Coloring with Copic

For the Fellas – AECP

Erika L Hayes1 Comment

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.

FAST AND FUN– GET IT DONE

Erika L HayesLeave a comment

While I am all about enjoying the process, there is something to be said about getting inspiration and going with it. I am making short videos to help get your mojo rolling. Pucker Up Buttercup is the next installment for you.

I have finally started my YouTube videos as I mentioned soooo long ago. I have done a few and have begun to realize how to best put them together.. (you can always offer me tips in the comments — I am out here learning as I go)

Anyway, here is a fast and fun video that is part of our Let’s Get To It Tutorials.

Leave me a comment and please like and subscribe to my channel. I am limited on what I can do until I get more subscribers.

Thank for your support

Love you all

Also adding more to the store soon. Got some projects in the works so keep checking back with us.

Fruity Friday

Erika L Hayes1 Comment

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!

Visit http://www.thecraftdash.com A fun place to explore art and crafting for all levels of artist.

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.”

Somethings Never Go out of Style

Erika L Hayes2 Comments
Spellbinders Seahorse Garden SDS-182

Summer has HIT Arizona. It is H-O-T! We are over 110 today and I find myself dreaming about the ocean and the cool breeze that comes along with it!

I have had some fancy washi tape I purchased about two years ago at a convention sitting around taunting me. I felt like the washi tape has been saying, “I’m too pretty to use.” When I pulled out my Spellbinders Seahorse Garden my brain said, “Use that washi.” I knew it would be a perfect coupling.

I added it to my card, and it was not showing up very well, so I added a white strip of cardstock behind the washi. It was a great way to add some pop to the washi and finally get it off my “to use” list.

Enjoy your weekend friends, I will be busy working hard to try and get a video out.

Let me know what you are up to this summer. Creating? Traveling? Just relaxing.

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 passion.

“Practice makes progress, perfection is unattainable.”

FANGIRL LOVE AHEAD. Give props to your mentors!

Erika L Hayes2 Comments

Here I was with a brand-new kit from My Favorite Things, and it is so beautiful, I decided to take a page out of Jennifer McGuire’s playbook and die cut the heck out of it. I grabbed some color cardstock and got to it. I wasn’t sure what colors I would use for the card, and I remember seeing a video in which Jennifer had cut like all the rainbows. She then keeps them for when it hits her fancy to use those dies. I of course decided that I should do that too because the card had not yet revealed its design or colors to me. — yes, my cards speak to me kind of… LOL

Here you can see my cuts. I think Jennifer McGuire must get completely overwhelmed with fans of her work tagging her. I did, and she saw it — I must admit, my inner fangirl came out even more. I had to make her proud.

I discovered that (if you look to the side of the buckets of flowers and greenery (AGAIN MFT Stamps made me giddy with these dies BOLD BLOOMS and BOLD GREENERY ), you will see the sheets I cut from in the above photo next to the dies in the containers. At the same time, my daughter posted a reel about Ukeleles (hopping fleas) making me return to my island days. When I pulled a Poppy paper it landed on the warm yellow and made me think of Hawaiian Quilts, this, of course, took me to the Hero Arts ALOHA cover plate and Vintage Paradise sets. Which is where my INNER INNER McGuire took off.

I was able to use what most people would consider “scraps” into cards. Check them out

Oh yeah, I love both cards. I was feeling it so much I made two with the “scrap” background. I even managed to pop an adorable beachy dino on the mahalo (thank you) card.

All cred goes to Jennifer McGuire for always encouraging creators to use what they have, to stretch those supplies. She rocks. YES, I love her, and want to be a fly on the wall when she creates. She’s amazing. Trust me when I say, her blog, (jennifermcguireink) should be on your list of MUST if you are a card maker.

I did make a video for the making of these cards, but it is far from complete. I was also excited to share my Hero Arts for the blog challenge this month. I will add some project sheets soon. I am still learning and finding that I need to video much closer than I originally thought. The video for this project will most likely not make it to the blog because I have learned A LOT in the filming of this one and will move forward.

Thanks for looking today, here are the two bonus cards in close-up for you.

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 passion.

“Practice makes progress, perfection is unattainable.”

Be kind, send handmade!