maker

Ink a Dink a WHEW!

November 8, 2023November 6, 2023Erika L Hayes2 Comments

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.

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.

For the Fellas – AECP

November 3, 2023November 3, 2023Erika 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

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!