Why I Added Hero Arts My Monthly Hero Back to My Craft Room (and the 3 Projects That Won Me Over)
I’ll be honest.
Last year I experienced a little bit of kit overload.
Between product releases, monthly subscriptions, and exciting new collections arriving throughout the year, I found myself taking a six-month break from several cardmaking subscriptions. It wasn’t because I disliked them. Quite the opposite. I simply wanted some space to evaluate which kits I truly missed and which ones I could live without.
That little crafting siesta turned out to be surprisingly helpful because it answered an important question:
Which subscription card kit would I choose if I could only add one back?
For me, the answer was clear.
Today I’ll share why I re-subscribed, what makes the July 2026 “You’re the Zest” collection so special, and three summery cards I created from a single kit.
If you’re researching subscription options, you may also enjoy my guide to Best Cardmaking Subscription Kits I Actually Use, where I compare the subscriptions that have earned a permanent place in my craft room.
Subscription Series
What You’ll Learn
- How to create three cheerful summer-themed cards from one kit
- Why I decided to re-subscribe to My Monthly Hero
- What makes this kit a great value
- Helpful cardmaking tips from each project
- Why each design works
- Color choices that bring these projects to life
- Additional ways to use the products beyond today’s cards
Why I Re-Subscribed to My Monthly Hero
What I missed most wasn’t a specific stamp or die.
It was the variety.
Some days I feel like stamping.
Some days I want to color.
Some days I just want to sit down with a pile of die cuts and assemble something beautiful.
The My Monthly Hero kits always give me options.
Every month feels like opening a carefully curated creative experience rather than simply receiving a collection of products. There are 2 versions of the kit: My Monthly Hero and My Monthly Super Hero (my subscription).
The July 2026 release, appropriately called You’re the Zest, immediately caught my attention because it combines two of my favorite things:
- Citrus themes
- Adorable scene-building elements
I have three Meyer Lemon trees that I’ve been nurturing for nearly fifteen years. It may sound silly, but those trees are like my babies. Every winter I look forward to watching those green lemons slowly turn bright yellow.
So naturally, this month’s theme felt like it was created just for me.
Card #1: Let’s Ride
Could This Be the Cutest Scene Card Ever?
A scooter with a sidecar.
Already adorable.
Now add a girl with a scarf fluttering in the breeze, a squirrel wearing goggles, and a basket overflowing with lemons.
Honestly, I was excited about this card the minute I saw the dies.
For this project, I intentionally limited my color palette:
- Green scooter
- Pink outfit
- Yellow lemons
When creating scene cards, I often find that fewer colors create a stronger design. Limiting the palette helps the viewer focus on the story rather than becoming distracted by too many competing elements.
To ground the scene, I positioned a die-cut Happy Birthday sentiment beneath the wheels of the scooter and sidecar. Two clouds complete the scene and add a subtle layer of texture.
Why This Design Works
- Charming storytelling
- Adorable die-cut details
- Limited color palette
- Strong focal point
- Easy-to-follow visual path
Who wouldn’t want to be riding that scooter on a sunny summer afternoon?
Card #2: Citrus Frame Card
A Layered Die-Cut Showstopper
The Citrus Frame Die layers:
- Lemon leaves
- Six lemons
- Delicate blooms
into one stunning focal point.
I placed the completed frame over a soft blue background stamped with the large included sentiment:
You Are the Zest
As a finishing touch, I added a thin white die-cut frame around the outer edge. This small detail made a surprisingly big difference by helping the colors pop and visually containing the design.
Why This Design Works
The colors come directly from nature:
- Green leaves
- Yellow lemons
- White blossoms
- Blue sky
The result feels fresh, cheerful, and timeless.
This card is ideal for intermediate cardmakers because assembling the frame is a bit like working a puzzle—but a very satisfying one.
Card #3: When Life Gives You Lemons
A Relaxing Stamped and Colored Scene Card
After all the die cutting, I was ready for some simple coloring.
This card features three charming focal elements:
- A lemon tree
- A basket of lemons
- A lounging cat without a care in the world
To frame the scene, I created a shaped stitched window using the Playful Stitched Dies and Rounded Rectangle Dies.
Inside the opening, I added a soft Breeze cardstock background from the kit before arranging the colored images.
The resulting scene feels calm, warm, and welcoming.
Why This Design Works
The colors remain simple and nature-inspired:
- Soft blue sky
- Bright yellow lemons
- Green leaves
- Warm brown accents
The limited palette creates a peaceful, cohesive look while allowing the storytelling elements to shine.
Helpful Stamping Tip
When stamping the lemon tree, place the coordinating die around the image before positioning your stamp.
Then remove the die before stamping.
This helps ensure the image will die cut with an even white border around all sides.
I also have a process photo showing the stamped panel in my MISTI before coloring.
Why I Enjoy My Monthly Hero
One reason I came back to My Monthly Hero is the variety. Some days I want to color. Some days I want to build scenes. Other days I just want to sit down and assemble die cuts. This month’s “You’re the Zest” collection gave me all three experiences.
The My Monthly Super Hero subscription includes:
- Dies
- Stamps and coordinating dies
- Embossing folder
- Coordinating cardstock
- Additional exclusive products
And because everything coordinates beautifully, creating feels easy and inspiring rather than overwhelming.
More Cards You Can Make with This Kit
One thing I love about this collection is how many directions you can take it.
Additional ideas:
- Create a lemon shaker card
- Scatter die-cut lemons across a card front and add a “Squeeze the Day” sentiment
- Leave off the sidecar and turn the scooter into a motorcycle
- Create a lemon-shaped gift tag
- Build a complete patio scene with a lemon tree, table, chairs, shutters, and windows
The possibilities are surprisingly extensive.
More Ideas You Might Love
If today’s projects inspired you, you may also enjoy:
- Christmas in July Club Kit Cards
- Pink Lemonade Stand Easel Card
- Best Scene Card Ideas
- Wiener Dog Birthday Card
- Apple Picking Scene Card
- My Go-To Cardmaking Supplies Page
- 14 Best Cardmaking Products and Supplies for 2026
Is My Monthly Hero Worth It?
For me, yes.
After six months away, I realized what I missed wasn’t simply receiving products.
I missed the inspiration.
I missed opening a kit and immediately wanting to create.
And I missed the thoughtful variety that makes it easy to choose a project that fits whatever creative mood I’m in that day.
This month’s citrus theme reminded me exactly why I enjoyed these kits so much in the first place.
📌 Save This Post for Later
Thinking about trying a cardmaking subscription kit or looking for fresh summer card inspiration? Save this post so you’ll have these ideas handy when you’re ready to create.
And There You Have It!
Whether you’re considering a subscription kit or simply looking for summer card inspiration, I hope today’s projects encourage you to pull out your supplies and create something joyful.
Now I’d love to know:
Which kit component would you use first—the scooter, the citrus frame, or the lemon tree scene?
For me, that was a surprisingly difficult decision.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I always love to see you.
kennyscards.com 
Love this! Very cute style!
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