Hero Arts Launch Party Blog Hop

Hello everyone, I'm part of an amazing hop today - the Hero Arts Launch Party Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from Nichol Magourik's blog, but if you didn't, no worries! The full line-up is listed at the bottom of this post, so you can start from there.

Today I'm sharing a card and video showing how I get smooth impressions from the awesome ombre ink pads.

...and the how-to;

Basically, when I use the ombre ink pads, not only do I do the little stamp "dance" recommended on the Hero Arts website (which is moving your stamp up and down the pad to get a more even ombre look), but I really ink up my stamp.
Like, really ink it.
I press my stamp pretty firmly against the ink pad until I'm sure it's completely covered with ink, then I lightly tap it against the ink pad to even out the ink and prevent the ink from pooling on any particular spot on the stamp.

Okay, now it's time to gush about the Deck the Halls by Lia stamp set - this is a tiny stamp set, but man, it really gives you bang for your buck! There's a beautiful sentiment, and then these two classic deer images which are not limited to Christmas or holiday cards - think how pretty they'd be in a spring scene!

Now, the whole deal about this hop - the new Hero Arts website!

Like I mentioned before, the new website is amazing - Lisa and the rest of the Hero Arts team really outdid themselves! But not only does it look amazing, but for a limited time, you can get a cute little rocket stamp set included free with any order (ETA - this sold out quick! you guys are awesome) Oh, and shipping is free on US orders of $50 or more, no code needed (which is pretty sweet)

BLOG HOP

Hero Arts will be giving away one GRAND PRIZE $100 Hero Arts shopping spree. The winner will be randomly chosen from all of the blog hop comments received by 11:59pm PST on Tuesday, September 8th. Check the Hero Arts blog for the announcement of the winner.

Now, for the blog hop list;

Hero Arts

Jennifer McGuire

Kelly Rasmussen

Laura Bassen

Debby Hughes

Amy Tsuruta

Kristina Werner

Yana Smakula

Suzanne Dahlberg

Nichol Magouirk

Clare Prezzia

Lucy Abrams

Mariana Grigsby

Libby Hickson

Thanks so much for stopping in, and now pop on over to the amazing Lucy Abram's blog to continue the hop fun!

GIVEAWAY

I'll be giving one random commenter here a little goodie pack of my own, which will include some of the new goodies from the new Holiday catalog from Hero Arts. :)

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Hero Arts Snow Layering Paper, kraft paper,
Stamps: Color Layering Wreath,  Deck the Halls by Lia, Color Layering Christmas Tree, Dot Moire Bold Prints
Ink: HeroHues Metallic Cubes 4-Pack, HeroHues Black, Versamark
Other: Sunshine Mixed Accents, embossing powder (Hampton Art)

Tools: heat gun