Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Just a quick post


FIRST THINGS FIRST: 

When I moved, I knew we had found a resort-style living.  BIG spacious yard, pool, fruit trees I love that I look out from my creative spot and have such a nice green yard. *remember I live in Phoenix*   We love this house and then we met the neighbors!  Our neighbors have made us feel at home since before we moved in.  When we were just looking at the place they came to the fence and just welcomed us in.  We soon found out that they own...wait for it... yes own and operate.... ICE CREAM TRUCKS!! When we moved in (it was 115*)  he came over with a big box of ice cream to help us cool off!  Well ever since that time, whenever we are out he always offers us a Bomb Pop or whatever we want.  I wanted to do something to express my gratitude to our wonderful neighbors and I created this...
Sprinkles of Life (13997) and One Big Meaning (139420)
Simple Masking technique to make the double scoop
Colored with Copic Markers - More on them in August see below 


NEXT UP: 

I buckled down!  I got my planning done so there will actually be content posted every week!  INCLUDING Challenges and product review.  The first part of the month we will focus on reviewing markers, then later in the week I hope to have some tips/techniques on those products.  Eventually I would love to give some stuff away, so be sure to share and help me build the audience  to get the support!  

The schedule will begin the first Monday in August.  (August 3rd).

If everything goes as I plan the schedule will be 

MONDAYS - Product Reviews
TUESDAY - Stampin' Up! Spotlight, this will be the weekly special information
WEDNESDAY - CHALLENGE!
THURSDAY -  Project of the Week
FRIDAY - Alternating Weeks  Design Skills or Techniques *even weeks  Opportunity for my readers *Odd weeks

FINALLY:


Thank you all for your love and support!  I wish I could give each one of you the special treat you deserve.  Stay tuned and take part in the growth of Making Pretty Things and Thinking Through Design!  

Feel Free to leave me your thoughts!  

Blessings Friends
Erika

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Pretty Pumpkin in July and a few bonus cards

Good Evening my friends!

I wanted to show you a few completed cards from this month (JULY) Paper Pumpkin.
As the hint suggested, Stampin'Up!  has stayed true to form and kept current with the fun trends.  Succulents are all the rage right now and it seems like I am super lucky to live in a state where they grow naturally! I love the Paper Pumpkin this month it has a lovely color scheme and that paper ohhh that paper.. I could just hang it in a frame so I can look at it all day!  I love the attention to detail as well, Stampin' Up! proves once again that we can have fun trendy cards in just a short time that are perfect to send off as an encouragement or just to say hello! If you are not a Paper Pumpkin subscriber yet, be sure to click this LINK and sign up, also be sure to designate me as your demonstrator!  (Erika Hayes in Glendale AZ 85308)
JULY 2015 - Paper Pumpkin  
Suggested design One

JULY 2015 - Paper Pumpkin  Suggested Design Two 

JULY 2015 - Paper Pumpkin  
Step It up with a little more ink and a using
Pretty Thankful Stamp Set (138936) to add a little pop

I needed to make  a birthday card for a really amazing woman and I am really blessed to call her mom.  This was a fun card to make and the adding the star sequin was a fun sparkle.

Endless Wishes (140273) and  Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder (133739)  

After making the birthday card, I had another idea for a card so I made this one. Sometimes simple is the very best!  
Endless Birthday Wishes (140273) and Fabulous Four (134174 Clear mount 134171 Wood Mount)
I also made use of the tremendously wonderful  Banner Triple Punch (138292)  

I am excited to share these fun projects with you!  If you would like the instructions on how to create any or all of these cards just send me note or leave a request in the comments!  If you want to get a little shopping done check out my shop at HERE

Thank you all for being a part of my life!  I treasure you!

Blessings
Erika

Friday, July 17, 2015

Paper Pummmmmmmmpkin!


June Paper Pummmmmpkin was delicious....
JULY.. even better!  I am going get some samples up for you ASAP.  
Talk about being on trend!  
here is a HINT of what is to come! 

Succulent Plant -Purple Echeveria, Perle Von Nurnberg

I know I am such a tease!  Fun stuff on the way ladies.  
If you are not a member of Paper Pumpkin well let's get you signed up!

Be sure to name me (Erika Hayes, Glendale AZ) as your demonstrator (Demo ID 2150700) .  
It is just so nice to have a project that I know I can complete and kick start my 
creativity!  

Stay tuned....
Photos of the new Paper Pummmmmmpkin up soon

Blessing Friends
Erika 

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Not M.I.A just moving!


So some of you know.. I moved!. Yes it happened quickly and I am working hard to get my space back in order so I can get creative again!  I am so happy with our new home.  I am posting a few photos here for you to see.  REMEMBER we are in the process of moving!  I have a few fun cards for you too.

First up some not so great photos of the house.. (remember we are still moving stuff)
My Creative Space
Creative Space looking back to the "office" 
My Office Desk - Looking back at my Creative Table
Family Room 


Kitchen- Still need to put some stuff away

HUGE closet in the Kitchen that has been commandeered for craft stuff!   

YES! We have GREEN!  LOVE the backyard and all the amazing trees!
The fence line is all the way behind the trees!
Soon a batting cage will be occupying that open space! 

From the kitchen doors

Out my kitchen window
 While I have been super busy moving we all know my creative side must escape every now and again.  The day we moved a got a box of goodies from Stampin'Up!  and finally got to use them!  here are a few new creations.
A stand out card.. hahaha

Used some fun techniques on this one.  

Used not only my daubers but fun die cuts too! 

Bokeh Technique. My craft white was not real juicy when I did this card so I will try
again now that I have a refill for it and can make it super awesome

These are a few for the craft shows.  These are very popular used my
Copics to make the backgrounds but it would easily be done
with a watercolor technique and SU inks! 

My days are slowly coming back to normal.  I am working hard to get ready for my upcoming craft events.  If you are interested in joining my team... just shoot me an email. (gzuswins@gmail.com)  and I will get you all set up!  We are looking to expand our team.

Have a great week and Make Pretty Things!

Leave some comments if you please, it sure makes my day to see your thoughts

Blessings
Erika