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.
We are seeing so many more gentlemen join the cardmaking world (yay!). However, cards with a masculine feel can be a challenge. It is because of this , I think we have Pinterest boards and other forums dedicated to ideas for masculine cards. While most of the cards in those board are filled with camping, tools, boats, dinosaurs and other assumed masculine “style”. I wanted to create something that fell more into a masculine style but didn’t fall into the “traditional” masculine styles.
I began this project thinking I would use geometrical designs. While shopping supplies in my art space, I was flipping through my Altenew designs and in the third basket, I got inspired. Simply Fruit. Not exactly geometric, but I think the solid shapes of the fruit was close to the image in my head . I coupled this fun set with a color combo I had text myself that said simply “mint & navy”. —
Here are a few images of my card being created. Interested in learning more? Good news! I created a Project Sheet for this card so you can make it too! Check it out here. Use the coupon code FRHMEH to get it for free!
Thank you so much for joining me on my journey. The Craft Dash is a place to find information and inspiration. Please share with your friends as we make it grow into a source for cardist everywhere!
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.
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.
Altenew Celebration: Stencil Technique
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
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.
Friday was a long hot day here in Arizona. We got over 110 degrees. How do you beat the heat in Arizona? Stay inside and craft! This fun Hero Arts card was inspired by the yummy part of Summer. Bright, happy colors, fresh fruits, and delicious berries. I kept this one simple because that is how summer should be. Simple. It is part of the reason why people love this time of year. While outside activities happen in the desert happen after the sun goes down; it doesn’t stop us from enjoying summer too!
In Arizona, grapefruit are abundant. At almost every social gathering, at least one person will bring several bags of freshly harvested grapefruit, oranges, or lemons. When I was making this card, I made a color choice that was let’s say not great. My lemon slice was too bright, (we are talking put on those shades bright)! When I tried toning it down it went too honey. I thought I will just make a new one. Then realized I can make it a grapefruit. Not a common fruit for most people but it worked great! It also added as a blending step between the orange and the raspberries.
The Hero Arts My Monthly Hero kit has really been a great experience for me. I have found that the images and kit are new and fresh. I don’t love every one of the kits, but they stretch me to try new things. They have really helped me grow as a creator. This card may find its way to a YouTube video and I will keep you updated! If you are interested in the kits from Hero Arts you can find the subscription information here. (MMH Subscribe). There are two options both are great. I used the March Kit 2023 for this card and as of the writing of this post, there are a few still available. I love that Hero Arts makes the kits for sale not just through subscription. They cost a little more without the subscription but it is nice to be able to purchase individual kits.
I am adding this card to the store and am happy to make multiples if you are wanting to send out some sweet summery birthday greetings. Just let me know in the message box how many and we can talk about the price.
We may have a new artist joining us soon. Subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss a thing!
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.”
Dies: Concord & 9th, Ink: Simon Says Stamps Cardstock: I used scraps for the entire card.
I have been working on getting my plan together. It’s taking longer than expected, but such is life.
This blog has a new name! The Craft Dash. Long story short, this blog has always been a dream. I want a place to share ideas and education on crafting. I also know that I can make into a smaller business. I am (and have been) working hard to get some inventory for my Etsy shop which I hope to have uploaded soon and actually make this little dream a reality.
I often struggle with my “hobby” I invest HOURS and HOURS into creating and learning and just suffer I guess from feeling like I need a little more to be able to offer something to the world in this area. I’m no Jennifer McGuire but I do love not just the creating but the community of crafters drawn to paper arts. So, I started doing some real planning and will be adding much more content to my new blog — since I paid for the domain, I will for sure be working hard at making it a success.
I am still learning (there is a lot of reading going into how to do this right), but I am open to any suggestions! I hope you will keep checking in on this little venture, pray for it, send good vibes, share with others and if you have something you want to know more about, shoot me an email. You can contact me at ErikaHayes@thecraftdash.com or TheCraftDash@gmail.com.
Soon, I will have a monthly newsletter to email if anyone is interested, just again send me an email. I really appreciate my crafty family helping me to take The Craft Dash from a dream to a reality. LOOK for more coming soon
