So Beyond Basic

Erika L Hayes3 Comments

Have you ever taken a class, learned a technique and got a little giddy?

That’s what happened to me. In my AECP Level 2 class “Beyond Basic Background there is a technique taught for creating PERFECT masks for resist watercolor painting. I had so much fun creating this card that I have already passed on the idea to several other people. Let me show you some of what I learned in this class.

In the class the instructor (tutor as she calls herself), went through some very easy steps to create a mask for your painting that will prevent bleeding from your watercolor and allow you to make a perfect mask. I used a coverplate die from Altenew called layered snowflake Plate A. I didn’t want snowflakes but loved the single die appearance. In the class the instructor die cut her plate die but had a few places that the die did not cut completely through and that is why I am adding the tip of using a metal plate for intricate dies. I am putting an image of my plate sammie for you below.

I also wanted a little sparkle (not too much because I didn’t want it to look like a Christmas Card) So I added a little bit of Mica powder (or micropearl) I have to tell you the water was so pretty I used it in the background of the above graphic. I can’t really give you the amounts because it would depend on how much of that pearl look you want. You can also add ultra fine glitter to your watercolor paints. Now it is best to use “tube” paint to add mixative to as that are more “accepting” to the additons. I also recently aquired the Artistry watercolor paints from Altenew and have been VERY happy with the texture and quality of these next level paints – I tend to be drawn to tube paints because of the abilty to mix different mediums in but pan paints work beautiful as well.

You may be asking, what do you mean, use your phone to help make your marker blends work better? Well photographing your work as you are coloring and changing the colors to black and white help you to see where your tint, tones and shadows are falling. This in turn helps you to know where to remove color or to add depth. It is a fool-proof way to make the blend of your markers flawless.

WAIT, Erika, you jsut said to blend flawlessly but now hard lines? I thought there was no such thing as hard lines in nature. That is crazy! If you look on the petals of the rose you will see I make the shadow heavier so it gave the appearance of an actual shadow of the petal. I did that by putting down a darker color mimicing the shapes of any of the images “above” the layer I was working on. See the leaf I circled, see how I made circular shadows to make sure the berries were represented? Yes, it’s that easy to bring a realistic feel to your image.

I am thinking of having a coloring class.. would you be interested in that? Let me know in the comments below.

Also if you are popping in here before April 13th 2024 and are interested in a free workshop you can email me and I will let you into the class group for the live presentation — After the 13th I will give you acess to the recorded live.

Have a fantasitc day. Stay tuned for more fun tips, tricks and classes!

Be Blessed!

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!

Why Pick just one?

Erika L Hayes1 Comment

When you can pick 3-5.

Well, we are back for another AECP class assignment. Imagine my joy when my favorite subject is one of the classes I have for my certification! Well, this class was all about color. I have completed many courses on color theory and one of my favorite ways to use color is in analogous color schemes. I do want to point out that while traditionally analogous colors are usually 3-5 colors you can have as many as you like. I also created the PDFs for this post, and they will be posted in the shoppe soon. I will add a link here once they are completed. Let’s get to the fun.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my card. Please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and subscribe to the blog if you don’t want to miss anything fun. leave me comment if you like I read every single one!

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!

Mono-ME-Loveo!

Erika L Hayes2 Comments

Okay I think we have established I am a bit of a punster. I like to play on words and I love monochromatic color schemes. Hence, the silly title to this blog post. When I saw my level II of AECP had a class with monochromatic techniques I jumped on it. When I was an educator for scrapbooking, I would often tell people if you have a photo or group of photos that you are struggling with, try it on a monochromatic color scheme. It works everytime! Same is true with card making. Have a product you want to use but can’t seem to find that mojo… well pop something on a mono scheme and you will be a happy camper.

Let’s take a look at what I made for this challenge.

I put together a little fun for you on the making of this card with some fun tips and tricks. If you would like the PDF you can pop over to the shop and pick it up. Here is the link. It is $1 mostly to just off set cost of producing the PDFs.

LEVEL UP!

Erika L Hayes3 Comments

Hey, can you believe it! I finished my Level I requirements on my road to a certified instructor for Altenew! Well, BELIEVE IT! I am leveling UP! Part of that process is to complete a pretty cool challenge. SO buckle up buttercup because I got A LOT to share!

My task, to create two cohesive gift card sets (Gift packaging too!) utilizing at least three concepts from our classes. One set is to be Feminine, the other Masculine. I have broken my cards up into individual sheets (PDFs available for you too!) and hope you will enjoy and share them. If you are interested in the PDF version, just send me a message.

Now here is my masculine take on the technique.

Up next is a concept that is near and dear to my heart. I love pen and ink drawings. In fact, I think it was the first style of art I was drawn to (yes, I am still feeling punny). Adding visual interest with pen detail. As we have seen a rise in stencils, this concept should be utilized

The third concept I chose was using layering stamps. There are so many great layering stamps and I found a fun way to help make sure your images line up. While this was not taught in my layering classes, I found it my classes were the springboard for developing this way of aligning stamps. Truth be told, when I started these classes the Stamp Wheel was possibly on the sketching table at Altenew, and while I have stepped a wee bit out of bounds with sharing the technique for using the Stamp Wheel, the concepts are still in range of my classes. If not for the alignment guides and how we were taught to use them in our classes, I never would have thought to use this method.

While I can’t be sure some other cardist hasn’t taught this method somewhere it was original in that I developed my style for using the Stamp Wheel and clear acetate (or stamp packaging) to better align my stamps ENJOY.d

Well, we have made it to the final card. These cards have a nice mix of focus concepts as well as many other ideas. Throughout these cards, I used many of my own ideas that have been inspired by my classes. I also have some advice for anyone that is going to attempt the AECP. It is a valuable and amazing experience. I can’t recommend it enough not just for people looking to improve their teaching but for every paper-crafter. Even if you don’t plan on teaching in a professional manner the classes and experience of the program will elevate your art and your teaching.

I think it would be good to share a few things I learned during the process. For anyone that may embark on this amazing, fun process:

Plan! I spent two days planning and conceptualizing the cards, the ideas, the techniques and the packaging. I sketched out a lot of ideas. At a retreat, I stayed up to almost 2am working out my plan to execute. I think planning is vital to ensure your work is cohesive and stands out. I have lots of ideas that made it onto the class sheet, some that didn’t and some that just plain failed. Don’t be discouraged if your first ideas don’t work. It’s okay, keep going. Here is a little peek at my planning sheets. Don’t forget to keep in mind how you will be photographing your final project pieces. Be sure to think about how to get maximum visual interest.

Next, give yourself enough time. While I spent several days creating the cards and packaging the blog post you see here today took at least 15 hours to complete. (Mind you I created PNGs for each card, but I don’t think that is a requirement, you will want to be sure you think about how you will present your cards.)

Take good notes while you create. I planned lots of ideas, but while creating, you need to keep notes on your tips and tricks, your color choices, the products and assembly of your cards. Take lots of photos or make a video. I realized by the time I finished I wish I had videos, if not to make a class for an online forum but to refer back to for my blog post.

Seek advice. Ask questions, if you are wondering, seek help from other like-minded people and find a friend that will tell you the truth. That will say, “No, that doesn’t work.” Need that friend but don’t have one, just message me. I am willing to support you through. YOU are amazing and I want all my crafty friends (both known and unknown to me yet) to succeed.

Here we are at the end of the journey. And as I promised here is the announcement.

Some of you know I am no a stranger to teaching classes. I’ve gone coast to coast teaching all over this great country. I have a deep love for teaching Papercrafting, Color Pencil, Copic and Color Theory. What I have never done and decided to try is doing a live Facebook class. YES, live and in person. What will I be teaching? Well, what I like to think is a fresh way to make your gift of cards stand out. I call it “The Never Ending Card Album”. (Yes, I am a child of the 80’s). I am planning for April 12,2024 to take this class live. I hope you can join me. I am asking for a small fee for this class but you will receive pdf instructions so you too can make as many Never Ending Card Albums as you would like. Supplies are pretty simple and you probably have everything you need already in your stash. All the information will be shared on the Facebook page. How do you sign up? Well, that’s as easy as can be. You can pay right through my shop. Never-Ending Card Album Sign Up HERE .

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!

Ink Technique – Squared!

Erika L Hayes1 Comment

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!