LET'S have a KIT-together

Yes it is true!  Stampin'Up! has some of the best holiday kits I have ever seen! The Holiday Catalog is so HOT it could be Phoenix right now!  It is loaded with some adorable stamp sets and SOOO many awesome kits and bundles!

OH this is also a fun sneak peek of the catalog!  

 So I propose a "kit-together".  We can gather your friends and have a kit party!  OR you can join my on September the 19th
Our first Kit-Together is

TAG YOUR IT!  

You will put together 30 gift tags that are beautiful! YOU must RSVP as space it limited!
Kit-Together without purchase of stamps is $50.00 (you will use mine at the event)
Kit-Together with the stamps $65.00 (yours forever and ever to always make awesome hand stamped tags)

October 17th we are going to a Halloween Kit-Together.. more on that but check out this cute project!  If you are interested in this Kit Together please contact me for the pricing.

More information on these KIT togethers will be coming for these lovely projects RSVPs are a MUST  So please contact me ASAP  

Three holiday wreath Kit Together This lovely kit has one wreath for THREE holidays.  

Christmas (shown)

Thanksgiving

Halloween

Holiday Card and Packaging Kit-Togethers.

IF you RSVP for three Kit-Together and attend you will get a $15 Stampin'Up! credit on one of your orders!  

You can contact me through my website or 

email : gzuswins@gmail.com

OUT OF STATE?  NO problem, we can set up a virtual  Kit-Together for you or you and your friends!  

Weekly Specials!

Hello friends,

Well today is an exciting day. I get to bring you the weekly specials from Stampin’ Up! but as a demonstrator I get an opportunity to order from the Holiday Catalog early.  I have made my list, checked it twice…. I’ve been a little naughty but when the package arrives it will be NICE!  I can’t wait to have some fun projects for you all! 

This week we have some wonderful deals.  You can see all of them and ORDER directly from my website.  So all you need to do, is click HERE

Let me tell you I love that you can get some of the IN COLOR items on the Weekly special already!   Don’t forget to check out the Clearance rack too! 

OH and stay tuned, I have a fun technique for you later this week! 

Blessings Friends,

Erika

Chameleon Alcohol Color Tone Markers

Photo from the Chameleon Website 

I am excited to say I have added the Chameleon Markers to the family.  I want to give you a quick review of the markers and then allow you to ask questions or give your input.

Inside the package:

The set of 20 included 19 Color Tone Markers, a colorless blender, and a lining pen.  Yes, for all this I paid $80.00 I got them cheaper than the MSRP

When they arrived, they came in a lovely storage case.  I loved this.  It meant I did not have to spend upwards of $70 to buy something to hold my markers.

I did a little math  19 markers at  $7.99 (no tax) equals $151.81  and 2 detail liner pens at $4.99 (no tax)  equals $9.98 that is a total of $161.79 for that many markers  JUST counting each marker as ONE.  This gives you an idea on how they compare with the top-line markers.

Yes, you may find Copics at a better price somewhere else but I am just saying for the sake of retail cost.  The set of 20 markers at full MSRP from the Chameleon website is $99.00 

Then after looking closer, I realized tucked away in the set was a lovely gesture buy the company that makes these markers.  They had send a package of 10 replacement nibs. 

What I Love:

When I read the insert, I noticed something different. This company feels as I do!   ALCOHOL BASED markers are TOO expensive!  It is hard to take the plunge into the cost. 

I love the cost!  These markers are a great way for people to start with alcohol based markers, and have a rainbow of choices.  The replacement cost for items is MORE than reasonable as well.

I love the rich colors.  Even if you only used the base color and never mixed the toner once, the base colors are a beautiful compliment and compatible with any alcohol marker you already own.  So, if you peek up again at the cost, these markers are about $4.95 each.  That is a good price.  If you factor in the number of tones you can get… that would make them pennies not dollars. 

I love the blending.  It is flawless.  I love that I can put these in any of my student’s hands and they will have success.  I love this because it builds confidence. 

I love that the company seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to make the client happy and SUCCESSFUL with their product

I love that the nibs both a brush and bullet.  BOTH are very high quality

WHAT I don’t love:

I think NOT LOVE is a bit harsh, but the if there is anything about these markers that causes me to not be madly in LOVE with them it would be getting accustom to is the wait time.  The mixing chamber needs time to absorb the toner.  This is more of an inconvenience but I think for anyone with blending struggles the tradeoff is worth it!

I think that as this company grows and we see more people using them there will be more information on how to use the pens.  For now, the instructions available for techniques are limited. 

That is really it.  I really love these pens and I think if you are looking for a way to break into alcohol markers and want to have professional results and can learn to control your “timing” you will love them as well.

In summary, worth the money I spent.  I think the professional artist will see the value in these pens as well as the beginning artist.  They are a very reasonable price point without sacrificing the very high quality that professionals seek. 

Stay tuned for some fun techniques this week that will allow you to take your new Chameleon Markers for a spin! 

Blessings

Erika

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

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

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 

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