Birthday Wishes C.O.W

Last night I put together the Watercolor Wishes Kit.  OHHH I love it. I made all those card in just a few hours and they are all unique and beautiful.  I enjoyed that the kit had everything I needed to complete each of these cards AND extra goodies to make more.  The kit has the block, the STAMPS, the inks, the embellishements, card bases, envelopes, step by step color instructions.  It is just FUN!

SO I was working with these last night and I fell in L.O.V.E. with the stamps set.  The script on the set.  I loved all the beautiful sentiments.  I am all for a Happy Birthday but I really like the Happiest Birthday Wishes it just made me smile.  SO I used the stamps from the Watercolor Wonder kit to create the C.O.W. (card of the week)  I ALSO wanted to share that I will be creating ONE monthly PDF with all the instructions for the Cards of the Week.  If you would like step-by-step directions please just let me know.  


I also wanted to add a quick tip.   As you can see I did not use the sentiment from the In this Together set (133869)  because I wanted to add the Happiest Birthday Wishes sentiment.  When a stamp set has the sentiment on the bottom like the "it's time to celebrate" image from In this Together it is a simple fix.  Simply cut a post-it to cover the sentiment (see below), ink the image, remove the post-it and stamp.

Notice I cut out the image after
stamping it on the post it.
I did this to ensure the least amount of
opportunity for ink to gather. 

I also used a round template to create the visual texture on the card by simply piercing the paper. I felt the card needed a drop shadow and created that by simply adding a very thin piece of Smoky Slate cardstock and lifting it on craft foam.  The image was colored using Copic Markers.

To make this card you would need:  

Copic Markers of your color choice. 

Craft Foam (I use adhesive backed foam)

Watercolor Wishes Card Kit

H Block 

Piercing Mat

Piercing Tool 

Updated Essentials Paper Piercing Pack

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink 

Metallics Sequin Assortment

In This Together

I hope you enjoy this weeks C.O.W.  I am looking for a few contributors to the C.O.W.  portion if you are interested please send me an email at gzuswins@gmail.com   

Hope your challenge cards are coming along nicely.  I look forward to seeing them!  

Have a blessed day and tomorrow I have something I know you will enjoy!  A fun technique for casting light! 

Until then

Blessings Friends

Erika       

Makin'PrettyThings - Challenge Wednesday

You all know I was super excited about the Weekly special tag punch, well I ordered it!  I don't have it yet but I was so inspired by the taggy-ness that I decided that will be our challenge today!

Here is what I came up with....

Here is what I am thinking.... 

This challenge is to create a project -- card/scrapbook page/ mini album 

that is using at least THREE tags.  

NOW for the sample card I made it is a really simple technique.  I simply used washi tape to adhere the three tags together and then stamped on the other side! The fun is you can do sooo many things with this technique to create a scene or as in the case of our sample card break up a solid image for visual interest.    SO have fun!  Post an image in your comments or on facebook and tag me Erika Hayes.  Be sure to keep an eye open for the workshops coming up.  These techniques will be incorporated.  All my workshops are open to anyone.  If you are out of state, you can order the kits to complete one or all of the projects we make in any of my workshops.  Remember you can always join my team and become a part of the creative process.  

Our challenges will be posted on most Wednesdays.  Prizes will be mailed once a month (otherwise I will be at the post every week)  I hope you enjoy, play along and are able to share this blog with friends and like minded artist!  

 I will add all the names to a hat and draw a winner for a fun envelope of goodies! I am excited to see what you make. 

Supplies used in Challenge Card - ALL Stampin' Up! Products are available HERE

Tags - Recollections 

Whisper White Heavy Cardstock Stampin! Up!Basic Black Cardstock  Stampin' Up! You've Got This Stamp Set - Stampin' Up!Memento Ink - Tux Black available through Stampin' Up!Mint Macroon - Stampin' Up! 
Cherry Cobbler Extra Thick Bakers Twine - Stampin' Up!

Copic Markers to color image

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! 

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!

  Follow this link

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 

Make someones day!

Hello my thoughtful friends!

Today I want to share an idea.  It may seem far fetched at first, you may say. Erika you're a nut.  Well that has already been established. I am indeed a macadamia nut. Okay back on the subject-- Many of you know I love to surprise people with little notes of encouragement. In fact, every year at Christmas time I take a part of our gift giving budget and purchase about 20 or 30 gift cards from different places and simply write-- "I hope you have a great day today"  Blessings from Santa's elves and I leave them on tables in restaurants or have a store employee give them away.  It is my joy to watch as people look around trying to figure out WHO gave them this gift... I love to remain anonymous because my theory works like this:  If you don't know which person gave you the gift card, you must assume it was any one of the people there-- this fosters a better day not just for the receiver, but it also makes him/her react more kindly to others. It is after all possible that the lady standing in front of the drink dispersing talking on the phone gave that away.  

I also am very fond of this method because I often target civil servants -- firemen/women, police women/men  etc.  I learned once that they are not allowed to take those from people, it could be seen as a bribe-- therefore if I am unknown to them there is no way they can get in trouble for accepting a free lunch/coffee on me!

I really love to see people get an unexpected joy so I was thinking, what can I do?  How can I encourage others?  So I devised a new plan.  As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I have all these great stamps with beautiful sayings and images that can really make people happy.  I have decided to create what I am calling "tip cards"  What I do, is I make these cards up they are about 4 1/2 x 2 1/4 for fast food, bank teller, postal official etc and they just are a note thanking them (in handwriting)  for the great job they are doing.  I then make a few larger ones for sit down restaurants that I put my card in when I am paying the tab etc.  NOW this in no way replaces the monetary tip, but it is just a way to leave a little nice around.

If you would like to learn more about how I make these or Stampin' Up! products I used let me know, or visit my website www.mpt.stampinup.net   ALSO.. keep checking back, I will have videos up for you soon.  My ATV guy begins work after the launch date of the new catalog! June 2

Thank you all and be blessed!

Here are a few samples
 (OH happy day by Sandra Goforth www.sgoforth.stampinup,net)

Erika!  

Now Go MakePrettyThings! 

  

Open House Projects for May 2

GOOD MORNING!

Today is my open house.  I know not everyone can make it but I wanted to share the projects I have planned.

The great news is if you want to take part, I have PDF Project Sheets for each project. Just let me know which ones you would like, I will email you the PDF.  All the products are from the current Stampin'Up! Catalogs.  Each project sheet has a list of the products I used and the techniques used and step by step instructions.  All products are available at my website or contact me for more information.

KEEP an eye on the blog, I am hiring a AV guy this summer and workshops and open house projects will also have videos you can watch!


Our 1st Project is with the lovely Sheltering Tree - Thankful for you Card  $3 Make N Take

If you would like the project sheet, please ask for ST1 in your message

Project #2 - Texture and Technique Happy for You Card using Flower Patch and Crazy About You $3 Make N Take

If you would like the project sheet, please ask for FP1 in your message

Project # 3 - Mom's day is just around the corner so we have a fun Mother's Day Gift bag!

I  am using the same set from the last project. I like to show how versatile the product can be. So we go from a congrats card to Mother's Day! $4 Make N Take

If you would like the project sheet, please ask for GB1 in your message

Project #4 - Rad Grad Gift Card envelope - When you care enough to get them just want they want you want it to be more than just a card.  So we are stepping up the gift card envelope.  $4 Make N Take 

If you would like the project sheet, please ask for GC1 in your message

Let's not forget the inside!  Here is a peek at the finished inside of this cute project. I used a graduation stamp but this set is perfect for any event you want to make a special gift card envelope.

Image taken in Target

Project #5 - My open houses always have what I call an On Trend Project, and this one is no different.  Keeping with trends we have a fun card up next.  I don't know if you have noticed but Coral/Magenta and Navy accompanied with any sea image is everywhere!  When I was in Target I first noticed it.  then I noticed it all over bags, apparel its popping up everywhere.  Walk into Target and look around!   $3 Make N Take 

If you would like the project sheet, please ask for TC1 in your message

I am so excited to share the projects we are working on in this Open House.  Make sure you keep an eye on my website for upcoming Open Houses.  Remember you can choose to do one project or three.  If you want to do several of the same project just RSVP to ensure I have enough kits for you.  When you RSVP let me know which projects you would like to complete!  

If you can't make it or do you live out of town, but would like the an Open House kit (one of each project) just let me know and we will make arrangements to get them to you.  ALL kits come with a PDF step by step assembly sheet, complete with photo of the project. 

Love the projects and just want to buy them completed or multiple kits?  Contact me at gzuswins@gmail.com  

I look forward to hearing your opinions and comments!

Blessings
Erika 

Color Color Color

I think the part I love most about making things is color.  A quilt, a card,  a scrapbook page anything even when I write. I love to have pretty colors surrounding me.  When I went to work for my husband, I implemented the use of colored file folders why?  not only does it make it easy to distinguish one type of file from another, but it also is just nice to not have ugly boring manila everywhere.
You are wondering, what does that have to do with anything e?  Here is the thing, I was working on a card last night  and I only had a little time so I was trying to hurry and just make something pretty for the day. I tried three times and felt.. BLAH. I stamped an image even colored it but still nothing. I decided the reason was I had not picked my color scheme!  I am a fan of color scheme!  just check out my Pintrest  "Seed" Board to see that. I call it "seeds" because I believe that is what really starts a project.  I think we need to know what we are going to make and have colors in mind.

I broke my BLAHs by stopping and reaching in my scrap cardstock and pulling out some colors.  I piddled around until I found this combo.

I did not end up using yellow cardstock but I loved the pop of yellow so I used yellow as the ribbon.  

Then the card just fell into place... I love when that happens.

The finished product. I used Red Rubber stamps and clear polymer stamps.  The dots are put on with VersaMark ink to get just the right shade of Grey.. (haha)

HERE is a boo-boo tip for you.

My original layout did not work with the size of grey scrap I had, so I simply cut it and made it appear to be an entire block.  It saved me from cutting into a brand new sheet and looked fine.

You would never know looking at the finished card that the light grey was not a full strip.  Even a miscut can be salvaged. 

That was my fun last night. I have an actual project working tonight hope to get it done tonight or tomorrow!  Please share if you like what you see.. Pin it, Facebook, Twitter, Google+  I appreciate your support.  

Please get out there and Make Pretty Things! 

Blessings 

e

Good Things Ahead...

It's rent week, which means I am busy as a bee.   I was working until about 7:00 pm.  I realized it was that late ran to the kitchen threw together some dinner then slipped away into my craft space.

I had some sort of bad news last week and it really put me in a sad spot.  I was thinking how I need to send out more cards.  I like to encourage people and I think it is important to not just send an email or text but to actually send something in the mail to someone that could just use a little something pretty in their day.  So I turned my blues around and made a few cards last night.

This is a red rubber stamp image.  Copic Markers the background is a polymer stamp with VersaMark Ink.
The hello on the tea bag tag, polymer stamp with stamping off technique on the blue circle. 

Stamps are all polymer.  Copic Markers.

Now for the Good News I am considering going into business for myself.  So please keep that in your thoughts and prayers.  The business end of things my hubby is looking into and it is in the infancy state...but it may actually happen.  Lots of great things on the horizon-- When God closes one door, He throws wide another.  The door that closed last week may be the beginning of a new journey for me!

Get out there and Make Pretty Things!

Blessings
e

Loving Lettering

I have always loved to "make" fonts. As a kid, when I was in class I was forever doodling and changing my "signature".  I was excellent at forging my parents signatures-- Uh wait, no that wasn't me, they really signed that permission slip that I forgot to give them for the last two weeks.

 It was not until I grew up that I learned that writing in different styles was a thing AKA "lettering" . As you know I love to zenthangle/doodle. Well I was on Pinterest (which I have now made a lettering board) the other day and I noticed a few beautiful quotes and I said, hey I can do that. So I tried.  I made this, and realized how helpful a rule might be.

Never really thought about how much I like letters! 

 So I got a ruler.. and it helped a lot!  :)

RULERS are good!  Nice to see some straight lines!  

While cruzin' the net I ran across Fun Stamper's Journey post about giving away stamps at the Scrapbook EXPO so then made another one inspired by the Fun Stamper's Journey post about blooms.  I really enjoy the lettering with color.  I then had a moment of AH-HA...This inspires me. I love to make pretty things, so be prepared, I have yet ANOTHER thing I really like doing.  Lettering.  If you have any ideas or great resources please share them in the comments!  Oh hey, Go Make Something!

Inspired by Fun Stamper's Journey Blooms

Simple Sunday

This weekend I wanted to practice what I preach.  I have been working hard on some fun sketches for some stuff.. anyway more on that later.  ANYWAY, I have these pencils that have been in a plastic pouch that needed a quick pretty home.  I ran into Michael's grabbed a little glass vase brought it home and covered it in my favorite thing--Washi Tape!

Simply Sunday said do not go home and mask and paint that like my brain in Mike's was telling me to do. I had an elaborate project all planned.  I gave into simple and I am glad that I did!  I really like that a little tape can go such a long way.  I also like that if I grow tired of this I can change it by adding more or starting over. It is a great new home for some of my pencils.  These are my sketching pencils, not my art pencils so this is perfect home easy to grab and off I go-- Anyway hope you like Simply Sunday

NOW, Go out there and MAKE SOMETHING PRETTY!

Blessings
e

Washi Tape Woes

Who doesn't love it?  Washi Tape.  That fun roll of bright happiness?  That little somthin' somthin' that completes a project. That little umpf to a boring sheet of white paper, or to code and happify your calender.  Oh I love washi tape.. but the tape woe is storage. They are round like ribbon so I've tried hanging them.  I liked it until I had to get it off the ribbon bar every time. Can you see it right there in the window?  That was fun because it was ROYGBV  but is was a pain to get them off to play.  If I knew just which I was going to use I would just pull some off, but I couldn't really grab them off and play.... so I went to the next (well truthfully I had previously used this method) Sorry I don't have a better photo... but you get the idea

METHOD: Ribbon Rack (Michael's Ribbon Rack)

OHH I was looking through some photos this morning and found a better photo of this rack system for you.  Here it is

METHOD: Ribbon holder - This photo was the first rack I bought, then I got a few more 

Then when I moved my room downstairs into the office, I returned to the THREAD ORGANIZER method.  I used this for a while but lets be real.  This photo was taken long before I realized how awesome washi tape truly is and the doubling up on a peg was not working so well... so then I went to the tried and true....

METHOD: Thread Organizer - Purchased this one at 35th Ave Sew & Vac

Throw it all in a basket and have fun digging method.  This lasted about 2 weeks.  I almost went stark raving mad.  I just need to be able to organize.  Today ended this madness.  Proof that God does answer prayers... in Target even!

METHOD: Throw it in a basket and watch Erika go slowly insane... 

So our newest attempt at Washi Tape Organization.. I am very happy with it. SO lets hope it sticks... it seems to have all the elements I liked about previous methods wrapped into one. Here is how it happened,  I was walking to the front of the store and happened to be in the organization section. *weird right*  I looked over and there it sat, almost mocking me. A FLATWARE TRAY!   The perfect "tray" for washi tape.  To be sure I grabbed it up and ran to the scrapbook section *which sadly is getting very small* and grabbed a roll and plopped it in.. and I actually gave out a little WHOOP!  

Here it is.. the Lets see if it sticks method!

This was my test run when I got home to see if all the different sizes would fit and they do... so I grabbed the cover and ran back to a different Target (cause they only had one at the Target I was at)  and bought out the rest from that store...

METHOD: Keep Erika Sane with a FLATWARE TRAY

I love how they think it is for cutlery and utensils when clearly it was made for Washi Tape... so cute!

So go out there and confuse the check-out person at Target when you have a large amount of these in your arms. When she asks you what are you usin' these for.. smile and say." I have a lot of knives that need a home."  

Q&A 

Q "Do they stack?"

A Yes.  Some of my tapes are new and have more tape so they are thicker, they can make it wobbly but I just have a tray for my "fatty tapes"

Q:  How many do they hold

A: Depends greatly on the size of your tapes, but as you can see I got a LOT of in one tray

Q How much did they cost?

A: Here in sunny did I mention sunny and 77*  Arizona they were $12.99

Have another question? Post them in the comments and I will try to put your answers up asap! 

Blessings and HEY go make something...