Thursday 25 July 2013

Hero Hostess Summer Picnic Blog Hop!!!




Welcome to the Hero Hostess Summer Picnic Hop!

Today is the forth day of the hop, I hope you have enjoyed it so far!!

I was thrilled to be asked to be part of another Hero Hostess blog hop, as they say 'once a hostess always a hostess' and Hero Arts are such a great company that its always a fun to be part of these events!!

 Hero Arts will be awarding prizes from randomly drawn comments. For a chance to win, simply comment on ANY of the stops along the hop on ANY day, including each day’s starting post at the Hero Club Blog. The more comments you leave, the better your chance of winning!

 If you find a broken link, you'll find a master list of the hop links at the Hero Arts Club Blog. Also, please report broken links to: blog@heroarts.com.

• Your next stop on the Hero Arts Hostess Blog Hop is the very talented Marcy































My card is more about the beautiful countryside in the summer rather that a picnic design, I thought the Painted Flower (K5767) stamp looked so like a poppy that I used it to make this one layer card.  I kept thinking of the ripened corn fields with all the gorgeous poppies that we see in the UK.  The one layer also reflects this months HA challenge.  I used low tac masking tape round the edges then stamped the flower with distress inks, masked the flower and added the Silhouette Grass (S5316).  I am going to add a sentiment when I use the card.

I got a bit carried away and made a second card featuring the lovely 'Kite' stamp in the Picnic clear set (Cl599)



I have paper pieced the kites and layered onto a base made from the Postcard Stamp (S5665) and Tweed Background (S5654).

And now for my picnic recipe, its a vegetarian pie that can be eaten hot or cold so perfect for those summer days when you take the family out. 

Goats Cheese and Walnut Tarts

Serves 6.
Can be made ahead and frozen as a raw pie, just cook when needed.

Ingredients.
125g (4 ½oz) spinach leaves
150g ( 5oz) soft goats cheese
2 shallots chopped
50g (2oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp honey
500g pack puff pastry
120g log rinded goats cheese
1egg beaten

You will need a 4¾ inch pastry cutter

  1. Heat oven to 200C, 180C fan oven or Gas mark 6
  2. Wilt the spinach in a pan, squeeze out water and chop.  Mix with the soft goats cheese and season.
  3. In a pan cook shallots and walnuts in the oil until softened, season and add honey.
  4. Roll out pastry and cut 12 rounds, place 6 rounds on a large oiled baking sheet.
  5. Spoon on the spinach mixture followed by a round of the rind cheese and a spoon of the walnut mix.
  6. Put on the other six pastry rounds as lids and seal, brush with beaten egg and cut a slit in the top. Bake for 10 t0 15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Serve hot or take on a picnic and serve with a salad.
  8. The perfect vegetarian summer pie!!




Lastly I would like to do a little give away to celebrate summer and to thank you all for taking the time to visit my blog and leave me comments. I would love it if you came a follower of my blog but its not essential. I will make a drawing on Saturday but as I am going on holiday on Sunday morning I will not be able to post it out till I get back.



163 comments:

stampingandstitching said...

Sally, your first card is absolutely gorgeous and has such a great summery feel about it! Love the soft pretty colours and your wonderful mix of images! The kite card is adorable with the pretty coloured kites and cute little bows! The textured clouds look wonderful too! When I'm out shopping later I'll be picking up the ingredients for your Goats Cheese and Walnut Tart - it looks so yummy! Yay summer holidays at last for you - enjoy!!

cm said...

Oh my: your first card is jaw-dropping, gorgeous! Beautiful flower nestled in its grassy background makes for an eye-catching, stunning combination. As for the kite tag: how darling is that!! Both are sheer delight! As for your recipe: delicious! Thank you for sharing treats for the eyes, treats for the palate!!
c

Patricia said...

What a lovely card, Sally. I was fortunate enough to go to England in 2007. The countryside is stunning! There is nothing like the English countryside. I like your kites too! Such a whimsical card/tag! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Lin said...

Just love these cards, Sally, and your tart - can't wait to try this recipe!! So pleased to be picnicing with you today!

Tracey said...

I love both of your projects but that card is stunning!!

Annette Allen said...

wow what a gorgeous card and gorgeous tag.. totally love that big flower..

Sue D said...

Lovely card and cute kite tag! Thanks for the recipe.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Betty Sue said...

Sally I have that stamp and used it yesterday for a challenge. Love what you did with it...so pretty and I love your tag too!

judy said...

Lovely card and tag, Sally! I especially love the first card, with its soft colors and the perfect pairing of stamps!!

Candy Meyers said...

I think the first card looks like you did a watercolor painting. Great job. The second card is a fun one that I can visualize many uses for. Thanks for sharing.
Candy Meyers

Barb said...

Wonderful cards, Sally! Love the way you stamped the painted flower and those kites are adorable!

Yummy looking tart recipe! Looks so delicious! So happy to be hopping with you this week! :)

Barb said...

Loved the card and tag, Sally and the goat cheese tat looks scrumptious!!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing your talents, love your work!
linda patti tpatti@windstream.net

Arlene said...

That flower keeps calling to me. Love your card. It is gorgeous. The white space around the inner panel just shows it off to perfection.

LOVE that tag card too - a flight of kites into fantasy.

The tarts look yummy!

Anonymous said...

Love the first card, i bought that flower and i think it is a gorgeous stamp.
Margriet

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love these cards, the poppy card is so elegantly beautiful, really evokes a peaceful day in the country and your kite tag card is truly adorable and cheery. Have a great day and a wonderful holiday!

judkajudi said...

Your flower card is breath taking!! And the kite tag is so playful .. perfect for summer!! I have had such fun hopping and picnicking with the hostesses!! Hugs.

linf54 said...

Beautiful card!

Teresa Zuehls said...

Sally thank you for your beautiful summer inspiration! I love the gorgeous flower that looks like it is growing in a field of wheat. The kites are adorable and I love how you embossed the clouds and stamped the sentiment on the one cloud. The recipe sounds so yummy too.

RedGem said...

Love the card and tag the kites definitely represent SUMMER! Tks for the inspiration.

adele holcomb said...

Your poppy is beautiful -- the colors are so soft. Great idea to have cards on hand to stamp a sentiment later. The kite on a tag is pretty cute. I like the ribbon tied with a bit of twine. Thanks for the giveaway chance too. And have a great holiday!

heidi @ ggip said...

I really love the first card!!! Very soft and pretty.

Gunilla/Nilla said...

Love both the tag and card! You have used some of my favourite stamps on that beautiful card!

Thalia said...

My jaw dropped at the sight of your card, just gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Just love the soft summer colors of your first card. Great pairing.

Lauren said...

I love both cards, but the painted flower card is just lovely. And I love seeing gorgeous one layer cards. We will be making your tarts this weekend, as my daughter who was reading over my shoulder said, " ooh Mom, that looks so yummy, lets make them!"

tammy b said...

oh my, that poppy is beautiful, anyone would be thrilled to get that!

Virginia L. said...

Your are the perfect hostess, Sally! The first card is gorgeous and I like the same/similar color theme for the kite card! The vegetarian pie looks absolutely yummy (good thing I just had breakfast!!). Way to rock this blog hop!

GrammySue's Creations said...

Wow, Sally. Your card and tag is beautifully--very elegant and so inspiring.

shirley-bee said...

Fab cards, Sally! Love the poppy in the cornfield, and the kite card is really fun!

Miriam Prantner said...

Wonderful projects! I really love that big bold flower on the card, so pretty!

Barbara said...

Your one layer card is fabulous and I love the tag card as well. Both cards are perfect. Your spinach/cheese pastry looks so delicious and I will try that.

Judith said...

As always some great cards, I am also going away this weekend, hoping to have some chilling out after a very hectic end of term. Enjoy your holiday.

Francesca said...

Love your cards!! love the kites in particular

Dana D. said...

Your first card is stunning! I love the colors and the details. The kite tag is so cute. What a great recipe too. I had to become a follower of your blog. I love your cards.

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

Love your painted flower and the kites. Lovely cards.

margaretart said...

Sally, you have certainly displayed your versatility in a lovely way! Gorgeous, dreamy flower and grass, and giggly-cute kite card. I love them both.
The tart is just the kind of thing I love to make, and I just happen to have some puff pastry in my freezer at this moment begging to be used. Thanks!

Judy1223 said...

Sally, your first card is absolutely stunning...a gorgeous flower and lovely colors. Ahhh! Your second card is so fun, I adore the paper-pieced kites and fun sentiment! Great recipe, looks delicious. (Thanks for all your work as a Hero Hostess, you have always been one of my favorites!)

Kailash said...

Gorgeous card Sally and love the fun tag!!

slang said...

Love the tag and the recipe sounds wonderful! Cannot wait to "case" both of them.

Dorothy C. said...

Stunning card - love the colors! The tag card is very summery. The recipe you picked looks yummy.

Kris in Alaska said...

Such a lovely card! I adore poppies!

Kris in Alaska
funamom at yahoo dot com

Heatheranne Whitman said...

Your card is wonderful. Great stamp to use and I love the way you coloured it, as well as the background. Thanks for the wonderful recipe. Thank you for the chance to win a such a great prize. :-)

Katie Ann Brooks said...

Yum X2- the card and the recipe!!!

Ann Marie said...

Your one layer card is gorgeous! Thanks for giving me more inspiration for using my Silhouette Grass stamp.

Vikki H said...

The first card should be framed as your technique looks impressionistic! Lovely card. The tag shaped card is an inspiration - so many textures.

Denise Bryant said...

Love your cards, Sally! The floral card is gorgeous, and the kites are so fun!
I am happy to find your blog and become a new follower.

brenda said...

I love both of your cards but the first one is stunning! You could even frame it for home decor it is so gorgeous!

Craftyfield said...

Love that first card! Ethereal, and the masking is effective. The recipe is yummy too with a goat cheese and walnut combo it's right up my street!

marking said...

Lovely cards! The pie looks yummy.

Robin Cooper said...

I like the shape of the 2nd card! I'll have to give that a try! Great cards! Thanks for the opportunity to win some candy!!

Kathyb said...

When I first came upon your blog through a link from Hero Arts and saw your card, I immediately subscribed to your blog. Simply beautiful. Then I saw the chance to win the stamps --- thank you. Can't wait to see more of your work (and recipes!).

Kim M said...

What a lovely floral card! And I adore the kite tag card! Great work as usual. :-)

Daria Z. said...

Sally, that flower works well with the grass silhouette! And I love the color combos of both cards. Thanks for a chance to win!

Unknown said...

Sally, your flower card is just beautiful. I love my flower stamps. So gorgeous. Love the tag with the kites. Perfect day for a picnic and a blog hop. Thanks for sharing with me today.

Renee M said...

Your card is gorgeous, and the tag is very fun—thanks for sharing your talent!

joy said...

I love your cards, Sally - especially the first one. You have made some real beauties with that gorgeous stamp.

The veggie pie sounds good; my granddaughter would love it!

donna mikasa said...

Love how you added depth to your first card, and I LOVE that gorgeous bloom! And your tag is whimsical and fun with those patterned kites! And don't get me started on those tarts! Yum! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

karenelr said...

The cards are so gorgeous--I love the poppy--we grow so many ourselves--bright large papery thin orange ones!! The kites are sooo summer--I have to get that large tag to make a card like that! Love it!

Unknown said...

Your first card is lovely--it looks so painterly!

LauraJane:) said...

LOVE a recipe with goat cheese:)
BEAUTIFUL painted flower among the Wheat.

Petti said...

lovely card and lovely recipe. I LOVE walnut tart!

cheiron said...

Lovely cards Sally! The technique on that 1st one is just amazing, love the combo of stamps.

Brenda said...

Oh you've used that beautiful flower again Sally! I can't get enough of it, you so such great things with it! I love that second card too, a fun young card! Thanks for sharing that recipe, I may just have to give it a bash!

Leesa B said...

I love your flower cards, they are beautiful!! What a delicious recipe I just love quiche, pies and veggie eating in the summer. Have a great rest of summer!

Стокли said...

Beautiful poppy!
I saved the recipe for the time when I have goat cheese, it sounds yummy.

PamSpradlin said...

If I got your first card in the mail I think that I would have to frame it...it is so beautiful...like a soft watercolor. I am really like that kite stamp also. I just love how you did the tails.

One of two sisters said...

beautiful card!can't wait to try the recipe!
lot of love xxx
lisa

Kathy (krolski) said...

I love both cards! The kites are too cute! Your recipe sounds sooooo good!

Sue McRae said...

Wonderful cards Sally. Love the tag shape of your summery kite card.

Anonymous said...

This is lovely!!! Thanks for sharing your artistry and the recipe. Sounds yummy!

Beth

cghundley said...

Very pretty cards. I
like the kites in the
second card and all the
colors used are pretty.

Carla from Utah

CathyL said...

Love your gorgeous flower card, Sally!

Ellie Knol said...

I LOVE both of your cards, and your recipe 'looks' ver yummy. I always enjoy visiting your blog!

Mateja M said...

These tarts look amazing and your cards are super cute :) Thank you for sharing!

Karen said...

Your flower card is stunning! The background of golden wheat is such a clever idea. I just love everything about the kite tag card - the embossed clouds,pieced kites, kite string with bows, the ribbons, strings, patterns, and layout. Your vegetarian recipe sounds delicious and looks so good!

Barbara said...

I like what you did with the painted flower. I own that stamp and must do something like this, so nice. The kite tag card came out good to. Never seen Walnut Tart before, we always have so many (Walnuts) this is something worth figuring out doing (I live in the USA)...Happy Holiday to you.

the doghouse said...

Lovely cards...

Kathy Rosecrans said...

Love how you layered the flower card! All wonderful cards, Sally!

Lynn said...

I LOVE the Painted Flower stamp and have been looking for inspiration on how to use it. Love your inspired beauty!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I love your color palette -- amazing! Thanks for all your inspiration.

3kidmama said...

I especially love the flower card - I keep looking for ideas for that stamp. So pretty!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Way to kick off day 4, Sally! I love both cards but that flower with the grass behind is to die for! Looks like a yummy recipe too - I'll have to try it soon. So fun hopping with you this week and being a hostess with you 2 years ago. Hugs, my friend!

Shelley said...

I just love what you did!!!

Greta said...

Your cards show clearly why you're a hostess! LOVE both of them, but the first really caught my eye with that gorgeous flower stamp & the grass stamp (one of my favs!) as the background--unique & wonderful!

Barb Ghig said...

Gorgeous one layer card, Sally! I love how you stamped the background and the colors are so pretty! Such a fun tag/card, too...I love the pretty papers and sweet sentiment!

Thanks so much for the recipe...looks yummy!

Dame Jeanne Marie said...

Sally - your flower card is just gorgeous!!! thanks for sharing. I think I might actually try this recipe too - love walnuts.

Deb Walker Deb Stamps Life, LLC said...

So much fun here Sally! We love goat cheese at our house and I'll give your recipe a try! Thanks for the inspiration!

diana said...

Lovely summer cards! I like the colour scheme you have used on both. And that recipe is going on my must-try list! TFS ;-)

Teresa W. said...

Love your cards! The first one looks like a print. You did such a fabulous job. And your tart looks mouth watering. WOW!!! Thanks for sharing.

diana said...

Forgot to mention that I follow your blog using Bloglovin and Feedly. I'm trying both for now until I decide which of them I like using the best. . ;-)

Janet M said...

Painted flower does look like a poppy. Love it.

craftymom205 said...

Your first card is lovely.

craftymom205 at yahoo dot com

Cindi said...

Two totally different cards - but both are wonderful!

SandiL said...

Love the stamped grass silhouette in behind the flower really looks dimensional and super cute tag.

Pat said...

Sally, your flower card is simply stunning! That flower stamp is one I have been wishing for. Your masked background is so effective and I like that this is a one layer card. The kite card is very cute and your recipe sounds yummy.

Marilyn C. said...

The flower card is stunning! It is soft and beautifully done.

Alexia Misso said...

Lovely card and tag, Sally! Thanks for the recipe too!

Chark said...

fun cards and yum! recipe!

Unknown said...

Love your projects. Such a good idea to leave the sentiment off until you use the card. And your recipe looks fab, too!

Deborah said...

Who does not enjoy a picnic in the countryside what an elegant card and your 2nd card is adorable

Phi said...

Gorgeous card and tag. And that tarts looks really yummy.

Jackie - aka funhockeymom25 said...

absolutely stunning flower card!! thanks for sharing!!!

Paperpicnic said...

Gorgeous cards, Sally! Such a wonderful surprise to see 2 terrific ideas! My son prefers meals without meat so I'll definitely be making your vegetarian pie! Thanks for sharing!

brenlubrant said...

Your flower card is totally beautiful. It looks like it was done with watercolors.

Memories by Manda said...

Your cards are lovely! I especially love how the flower looks watercoloured yet you used distress ink. Thanks for a vegetarian ecipes - always nice to have a few new ones on hand :) Thanks too for the bonus giveaway.

pcm said...

sally, that first card should be a canvas!

Delia said...

I like the watercolor flower card. Thank you for the inspiration.

Unknown said...

I thought I had just posted but I do not see my post so I will try again. Beautiful and soft looking poppy on your card. It would be a pleasure to receive such a card. Thanks for sharing your talent and a great sounding recipe!

Tona said...

The flower card is beautiful & the kite card is too fun!

Anonymous said...

Two beautiful cards! I love the one with the kites best.

Thanks for the chance to win, and the recipe as well :)

Regards,
Vithya

ivy said...

beautiful card and a fun tag! am passing your recipe to a friend!

Kathy Mc said...

Your first card looks like you watercolored the design ~ stunning. Love your "tag" card with the kites & clouds also. Says summer all over it!

jusaweecatnap said...

Great cards. I love the way the flower really does look painted. Thanks for the delicious recipe. I'm always looking for vegetarian recipes for my son. We'll both like this one.

Kate said...

Such lovely summery cards. I also love the recipe and as I am veggie, will definitely be trying this. Hope you have a lovely holiday!

newscrapper said...

I love the tag card, Wow the tart looks amazing, my mouth is watering and I am hungry.

loulou said...

Stunning card - perfect one layer card. Love the paper piecing on the tag. Great recipe!

Aileen said...

Sally, what a beautiful card. I just love that stamp, it really looks as those its painted, not stamped. Cant wait to try the recipe when we get summer here, only another 4 months to go.

Pia Larsen said...

The cards are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your cards with us

Sarah G said...

I LOVE your painted flower card - I have just got the stamp and hope I can make something as lovely as you! The kites are fun too - love the sentiment :)

Carol said...

Love your cards Sally, especially the floral one - just yummy! Speaking of yummy, I must try out this delicious recipe a.s.a.p.

Shannon said...

Love your card and tag, but I have to say I think the tag is my favorite, it's darling. Thanks for sharing them with us and for the recipe. Have a great rest of the summer and thank you for the inspiration I'm leaving your blog with.

patti said...

Your cards are so inspiring, thanks for joining the hop

Janis said...

Love your projects!! I love poppies, too, and your card is gorgeous. The kite tag is so fun and cute. Great job.

Thank you for being the hostess with the mostest by offering blog candy. I never pass up the opportunity for dessert. :)
<3 J

stamplover2011 said...

Beautiful card, Sally! Those two stamps together look wonderful! Also like you tag. Very creative!

Stacy Kay Brais said...

Such lovely cards!!

Alison said...

That recipe sounds just delicious! Always good to have an idea of something different to make ...

I love both cards, but with two small boys, the kites are my favourite ... love the happy colours and the texture!

Alison said...

Your recipe sounds just delicious! Always good to add something different to the menu - and with two small boys, the kites are my favourite. The colour and texture is wonderful.

SD pooja said...

WOnderful cards ..got the country side feeling with first card and the second one is adorable with those kites !

Auror Willow said...

Love your card and cute kite tag!

jintyoo7 said...

Hi Sally, gorgeous cards, the first card is a masterpiece and needs to be sent to me immediately - LOL! No seriously, it should be framed :)

Love your cute kites too.

Your pie sounds like a gastronomical delight - hope I can find time to make this :)

rhoffer said...

Yum! Can't wait to try your recipe. Love both of your cards, too!

Unknown said...

Beautiful card!! I absolutely love the flower on your card!! I'm a sucker for these paint like stamps!! They are amazing!! I also really like your kite tag!! Very cute!! That recipe sounds delicious!! Def. gonna try that out!! Thx for sharing!!

Pat said...

Love your projects...and that veggie recipe sounds great, too! :)

Judy Tuck said...

Love the flower card and tag. Yummmm for the recipe!

LaVon Hall said...

Love the tag and the recipe looks yummy as well!

Karen L K said...

Very nice cards. I like that poppy with the wheat behind it I would not have thought to put those together. I also love the colors of it all. The kite card is just so cute! The recipe sounds interesting something a little different.

Karen L K said...

And I forgot to say.. Have a nice holiday and thanks for offering a prize from you.

Jingle said...

Wow! Both cards are really beautiful and that recipe looks yummo!

Cheryl said...

Sally I love both your card and the tag. Your work is always stunning! Thank you for all of the inspiration!

Mona Odegard said...

Beautiful designs! Looks like a painting...

Suzanne C said...

That tart looks brilliantly delicious! The tag with the kites are fabulous! Love the beautiful elegant rose!

Laura Norris said...

Love those kites! Such fun for summer!

Valerie said...

Love your cards!

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful one layer card, I love the stamping and sponging.

Mclay said...

Love your cards! I have the same flower stamp & would love to see you do a video on how you inked this stamp! LOVE!!

Dana said...

LOve the card!! It is so beautiful, it would be great in a frame and on a wall!!

keeleykats said...

Sally, Two super cards! I love the giant poppy! Your tart sounds divine! I have to get the ingredients together and try it! Thanks for sharing!

Flo said...

Your card is pretty and your pie looks yummy.

Dawn T said...

great summer card Sally and your recipe is yummy looking. My summer recipe book is looking good with all these great recipes. Enjoy your holiday

Unknown said...

Love your cards! And that recipe looks fabulous, too. :)

TenSGal said...

What gorgeous cards! Wow!!! So very pretty!!!

Susan

Linda said...

Sally - I always love your work and the first card is especially beautiful. Thanks for sharing the cards and recipe.

Linda D.

Kards by Karen said...

I loved the flower card--I have the stamp and now I have another idea of how to use it!

Marsha said...

your card is so beautiful. Reminds me of silk screen on fabric.

Gilu J said...

Lovely cards. And I gotta try that recipe. Looks yummy.

Leni said...

Your cards are perfect summer cards! Love them both! The pie looks deleicious!

Linda said...

Love your two cards. The first one is absolutely beautiful and the second one goes along with the picnic theme. My husband and I use to fly kite, but other things took over. Your recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing.

Linda D.

sharon l-s said...

Gorgeous poppy card and love the tag card with the kites. Have to try the walnut tart. tfs sharing with us across the pond.

Dotty Jo said...

Beautiful card Sally, love the layers of stamping! Great tag too, and a yummy recipe - I love vegetarian food. Happy holiday hun, Jo x

Unknown said...

Your projects are beautiful - I love your choice of colors!

Karenladd said...

What a truly gorgeous card with beautiful coloring!

Sarah Ashley Posch said...

I, too, have thought that stamp looks like a poppy, and I love the way you've done the colors.