Distinctive Touches

My Favorite Product !

Today is my first official post over on the CardMaker blog!  I'm so excited to be a part of their blogging team and really am having fun with the topics they gave me to write about. 

Today's post is all about My Favorite Product.  I'll give you a hint... I used it on this card:

Head on over to the CardMaker Blog to find out just what My Favorite Product is...

Thanks for stopping by!

______________________________________________________________

Supplies used: 

X-Press It Blending Card
African Daisy, Bumble Bee and Midge cardstock from Bazzill Basics Paper
Cute Fish cling stamp set from Inkadinkado
Quite a Catch stamp set from Gina K. Designs.
Memento ink pad from Tsukineko LLC
Copic markers (YG000/YG03/YG05/YG09/Y000/Y02/Y04/Y18/E93/R24/B41)
Multiliner
Foam Tape
Circle Punch

 

Give me a ring... Alaine - Paper Testing Winner!

Hi all!  Thank you SO much for taking the time to visit my blog (I don't say that enough) and to leave me comments.  It really is a labor of love for me and I hope to continue to offer both inspiring artwork and educational posts. 

I told you that I'd be posting the winner from my "Copic Paper Compatibility Testing" that I did last week... and well, it's LATE Monday... but it's still Monday - so I'm good right?  LOL

The winner is... (drumroll please...)
35

Alaine said...

Yay - - I am so glad to see an expert try the Hammermill and like it. I LOVE it (and no, I do not work for the company HEE HEE). It is absolutely one of my faves, and for the price it is AWESOME. Thank you for the other options too... I especially like to see the options for different (not such bright white) colors.

So ALAINE... email me your snail mail addy and I'll get a sample pack of my very favorites sent off to you! 

_________________________________________________________

And for those who didn't win... a little eye candy for the day!  Here's a sneak into my latest addiction... wire wrapping and beading!  This is one of the first projects I made... a ring :) 

While it's pretty kronky and a bit scuffed up from my tools, I think it's not bad for a beginning attempt.  I certainly won't be making Tiffany's-style stuff anytime soon, but that's okay... it's still a fun diversion.

Have a wonderful day!  (Stop back on Wednesday for a fun product review!)

Card Positioning System - Another Chance to Win!

Hi all!  It's been HOT here in Atlanta for the last few days and I'm loving it...although I've been too busy to get outside and enjoy it much!  LOL

Today I want to share a quick peek at a card that I did for the Card Positioning System (CPS) sketch this week.  It's a GREAT sketch by Tami Mayberry (as always) and I had a BLAST creating this card. 

OMG...  I giggled every time I shaded one of those amazing muscles!

 

Image:         Strong Man (Mo Manning)
Sentiment:  Essential Messages (Hero Arts)
Paper:         Kachina, Turquoise Mist, Raven (Bazzill Basics)
                   X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International Inc)
Copics:        Skin (E50/E21/E34/BV00)
                   Clothes (BG10/BG01/BV45/BG49)
                   Hair (Y04/Y35/YR24)
Other:         White Ribbon (colored Y35), White Buttons, Multiliner

 

The sponsors of CPS this week are DRG Publishing (Publishers of CardMaker Magazine and The Copic Coloring Guide) and Copic!!!  You know what that means...  colorful prizes!!! 

Head on over to the CPS blog and check out the sketch... and the prizes... and then get your mojo on! 

Good Luck!

 

Copic Coloring Guide - Winner!!!

Wow... thanks for all of the wonderful comments and the great support for our new book!  I can't wait to hear your reviews! 

I know you are all waiting to see who won the signed copy of The Copic Coloring Guide from my blog.  So without further ado, the winner is.....

Tanya Phillips!!!

Tanya commented,

"I don't own any Copics yet, but I do love the pinks. Seeing the book really makes me excited about them. Your card is colored beautifully!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!"

Well Tanya, there are lots of wonderful Copic pink combos!  Enjoy the book and your journey into the world of color. 

Please contact me at colleen.schaan@gmail.com with your mailing addy so I can get the book out to you right away!

 

For those of you who didn't win, don't worry, you can purchase the book HERE at Annie's Attic or at many local stamp and scrapbooking stores. 

For those of you who REALLY want a signed copy...  Marianne and I will be doing a book signing at the Super Show portion of CHA on Friday, July 22 from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm.  Bring your book or buy a copy there!

 

During the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some of the cards that didn't make it into the book.  It was SO difficult narrowing down the projects.  Here is one of my favorite cards that didn't make the cut. 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

The Copic Coloring Guide Designer Hop - Win a Signed Copy!

Welcome to the Copic Coloring Guide Blog Hop! 

We've got information about the new book, beautiful coloring, stunning card projects, and BLOG CANDY! 

 
The Copic Coloring Guide is the new book that I wrote with Marianne Walker.  It's the perfect resource for beginner and intermediate coloring artists alike.  The book contains information about the different styles of Copic markers, clearly explains the coloring/numbering system, details how to pick good blending groups, teaches a number of blending techniques through illustrated tutorials, and de-mystifies the colorless blender marker.  And that's just in the first 18 pages!  

The book also contains over 40 beautiful coloring card projects separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced skill level.  Each card project includes step-by-step coloring AND assembly instructions...  along with supply lists and manufacturer information to make recreating the projects simple and easy.
 
There are so many great projects in this book!  The designers who contributed are AMAZING and they were so much fun to work with.  I'd like to thank them ALL for sharing their talents with me and with our audience.  It was REALLY hard to pick my favorite project... it actually changes every time I page through the book, but today, here is MY favorite project...

 
I just LOVE all of the layers in this one... and the card itself is ALL about coloring!  LOL  The background is a digital image called Jungle and the little head-hunter guy is a rubber stamp called Chief Hambooli.  Both of the images and the sentiment are from Hambo Stamps.  It was so much fun to color this scene...and the instructions are included in the book!

 
The book is published by Annie's Attic, a division of DRG, also the publishers of the popular CardMaker magazine.  Click HERE for more information or to purchase the book (also available in PDF electronic download).  You can also find the book at many of your favorite local stamp and scrapbook stores.
 
How would you like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy? 

Each of the contributing designers is hopping today and each one is giving away a copy of the book...  signed by both authors AND the designer.  To be eligible to win, please leave a comment on THIS post telling me what your FAVORITE Copic Color is/would be. (Each designer will be posting their own question, so make sure to read each post carefully and comment on each designer's blog for more chances to win!) 

Commenting for the Drawing is now Closed.  Thank You!

I will post my winner on Monday, July 11.  (So make sure to come back and check!)
 
Make sure to visit each of the designers blogs to see their favorite project from the book and for a chance to win your own autographed copy!
 
Jennie Black
Michele Boyer
Lori Craig
Sharon Harnist
Beate Johns
Debbie Olson
Colleen Schaan
Sherrie Siemens
Marianne Walker

 

And the Lucky Winner Is....

Thank you all for sharing your excitement about the new Shadows and Shading Book!

And congratulations to the winner from my blog... 

 

 

Donna, please contact me at colleen.schaan@gmail.com to claim your very own copy of Shadows and Shading!

 

Shading VS. Shadows - A Copic Blog Hop (with Candy!)

*This contest is over and commenting is now closed.

Today the Copic Regional Instructors in the US and Australia are doing a Blog Hop
and offering up  a GREAT prize!!!

We are excited to announce that Marianne Walker's new book called Shadows and Shading is now available for purchase.

This book is designed for beginner artists or paper crafters who want to make their coloring look more realistic, taking it up to the next level by adding shading and shadows.  The book does not teach how to draw, rather it teaches how add shadows and shading.

This wire-bound book comes with 4 clear printed guides to help you add shadows properly on your own work.

Here the linear light guide placed over an image to be colored. 

I was so excited to get a copy of the book and read it!  I love that it discusses the differences between shading and shadows and gives detailed information on how to add both to your work.  While I've got shading down pat, I have a tendency to struggle a bit with shadows.  In the past few months, I've stepped up my coloring game by adding harder shadows (no more land of diffused light for me)... and even adding some simple cast shadows. 

My light source is coming from the upper left... just in front of his shoulder. 
Check out that shadow cast by the clipboard!!! 
 (Ignore the actual shadow above his head... I cut him out and he curled up just a bit.)

 

I've still got a ways to go on the cast shadows thing, but with this book, I know I've got the resources to maser them!  In this sample... I wanted my doctor standing in a hallway with the light casting a shadow of him on the wall.  

While I've got the general shape right (I even followed it from the floor to the wall!)
I wasn't quite able to get the whole color/look right.  I probably shouldn't have used dots.
(If you squint, it doesn't look so bad LOL.)

_____________________________________________________

Image: My Favorite Things (World's Best Doctor)
Copic Colors Used: BG70/YG61/YG63/YG67/E00/E21/E34/BV00/C3/C5/C7/E11/E15/E57 ABS E21

_____________________________________________________

You see... it's all about practicing new skills, trying new things and not being afraid to make mistakes.  Give me a few months... I'll have shadows everywhere! 

If you'd like to learn along with me, leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of Marianne's new book.  And then go visit the other instructor's blogs for even more chances.  You have until Sunday night at midnight (EST) to comment on my blog.  I will be picking a winner on Monday!

Here's the list of blogs you can comment on for your chance to win.....

Copicmarker

Marianne Walker

Lori Craig

Sharon Harnist

Jenn Balcer

Jennie Black

Colleen Schaan

Bianca Mandity

Debbie Olson

Sherrie Siemens

For our friends down unda:

CopicOz (Australia)

Kathy Jones (Australia)

Mandi-Lee Klinger (Australia)

Virtual Party! Happy Birthday Gina K.

Welcome to the Virtual Birthday Party for Gina K!  Each participating blog features some part of the birthday experience.  Hop around to see the amazingly creative projects the team created to honor Gina on her special day!
 
 
When: TODAY!
Where: On the design team's blogs.  The party starts at Cammie's Blog and you just follow the links at the bottom of each post to continue to the next stop on the party tour!
Why: To wish Gina K a Happy Birthday. 

After you are finished hopping along, don't forget to head on over to  Gina's Blog and wish her a Happy Birthday.  TWO lucky commenters will receive a party favor---a FREE stamp set!
 
I'm in charge of the decorations for the party... and there's nothing like a colorful bunch of balloons to kick off the fun.  Here's my birthday wish:
 
Stamps: Floral Wreath
Paper: Pure Luxury White and Wine With Everything
Colored with Copic Markers (R81/R83/R85/R89/G40/YG63/YG67
Self Adhesive Pearls

 
Party On by stopping at the next blog on the tour......DEB!....

Wild Guesses!

Oh you folks make me giggle!

I never expected to be "expecting" after making my blog post on Tuesday... but apparently half of you think I am.  Sorry to say... that's NOT my good news.

The other half of you folks guessed right. (I'm sure you found the link helpful right?) 

I've been asked to write for CardMaker Magazine!!! 

Each issue will feature some sort of coloring tip... from ways to use your copics, to lighting issues to different mediums.  The first issue (March) is available for digital subscription right now... and the print copy hits news stands on January 18th and includes an article on how to use Copic markers to color skin tones.  The image here is a snippet from the card projects that is included - and that super adorable image is from Mo Manning. 

This is the very first time I've been published in a print magazine (I've done lots of on-line work)... so I'm giddy beyond belief and I'm thrilled to finally share the news with my peeps. 

So... if you ever have coloring questions or suggestions for the article... just let me know. 

Now for the drawing...  I put everyone's name who guessed right into a bag and drew out the winner.  Congratulations to...

Leigh McKee said,

Well, and this is very selfish on my part, but I hope that you have a regulare piece on Copic Coloring in the CardMaker magazine!

Thanks for the chance to win! 

Leigh, please contact me with your snail mail addy and I'll get your prize in the mail.

Thanks everyone for commenting and sharing in my good news.  I'm headed to Greenville, NC tomorrow for a Copic Demo at Uptown Art Supply.  If you are in the area, stop in and say hi!

Colorful Hugs

Can You Guess? For a prize!

Wow... you folks are EXCITED about the new Copic stuff coming out...  I don't blame you... I am too!  I can't WAIT to get my hands on the new colors!  And of course, that lighting book by Marianne is going to be HOT!  I've gotten some emails asking when and where these things will be available.  The new Ciao colors are available now at your local stores that carry Copic... and the rest of the new stuff will be available in March.  Just a few more months!

Okay... Those of you who have been following my blog or on facebook have heard snippets of conversations and know that I've been busy working on a few big projects - and I can finally share one of them with you...

Check out THIS page.  Do you see it??? 

Maybe this will help...

Guess what I've been up to??? 

I've got some stamps and a few Copic Original markers ready to be mailed off to someone...and it could be YOU.  Leave a comment on this post guessing what my news is.  If you are right, I'll put you in a drawing for the prize.  You have until midnight on Wednesday (12th) to comment.  I'll draw and post the winner on Thursday morning!

Good Luck!

The BEST New Stuff From Copic!

Today we have one more new product to share, and I think you'll all agree, this one is very exciting! 

12 New Sketch Colors
Have you needed more pinks? Been wishing for a purple that isn't pinkish? Wanted a brown that could be green or brown depending on what you match it with? The new 12 colors have been carefully picked and have been through months of color testing. Now Copic is pleased to announce 12 new colors of Sketch markers. Just when you thought 334 were not enough, now Copic is up to 346 fabulous colors. These begin shipping March 1st.

V20 Wisteria
V25 Pale Blackberry
RV55 Hollyhock
RV63 Begonia
RV66 Raspberry
YR30 Macadamia nut
YG61 Pale Moss
BG53 Ice Mint
BG70 Ocean Mist
E23 Hazelnut
E81 Ivory
E87 Fig

*Due to differences in displays, there may be a variation in color shown on your computer screen.

 

I would like to thank EVERYONE for taking the time to visit and comment... it's fun to see the excitement over the new products!  And now for the winners from my blog...

* Comment #35 -

Terre Munk said...

Just starting my collection, so a swatch book would come in handy. Thanks for the opportunity

* Comment #122 -

Carol Salter said...

This was my first blog hop. I've been resisting it...but now that I have Copics, I'm a push over to win anything Copic. ;-)

* Comment #218 -

Sue Coubrough said...

WOW! I would love to get my Copic colours more organized! Can't wait to get some of the new colours.

Congratulations!  Please send me your mailing address and I'll get your swatch books out to you!

Thanks for stopping in...  I'd love it if you came back tomorrow for my very own special announcements...  and possibly even more sweet treats! (wink)

And Yes... More New Stuff From Copic!

Copic has lots of new products coming out this year at CHA. To win a free 2011 Copic Color Swatchbook, leave a comment on Friday's post. Tomorrow we will draw the winners, so be sure that you've left a comment on each Copic Designer's blog.

2011 Copic Catalog
Unlike past years, the new Copic catalog is a showcase of artists and inspiration, as well as a place where you can find all your favorite Copic supplies. See gorgeous creations from a variety of artists, from papercrafting to pop-culture. The new catalog will be available in the booth at CHA, and will also be available for download soon from the Copic Website. You can find this in your local stores at the beginning of February.

 

Thanks for stopping in!  Come back tomorrow for the most COLORFUL news of all... and to see who wins the new color swatch books!!!

Even More New Stuff From Copic

Here's the second sneak peek of new products you can find in the Copic Booth at Winter CHA. Don't forget to leave a comment on yesterday's post to be entered for a special prize drawing.

Shadows & Shading: A Beginner's Guide to Lighting Placement, by Marianne Walker
Many of you who read the Copic blogs have been wanting more information about how to correctly place your shadows when coloring. Marianne's blog has lots of suggestions, but you have to dig through posts and print things out. Now, Marianne has taken the fundamentals of coloring with shadows and put them in this simple to use reference book. This book is for beginners and applies to anyone who colors, from papercrafters to artists. You do not need to know how to draw to add shadows like a professional artist! This guide easily steps you through how to correctly add shadows and make your coloring look more dimensional. The wire-bound book comes with 4 clear printed guides to help you add shadows properly on your own work, without all the frustration and guess-work. This book will be available in March, though you can get a sneak peek at CHA. If you want to attend a hands-on workshop that teaches these same concepts as they relate only to papercrafting, then register for the Intermediate Certification nearest you!

Click HERE for a list of current Standard and Intermediate Certification classes.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for another newsworthy sneak!

Who Doesn't Like Copic Candy???

Edited to Add...This contest is now closed.

The Winter Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) trade show is coming up and so we want to give you a sneak peek at what new things you can find in the Copic booth this year.  Each day we will reveal something new and exciting!  Check back for more new products from Copic all weekend long!

The first new product... isn't really new... it's more like an addition!

New Ciao 36 Colors
Copic Ciao marker, the perfect beginner marker, now has 180 colors available, up from 144. The new colors are taken from some of the most popular Sketch colors and are very helpful for filling in gaps in your Ciao collection. Available individually or in the new Ciao 36 E set. These markers are now in-stock and shipping, so look for them from your favorite Copic retailer.

 


Colors include: E25, E40, E41, E59, C0, C2, W0, W2, BG13, BG72, B18, B28, B99, E000, E15, E18, YR000, YR15, Y000, Y35, YG09, YG17, G29, G82, BG000, BV000, BV25, V01, V05, RV14, RV69, R000, R14, R81.

S0... what better way to get excited about new products, than with a giveaway? Leave a comment on THIS POST (by midnight 1/9/2011) then Monday, January 10th, winners will be randomly selected. Winners will be mailed a NEW 2011 Copic Color Swatchbook to keep track of their Copic collections.   Three winners will be chosen from EACH of our designer's blogs, so after you check this blog, go visit the blogs of all the other designers. All comments are welcome, though the contest is only open to the US & Canada.

You'll see a new name on the list of designers, Bianca Mandity, an altered artist and instructor from Indiana. Bianca is joining the Copic Instructor team to help with training Fine Art stores and Art Schools, so give her a big welcome, and look for more Altered Art and Fine-art events popping up on the Copic Calendar.

Sherrie Siemens
Marianne Walker
Jennie Black
Debbie Olson
Lori Craig
Bianca Mandity
Sharon Harnist
Jenn Balcer
Colleen Schaan

Speaking of events... are YOU going to be attending CHA or do YOU live in the LA area?  Are YOU interested in being Copic certified?  If so, we would like to invite you to apply for our Intermediate Certification Class being held January 27th or our Standard Certification Class held January 28th.   You can find details and applications HERE.

Be sure to check each blog, leave a comment, visit over the weekend to see more new stuff and come back on Monday to see if you've won a prize.

And the Winner is...

The winner of the 24 piece Copic Wallet is commenter #24...Jan Hunnicutt! 

Congratulations Jan!  Please email me with your address and we will get that right out to you.

jan hunnicutt said...

Thanks for sharing your flicking tutorial, those butterflies are gorgeous! My favorite place to do my crafting is at the kitchen table in the midst of all my goodies. My kitchen was remodeled in 2008 to include craft storage and a table big enough to spread out on. Thanks for the chance to win the Copic marker wallet!

Reply April 22, 2010 at 11:47 PM

Thank You, News, Flicking Tutorial... oh, and a Copic Giveaway!!!!

Comments are still open if you would like to comment on the post and tutorial,
but the Blog Candy Contest is now closed. 

I have SO much to share with you today... I'm like a bubbling brook... ready to overflow it's banks!  LOL

First, I have to thank Lynn Lloyd and the fan-tabulous ladies at The Stamp Shack for allowing me to come into their store and their lives and share my love of Copics.  I taught 11 classes over a three day period to a jam-packed store... it was SO much fun!  I can't wait to go back - but I'm thinking that we might want to rent a tent next time to expand out into the parking lot!  LOL

I also have to tell you that I taught my very first Copic Certification Class on Monday!  I was SO nervous - but the gals in the class were astounding... so very enthusiastic and attentive!  They even laughed at my corny jokes and silly dancing!  LOL  I had so much fun that I can't wait for my next one! 

Speaking of that... my next certification class is now open to the public!  I will be teaching a Copic certification class in Birmingham, AL on Friday, May 14th.  Applications are now open to craft enthusiasts...so if you have been waiting to sign up... time is limited!  Do it now!  You can see a list of all currently open classes HERE on the Copic site. 

And that leads me into my next little bit of exciting news...  I am SO thrilled to announce that Jenn Balcer (part of the famous face of Splitcoast) has agreed to join our Regional Certification Team!!!  Woot-Woot!!!  Jenn will be working with Sharon Harnist to cover the great state of Texas.  I know she will do an amazing job... she is SO uber talented!

To welcome Jenn to the team - we obviously have to have a celebration...so let's give something away!  How about a 24pc Copic Wallet!!!  (sorry - markers not included LOL)  This is the perfect way to transport 24 of your FAVORITE colors to a crop or take them to the beach or to your next doctor's appointment.

Post a comment telling me where your favorite place to "get crafty" is... to be entered into the drawing.  I will be ending comments and drawing a winner at midnight Saturday (24th).  

For me... I like to get crafty just about anywhere... but my "temporary studio" is my favorite crafty place and I was able to sneak a few minutes of time tonight to do a little tutorial for you.

______________________________________________________________

Copic Blending 101 - Flicking

One of the easiest ink application techniques is called flicking.  It is a way of applying layers of color AND blending all at the same time... and it creates beautiful effects. 

Here's a flick...

 

Notice how the top and bottom flick are nice and smooth and the middle flick has a blob on the end?  Try not to blob... 

Basically the flicking motion is snapping your fingers and wrist in a motion that brings the marker tip down to the surface of the paper, across, and up all in a super quick movement.  Remember that blob?  That's because I didn't have my flicking going fast enough and I set the marker tip on the paper for a quick second before stroking it to the side and up.  Remember to get it moving BEFORE it touches the paper. 

Okay... so we start coloring like normal... apply a layer of the lightest color.  This stamp is HUGE (seriously - it's as large as my whole hand) so I am only coloring one wing at a time - remember... wet on wet to blend well.

 

Now I start flicking!  I add the second color (medium) to the wing in a flicking motion... flicking towards the lighter area. 

 

I add the third color (darkest) to the wing also in a flicking motion... flicking toward the light.

 

Now I start blending.  I add the color up... (light, medium, dark) and I blend backwards (dark, medium, light)  Remember - we blend two colors together with the lighter of the two colors.   So here I am blending the dark and the medium purples together with the medium color.  To blend, I actually do a "double flick" and flick to both sides (sort of in a swinging motion) to blend the two colors together without removing the darker color.

I continue blending.  I move on to the area between the medium and the light.  I use the lighter of the two (the light) to blend.  Double flick... away I go! (Sorry - I don't have a photo of this one.)

Now technically you're done... you've colored and blended the inside of the wing from dark to light.  But I like to get fancy... so I'm going to go from that light - back to dark... in a different color! 

I'm pretty limited in my flicking motions... I can only flick in one direction... so for this, I'm going to turn my paper 180 degrees.  Now I'm going to add color to the outside of the wing... going from light (in the middle) to dark (on the outside)... I already have a light color down.. so I flick my medium color towards the light center...

 

Then I add my dark layer - again flicking towards the light...

 

And then I blend... remember - always use the lighter of the two colors and "double flick" to blend easily.

 

Here's what the wing looks like when it's done...

 

Here are some other samples of the same concept...

And here is the finished card that I made with my Flicked Butterfly... I call it a flickerfly...  I think it's purrrrty!  Of course, I had to add a touch of bling with the Specia pen. :)  

 

I hope you've enjoyed the news and the tutorial... and I hope you join me (and the rest of the team) in our celebration to welcome Jenn to the team! 

(Okay... isn't that butterfly image GORGEOUS? And it's HUGE... it's seriously as large as my hand... that's a 5x5 card... Holy Humongo! I got this and many other amazing images at CHA from a new found company called Elusive Images.  Glenda is the owner/designer/artist/teacher extraordinaire!  Her images scream to be colored... or inked... or embossed... or foiled... - you get the idea.  They are stunning... and I can't wait to show you more of what I've done with them!  Thanks Glenda!)

Thanks for stopping by!  Don't forget to visit the rest of the team for a chance to win! 

Lori Craig

Sherrie Siemens

Sharon Harnist

Jennie Black

Jenn Balcer

Debbie Olson

Sally Lynn MacDonald

Colleen Schaan

Michelle Wooderson 

Stained Glass

I want to thank each and every one of you for visiting my blog during our Three Day Mega Hop for JustRite Stamps!  WOW... I was blown away by the sweet and kind comments...  I even had a few people say my designs reminded them of Mary Engelbreit!  WOW... now THAT'S a compliment!  Make sure to check out the JustRite Inspirational Blog starting later today for a list of blogs that will be picking the winners!

I have just a quick post today as I'm getting packed and ready to head to the airport!  I'm off to Framingham, MA for the weekend to teach two HUGE, sold-out Copic classes and to mix and mingle at the Collins Group Trade Show.  It's sort of like a little, mini-CHA with lots of great manufacturers showcasing their products and three days of classes and learning and fun!  I'm SO looking forward to it!

One of the classes I'm teaching is a basics Getting Crafty With Copics and I will be speeding through the coloring/numbering system and teaching the basic blending techniques.  Here is the card that the participants will be creating...  the image is called Stained Glass Magnolias and it is from Magenta.  It's a pretty simple card, but I really want them to focus on the techniques and not the design. 

I'll TRY to remember to take pics and I'll share more about the weekend when I get back.

Wish me luck... and if you are attending... make sure to stop in and say hi!

Have a wonderful weekend!

colleen

It's Big... It's Huge... It's MEGA!!! (Blog Hop w/CANDY!)

_______________________________________________________________

I'm joining over 80 other designers who are all celebrating the Mega March Blog Hop with JustRite Stamps! (Don't worry... we've split up the hop into three days so as not to overwhelm you with inspiration!)  LOL

Even though I don't really sew, the Stitched with Love set is one of my favorites!  I just adore this little heart-pin cushion image...so I stamped it (with a swirly boarder) twice.  I colored both images and then I cut one of them out as a smaller circle and popped it up inside the other one.  This gives it a bit of dimension and I was able to pierce the image with a real stick pin!  LOL  The sentiment from the Loving Thoughts set is the perfect compliment to the heart image.  

I wanted to do something classic and simple... yet bight and fun... so I refrained from embellishments on this one (with the exception of some faux stitching... it IS after all a sewing image! LOL)  I also decorated the inside with a third colored image. 

I went for broke with my next card!  I wanted something fun and frilly and sweet!  I stamped the gorgeous flower image from the Beautiful Spring set and colored it with my Copics.  (YG01/YG03/YG07/Y32/Y38/YR68/BG0000) I even stamped the image a second time and cut out a few extra flowers to glue onto the colored image.  It's like a bouquet of fresh spring air!  I used a sentiment from the Joyful Hearts set and finished it off with an organdy bow and some pretty pearls.

And of course... we can't celebrate without prizes!!!  So read on for more details!

27 designers, FIVE shopping sprees each day.  No one knows where the prizes will be!  Each day of the hop JustRite will have five Mystery Blog Candy Prizes hidden along the hop with a total retail value of  $600.  JustRite will randomly select five mystery blogs each day of the hop and randomly allocate each of the shopping sprees.  For your chance to win, simply leave a little love (a comment) on each designer’s blog including the JustRite blog.  The more designers you leave comments with, the better your chances of winning.  Each day’s comments will remain open for three days.  A winner from each of the mystery blogs’ comments will be randomly chosen using Random.org.  Consult the listing of designers at the JustRite blog each day (each day’s designers will be different) and start out on your way!  Beginning Friday, March 26, summaries of all the winners will be posted on the JustRite blog.  Good luck to everyone and enjoy all the JustRite eye candy along the hop! 

Today during the JustRite Mega March Blog Hop (Day One) JustRite and its sponsors will be giving away the following five prizes:

· $200 JustRite Shopping Spree

· $100 Spellbinders Shopping Spree

· $100 Stampers Dream Shopping Spree, and

· Two additional $100 JustRite Shopping Sprees! 

Blog comments for Day One will be open until Thursday at 6pm EST.  On Friday, JustRite will announce on their blog which five blogs have the mystery candy for Day One.  You will need to go to the JustRite blog to determine where you need to go to find out if you are one of the five lucky winners.

Visit the following blogs for inspiration that is JustRite...

JustRite Inspiration Blog
Becca Feeken
Tosha Leyendekker
Kazan Clark
Laurie Schmidlin
Kellie Fortin
Amy Sheffer
Jerri Jimenez
Denise Marzec
Michelle Rodgers
Stephanie Kraft
Sally Lynn MacDonald
Cindy Lawrence
Jenyfur Pohl
Silke Ledlow
Carolyn King
Dawn Easton
Holly Simoni
Julie Overby
Karen Maldonado
Colleen Schaan
Kimberly Crawford
Karen Taylor
Maren Benedict
Eli Harlan
Linda Beeson

Good luck to all and Happy Hopping!

Colleen

Copic Sparkle Winner an Our New Home

What?  It's Tuesday already?  What happened to the weekend? 

Oh yeah...that's right... I was busy buying a home!  LOL

In all the hustle and bustle of the "Big Move" I almost forgot to post the winner of my Copic Sparkle Blog Candy!!!  So without further delay... here it is...

Congratulations to Diane!!!  Diane wrote...

Wonderful blog, wonderful markers! Take care, ~Diane

Posted by: Diane | February 03, 2010 at 12:39 PM

Thanks everyone for the kind comments both about the blog and about the product.  Diane, your Spica Glitter Pens are on their way!!!  

Now for all of you who have been begging for pictures of the new place... here they are!!!  We closed yesterday and headed over for a few quick pictures... oh, and to drop off the new TV that we purchased already!  (Rolling my eyes... the boy's toys!)

Walk along as I give you a tour...

This is the outside front.  I can't wait for the flowers and bushes to start blooming!

This is the most important room in the house... it is my unfinished art studio!!!  I've been designing and planning all week. 

Here is the kitchen... it's pretty awesome!  Now I guess I'll have to learn how to cook.  LOL

Here is one of my favorite things about the house... just look at those windows!  It's the view of our living room from the upstairs balcony.  I somehow have to figure out what sort of curtains I want to use here...  hmmmmm...

Here is the living room from the main floor by the kitchen.  See... Nate's already playing with the new TV.  (more eye rolling)

Here's something pretty cool... our bathroom... or should I say "The Spa" as it has already been dubbed.

Guess what's just off the bathroom?  A walk in closet.  And I do mean walk in... heck... we could probably drive a car in here... it's HUGE!  I'm gonna have to buy more clothes!  LOL

And the bedroom... with a nice cozy fireplace... just flip a switch and ahhhhh - how romantic! 

The view from the bedroom... LOTS of wood!  I love how open it all is.  Our dogs will have a field day running in circles from one walk way to the other.

Here's something strange...  can you say, "Arrrrrrrh"  (This is in the guest bathroom off the living room... it REALLY doesn't fit with the rest of the style of the house... I'm thinking of doing a pirate theme complete with Parrots in there.) 

And some more outside... 

The deck off the kitchen.

 

From the lot line corner... so happy to have some wooded area! The pups will LOVE that.

The back.  Yup... just look at all those windows...   who wants to come help me wash them?

Here's the side with the walk out where my studio will be.

And here's a final shot of the house...  I can't believe it's all ours... (well... it's all the banks... but we will just pretend it's not!  LOL)

We are so incredibly blessed! 

The movers and packers will be here (in OK) this week and we drive back to Atlanta on Saturday.  Then the hard work begins!

Thanks for hanging in there with me though the house tour... I've got some more sneak peeks of beautiful stamp images tomorrow - so make sure to stop back!

Hugs,

colleen

What's Glittery, Bright, and full of Bling?

Our newest Copic Regional Instructor - that's who!!!

While at CHA last week Marianne Walker surprised Jennie Black by inviting her to join the team of Regional Certification Instructors.  It was awesome...  after the first shocked, "WHAT?"  and the, "Are you serious?"  came the, "YESSSSSSSSSSSS!" and applause broke out around the table.  (The rest of the team was in on the surprise and we had been very careful not to  spill the beans.) 

Jennie will be supporting the Southwestern Region of the US... and she is already busy setting up certification classes all around her region. 

I'm SO excited to have Jennie join the team.  She is bright, fun, giggly, and full of energy... get the two of us together and it's a non-stop chatter and motion-fest!  LOL  I'm thinking they have us on opposite sides of the US so that we don't get into too much trouble...  (wink)

(Colorful Copic gals!  Top row from left - Lori Craig, Sally Lynn MacDonald, Sharron Harnist and Debbie Olson.  Front row from left - Nancy Zenke, Sherrie Siemens, Marianne Walker, Jennie Black, and me.)

So... our team is celebrating... and you know what that means... BLOG CANDY! 

To help us celebrate the addition of such a fabulous, sparkling personality, each member of the Regional Certification Team and the Blogging Team will be giving away a Spica Glitter Pen Set!  These glitter pens are AMAZING...  so sparkly and so easy to use! 

Make sure to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win.  I'll be drawing the winner on Friday at 10:00 pm...and we will announce the winners on Tuesday.  

To visit the other members of the Copic team... check out the links below!

Northwest: Sherrie Siemens / Marianne Walker

Southwest: Jennie Black

Northern Midwest: Debbie Olson  

Central Midwest: Lori Craig

Southern Midwest: Sharon Harnist

South: Colleen Schaan (HEY - THAT'S ME!)

Northeast: Sally Lynn MacDonald

Western Canada: Sherrie Siemens

Eastern Canada: Sally Lynn MacDonald

Floater: Marianne Walker

Blog Team Member: Michelle Wooderson

Thanks for stopping buy today!  I've got some sneak peeks coming up later in the week - so make sure to come back for a visit then!

Colleen

"A" is for Apple - and a Winner!!!

First off I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who visited and left comments on last week's blog post! What a wonderful community of crafters you all are. 

I know you are dying to know who won the big Copic give-away... but I'm going to hold out just a bit longer...  well... at least until the end of this post!  LOL

I wanted to share this card with all my blog readers... it's for you!  I got this adorable little Apple Emma from C.C. Designs and this was my first attempt at coloring her up.  I wanted a traditional fall/school look so I stuck with a basic red and green color combo.  The green patterned paper actually wasn't the right shade of green, so I whipped out my G24 marker and colored the paper to match the image.  (Gotta love how easy it is to make everything match with your Copic markers!)

I wanted to cut out the image with my scallop Nestability, but somehow I got it mis-aligned and one edge got chopped off... so I improvised and came up with this fancy bit of framing. 

I added a few stitches, some highlights on her cheeks, some eyebrows, and a tiny button nose to help her breath.  Isn't she sweet?  Just like all of you!

(Colors Used: E0000/E00/E02/E21/E25/E27/E29/G40/G21/G24/G28/R22/R24/R27/R29/E50/E42/E35)

Now... for the part you've all been waiting for...(drum roll please....)

I had over 360 comments - and I printed them all off... chopped them apart, piled them on the floor and then drew one... (with the help of my dogs!)

           

And the lucky winner is....

Lisa Gobea!!!  She writes...

    Wow, your Santa is just so over the top wonderful. Congrats! I use mostly the sketch, and I make cards to put on my blog that I started just to share my joy of Copics. I just found these wonderful markers this summer only after I had purchased the Stampin Up set of markers. Well what can I say, I sold those on ebay and spent the money to buy my first set of Copics.. I have never looked back.. I highly doubt that I will ever used another brand of markers..My copics give me all of the results that I have spent hundreds on hours and money on to get and never did. I want to get the airbrush system next. But I am afraid that will have to wait until after the holidays...lol...Have a great day.

Congratulations Lisa!  Please contact me and let me know if you would like the ABS-1 or the 12 Sketch Markers!  

Hugs to all... and thank you for visiting!

colleen

Colorful Blog Hop Celebration - With Candy!

*Commments are now closed.  Thank you to everyone who visited and commented.  I will be posting the winner on Monday, November 16th.

It is with butterflies in my stomach and stars in my eyes that I make this announcement...

I am joining the Copic team!!!  

I was contacted by Marianne a few months back and she asked if I would be interested in teaching a few Copic classes in the area.  Ummmm, YES!  (Didn't even have to THINK about that response.)  Apparently my students have been talking about me... and she was hearing good things (OMGosh - thank you thank you thank you students!!!)  LOL

I was a bit concerned that our upcoming move would put me out of the running for teaching classes, but our Atlanta location is actually a better area.  So...

I will be a Copic Regional Certification Instructor for the Southern region. 

I am SOOOOO pumped!  I will be able to travel and teach the ever-popular Copic Certification Classes AND meet TONS of wonderful crafters along the way! 

I just spent the past few days in Eugene meeting with Marianne, some of the other Regional Instructors, and the amazing people who run Imagination International Inc.  I can't tell you how honored I am to be representing such a wonderful company and to be working with such an amazing group of people!

I am joining a WONDERFUL team of uber-talented ladies and we are celebrating with a Big Ol' Copic Blog Hop and a chance for you to win some totally-rocking Blog Candy!

To participate, please leave a comment on THIS post answering ONE of the following questions:

1. How do YOU use your Copics?
2. Which Copic products do YOU use and WHY do you love them?
3. Why do YOU wish you had Copics?

There will be two ways to win:

1. One winner from each blog will be randomly chosen.
2. We will be reading through comments as well.  If we find a testimonial that we REALLY like, then we will contact that person about using their story for our CHA booth and they would then be given a prize equal to that of the random winners.  Make your comments good!

Wanna know what you could win?  (Well Duh, of course you do!) LOL

Winners will get their choice of either an ABS-1 or any 12 Sketch Colors.  WOW... now THAT'S a prize worth playing for!

          

Our blog hop will be open from Wednesday, November 11th through Saturday, November 14th.  Comments will be closed on my blog at midnight (CST) on Saturday, November 14th.  

So... go start hopping!  Please visit the other team member's blogs for more chances of winning!

• Marianne Walker
• Debbie Olson
• Sherrie Siemens
• Sally Lynn MacDonald
• Sharon Harnist
• Lori Craig
• Michelle Wooderson

And because I couldn't post without some EYE CANDY as well... here's my latest Copic creation!

 

I stamped the "I Believe" Santa image from Flourishes and colored him with my Copics (C00/C1/C3/C5/E0000/E00/E02/E93/R02/R05/R22/R24/R29/R37/G12/G14/G16).  I LOVE using stamps like this with stippling because it makes is super simple to color... already showing where the highlights and shadows are.  All I had to do was add color.  Easy Peasy!  I kept the layout simple and uncluttered with just a button (colored with my Copics as well) and a bow.  "I Believe" that this might actually be my holiday card this year! 

Thanks for stopping in today and celebrating with me. I want to send celebratory hugs out to:

The members of the Copic Blog Team

Debbie Olson

Michelle Wooderson

Sharon Harnist

Sherrie Siemens

Sally Lynn MacDonald

And the other Copic Certification Regional Instructors

Northwest: Sherrie Siemens / Marianne Walker

Southwest: Marianne Walker

Northern Midwest / Chicago: Kathy Sanders

Central Midwest: Lori Craig

Southern Midwest: Sharon Harnist

South: Colleen Schaan (HEY - THAT'S ME!)

Northeast: Sally Lynn MacDonald

Western Canada: Sherrie Siemens

Eastern Canada: Sally Lynn MacDonald

Floaters: Debbie Olson / Marianne Walker

Ranger U - Day 1 with Claudine and a winner!

Onto Part 3 of my Ranger Update...(click here to see Part 1 and Part 2)

After spending the morning with Suze, we had a quick lunch and hunkered down for the afternoon with Claudine Hellmuth.  This was the part that I was totally looking forward to!  As a "painter" long before I became a "stamper" I was excited to see Claudine's new Studio line of products and get a chance to use them. 

I fell in love!  Claudine has a new line of acrylic paints and mediums out called Studio.  The multi medium is like heaven... you can use it for anything!  The holding power is amazing; it SMELLS sooo good, and the consistency is like buttah!  But the real prize that afternoon was her paints... OMG!  Smooth as silk... bright, vibrant, creamy.  The cool thing about her paints is that they are so highly pigmented that you can mix them with water and they are still just as saturated with color!  It is so easy to create washes and glazes.  There are 15 gorgeous colors that you can mix and match for an endless pallet.

We also got a chance to use Claudine's brushes (she admitted she's like me when it comes to caring for brushes!!!)  and her uber cool new Sticky Backed Canvas.   You heard right... STICKY BACKED!  It is the most innovative product out there right now... it can be used in 100's of ways... (just wait for a tutorial or two...)

I wasn't able to take any photos of Claudine as she was teaching... being I was WAY to busy painting and playing to pick up my camera.  But here is a photo of Claudines work and some of the ways she uses the paints.  She is AMAZING.  

Not only is Claudine hugely talented, she is also the sweetest thing!  I was thrilled to be sitting right up front and be on the receiving end of her sparkly smile more than once.  I'm now an official Claudine groupie... and I can't wait to take more classes from her in the future!

Thanks Claudine!!!

And Now...The Winner

Okay... so now that I have rattled your ears off... what you REALLY came here for... (and most of you probably just skimmed over my babbling to get to this point anyway!)  LOL

After printing and chopping up all of the entries for the $25.00 gift certificate to 7kidscollegefund... I drew out a name... and that name was...

ALLISON! 

Congrats Allison, shoot me an email with your email and regular mail addy... I'll get that GC sent out right away!

Hugs to you all...

Colleen

Look Who's Here! (and I have blog candy!)

Hey all... I'm back!  I know I am a bit later than I said I would be, but I had things to do... you know... like CREATE A NEW BLOG!  Do you like???    I DO!!! 

After having some technical issues with my old blogging software and service provider, I decided to make the move to TypePad... and I LOVE it!  I am on my free - Trial Period - but you better believe that I am here to stay!  I now have the ability to write up posts ahead of time and schedule their reveal... how cool is that?  I also have the ability to change up and design my "look" more than before. 

Talking about the look... what do you think?  I actually created that banner!  Do you love it?  I used this super awesome digital scrapping kit that I downloaded (free) from Carrie Stephens at FishScraps.  She designs all these gorgeous papers and embellishments and puts them together in kits... and she was generous enough to give me permission to use her kit to create my blog banner...  (my very first one mind you... and I can't wait to make more!)  Thanks Carrie!

I spent the entire last week building my blog roll and adding in my lists... I still have a bit of work to do on my bio and resume pages... but that will all come. 

I also have added some additional ways to subscribe to my blog... there are widgets in the upper left column... just click on your choice of subscriptions and get your daily updates.  Speaking of subscriptions... if you have previously subscribed to my blog using Feedblitz... well.. um... you need to resubscribe... we messed up a bit when we did our domain mapping and lost all of my subscribers... SORRY!  I'm hoping you enjoy my blog enough to sign up again.  (And yes... I will still be offering my Technique Tuesdays, Thursday Throwdowns, and Friday Featured Cards...)

Just one last piece of technical mumbo jumbo... I have to ask you all to check out your blogrolls... if I am listed on your blog, you may need to update your link.  My new address is www.distinctivetouches.com  That's it... nothing else... some of you have that, and some of you have something else...  So again... if you could take a few minutes to update your blogrolls and your bookmarks I would be SUPER appreciative... I promise... it's the last time!

And to show you how excited I am about this new blog and how appreciative I am to all of my readers... I'm going to offer blog candy!!!  I will give a $25.00 gift certificate to 7kidscollegefund to one lucky winner.  All you need to do is subscribe to this blog (using any of the options) and leave a comment for me on THIS post.  You have until midnight on Sunday Oct. 26th... I'll draw a name and post the lucky duck on Monday. 

Thanks for hanging in there with me...  I'll be back in a bit  with the first post about my experiences at Ranger U.

Hugs!

Colleen