Encouragement

So Shiny! Using Metallic Paints.

November 4, 2023November 3, 2023Erika L Hayes1 Comment

Sometimes, I think I am part crow, or really, just any bird. All the shiny things just pull me in. I just love how metallic paint adds that shiny beauty to just about any project. It seems to me metallic paint is a wonderful way to add just the right bling to a card. The problem I have is I am not a watercolor artist. That is why using this fun technique and some beautiful, in this case, floral stamps anyone can be a watercolor artist!

I am excited to share this fun techinque in another class available HERE over at the shop. Use this coupon code to get it for FREE! SSAECPEH

Here’s a peek at some of what you’ll find in the class.

I hope you enjoy the class, and be sure to leave a comment.

Erika Hayes

For me, it’s all about education. I am self-taught designer and artist. I made the choice to stay home and be a mom for almost 25 years and during that time, I studied graphic design, color theory and visual arts through online learning opportunities. I am a published artist and writer. I returned to college as an adult and studied American Sign Language, German and creative writing. I am a lifelong learner and love sharing what I learn with anyone with interest. Currently gaining certification in Adobe Illustrator.

Stencil Savvy with Altenew

October 29, 2023October 29, 2023Erika L Hayes2 Comments

I love how in the papercrafting community we have products that ebb and flow. The mighty stencil has one of the strongest comebacks I have ever seen. While they have become multi-layered, create full images and remain one of the best ways to add texture to a project. Like the mighty stencil have made the comeback to the AECP with Altenew. I am excited to be back and to complete my program and become certified as an Altenew educator. I have been teaching art for years and years but I have discovered, as an educator, you must continue to learn.

Let’s talk stencils.

They are versatile and you can really mix it up when using them. I was completely inspired from my Celebration: Stencil Techniques class to use paste on my card front.

The best part of this class was it inspired me to 1. use my products, 2. explore my products, 3. make a fun card that would bring joy to someone. 🙂

Using texture paste can be intimadating, but don’t let it keep you from getting in there and making some fun textures. Stencils are a great investment as they are very easy to use. I have put together a step-by-step how to class and it is avaiblable in my store.

Interested in making this fun card, check this out! Use this code to get the class for free AECPEHKOI

Erika Hayes

Some Like it HOT!

July 21, 2023July 21, 2023Erika L Hayes1 Comment

It is HOT in Arizona! (as I write this post it is 9:41 am and 103 degrees outside), When it is HOT what can you do but stay inside and craft! That’s just want I am doing.

Now, let’s talk about less is more.

When I was creating this card, I was really happy with how it came out and then I started adding cute little jungle animals to it from one of my favorite Lawn Fawn releases. This is from the Toucan Do It stamp set. (Toucan Do It) I had a little toucan on the ending loop of the “o” and a jaguar on the bottom edge and oh I added a cute lizard to the “H” loop to complete that visual triangle. It was cute. Then I took it off and said you know sometimes less is more. While those elements were cute, the truth is the sentiment shines (literally) better without the cute animals. It’s got lots of power so let it be the star.

I don’t know about you, but there are times when we need to just enjoy the simplicity of our work. Over detailing can lead to a clutter of items that look good together btu compete too much with each other and leave a piece overdone.

Remember, if you are struggling with placement of an embellishment or even a stamped image, Stop, take a look– even walk away or ask a trusted friend do I really need to add this? While you may be anxious to get to use that cute stamp set or embellishment it is okay to wait and use it on the next one.

Don’t forget you can shop here at The Craft Dash and at our Etsy store where I have a lot of retired stamp sets that I have decided need destash.

Have a great weekend!

Some Like it Hot….
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Practice makes Progress!

Erika L Hayes

Busy Day at TCD

July 12, 2023July 12, 2023Erika L Hayes1 Comment

Summer is in full swing! This hand-crafted card was a great combo of whimsy and elegance. Much like a summer garden party. The project sheet is also available in the resources tab if you would like to share this card with another.

A tip I wanted to share with you about this card is to be sure to add a very fine mist of water to the lush lagoon paper before you run it through the die cut machine. A second thought is about what is called bleeding off the edge. When you see a card like this, and the flowers are cut off but not full images that is called bleeding. It is a graphic design term that simply means that the entire portion of an image “bleeds” off the page. It is really a fun and effective way to add visual interest to your cards. Go on give it a shot.

The Craft Dash has been busy interviewing and getting a few new artists on board. Heidi McKeever will soon be adding her beautiful oil paintings to our store and writing about her experiences with painting.

I am always interested in adding more content. If you are interested in having your products added to our store, shoot me an email and we can talk about it. (erikahayes@thecraftdash) I am currently looking for a hand lettering artist to share products and education.

We are also looking for projects and ideas for our coming soon newsletter where we will be discussing current trends and ideas for our art.

This card is available for sale on the shop tab on this website as well as on our Etsy Store.

Again, thank you for your support as we build this site to create and educate!

The Craft Dash, a place for creating and educating artist of all levels!
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Erika Hayes

Crafter her entire life, Erika spends hours creating every day. She loves the crafting community and all the humans that are a part of expressing themselves in creative ways. She has been lucky enough to work in the industry as a concept designer and is a multiple-time published artist. Encouraging crafters to take part in education to better their craft is her life goal.

“Practice makes progress, perfection is unattainable.”