Ink Technique – Squared!

Here we are. Last project in my level one AECP! I wanted to add a little visual interest to my sentiment and decided that a fun way to do that was to use a great techinque of adding true color blocking.

To add a geometric touch to the title and draw it out from the page.  I carefully chose three colors to support the nature theme. Then using my acrylic blocks I added the ink to different sized blocks and and simply pressed the color onto my card panel. I did this while carefully layering the colors to ensure I didn’t make “mud”. One thing to note, be sure your inks are dry before you add the next layer. I wanted mine to have a transparent look therefore I added the ink to the block then gave a small spray of water to desaturate the ink. Using the darkest first, (green) I placed it on the card so I could make the decision on which colros to place next and if I need to further desaturate the remaining inks. 

Usingnice mixed typographical title with a black waterproof ink gave me the placement of the other colors. Using inks in this manner is a fun and fast way to add a little something unexpected and visually appealing aspect to your card. 

Adding pattern paper is also a fun way to reinforce a cards theme.

As a color pencil artist, I decided to try out some Altenew color pencils. It was a great decision. It was my first time using the pencils on this cardstock and I was very happy with how the pencils layered. 

Thanks for popping in! Enjoy your week! 

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. Soon to be AEC educator! YAY!

The Gift of Cardmaking

Giving money or gift cards is hard. On one hand, it is the perfect gift. Then on the other hand it seems like its a little impersonal. Well, this Christmas, I made a few gift card holders like the one I am sharing today and they were so well received I realized, giving the gift card is what the person wants. I believe it is usually becasue they don’t really know what they want yet, but when they see it they have that gift card to be able to get that special something. 

Well, gift cards don’t stop after Christmas, there are birthday, anniversaries, graduations, friendship, thank yous, all kinds of reasons we give people a little something. I also know that the best part of gift card holders is I get to pick what goes on them. I get to spend time and thought and more imporatnantly part of me into that what is thought of as something a lot of people struggle with the personalization of. GIFT CARDS. 

I decided to make a this one using a more “valentine” leaning stamp set. Why? because its cute and the person I am thinking of sending this to loves both mushrooms and mice. (perfect right) When this person gets this gift, its not “just a gift card” its a one of a kind birthday gift, with a gift card to the store I know they always buy from. 

If you stumbled on this website/post and want to know more about how to make these fun little card holders just drop a comment. I will be happy to respond and bring you the joy of papercrafting. 

Thanks for stopping by ! You are a wonderful and important human being. I am blessed that you chose to stop in here. 

Ink a Dink a WHEW!

Ink Blending may be the greatest thing to come to stamping in a long time. It has been around for while and it has prompted all kinds of products and inking techniques.

Ink blending is a fast and beautiful way to add the wow factor to your cards. A few other techniques that you can see in this card include what is called resist inking where you heat emboss your stamp then ink over it,

This stamp from Altenew (Beautiful You) is fine lined and one way to add some umph to those kinds of stamps is to ink blend with a white resist. White pops off the card because well– its white and it will force it way to the forground where the darker a color gets, the more it likes to fade or receed to the background. That’s just a design concept to keep in your pocket. In this card, you can see even against the yellow (which is darker than white) the white makes its way to the forground, and moreso in the pink. In this case, I was able to pull the stamp lines out because of my color choices.

Altenew Blending brushes come in many sizes

Another little fun thing is that I wanted dots, in a class over at Altenew, I saw some Bokeh on a card and I loved how it looked, I didn’t really completely use this techinque but I did like the look of the spots so I went for it. Fun Fact. The Altenew blending brushes were just perfect size for what I wanted too! Take a look.

Take a look at the Project Sheet Class over in the shoppe for detailed instructions on how to recreate this card. You will also learn a few tips & trick on using vellum for your sentiment.

As you know I am all about the edcuation so you can not just replicate a card but can grow in confidence and soon be incorporating these techinques into your daily cardmaking.

Here is a code for you to get this class for free! INKADOOAECP

Here’s a sneak peek into the class–

So Shiny! Using Metallic Paints.

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.

Here we go again

Another year another entry …Not sure what they are looking for but here’s what I colored!

Made with JB-008 My Favorite Things, Copic Markers & Prisma color pencils

For me it’s the details. I love adding texture to the sweaters and leaves. Pulling colors to create the illusion.

Hope it’s my year, but if not, that’s okay I won when I made this fun card