds and balloons. I have a cloud stencil and have used it a lot over the years.

Cynthia O

Cynthia O

May 01, 2020

Love these cheerful envelopes, Michelle. The sky & sunray stencils are fabulous!

Lisa

Lisa

May 01, 2020

These envelopes will make someone smile for sure! Much needed right now! Can’t wait to see the rest of the kit!

Marie T

Marie T

May 01, 2020

These are the perfect designs for happy mail envelope flaps – gorgeous! I usually try to add something to my envelopes to match the card, but these would stand alone no matter what’s inside! Really well done.

katherine

katherine

May 01, 2020

So sweet and so many wonderful details!

Allie

Allie

May 01, 2020

Lovely!!! With just the elements I’d love to have!

Eileen Peters

Eileen Peters

May 01, 2020

Oh wow!
I love hot air balloons!
This is awesome and I love the envelope!
So excited!

Denise Bryant

Denise Bryant

May 01, 2020

These would sure cheer up my mailbox! Beautiful envelopes!

Pamela Shea

Pamela Shea

May 01, 2020

I am really looking forward to this kit.

Nancy Pearce

Nancy Pearce

May 01, 2020

Oh my, what a fantastic Idea to stamp the envelope to match the card inside. I am so excited to get this kit.

Joyce

Joyce

May 01, 2020

Love the decorated envelopes!

Susan McRae

Susan McRae

May 01, 2020

What a great masculine card and I love the fun inking on the envelope!

Cecilia Mohney

Cecilia Mohney

May 01, 2020

Wow! This is the definition of “Happy Mail”! Gorgeous colors and those stamps are beautiful!

Linda

Linda

May 01, 2020

I love that balloon die! I love to add color to the envelope to match the card. Great ideas, thank you for sharing.

Debbie McKelvey

Debbie McKelvey

May 01, 2020

OMG, who wouldn’t want to open these darling envelopes to see what is inside?! They are bright and fabulous; using the dies for seals on the envelope is brilliant. I love the hot air balloons, so cute.

Cebelica

Cebelica

May 01, 2020

Oh wow, these are gorgeous!! What a great idea! I just love the positive vibe they are giving away.

Carolyn

Carolyn

May 01, 2020

Wowsers! Great ideas and how cute is that air balloon?

Leanne in Cali

Leanne in Cali

May 01, 2020

So pretty! Love the ideas with the envelopes and these beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing!!

Renee Fallon

Renee Fallon

May 01, 2020

Love the gorgeous sun rays on the second card.

Retta Lutte

Retta Lutte

May 01, 2020

Darling card flaps! Can’t wait to see what is in this kit!!!!

Andre M.

Andre M.

May 01, 2020

Decorating an envelope is always fun to complement a card, yours are so bright and happy.

Eva

Eva

May 01, 2020

Just lovely – the new Kit seems to be uplifting!

SueB

SueB

May 01, 2020

Can’t wait to try this on my envelopes. Looks like a lot of fun.

Erica Lazaro

Erica Lazaro

May 01, 2020

This card is like a light in the darkness . It so beautiful.

Bonnie Darroch-Dean

Bonnie Darroch-Dean

May 01, 2020

Cute idea. TFS. Looking forward to the reveal of this kit!

Nancy Knapp

Nancy Knapp

May 01, 2020

Loved the hot air balloons in the cloudy sky!

Deborah Herod

Deborah Herod

May 01, 2020

Michelle, I love how you decorated your envelopes. I usually decorate the flaps on my envelopes and u have given several new ideas!

Kelsey Thomas

Kelsey Thomas

May 01, 2020

I love those hot air balloons!

Lauralee Cosgrove

Lauralee Cosgrove

May 01, 2020

I love ideas for decorating envelopes. The hot air balloons are so cheerful!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari)

Linda W. (ScrappinBari)

May 01, 2020

Two fab envelopes, Michelle! Especially love the clouds with balloons but the little heart is fun too!!

Maggie E

Maggie E

May 01, 2020

Beautiful colors. Looks like this month’s kit has something to do with air travel/flying!

Sudhamathi Muthu

Sudhamathi Muthu

May 01, 2020

Aww Michelle I love how you beautifully decorated the flaps of the envelope….. definitely it will brighten up the recipient…. the sun die cut is super cute…. totally love it..

NWFlamingo

NWFlamingo

May 01, 2020

Decorating the envelope is always a special treat for the recipient.

Evelyn Larson

Evelyn Larson

May 01, 2020

Nicely done, love the envelopes. I want happy mail.

Cindy Johnson

Cindy Johnson

May 01, 2020

Lovely idea! Can’t wait to repeat!

Jane A McBee

Jane A McBee

May 01, 2020

I am a hot air balloon fan. That is such a great decoration on the card flap.

Kailash

Kailash

May 01, 2020

Beautiful envelope art!

Rae Culak

Rae Culak

May 01, 2020

I really love the bright colors, and the playful balloons. I am excited at what is coming in the May kit.

Shannon

Shannon

May 01, 2020

Those are stunning! They made my day!

Kristin

Kristin

May 01, 2020

So beautiful cards. The topic is so versatile. I love it 🌞💕

Nikki Cochran

Nikki Cochran

May 01, 2020

Love the idea of decorating the back of the envelope.

Marilee DeMars

Marilee DeMars

May 01, 2020

Wonderful! I love the creativity and joy in this post!

Susan Petersen

Susan Petersen

May 01, 2020

Great way to decorate the envelope.

Jackie

Jackie

May 01, 2020

Great idea for the envelopes. Love the balloons too.

Donna Rohwer

Donna Rohwer

May 01, 2020

So cute to decorate envelopes! I love the hot air balloons.

Ana Cordoba

Ana Cordoba

May 01, 2020

lovely!!!

Denise Kasbom

Denise Kasbom

May 01, 2020

These are so beautiful! What a fun idea I can’t wait to see this kit!