Thursday, January 13, 2011

Happy Hopping Thursday My Friends ! ! !

Welcome fans of Hero Arts! Having the honor of starting off Day 4 of this 5 day "Hop of Celebration" is so exciting to me. I have been looking forward to this since I first read the invitation in my email box. I saw Hero Arts and Tami and just knew it had to be good!

So far we have seen some amazing works of art. I have faith that this trend will continue!

Hero Arts is such a customer supportive company that they attract and nurture talented people. Over the last couple of years I have had the opportunity to watch and enjoy the process of learning and perfecting your crafting skills. I personally thank Hero Arts for letting me be a tiny part of that.


The blog hop starts here today with this card that I made using the most beautiful Bird Collage stamp #K5503. Hero Arts has so many wonderful collage style stamps in their catalog, but this one I am sure will be come a classic. The beautiful flowers and strong bird image are only enhanced by the vintage writing and graphic designed gracing the background. I have always been a fan of the etching style of illustration and this bird is no exception. I am glad it is now in my collection of stamps and I can assure you it will taste ink many times over it's lifetime.


I simply stamped the image 3 times and fussy cut out the bird, large flower and both leaf stems. On the "intact" image, I colored everything I was going to layer with grey and brown to enhance the shadow effect. I added a little extra shading on the branch and birds tail also. Then with just the lightest pencil coloring to the cut out pieces, I glued the parts back in place. The only item I used pop dots on was the large flower and that is just one very small piece in the very center. I am very pleased with the final look and I can only hope you are also.

Please remember to leave a comment or two in your travels as it means so much to those you visit and there are prizes to be won! Also if you happen along a broken link, please go back to the Hero Arts blog for the master list of sites to be visited. Then take a moment to contact Tami through her email tami@heroarts.com so we can get that fixed post haste!

This blog hop is in honor of our friend Mike who is battling cancer. The world is simply brighter with Mike in it and ours words can not express our appreciation to Mike as a business partner and friend. The Hero Hostesses will be sending Mike and his family some of the cards shown during this weeks blog hop.


Now it is time to hop on to Donna's wonderful blog and be dazzled and amazed....

Now be off with you and ENJOY your day!!! the Oz

294 comments:

  1. What can I say but gorgeous Linda, love the elegance that you brought to this card, hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  2. WOWZER Oz.....I just Love the way you did this stamp...so very perfect and wonderful!! Big hugs to you......

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful card, Linda! Absolutely GORGEOUS!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous elegant collage! Love the layering of the bird on the stamped collage. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous, gorgeous card, Linda! Love your design and your beautiful soft colouring!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! Your card is so serenely beautiful--all the colors are perfect! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful card Linda! Love that bird stamp and you did a great job with it! (love ypur cards from the previous days also!)

    Louise C.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful card, Oz and it is so nice to see you
    creating again!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautifully done, Linda! The softness of the colors is wonderful against your gorgeous background!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Absolutely stunning card! Fussy cut - hmmm..first time I heard this saying!!! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a beautiful card and all the detail cutting out the bird to make it pop.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful! Love the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Stunning card, love the details!

    ReplyDelete
  14. beautiful details on your gorgeous design!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gorgeous card full of lovely details. TFS.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gorgeous card. Love your colouring. And I love this stamp. : )

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very pretty! And so much detail! Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love the etching look. So shabby and chic.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh so soft and lovely! Beautiful colors!

    ReplyDelete
  20. beautiful masterpieces of cads, linda!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Was für eine schöne Karte.
    Das Motiv ist aber auch sowas von Klasse und so vielseitig einsetzbar!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love the look and appreciate the intricate work you did - great job!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gorgeous card,linda :) soft and detail colouring. love it!

    thanks for sharing
    x
    cathyfong

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow love what you did with that stamp, I have been looking at it wondering if I wanted to buy it now I know I do.
    HOP HOP HOPING my way to the next blog!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love the Bird Collage stamp! it is just awesome! tfs
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a SWEET and charming card! Love the soft colored bird anbd dimensions!! You start off the hop with a bang! xo

    ReplyDelete
  27. gorgeous card, great idea with the bird college stamp!

    ReplyDelete
  28. AMAZING card Linda!!!
    That bird collage stamp has shot to the top of my Wish List! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is one incredible piece of art! Beautiful, so detailed and perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the soft colors you chose to highlight this beautiful image Linda! Gorgeous card!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Your card is beautiful. I love the soft colors and dimension.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Very pretty nature card. I like the softness of it

    ReplyDelete
  33. Really beautiful card! It's very soothing to look at. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Your card is truly elegant. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  35. can that little birdie sing??? fabulous, fabulous card my friend! you are in fine form, indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Just beautiful...love the subtle colors!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a beautiful card! Birds are a favorite of mine.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Beautiful card!
    And sending kind thougths and hugs to Mike!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Beautiful card. Stunning job on coloring the bird!

    ReplyDelete
  40. your card is simply warm and wonderful, Linda. It's a great idea to sent Mike some of the cards!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love this bird stamp -- I am feeling a need to have him in my stash. Thanks for the beautiful work and inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is so beautiful! Love how it is all put together.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Already wowed this one on the flickr gallery, it's beautiful Linda, you made it shine!

    ReplyDelete
  44. yes.... that is a really lovely image and you made a beautiful card with it.

    ReplyDelete
  45. OK you've convinced me. I've gotta have that stamp! Just loved your card, simply beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a beautiful way to start a hop! This card is just sostunning and all your beautiful time into just shows! Thank you for sharing it. Now I gotta have this stamp!-L. Berry

    ReplyDelete
  47. what a beautiful bird collage stamp hero arts made, and you made this card with it, with beautiful colors & design! I can't wait for SPRING!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Gorgeous card Linda! You rocked this blog hop!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love the card and all the layering.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love your card and thanks so much for giving us excellent directions for how you made it. Just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Beautiful, what a terrific card!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love birds. Your card is beautiful...great detail.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you for all your hard work! Impressive!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love the dimension that it has. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Beautiful card! That collage stamp was meant to be placed in your hands!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Fabulous fussy cutting sista, this looks amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Love your card. This bird collage stamp is at the top of my "must have" list!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Very nice. This looks almost like a vintage botanical print. The way you applied the layers of color is very realistic and striking.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love the way you've used this stamp Linda, it makes me look at collage stamps in a whole new way.

    ReplyDelete
  60. holey moley, Linda, you made that bird collage sing! I love the way you colored it to give it gorgeous dimension and the whole construction of the card with the diecut just makes me smile...so lovely! Way to start the day's festivities and so good to see you creating again!
    blessings

    ReplyDelete
  61. amazing bird! thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  62. Oh my beautiful card love the stamp. Take Care

    ReplyDelete
  63. thanks for the fabulous inspiration!
    Karen Kuschel

    ReplyDelete
  64. This is truly gorgeous! I has such a special vintage feel for me. I love your detail on the bird and the flower. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Just FABULOUS, Linda, just fabulous! Love the soft, feminine look of this card.

    ReplyDelete
  66. This is simply the Most Beautiful card, using the Bird Collage, and I Love the layers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Beautiful card! I love the bird image.

    ReplyDelete
  68. This is one gorgeous card and I love how you layered everything :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. You did an amazing job with this card, so beautiful! Susanne

    ReplyDelete
  70. Linda, this is BEAUTIFUL! Your coloring is exquisite, and your piecing just puts it over the top. The whole card is soft, sophisticated and elegant. Pure class. Love it! XO

    ReplyDelete
  71. Love this card. I have an affinity for birds, too.

    ReplyDelete
  72. That is so lovely, Linda - gorgeous colouring and layering.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  73. You wonderful presented a stamp!

    ReplyDelete
  74. what a piece of cr#@! :) you know I'm going to say "gorgeous!!" just like everyone else!! but I thought you might be getting a little cocky, so I thought I'd shake you up a bit.

    Seriously gorgeous work on this card--the coloring is fantastic. And now, Miss Oz is back to run creative circles around me! Yeah, Baby!
    Hugs, Charlene

    ReplyDelete
  75. This is such a serene card, Linda...I love the way you have chosen your layers, & everything is softened beautifully - This is a work of art...perfection!
    (Jenifer Ann)

    ReplyDelete
  76. {Charli - is HILARIOUS!}

    Soooorry, Charli, I can't even FAKE it for one second. Ozzy, dear - you're ROCKIN' the stamp world, like non other! THIS, my friend, is the sum of goodness that we've missed so much for far too long. Glad you're able to let out the exquisite crafter in YOU! Fantastic work!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Stunning Oz, love all the texture and colouring fabulous!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Love the stamp you used and your card. It's lovely. I really like your layers and will have to play with my stamp, too. Thanks for the inspiration. Have a happy day!
    Shirley L.
    Roseville, CA

    ReplyDelete
  79. This is just peacefully, quietly beautiful. You really do such lovely, lovely work.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Wonderful project and very elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  81. This is a beautiful card. I love the way you used a light touch with colored pencils to add just a hint of color.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Beautiful card Linda. Love it.

    stamping on...

    ReplyDelete
  83. The most beautiful card! It's making the Bird Collage stamp become one of my most favorite new stamps!

    ReplyDelete
  84. So classically beautiful! I do love birds!

    ReplyDelete
  85. This is a gorgeous card Linda. I love how you have used the stamp and cut out parts of the image.
    Clare x

    ReplyDelete
  86. Gorgeous card and I just adore that stamp! I have ordered it and it has shipped so very soon I can play with it.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Great card...thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  88. This stamp is on my growing "wish list"! I love what you have done with it - the layering and the coloring and the die cut. All of this makes your cards simply outstanding, Linda. Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  89. what a nice card. the colors are so wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Beautiful card. I like the subtle colors and the detail

    ReplyDelete
  91. Beautiful work! Nice way to use that stamp. Thanks for sharing. Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  92. This card is so pretty. Layering the bird really makes it pop!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Wow! Beautiful card. Love that background also.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Gorgeous card, Linda! Love the soft colors and the subtle background. Thanks for informing Mike's story. What a great way to cheer him up by doing blog hop. You hostesses and HeroArts are just amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Such a sweet and lovely card!! =)
    Hugs, SannaS

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love this stamp and REALLY love how you brought it to life in your card, GORGEOUS!!

    ReplyDelete
  97. lovely use of a lovely stamp!
    Thank you
    Holly

    ReplyDelete
  98. What a beautiful card! I really like the subtle colors you used to bring the bird collage to life. And that tip about coloring the base layer of the pieced areas is fabulous. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I love this bird stamp. it looks so pretty layered and surrounded with soft greens, browns, blues and touch of yellow.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Linda, this card is beautiful--love that gorgeous bird. It is also good to see your work again. You are an inspiration to me.

    ReplyDelete
  101. That is a gorgeous bird image. Fussy cutting is *not* my favorite thing to do - but it sure does look fantastic when done right!

    ReplyDelete
  102. This is breathtaking, Linda! I love every little detail of this card!

    ReplyDelete
  103. This collage stamp is a winner but you really made it shine with your layering and coloring.Love your artistic touch. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  104. What a gorgeous card. Amazing. I must get this stamp. This stamp. Thank you so much for sharing your creation. Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  105. What a lovely stamp. Your use of soft colors and detail really make it shine. Thank you for your inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  106. What a gorgeous card. I realy like the stamp you used a lot.

    Marie-Anne

    ReplyDelete
  107. Wow, it's just so soft and understated! TFS!

    ReplyDelete
  108. A beautiful, elegant card. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  109. That is a beautiful card!! I am stunned, jaw dropping!

    ReplyDelete
  110. So beautiful! I really think I might need to purchase that stamp after all....thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  111. Great card. God bless.
    Peggy Allen

    ReplyDelete
  112. Beautiful card and your scissor work is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Love the card. Nice job popping the bird out and the flowers. Diane

    ReplyDelete
  114. Love how you made the design 3 dimensional.

    ReplyDelete
  115. What a beautiful card! The Bird Collage stamp and your card is absolutely stunning!
    ~Vanessa W

    ReplyDelete
  116. Absolutely beautiful. Love the colors and the dimension.

    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  117. I love this bird collage stamp and I love the card you made using it! It is very inspiring!!!

    ReplyDelete
  118. beautiful, beautiful and even more beautiful. I love your card - you seem so talented and creative - thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Your card is truly beautiful Linda! Love the soft tones! All the fussy cutting was quite worth it! Thank you for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  120. sorry to hear about your friend Mike, I will keep him in my prayers.
    Thanks for sharing your art.
    Sandra ltb

    ReplyDelete
  121. Hi Linda! What a gorgeous card! Such a great job you did with the stamp! :>

    ReplyDelete
  122. Beautiful card, a must have set, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  123. So much dimension and only one pop dot? Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  124. Your card is amazing and your techniques are inspiring. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Your card is a most beautiful and elegant piece of artwork! I must go online an buy that stamp immediately! This is true inspiration! Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  126. WOW! What a special card! thanks for the inspiration and sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  127. Stunning!! You did justice to a great stamp with your wonderful creation. Thanks for sharing your talents!!! (And the photo at the top of your blog is breathtaking!)

    ReplyDelete
  128. Wonderful card, really elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  129. now i know what to do with my collage stamp! thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  130. Beautiful card, I have been admiring that stamp and now I think I will definitely have to put it on my wish list!

    ReplyDelete
  131. Your card is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  132. Thanks heap and leaps for sharing this card. I sometimes struggle with collage stamps. So I'm particularly inspired by your card.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  133. Beautiful card--I like houw you cut, colored and layered the images.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Love the way you used the stamp. It is a beautifully elegant card. Love the colors and inking and use of layers.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Oh wow, this is lovely, all the detail in the coloring and cutting is awesome! Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  136. This is very pretty! Love that stamp and it's so beautiful how you layered it all, it's a lovely bird this way and a very, very nice card!
    Hugs, Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  137. Oh starting the hope with a BANG how beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  138. Beautiful card, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
  139. You must have incredible patiences besides incredible talent to cut of the "fussy" bird. Love your card.

    ReplyDelete
  140. Amazing amazing card, what a way to start the hop off, thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  141. I love this bird stamp. Its beautiful- and you did a great card with it!

    ReplyDelete
  142. Great card...the birdie looks real!!

    ReplyDelete
  143. Lovely card. The bird stamp is great and you did an amazing job with it. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  144. What a beautiful collage stamp, you did it justice and then some.

    ReplyDelete
  145. Gorgeous card, love the collage

    ReplyDelete
  146. This is a stunning card! i love the 3 d effect and what a super stamps- I can't get enough of collage designs!

    ReplyDelete
  147. Really amazing! so beautiful, such attention to detail! Ger x.

    ReplyDelete
  148. Gorgeous card, Linda! Love your design!

    ReplyDelete
  149. I love how you used this image. I never think to stamp and cut and layer back. Thank you for reminding me!

    ReplyDelete
  150. Beautiful card! I love all the elements.
    DeniseB

    ReplyDelete
  151. This is stunning.... the bird looks so real!

    Thank you so much for sharing!!!

    ~Ola
    okj83 at live dot com
    zloe.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  152. I turned out so beautifully, that bird is a charmer. Your shading and layering effects are exquisite.

    ReplyDelete
  153. What a great way to start off the day! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  154. Love your beautiful bird card, Oz - great colors and shading! Thanks for the inspiration and humor today!!

    ReplyDelete
  155. Wow beautiful card. will try that technique soon

    ReplyDelete
  156. Beautiful card! Thanks for the inspiration and a chance to win new stamps from my favourite stamp company. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  157. Love your card, it is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing your ideas and talent.

    ReplyDelete
  158. I know your Hero Arts family will bless Mike and his family with your wonderful talents and thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  159. I love the layering of the bird and large flower. Your card is a classic beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  160. A beautiful card, a great way to add dimention to the gorgeous image.

    ReplyDelete
  161. The coloring of your card is so soft and lovely :)

    ReplyDelete
  162. Beautiful card creation! Thanks for sharing your ideas.

    Carol B
    ciaoitalia200(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

Please take a moment, knowing you stopped just makes me giddy!