Distinctive Touches

Copic Watercolor Art

Remember THIS post?  Well, I decided to use that same "watercolor" technique and create some artwork for our bedroom.  We just got a new bedroom set and I desperately needed something to fill the wall space. 

These are the three pieces I created...  I love them all...  (the photo of the middle one didn't turn out well and you can't see the dark spot of pink near the bottom... it only looks shiny here.) 

They really look nice above our bed! (ignore the messy sheets please!)

I've got a few more things I want to do for decor in this room... and then it will finally be done!  Only two years after moving in!  LOL

Thanks for stopping by - have a colorful day!

Make It Crafty Challenge - Coloring Red!

Reds...  a dreaded hue for some color artists.  I always tell my students that red is stubborn and needs a little extra lovin' to behave.  LOL

The challenge at Make It Crafty for the next two weeks is to COLOR RED!  Pick your medium...  pick your image... pick your shade... just pick red.  Just in time for Valentines Day!

I colored up this simple card for the challenge (simple layout... more challenging coloring).  I merged Sophie Daydreaming and Park Bench for Two digis to create the scene. 

There are a LOT of different ways to tackle coloring red, so I decided to share a photo tutorial of how I colored her sweater - to give you an idea of my coloring process.

Colors Used:

Step 1: Apply a base coat of the lightest shade.  (R22) Leave any highlights white.

Step 2:  Add shading with a medium/medium dark maker.  (R46) 

 

Step 3: Add a bit of lighter marker (R24) and blend out slightly.

 

Step 4: Add darker shading (R39) and then blend backwards with lighter markers (R46/R24).  I don't ever come back in with the very lightest until the very last step.

 

 Step 5: Add more shadows with darker R59.

 

Step 6: Blend backwards (R39/R46/R24) Using very little ink and letting layers dry a bit in between to avoid over-saturating the paper.

Step 7: Using the lightest color (R22) very gently go over the white highlighted areas.  Do not go over multiple times or try to blend.  Keep these very light.

Step 8: Add cast shadows with RV99 and a tiny bit of B39.  Do NOT blend out. 

Step 9: Here I added texture to her sweater by spritzing a dish towel with colorless blender and holding it onto the colored image.  (Notice I colored her skin already... if other areas are colored, be VERY careful so as not to texturize an area you want smooth.) I also have a tiny bit of bleeding in between her arms.  I am not going to try to fix this with the colorless blender as it will only make it worse.  I am going to be coloring the bench dark browns, so that should cover up the stray red marks.

And then... I colored up her skirt and hair...

 And then I gave her somewhere to sit...

And finished off by airbrushing in a sky.

There you have it... it's not as hard as you might think... just give it a try! Head on over to the Make It Crafty Gallery for other "coloring red" samples from the DT and to upload your own!  I wanna see...

Have a Colorful day!

CardMaker Blog - Coloring Flowers!

Head on over to the CardMaker Blog today to see a step-by-step tutorial on how I colored the flower bouquet for her hair!

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Project Supplies
Stamp:         Sweet Pea Stamps - ©Karen Middleton's Rosarna
                    Verve (sentiment)
Ink:              Tsukineko Memento- Tuxedo Black
Cardstock:   Bazzill Basics Paper – Raven, Sugar Cookie, Pinkini
                   X-Press It Blending Card
Markers:      skin – E50/E30/E21/E34/E04/C93
                   hair – B41/C3/C5/C7/C9/ black multiliner
                   leaves – YG00/G43/G46
                   flowers – Y00/RV00/RV52/RV55/RV69
Die Shapes:  My Favorite Things – Open Scallop Doily
                   Spellbinders Paper Arts – Standard Circles
Other:         Copic ABS
                   Sizzix Texture Folder – Textile
                   fabric flowers
                   sponge
                   Foam tape

 

 

Copic Compatibility: Testing Art Paper

Just a super quick note to let you know that I have a post on the Copic blog for testing a variety of art papers.  You can check it out HERE. 

Have a colorful day!

 

Copic Watercolor

Just a quick post today as I finalize projects, clean the house, and pack for CHA!  Just a few more days to get it all done. 

I wanted to share something new that I've been doing with my Copics lately... Copic Watercoloring!

Isn't this cool?  We purchased a new bedroom set and our linens are plum, white and silver and they look so stunning with the dark wood of the furniture.  I decided I wanted to make my own artwork for the room and I had the idea of trying to create an abstract painting with a watercolor look.  

I decided to play around with the technique and these are a few of my sample pieces.  I just LOVE the way they turned out!  I paired them up with these extra-large saying stamps from 10 Second Studios...

Super Geeked!  I can't wait to get to work on my bedroom paintings next. 

Sorry to post and run... I'm off to start packing supplies for CHA! (If you are going to CHA - stop by the Copic booth and say hi!)

The Grass Is Greener...MIC Challenge (w/Video)

I'm back with another great challenge from Make It Crafty!  This time, we are thinking spring (or summer) and challenging you to create GRASS! 

That's right...  Bermuda, Crab, Blue...whatever type of grass you want! 

For this challenge, I paired up the new Fairy Poinsettia and Sitting Flowers digi images to create a colorful scene.  Of course, I like to color BIG... so this is printed full size on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of Make It Colour cardstock.  (I cut the top 1.5 inches off when I cropped the photo). 

I filmed myself coloring this image and have turned it into a speed coloring video for you all. I hope you enjoy!  (If you have ideas for other tutorials or speed coloring videos... just let me know.)

 

You can visit my Youtube channel for even more fun Copic coloring HERE. 

And don't forget to head on over to the Make It Crafty Gallery for the newest challenge and for some amazing samples of "Coloring Grass" from the DT members and guests. 

________________________________________________________
 

Supplies Used:
Fairy Poinsettia and Sitting Flowers digi images (Make It Crafty)
Make It Color Blending Card (Make It Crafty)
Printer
Copic Markers
    skin E00/E21/E33/E93/V22
    hair C3/C5/C7/C9
    dress and flower centers RV10/RV52/RV55/RV66/RV69
    wings E00/B00/B41/B45
    flowers V20/V22/V25/V28
    grass and stems G40/G43/G46 and G20/G21/G24/G28 and G14/G16
    colorless blender for texture
Copic Multiliners (olive, purple, pink, wine)

 

Sweets for my Sweet! CardMaker Blog Hop

Welcome to another CardMaker Blog Hop!  Today we want to share with you some SWEET cards for the upcoming holiday...  one of my favorites... Valentine's Day! 

While I try not to indulge myself... this sweet little mouse just can't help it... just look at those yummy chocolates! 

This image is Chocolate Cocoa, a digi image from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  I printed him out fairly large and colored him with my Copics.  It was a bit of a challenge getting all of those different brown tones in there, but I love how it all turned out.  Those truffles look scrumptious! 

Head on over to the other designer's blogs for even more YUMMY card ideas!

Tami Mayberry
Carolyn King
Trudy Sjolander
Kimberly Crawford
CardMaker Blog

 

I'm a Goddess!

That's right... I'm a Goddess!  At least I felt that way when my sweet friend Julianna Hudgins called me with some exciting news and a special request to participate in the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy.

The Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy runs from January 12-20, 2012.

Each day, our fabulous designers will introduce one or more Spellbinders products.  Winners will be randomly drawn to receive all of that day’s newly revealed products! Enter from each designer’s blog, on the scheduled days, to be eligible for the Grand Prize!

Enter to win brand new Spellbinders products!

See Official Rules at Spellbinders (HERE)

Visit the Spellbinders Blog each day for links to the participating blogs.

Visit Julianna's blog and follow her specific instructions for entry.  Her post is open for entries from 12:00 am, January 13, 2012, until 11:59 pm, January 14, 2012, EST.

_____________________________________________________________

Julianna recently announced her partnership with Spellbinders Paper Arts... as a licenced designer for a new line of dies that are FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!  OMG... so unlike anything that is out there... so fresh, so unique, so... Julianna!  She asked if I would like to take part in the reveal of her new line and I jumped at the chance.   

3 of Julianna's new sets: Jewel Treasures, Jewel Goddess, Jewel Stones! (Jewel Font, Jewel Keys & Jewel Fantasies will also be revealed at Winter CHA.)

Here's a quick background... I met Julianna in Puerto Rico almost 2 years ago when we were both teaching at an event there.  I was just starting out as a business person in the crafting industry and completely overwhelmed and boggled at the whole thing.  Julianna and I clicked instantly.  She generously took me under her wing and has been my mentor and friend ever since... helping me grow into the confident business woman and artist that I am today. 

Why is that story important to the release?  Well... because my favorite die set in the new line is called Jewel Goddess.  It is this amazing mix of feminine, tribal, voluptuous curves that represent woman - goddess... and there is no one in the world that represents woman power like Julianna.  She not only is a goddess herself, but she empowers other women to find and embrace their own inner goddess... just like she did for me. 

I have a few favorite "inspirational - feel good" quotes that I wanted to make into cards, and I knew this reveal was the perfect opportunity to pull them out.  I created three separate cards (with similar lines and feel) that I can send out to women in my life who need to embrace their inner goddess!

Here's a quick tutorial for making them...

1.  Supplies Needed:

• Computer printed sentiment or stamped verse
• vellum
• Jewels Goddess die
• 2-3 Copic Various Inks
• Colorless Blender (not pictured)
• Sponge or inking tool
• black cardstock (base and matting)
• white cardstock
• multiliner (black)

2.  Apply 1-2 drops of each color ink onto inking tool.

3.  Apply 1 quick squeeze of colorless blender onto inking tool. 

4.  Pounce inking tool onto surface with quote or sentiment.  (Re-ink if necessary) 

5.  Make sure enough surface is inked to cover die cut area.

6.  Die cut inked quote with Jewel Goddess. 

7.  Adhere cut goddess shape to black cardstock and trim a thin border. 

8.  Repeat steps 2 and 3 and pounce onto vellum. 

9.  Fold vellum in half and draw a wing shape.

10.  Cut out wing shape and attach it to the back of the matted quote.  

11.  Attach to the middle of a piece of white cardstock with foam tape, doodle a frame around the edges and adhere to a black card base. 

Talk about simple... and meaningful!  Here are two of the other cards in the set... using the same inking technique on both Zentangled goddess shapes and on vellum for flames. 

I want to thank Julianna and Spellbinders for this chance to join in her celebration and share my own inner goddess with you all!  (Dies can be found at your local Scrapbook, Craft & Hobby stores. Visit www.spellbinderspaperarts.com for store locations.)

Check out these other amazing designers to see what they did with Julianna's new designs. 

Tiffany Windsor

Katie Hacker

Linda Peterson

Colleen Schaan (you are here)

Suze Weinberg

Spellbinder's Blog

Missy Brozek (Crafters Home)

 ____________________________________________________________

 I love your comments! Unfortunately your comment does not count as an entry, so be sure to visit Julianna's Blog and follow her instuctions for an official entry.

Thank you for visiting and good luck!!

Spellbinders is a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Grand Calibur is a registered trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc

 

 

Copic Certification Class Changes and Updates

Copic has some new and exciting things in store for you this year and I'm excited to share our newly-updated Copic Certification program. We have listened to our VALUED customers, and have made some changes to our program. 

• Beginning in 2012, we will be offering "back to back" Certifications for our Regular and Intermediate classes in many locations! This will make it more cost effective for our students who have to travel for our classes.  This option may not be advisable for everyone... keep in mind, the skills needed for the intermediate class will still be required as we DO NOT take class time during the Intermediate to go over basic blending skills.  You choose what's best for YOU.
  
• You will be doing more "hands on" coloring during the classes and making a portfolio to take home with you. This is a major change to the Standard class!  You asked for it and we've listened!  Students will be coloring specially drawn images during the class allowing for more personalized feedback.  Students will leave the class with a portfolio of their work and additional images for practice. 
  
• Classes are no longer geared specifically to stores or instructors.  Everyone is welcome!  There will be no waiting period for "enthusiasts" to apply for the classes.  ALL applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis at the time they apply.  While we still cover the product basics (the foundation of successful Copic use), we will no longer focus on marketing or teaching topics (although questions about these are still very welcome).
• Apply On-Line!  We've made it even easier to apply for classes with our new "on-line" application process!  Just visit the Copic website (or my Copic Certification Class page) and click on the Apply On-Line link. 
  

You will LOVE our new format!!!  

Classes fill quickly, so please submit your application as soon as possible!

If you have more inquiries, feel free to contact Nancy, at nancy@copicmarker.com.

If you know of someone that may be interested in becoming Copic certified, please forward this information to them.

Here are brief overviews of our Standard and Intermediate Certification classes and our current list of classes open for enrollment.  I will continue to update the list of classes on my Copic Certification Class page HERE... please check that page often for new class listings.

 __________________________________________________________

Copic Papercrafting Standard Certification Classes

The Copic Certification Class encompasses education of the most important aspects of Copic’s product lines.   It includes hands-on education of product knowledge, blending techniques, answers questions to common problems, and testing and selecting your inks and papers. You will receive a kit of Copic products, a 68 page manual and an opportunity to make a portfolio of all the techniques you learn in class.  You will also have an opportunity to sample each of our markers.  We cover their function and the differences between each one.

Things covered in class:
—  Three common mistakes and how to identify, test and use your materials
—  Four different blending techniques
—  How to create texture and erase mistakes
—  The Copic numbering system
—  How to choose colors that work well together from the Copic Color Wheel
—  Airbrushing with both the ABS-1 and the Air Compressor / ABS-3 setup and understand how each works.

COST / CLASS TIMES

Classes run from 9am-4pm. Cost is $120 per attendee ($60 for re-takes).

Before applying, please download and read the additional class details below for information about refunds, detailed day-of-class schedule, and class re-takes.

» DETAILS - click for a full class details and outline.

 

Standard Certification Classes Open for Enrollment

January 27, 2012- Anaheim, CA
Taught by Sherrie Siemens

    Red Lion Hotel
    1850 S. Harbor Blvd.
    Anaheim, CA 92802
    714-383-6196

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

February 3, 2012-San Diego, CA
Taught by Lori Craig 

***This class runs from 10am-5pm*****

    Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown
    1747 Pacific Highway
    San Diego, CA 92101
    619-338-8200

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

February 17, 2012-Richmond, VA (FULL)
Taught by Debbie Olson

    Courtyard by Marriott Richmond North/Glen Allen
    10077 Brook Road
    Glen Allen, VA 23059
    804-266-6900

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

February 25, 2012-Miami, FL
Taught by Lori Craig

    Miami Airport Marriott
    1201 NW Le Jeune Road Bldg A
    Miami, FL 33126
    305-649-5000

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

March 2, 2012-Edmonton, AB Canada
Taught by Sherrie Siemens

    Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton Int’l Airport
    3916 84th Ave
    Leduc, AB Canada T9E 7G1

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

March 9, 2012 Columbus, OH
Taught by Colleen Schaan

    Courtyard by Marriott Columbus West
    2350 Westbelt Dr.
    Columbus, OH 43228
    614-771-8999

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

March 10, 2012 York, PA
Taught by Marianne Walker

    Holiday Inn Conference Center of York
    York, PA 17408
    717-846-9500

    » DETAILS
    » APPLY ONLINE

  __________________________________________________________

Copic Papercrafting Intermediate Certification Classes

Copic Papercrafting Intermediate Certification Classes are open to anyone who has successfully completed the Standard Certification class. In addition to the class application, you are also required to complete a coloring sample before you will be accepted to a class. If you have already taken the Standard Certification Class and would like to take your techniques to the next level, we encourage you to apply for this class!

Topic covered in class:
—  Shading, shadows, and color
—  Composition & design in Papercrafting
—  Coloring tricky situations (trees, reds, faces & skin tones, hair)
—  Applying coloring & design concepts
—  Improving design on your own

COST / CLASS TIMES

Classes run from 9am-4pm with a 2 hour lunch break, then from 6pm-8pm for the project.
Cost is $199 per attendee ($100 for re-takes).

Before applying, please download and read the additional class details (below) for information about refunds, detailed day-of-class schedule, and class re-takes.

In addition to the online application, you must complete and submit the coloring test in order for your application to be considered.

» CLASS DETAILS
» COLORING TEST

 

Intermediate Certification Classes Open For Enrollment

January 28, 2012- Anaheim, CA
Taught by Sherrie Siemens

    1850 S. Harbor Blvd.
    Anaheim, CA 92802
    714-383-6196

    » CLASS DETAILS    
    » COLORING TEST
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

February 18, 2012- Richmond, VA
Taught by Debbie Olson
    Courtyard by Marriott Richmond North/Glen Allen
    10077 Brook Road
    Glen Allen, VA 23059
    804-266-6900

    » CLASS DETAILS     
    » COLORING TEST
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

March 3, 2012 Edmonton, AB Canada
Taught by Sherrie Siemens
    Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton Int’l Airport
    3916 84th Ave
    Leduc, AB Canada T9E 7G1

    » CLASS DETAILS     
    » COLORING TEST
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

March 10, 2012  Columbus, OH Intermediate
Taught by Colleen Schaan

    Courtyard by Marriott Columbus West
    2350 Westbelt Dr.
    Columbus, OH 43228
    614-771-8999

    » CLASS DETAILS     
    » COLORING TEST
    » APPLY ONLINE

 

I will be posting classes being held within the next four month period on my Copic Certification Classes page HERE as soon as they are SCHEDULED and BOOKED.  Please check that page for continuous additions, updates, and changes. 

Questions?  Just Ask... I'm happy to help!

New Copic Colors!

Announcing -  12 New Copic Colors!!!!

People are already talking about it...

In February 2012 these carefully chosen colors will be available in the Sketch Marker style, as well as Various Ink, bringing us to 358 total Copic colors.

G43 Pistachio, G46 Mistletoe, BG57 Jasper, BG90 Gray Sky, E84 Khaki, E89 Pecan,
BV34 Bluebell, V22 Ash Lavender, V28 Eggplant, RV52 Cotton Candy, R56 Currant, YR27 Tuscan Orange

  

I got a chance to play with the new colors and I am SO excited about them.  These are some of my favorite colors!!!  They really help to flesh out the current color families and they fill in some of the blanks, pairing with individual markers that were already produced. 

Here are some samples of the new colors and suggestions for which markers to pair them up with.

Two new markers pair up with the currently "lonely" G40 to give a nice, rich green combination.

 

A new shade (BG90) helps to lighten the other BG9's in the collection and allow for more contrast.

 

Two new colors flesh out the big jump in the E8's that were introduced last year.  I LOVE this combination and I'm thrilled with the additional two shades!  (This combination looks green next to green tones and brown next to earth tones.) 

 

My new favorite color is YR27.  I use the YR2's a great deal and am thrilled that my color family can now go even darker!

  The violet collection was somewhat lacking... so two new colors (V22 and V28) flesh out the current V2 color family.  LOVE the contrast the two new shades create!

 

A fun new color is R56 and it blends beautifully with the current R59 to create a dark, currant color.  When I blended them together, I thought they were both fairly dark. Since I like to have a lot of contrast, I added RV32 as the "light" shade in a blend and it worked beautifully.  Other colors that work well as blend-able lights for this group are R81 and RV11.

 

As you know, I love my blues... and the new BG57 blends beautifully with our current "loner" BG53.  If you want to create even more contrast, you can start with a layer of B000 for a bluer tone or a BG11 for a greener tone. 

 

Another current loner (BV31) is paired up with the new rich BV34.  This is a gorgeous combination!  To create even more contrast, start with a lighter layer of BV0000 and/or go even darker with BV17 or BV29.  YUM!

 

People wanted pinks... and I think the new RV52 really hits the spot.  It pairs up with our current loner RV55 to blend into a soft cotton candy sweetness.  If you want to darken it up a bit... add a touch of RV66 for contrast.

I can tell a lot of thought went into picking and creating these colors to help expand the current colors... not just to create more colors. 

And here's my very first image - colored with the new colors!

 

Digi Image by Whimsidoodles
X-Press It Blending Card
Copic Sketch Markers Used:
    skin - E00/E21/E33/E95/BV01
    hair - YR20/YR23/YR27
    clothing - E81/E84/E87/E89
    stem - G40/G43/G46
    flower petals - RV52/RV55
    flower center and belt - RV32/R56/R59
    shoes - E31/E35/E37

 

So... which new color is on YOUR shopping list? 

 

 

 

A New Way to Use Your Copics!

I can finally share one of the projects that I've been working on... Copic Acrylic Skins!

Yes... this was done with Copics!  Isn't it cool?  A totally new and unique way to use Copic markers and ink. 

I have a full write up and photo tutorial HERE on the Copic blog.  Check it out - and then give it a try!  I'd love to see how YOU use Copic Acrylic Skins!

 

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!

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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

 

Last Minute Christmas CardMaker Hop

I have to admit - I haven't sent a single Christmas card yet!  I know... I know... there's little more than a week left and they need to go out NOW! 

When Brooke and Tanya challenged the CardMaker Blog team to come up with some quick to make, last minute Christmas card ideas to share I'll admit... I panicked.  I'm not much for quick cards - I mean, I do simple layouts... but my typical card takes anywhere from 2-5 hours to make.  Get one done in under 10 minutes...  are you serious? 

Well, I rolled up my sleeves and warmed up my airbrush system and here's what I came up with. 

Simple... yet somehow just right. 

1. Cut white (or cream) cardstock 3 3/4 x 5 inches. 
2. Place stencil over upper right of cardstock.
3. Using the Copic Airbrush System, apply a smooth coat of B26 with the chisel nib and some speckles of B18 with the brush nib.
4. Remove stencil.
5. Stamp sentiment with blue ink.
6. Mat airbrushed layer with dark blue cardstock.
7. Attach to light blue card base with foam tape.

This would work with a number of different stencils and a variety of colors.  Easy Peasy... and just in time!

1 down...  249 left!

Now that I've saved you some time... head on over to the other designer's blogs for even more quick and easy holiday card ideas!

Tami Mayberry
Carolyn King
Trudy Sjolander
Kimberly Crawford

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Supplies Used
Cardstock: X-Press It Blending Card, Bazzill Basics Paper
Stencil: Crafter's Workshop
Stamp: The Cat's Pajama's - Elegant Christmas
Ink: Memento - Paris Dusk
Copic Markers: B26/B18
Copic Airbrush System

 

MIC Recolor Challenge

I'm always telling my students NOT to compare their work with other students.  I think that is unproductive and can lead to all sorts of conflicting emotions.  While I think it's good to use other people's work as inspiration, I definitely think it's more productive to compare yourself with... yourself!  LOL

Our challenge over at Make It Crafty right now is to do exactly that.  Take an image that you colored previously (preferably a few months past) and recolor it.  It's a GREAT learning challenge and no matter how advanced you are in your coloring skills, there is always room for improvement!

Here are my samples for the challenge. 

I colored the Cheery Santa digi image about 6 months ago. (Image on the left.)  It was okay.  I didn't really do anything wrong in my coloring, but I sure left room for improvement!  Look at the image on the right.  That's my re-color of the same image for the challenge!  Just look at the difference in contrast!  The re-color is MUCH darker and I payed attention and added cast shadows too! 

Here are both colored images on cards.  While I am not all that fond of the "drab" coloring on the first card, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the layout! 

 
And while I love the coloring (and added detail of the scene) of the second card, I am not as fond of the layout!  LOL 

I guess the next step is to color up Cheery Santa again... using lots of contrast and more realistic skin tones (like the second attempt) and put him in the layout from the first attempt. 

Like I said... it's always a learning experience!

Stop in the MIC gallery to see what others are doing and learning from their re-color challenge.

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Copic Colors used in original
Skin: E00/E02
Beard and Fur Trim: C1/C3
Red: R22/R24/R27/R29
Black: C1/C3/C5/C7

Copic Colors used in the re-colorSkin: E00/E21/E34/E93/BV01Bear: W00/W1
Fur Trim: C00/C1/C3/C5Red: R22/R24/R29/R59/RV99Black: C00/C1/C3/C5/C7/C9
Tree: BG10/G40/G82/Y00
Snow: BG0000/YG31
Bricks: E93/E97/E99/E44/0
Sky: BG70/BG72/0

 

 

The Sky's the Limit for Me!

If you are a regular reader, you know I've been writing Copic technique articles for each issue of CardMaker Magazine since this past March.  I'm flying high today and super excited to announce that I'm expanding my work with them and joining the very first CardMaker Blog Team! 

Brooke has put together an amazing group of designers to write and design for the new CardMaker Blog and I'm so honored to be a part of it.  The first blog team includes:

Tami Mayberry
Carolyn King
Trudy Sjolander
Colleen Schaan (that's me!)
Kimberly Crawford

We will each be posting card projects, product reviews, and technique articles to the CardMaker blog and participating in themed monthly hops. 

I hope you can join us over at the CardMaker Blog for fun, inspiration, and tips and tricks of the trade!

Fly on over and check out the rest of the team!

_________________________________________________

Supplies:
    white (X-Press It Blending Card)
    Concord Grape, Turquoise Mist, Navajo, Raven (Bazzill Basics)
    Picket Fence (Lillybee Designs)
    Away We Go (The Cat's Pajamas)
    Tuxedo Black (Memento)
    Copic Markers
        BG10/BG15/BG18
        BV11/BV13/BV17
        RV63/RV66
        RV00/W00/W1
        Y23/Y26/Y28
        B41/0
    Wonky Rectangles (Spellbinders dies)
    Black Cord
    Multiliner

 

I'm a Color Addict!

Hello Readers!  I've got happy news to share with you all... 

I was asked to join the Make It Crafty Design Team, and I said, "YES!" (Well of course I said yes... it's a DREAM team and I am honored to be a part of it!)

You might remember my post about being a guest designer for MIC for their Texture Challenge a few weeks ago.  Well, shortly after, Zoe asked me to stay on as a permanent member of her team.  I am just SO thrilled!  Zoe and the girls are SO welcoming and the group really shares a love of coloring and sharing.  I hope that I can be as inspirational to others as they are to me.  

I'm a HUGE fan of the MIC digital images (they have red rubber too for those of you NOT into digis) and I am so excited to be able to play with them on a regular basis.  

Here is one of my latest creations...  I just LOVE these mischievous little guys!  I suppose getting home for the holidays IS sometimes a challenge.  LOL  

This image actually works for a number of recent coloring challenges over at MIC... texture on the wood, coloring white (rocket stripes), coloring snow (ummmm, snow) and light from a single point light source (fuse).  I'm pretty excited with how it turned out!


If you head on over to the Make It Crafty blog, you can read more about my coloring journey and just where I get my inspiration from... oh, and you can see a REALLY heinous photo of me when I was a child.  Yeah... good times! 

Thanks for stopping in today and sharing in my joy - have a Happy Thanksgiving!

_____________________________________________________
 

Supplies:

Images -  (MIC - digital scene) Elf Delivery System, Winter Sign, Pile of Snow
Paper - (MIC) Make It Color Blending Card, (Bazzill Basics) brown, parakeet, Hillary
Copic Markers -
    wood post: E31/E23/E37/E49
    signs: E11/E55/E17/E44/E59
    skin:E00/E21/E34/BV01/E93
    rope: Y23/E43/E71/E74/E77
    lighter: C1/C3/C5
    rocket: W00/W1/Y0000/R22/R24/R27/R29/R37/R59/B26
    feathers: Y21/YR24
    coat/shoes/hat:G40/G82/G85/G28
    tights/collars: YG91/YG93/YG95/YG97/YG99/E25
    snow: BG0000/BG70/BG10/Y0000
Other - brown inking pen, MIC chippies (chipboard corners)

 

Calling All Copic Lovers

Just a quick post to announce the very LAST Copic Intermediate Certification class for 2011! 

Thursday, December 1st will be the last certification class of the year... It's in Atlanta - and it's going to be big! 

So big in fact, that we are bringing in an additional instructor! 

The class filled to capacity quickly and we know there are still folks who want to join us, so Marianne Walker will be joining me for the class!  We will be team teaching - and having a blast doing it! 

Only a few seats remain open... so don't wait, sign up today! 

(And yes... if you bring your books... we WILL sign them, but no, we won't have any to sell during the class.

For more information and application details, check out the Copic web site HERE. It couldn't be easier to apply - you can now do it right on-line!

(The image above is one of MANY that we discuss and color during class...)

Hope to see you there!

 

Just Some Coloring...

Nothing newsworthy today... just wanted to post an image that I worked on last night.  I was going to attempt another "texture" image (Chantelle at the Races) for the current challenge over at Make It Crafty, but after I started, I realized that I didn't "plan ahead" and figure out how I wanted to add texture. 

I was thinking about using the colorless blender to texturize her dress, but of course I colored that LAST... so that idea was out.  (Unless I wanted to try tapping in small areas with my stipple brush... which I didn't. 

So...  while it was a failed attempt at texture, I am pretty happy with the overall look of the dress so I thought I'd share. 

If you are interested in seeing a LOT of coloring with texture (and other cool challenges), head on over to the Make It Crafty Blog and Gallery.

Happy Coloring!

Supplies:
Chantelle at the Races Digi Image - Make It Crafty
Color Copy Laser Printer Paper (for practicing)
Copic Markers
    Skin: E00/E21/E34/BV01
    Hair: Y32/YR24/YR14
    Dress: B41/B12/B16/B26/B39
    Flowers: BG11/BG15/BG18

Copic Meeting Overview and Catching Up

There's nothing like a little time with friends, crisp ocean air and planning for the future to make me happy!

I'm just catching up from the Copic team meeting in Eugene, OR last week where we brainstormed, planned, created, and played... all with enthusiasm and gusto.  Here are a few peeks at the fun we had...

The entire team...  Sherrie Siemens, Debbie Olson, Lori Craig, Nancy Zenke, Me, Marianne Walker, Jenn Balcer and Sharron Harnist hanging at the coast after a grueling day of meetings.

Our "gruelling" meetings... we did some serious work!  We worked on improving both our Standard and Intermediate Certification courses, created a list of locations and times for our 2012 classes, and brainstormed new and exciting opportunities!

(More information about above topics coming in the next few months...)

  We also took a brief art lesson from Ken (president of Imagination International Inc.) He brought in a bunch of radishes and taught us a bit about sketching.  (Surprise-Surprise... I have to learn to "let go" and not try to control my lines!) 

We also got a chance to meet with Richard Owens and Kacy Kizer, the two new Social Media specials.  They are doing an amazing job of getting Copic users connected and informed... lots of fun things for 2012!

One of the things that Richard talked about was using Twitter.  I've always avoided it because I really don't need another "time sucker" in my life, but after learning a bit more about it and how to use it properly, well.. guess who has a Twitter account?  LOL  (You can see my Twitter widget in the sidebar... about half way down.)  I will be using Twitter only as a business/Copic connection.  I will be posting info about new techniques, tutorials, and upcoming classes there... so please follow me!  (I promise... I won't overwhelm you with chirping.  LOL) 

There is also a "tweet" button and a FB "like" button at the end of each blog post now... so if you really like what I have to say, you can "Tweet" or "Like" it and forward it to others!  (THANK YOU!)

I have a TON of new and exciting things going on in the next few months... and I can't wait to share more! 

Thanks for visiting... stop by again soon.

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!)

How To Color Fabric Folds - with video tutorials!

I'm so excited today!  I colored my very first Tilda and I'm happy to say... I like the way she turned out!  LOL

Here is the card I created with her... a sweet Happy Birthday card for my dear sister in-law.

Supplies:
image: Happy Spring Tilda (Magnolia)
sentiment: By the Numbers :Die Namics and stamp set (My Favorite Things)
ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
paper: Surf's Up, Neptune, Rope Swing (Bazzill Basics), X-Press It Blending Card
Copic Markers:
    (skin - E00/E21/E33/E93/BV01)
    (hair - YR31/YR24/E33/E35)
    (dress - B21/B24/B26)
    (shoes - E33/E35/E37)
other:
    white grosgrain ribbon (airbrushed with E42)
    scallop borders: Open Scallop Edge (My Favorite Things)
    blue button
    hemp cord

__________________________________________________

I have been playing with coloring pleats and fabric folds and I know I promised you a video... I don't have one... I have FOUR!  LOL  

I'm including the two that I made for this image... it's actually one video that got really long so I split it into two...

Fabric Folds Part 1 - Basic Shape

 

 

Fabric Folds Part 2 - Applying it to an image (Magnolia - Happy Spring Tilda)

  

I also have two more videos on my You Tube channel showing how to do pleats... a more basic version of this fabric technique.  You can find them linked below:

Pleats 101 - Basic Shape

Pleats 101 - Applying it to an image (My Favorite Thing - Little Angle)

I didn't do a lot of "editing" as I wanted to share my though process as I was coloring... so pardon my random babbles!  LOL 

Don't forget to check out my Copic Compatibility Card Stock Testing Results HERE and HERE.  Comment on part 2 for a chance to win!

Go out and color your world!

 

Copic Compatibility: Testing Cardstock - Part II

I'm back... and I have MORE card stock testing results for use with those Copic markers!  If you missed Part I, you can click HERE for the results of my first paper group. 

Today I have 7 more card stocks to cover... from color, to blendability, to feathering to colorless blender effects.  The papers I'm testing today are:

Copic Stamp Paper
Gina K Designs -  Pure Luxury (80lb)
Make It Crafty -  Make It Color
Neenah - Clasic Crest Solar White Smooth
X-Press It Blending Card
Papertrey Ink - Stampers Select White
Xpedx Hammermill - Color Copy Digital Cover 100lb

Let's Get Started...

_________________________________________________________

 

Copic Stamp Paper

• slight yellow tint
• smooth surface
• maker catches just slightly on surface
• no streaks
• darkens slightly with layering
• easy blending
• some feathering with lots of layers
• ink soaks through very quickly
• excellent blender effects

Overall Thoughts - an excellent paper to use with Copic markers, but NOT a thick card stock-like paper.  It isn't as thin as printer paper, but it isn't as thick as card stock. 

_________________________________________________________

Gina K. Designs Pure Luxury

• yellow tint noticeable next to gray/white paper
• smooth surface
• marker flows smoothly across the surface
• some streaks if not fully saturated
• darkens with layers
• blending takes a bit of work
• no feathering
• ink sits on top of paper
• minimal blender effects

Overall Thoughts - This is a very nice paper for Copic users who want a denser paper.  I personally prefer softer papers, but I do find this surface to be very compatible.  It take a bit more work to blend (the flick application technique is a must).  Since the ink sits on the surface for some time, it can get gummy if you layer on too much ink. 

_________________________________________________________

  Make It Color

• crisp white color
• super smooth surface
• marker flows smoothly across the surface
• no streaks
• darkens a lot with layers
• super easy blending
• minimal feathering with lots of ink
• ink sits on top for a bit before soaking in
• excellent blender effects

Overall Thoughts - What a find!  I love this paper... it is very similar to the X-Press It Blending Card.  Great for beginner or experienced Copic users alike.  Super easy blending and very, very little feathering.  (I had to really soak it to get it to feather at all.)  Love the fact that I can get really crisp blender effects with this!

_________________________________________________________

Neenah Classic Crest

• bright white color
• has some tooth
• marker snags on the surface
• no streaks
• darkens very quickly
• easy blends
• feathers with layers
• ink soaks in quickly
• excellent blender effects initially but they fade as they dry

Overall Thoughts - I actually like this paper because I learned on it... BUT, I would not recommend this paper for a beginner Copic user as it is too soft and tends to feather a lot.  It blends easily.

_________________________________________________________

X-Press It Blender Card

• crisp white
• super smooth
• marker floats over the surface
• no streaks
• darkens with layers
• super easy blending
• no feathering
• ink soaks in slowly
• excellent blender effects

Overall Thoughts - LOVE this paper!!!  It's my "go-to" paper... I recommend it for beginner and experienced Copic users alike.  Love that the markers flow so smoothly and the blending is effortless. 

_________________________________________________________

Papertrey Ink

• crisp white
• some tooth
• marker snags a slight bit
• streaky unless very saturated
• darkens with a lot of layers
• blending a bit more difficult
• minimal feathering
• ink sits on surface for a bit then soaks in quickly
• good blender effects

Overall Thoughts - A compatible paper that I would recommend for experienced Copic users.  (Too difficult to blend for beginners.)  It uses a bit more ink to create smooth blends than a softer paper.   A good choice for colorers who want a denser paper.

_________________________________________________________

Hammermill Color Copy

• crisp white
• some tooth
• marker snags a bit on surface
• no streaks
• darkens quickly
• simple blending
• little to no feathering
• ink soaks in quickly
• excellent blender effects

Overall Thoughts - I was very surprised by this paper.  Not one that I had used or tested before and I didn't think I was going to like it, but I DO!  It's a good paper for those used to a soft surface.  It would be a good option for beginner Copic users. 

_________________________________________________________

My final thoughts for the day... I really think that ALL of these papers are good Copic compatible papers!  Each surface is a bit different - so you really need to know your inking style and your own personal preference for paper type. 

My top two picks today...  X-Press It Blending Card and Make It Color - these are actually my very favorite card stocks to work with when using Copics.  Love, Love, Love them! I also want to give a "surprise" shout out to the Hammermill Color Copy paper... it definitely is at the top of my recommendation list.

How would you like to win a sampling of my top picks from the card stock testing? 

Just leave a comment on THIS post telling me what YOUR favorite Copic paper is.  I will be picking a winner (or maybe two) next week.  Commenting for blog candy will be closed on Sunday, October 23rd and the winner will be posted on Monday, October 24.

(Flower image from retired SU set and image stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black)

Thanks for stopping by!

Copic Compatibility: Testing Cardstock - Part I

"What paper should I use with my Copics?"

Inquiring minds want to know, paper companies want to know, store owners want to know, Copic users want to know!  So I'm here to share my own findings on some of the most common papers on the market. 

Now... there are a LOT of papers on the market... and during the next few days I'm going to focus on card stock weight paper.  I'll do more posts later about all of the different art paper options out there too!  Of course, I haven't tested EVERY paper... and I'm sure you probably have some papers in your crafty stash that I don't mention.  That's okay.  After you see how I "test" my papers and the things I look for, you can conduct your own compatibility testing. 

Let's Begin.  Papers Being Tested Today:

WorldWin
    ColorMates Ivory
    ColorMates Natural
    Petallics Snow Willow
    Petallics Spearmint

The Paper Company
    Iced White Metallic
    Artic Snow Metallic

________________________________________________________________________

ColorMates Ivory

• yellowish/ivory color
• slight tooth
• marker "snags" a slight bit on surface
• no streaks if evenly saturated
• darkens quickly with layers
• super easy blending
• does feather with layers
• ink soaks in immediately
• soft blender effects

Overall Thoughts - Too yellow for my personal taste, but a nice ivory paper option.  It is on the soft side, so it does bleed easily.  If you are a beginner or if you color heavy, this is not a paper for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 ________________________________________________________________________

ColorMates Natural

• light ivory color
• slight tooth (soft)
• marker "snags" just a bit on surface
• no streaks if evenly saturated
• darkens quickly with layers
• super easy blending
• does feather with layers
• ink soaks in immediately
• soft blender effects

Overall Thoughts -I LOVE the color of this paper!  It is a soft paper, so it blends super easily, but it will feather with lots of layers.  If you are used to a soft paper... this is the perfect option for an ivory or off white paper!  It is not a good paper for beginners or heavy handed coloring.

 

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

Petallics Snow Willow

• gray/silver very shimmery
• super smooth
• marker floats across the surface
• no streaks even when not saturated
• very light - does not darken at all with layers
• blends well with a flicking technique - more like vellum reactions
• no feathering
• ink sits on tip for a long time (can get gummy with laying)
• subtle blender effects

Overall Thoughts - A very interesting paper!  I actually like the very different look and blending style.  I would not use it all the time, but it is nice to have when I want a special look.  I would not recommend it for beginners, but experienced Copic users would have fun with this surface.  This paper is almost holographic in it's look when you move it from side to side.

 

 

 

 ________________________________________________________________________

Petallics Spearmint

• yellow/green very shimmery
• smooth coating but the paper isn't smooth
• marker floats across the surface
• no streaks but very "blotchy"
• darkens only a little with LOTS of layering
• blends like vellum - marker tips pick up some color
• some feathering with a lot of ink
• crisp blender effects

Overall Thoughts - I don't care for the color (too greenish) but the shimmer is nice.  The splotchy ink detracts from the colored image and therefore it wouldn't be a paper I would recommend unless you wanted this effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ________________________________________________________________________

Iced White Metallic

• slight ivory color - slight shimmer
• smooth surface
• marker floats across the surface
• no streaks even when not fully saturated
• darkens slightly with layers
• easy blending
• minimal feathering with lots of layers
• ink soaks in slowly
• very subtle blender effects

Overall Thoughts - I LOVE this paper for an off white option if I don't need to use the blender marker.  It's just slightly ivory and has a very subtle shimmer.  It's easy to blend on and would be great for beginners and experienced users alike.  Watch out for featering if you are going to layer a lot of ink.

 

 

 

 

 ________________________________________________________________________

Arctic Snow Metallic

• gold/white shimmer
• smooth coating but surface isn't smooth
• marker floats across the surface
• no streaks
• darkens just slightly 
• blends like a vellum, marker tip will pick up ink
• no feathering
• ink sits on top for a long time but does not get gummy
• crisp blender effects

Overall Thoughts - this is an interesting ppaer.  I might use it for special projects.  I wouldn't recommend it for the beginner Copic user.  It is very difficult to get lots of contrast, so expect subtle blending and colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My final thoughts for the day... I was surprised by some of these surfaces.  Even though they may not be what I would recommend for daily Copic use, there are some that would be fun to use every once-in-a-while... like the Arctic Snow Metallic and the Snow Willow.  My top two picks today...  ColorMates Natural and Iced White Metallic - both worked very well and gave promising results.  Either would make a nice option for an off white cardstock. 

Stop back on Monday for part II of my paper testing and see how 7 more cardstocks stand up to Copic use. (And a chance to win a sample pack of my top picks!)

(Flower image from retired SU set and image stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black)

Thanks for stopping by - have a colorful weekend!

The New Copic Carrying Case - Your Chance to Win!

It's finally here!!!  The new Copic Carrying Case!

 
Copic now offers a portable case big enough to hold the ENTIRE Copic color spectrum. Here are some deets...

• six removable carry cups fit in the case’s hard shell exterior (each cup is sturdy enough to stand whether completely or partially full)
• holds up to 380 Sketch markers
• The top zipper closure and shoulder strap make transporting your Copic collection a breeze
• just in time for the holidays, this case is the perfect gift for the Copic lover who has everything.

 

I received my case last week and couldn't wait to try it out.  But wait...  where did my case go?  I looked high and low and finally spotted it in my husbands "toy" area.  (Yes, I have my toys and he has his...)  When I opened the case I was shocked to see it filled with little miniature game pieces!  I immediately evacuated those little monsters and trolls and seized my case back. 

Once I had a chance to put my own toys in it (all my pretty markers...) I had to take some pics. 

Here's the case all zipped up and ready to go!

 

Here's the case full of my marker collection.  I have all of the markers except the florescent and you can see... there's still room to grow!  (Or room to add my multiliners and glitter pens!)

And here it is with some paper on top... I wanted to see if I could carry my art portfolio or some extra images too... and Yes I Can!!!

Here is the set up with one of the inside baskets out... perfect for if you only want to work with  a limited number of markers.

 

And here's a photo of all six baskets... full of colorful goodness!

 

I also wanted to check and see how many of my class wallet sets I could fit in and carry...

Speaking of class sets... I'm thinking that this case would be a GREAT way for instructors to carry and use their class marker sets.  Just place each set of markers into one of the baskets, put them in the case and carry to class.  At class... just open it up, take out the class basket sets and place them on the tables... at the end... pack up and voila - you are ready to go...easy peasy!

 

I absolutely LOVE my Copic Carrying Case... I do a lot of traveling and now I can quickly and easily take my whole collection with me.  And my husband? He's getting his own!!!

 

 

What about YOU???  What do you think about the new Copic Carrying Case?

Would you like to *win* one?

Copic Marker is proud to partner with Splitcoaststampers the entire month of October for their annual Hope You Can Cling To campaign for breast cancer awareness.

Splitcoast is hosting daily challenges through the entire month of October, and asking members of the paper crafting community to create cards in support of cancer patients and their families and mail them to national partner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Copic Marker is pleased to offer FOUR of these great new Copic Coloring Cases as prizes for four lucky participants in the Hope You Can Cling To campaign. It's a campaign of the sweetest type - you have the opportunity to color, spread a little hope with your handcrafted cards and be eligible to win! 

You can find general information for the Hope You Can Cling To campaign, including information on how to play and a handy tracking sheet to keep track of your entries, here. You can find a master list of the challenges presented thus far right here. It's updated daily for new inspiration, and there are a variety of themes, so participation easy. And, just in case you aren't familiar with Splitcoast, it's a free paper crafting community where thousands of card ideas and tutorials are shared in the galleries and their resource archives. It's a fun place to be. You can find the details here. You can sign up for your free account and start sharing here.

I HOPE you'll find a few opportunities to color and participate with me this month. We'll announce our *FOUR* Copic Coloring Case winners the second week of November! Good luck

 

Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop: ScoreBoard Butterfly!

Welcome... to the second week of the Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop!

Every Tuesday and Thursday between September 27-November 3, 2011 there will be a new Sizzix Fresh Vintage die featured on 6-10 of the 75 participating designers' blogs.

I'm participating this week and I'm super excited to share my project because it uses a super cute (and very versatile) die - the Score Board Butterfly by Eileen Hull!

I knew right away what I wanted to try with these adorable little butterflies... so I got right to work on this pretty little wall hanging.

Here's what I did:

Step 1 -Apply fusible webbing onto the bottom half of a 6x8 inch and a 4x6 inch canvas and prime with gesso. (let dry completely)

Step 2 - Mask off squared areas and airbrush a variety of different colors onto the surface.  Make sure to use darker shades and apply a nice thick layer of color. 

Step 3 - Drip colorless blender solution (or a light color ink) from the refill bottle onto the surface. 

Step 4 - Quickly blow the pooling and blending ink around with compressed air (using the ABS with my compressor here...)

Step 5 - Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary.  Let dry completely.  Each canvas will be unique.

Step 6 - Cut out 3 or 4 butterflies from ScoreBoard.  Apply a thin coat of glass gel bead medium over each cut out. 

Step 7 - Airbrush the butterflies while medium is still wet. 

Step 8 - Heat with a heat tool.  This will "boil" the acrylic medium creating bubbles of texture and will consolidate the color.  It also will "warp" the ScoreBoard a bit giving nice dimension to the cut outs. 

Step 9 - Paint or stamp a sentiment or quote on the dried canvas.

Step 10 - Adhere smaller canvas to larger canvas and attach butterfly shapes.   Paint dotted trail.

 

 I was so excited about how these butterflies were turning out I started thinking about other projects I could do with them...  I just loved the glittery, bubbly, colorful dimension I was able to create with them... so I'm thinking... magnets, pins, hair clips, neckalaces, gift tags with bows... the possibilities are endless!

Thank you SO much for stopping by... you can check out what the other designers did with the ScoreBoard Butterfly Die by clicking the Hop Forward or Hop Backward links in the button below. 

 
Sizzix Fresh Vintage
[ Hop back ][ Hop forward ]

 

FAQ about the Fresh Vintage Blog Hop:
How do I hop around to see ideas using the current featured die?

Every Tuesday and Thursday between September 27-November 3, 2011 there will be a new Sizzix Fresh Vintage die featured on 6-10 of the 75 participating designers' blogs. The navigation buttons for "Hop Back" and "Hop Forward" will allow you to easily hop around and see projects featuring whatever the current die is, since those buttons are programmed to navigate only to the blogs that are participating for that die. On the next Tuesday/Thursday, the buttons will automatically reprogram themselves to navigate to the blogs that are signed up for the next featured die.

What if I start at a designer's blog that isn't one of the 6-10 signed up for that die?

No problem! Simply hit either the "Hop Forward" or "Hop Back" button on the Fresh Vintage navigation widget from any blog's sidebar and you'll automatically advance to one of the participating blogs.

Can I go back and view the ideas for a previously featured die?

Of course! Go to the "Blog Hops" link at the top of the page. It will bring up all of the blog posts where you'll find direct links to each participating blog along with a thumbnail image of the project.

Where can I buy the Sizzix Fresh Vintage dies, by Eileen Hull?

You can visit Sizzix.com to find a local and online retailers for Sizzix products. Also be sure to visit Oh My Crafts, one of this blog hop's sponsors, (between the dates of September 27-November 3, 2011) and enter for a chance to win a Flower Layers #9 die!

The Blog Hop has ended and the navigation widget is no longer in the sidebar. How can I see the ideas?

Go to the "Blog Hops" link at the top of the page. It will bring up blog posts where you'll find direct links to each participating blog along with a thumbnail image of the project.

Speed Coloring with Copics!

Here is what I've been doing...

 

 

It took me a bit over an hour to color this image...  but you can see me do the whole thing in crazy fast mode!  LOL  (I do always say that I color fast and crazy!)  It's about 14 minutes long...so grab a cuppa something warm and settle in to watch. 

Image is Mushroom House from the little house collection at Make It Crafty (I can't wait to color up some of the other houses... talk about whimsical!!!)  This is a digital image - and I love that I can make it BIG (full sheet of paper) and really get into adding details and texture.

Sorry I don't have a list of Copic Colors...  I used lots of reds, grays (warm and cool) and greens...  no blending groups... just colors I liked.

Paper is Color Laser Copier paper... it's what I use when I want to practice or when I am doing large images like this. 

Enjoy!

Click HERE to see more of my You Tube Videos.

Last Call for Copic Certifications!

As we head into the fall months, we are wrapping up our Standard and Intermediate Copic Certification schedule and beginning work on our schedule for 2012.  We now have ALL classes listed and open for enrollment for both Standard and Intermediate (with the exception of Atlanta Intermediate on Dec. 1st... that will open for enrollment very soon!)

          


You can see the list of classes HERE on my blog and you can apply HERE on the Copic website.  Don't wait...  this is it for 2011! 

_____________________________________________________________

I also want to give you a heads up...  I've been working on some videos and some technique tutorials for you and I'm ALMOST ready to post...  here's a sneak peek at the image that I colored for one of the videos... 

Size: 8.5 x 11
Image: Make It Crafty
Coloring Medium: Copics
Learn more and watch the process...(coming later today!)

Don't Worry...

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!  I'm still around... just hiding out where no-one can find me! LOL  (But it looks as if you have found me!!!)

Actually, I've been busy teaching... and loving every minute of it!  Last week Thursday I spent the day in Savannah with 16 of the most amazing Copic enthusiasts!  They were all SO excited to learn more about Copic markers...  each of them having a different level of experience with them.  They left the class ready to go out and color the world! 

That makes me happy!

Thanks for stopping in today...  Have a GREAT one!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Supplies

Cardstock:           X-Press It Blending Card

                           Bazzill Basics Paper Tahitian Princess and Raven

Rubber Stamps:    Gina K. Designs “Quite a Catch”

Ink:                      Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers:     BG11/BG72/BG75/YR04/YR07

Adhesive:            X-Press It Double Sided Tape and X-Press It Foam Tape

Other:                 Copic Mulitiner

 

Celebrating with Friends!

Good morning!  I'm back from my Florida "Hot Spot" book signing tour and I have to say... it was a BLAST!  I had such a great time celebrating the success of the book, chatting with friends (old and new), and sharing my love of coloring and crafting with such warm and welcoming folks. 

As you know... the first Monday of each month is Designer Crafts Blog Connection group blog hop... and today our theme is Celebrations!

Since I just got home from the trip and I haven't had any studio time so get crafty, I thought I'd share some of my favorite images from my trip. 

Everyone is concentrating SOOOO hard here at the My Favorite Things grand opening celebration event!  Thanks Kim and customers for such a warm welcome!

 

Here I'm at the beach in Naples, FL celebrating the 1/2 way point of the trip...  1,500 miles of driving...  it was nice to take a few minutes to play in the water.  Pure Bliss!

 

Here we are celebrating success!  What an amazing group (and TALENTED) of ladies here at Scrapbooks Etc. in Bonita Springs!  (Just look at those smiles!)

 

Here is a talented and attentive student at Cherry Blossoms in Coconut Creek.  Just look at those Yummy markers!

 

And here is one of the cards that we made.  Isn't he just adorable?  (Image by Mo Manning.)

 

I want to thank EVERYONE who made the book signing tour such a success!  It was GREAT to celebrate with friends.  For more celebratory posts... check out what the other designers created by clicking on the link below. 

 

[ DC Connection ]
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Kickin' It With Kim! (MFT)

It's HOT down here in Florida as I start my "Hot Spots" tour! Last night I KICKED it off in Ocala, FL at Priceless Scrapbooks and had such a great time with the gals there! We giggled, laughed, chuckled, snickered and even guffawed a few times.

And today I was lucky enough to spend the day with my friend Kim who owns My Favorite Things (MFT) and her family as we helped her KICK off her new GRAND OPENING of her store.

It's a sweet space all decked out in pink and it was so fun to see all of her stamps and the beautiful samples made by her team... simply lovely. I taught two classes there today and I had such an amazing time. The gals were SO willing to "try new things" and "not be afraid of the dark" in coloring. I enjoyed their positive attitudes and willingness to play and have fun.

One of the cards we did was this adorable little guy... Karate Boy.  I taught skin tones and how to color white... and everyone really kicked up their coloring a notch!  LOL

Okay.. I've KICKED around the whole "kickin" thing enough... nothing like KICKING a dead horse right?  Oh, wait... that's beating a dead horse... errrrrr, welll....... (grimace).

Well I'm off to bed now... I'm going to KICK off my morning pretty early and head south...  (sorry, I just couldn't resist!)

 

What? No Lines?

That's right...  well, light lines at least! 

Another tip/technique/challenge that is happening over at Make It Crafty is coloring images that have been stamped with super light ink. 

It might sound like no big deal, but it's VERY different than coloring in a nice, solid black lined image. 

Here's my very first attempt:

I'm not horrified by it... but I'm not really thrilled with it either.  It's all about learning new things and then practicing them.  That's my plan with this technique. 

As you can see, the stamped lines aren't really visible (they are in the hair because I colored with light shades)... and that makes coloring a definite challenge... the look is very different... almost soft and fuzzy like watercolor. 

I used London Fog ink (I think I want to get some of the uber light blue to try again.) And the image is Standing Pretty by Elisabeth Bell.  And here are the colors I used:

Thanks for stopping in!  Have a Colorful Day!

I've got PLEATS!

I decided to take some time off of "work" today and color.  Yes... I color for work...but today I didn't color for any specific project or deadline.. I colored just for fun...so I guess I had the day off!  LOL

I recently joined the Make It Crafty group on Facebook and I'm so impressed (and somewhat intimidated) by the talent over there!  Zoe (artist and group administrator) colors like an angel... and I want to soak up everything I can from her. 

The group posts challenges and tips for people to try... and I tried two today! (I'll show you one today and another in a few days...)

Here's the first new thing I tried... coloring PLEATS!  Now, I've colored pleats on images that already have pleats on them... but I've never done it on "flat" images. 

Here's an adorable image from My Favorite Things called Cute Is What I Do.  This is the way I would normally color her... (yup... and like normal, I changed the light source half way through the process!  LOL)

And here she is with PLEATS!  Isn't that awesome?  Now, it was my first attempt at pleats and I got a little pleat crazy... and they do look a bit zig-zaggy... but overall, I'm pretty happy and I can't wait to practice this technique and really perfect it. 

Here are the Copic markers used:

What fun...  I love that I can now take a fairly simple image and really bump up the difficulty level. 

What are you waiting for?  Go out and get your pleat on!

Copic is Going to Hawaii!

That's right...  Copic Certification Classes are headed to Hawaii!

Standard Certification classes will be held on November 4th and 5th with an Intermediate Certification class on November 6th.

Marianne Walker will be teaching all of the classes, and they will be held at the Hawaiian Graphics Store. 

As a special ONE TIME ONLY occasion, we are allowing people to take the Regular Certification class AND the Intermediate class in the same week. (The Hawaiian location only!)  People will need to sign up for both classes at the same time if they want to take both. 

Registration opens today with a non-refundable class fee.  Don't wait... we expect these classes to fill quickly!
 
In other certification news...

I've got classes booked for the following locations:

Standard Certifications

Savannah, GA area
Thursday, September 8, 2011
    SpringHill Suites Savannah Historic District
    150 Montgomery Street
    Savannah, GA 31401
     *Applications now available HERE

 
Knoxville, TN area
Thursday, October 13, 2011
    Knoxville Marriott
    500 Hill Avenue SE
    Knoxville, TN USA 37915    
    *Applications not available yet.

Portland, OR area
Friday, October 28th
    Location  TBA
    *Applications not available yet.

 

Intermediate Certifications

Orlando, FL area 
Thursday, September 22, 2011
    Residence Inn by Marriott
    7024 Augusta National Dr.
    Orlando, FL 32822
    *Applications now available HERE

Portland, OR area
Saturday, October 29th
    Location TBA
    *Applications not available yet.

 

Atlanta, GA area 
Thursday, Dec 1, 2011
    Hampton Inn and Suites Atlanta - Galleria
    2733 Circle 75 Parkway
    Atlanta, GA 30339
    *Applications not available yet.

 

To check out where other Copic Certification classes are being held throughout the country, click HERE. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

A Cool (or Warm) Copic Technique!

Today's post is part of the Designer Crafts Blog Connection group.  The first Monday of every month we have a topic and a number of amazing designers post projects and insight into their very own crafting world.

Today we are all sharing our favorite techniques.  Of course, mine is all about Copics!  LOL

Many people LOVE the bright, vibrant colors that are possible with Copic markers.  And while that is definitely ONE of my favorite things about them, sometimes I just don't want that super vibrancy... I want a more toned down look. 

That's where all of those grays come in!  :)

Here's a sample of an image I colored using R22/R24/R27/R29/B12/B24/B26/B28/Y08/Y23/Y35.  Notice how bright the colors are...

Well, the card stock I wanted to pair it with was NOT quite so vibrant... so I pulled out my neutral gray markers!  After adding some gray to the colors to tone down the saturation, I ended up with this...
Notice how the colors are now just a bit less vibrant...  more subtle?  That's what the grays can do! 

I've got a video showing and explaining the whole process HERE on my YouTube channel. 

And here is the image used in a project... it's one of the cards I'll be making on my Florida tour later this month! (Stamp by Stampavie, card stock by Bazzill Basics)

Thanks for stopping by... make sure to check out all of the other fabulous designer's favorite tips by clicking on the link below!

[ DC Connection ]
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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

 

Florida HOT SPOT Tour and Book Signing!

Summer is about to get HOT!!!

Join me this August for my Florida Hot Spot Tour!  I'll be visiting some amazing stores where I will be teaching classes, chatting during Q/A sessions, and signing copies of The Copic Coloring Guide.  Come take a class or just stop in and chat...  I'll be at the following locations:

 

Friday, August 26, 2011
6-9 PM

Priceless Scrapbooks
1925 SW 18th Ct #107
Ocala, FL  34471
352-390-6813
http://www.pricelessscrapbooks.com

 

Saturday, August 27, 2011
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

My Favorite Things - Grand Opening Celebration!
2515 Dora Avenue
Tavares, FL 32778
kim@mftstamps.com
http://www.mftstamps.com/catalog

 

Monday, August 29, 2011
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Scrapbook Etc.
3725 Bonita Beach Rd. #7
Bonita Springs, Fl. 34134
239-495-9199
http://scrapbooksetcinfo.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Cherry Blossom Studios (AKA - Scrapbook Central)

4449 Lyons Rd #J-103

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

954-247-0020

http://www.cherryblossom-studio.com

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pictures In Time
550-13 Wells Road
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-213-7891
http://www.mypicturesintime.com

 

Contact individual stores for class schedules, prices, and registration information.   Sign up today... spots are limited and going FAST!  It's going to be one HOT week!!!

Ink, Art, Friends, and Copic!

Phew...  I FINALLY am catching up after my week of Copic fun and instruction. 

Marianne Walker and I traveled to Berne, IN last week to teach a standard certification class to the employees of DRG Publishing (Annie's Attic and CardMaker Magazine) and a few other lucky Copic enthusiasts.  I have to say... it was one of the most entertaining groups I've worked with!  LOL  Those of you who have taken a class with me know that I can be a bit on the silly side... and Marianne... well, let's just say we had the group giggling the whole day. 

Here's a photo of me working with Tanya Fox, the EXTRAORDINARY gal who worked with us to get our book (The Copic Coloring Guide) published.  She is an amazing editor and a fabulous friend.  We had such a great time in the class... I can't wait to head back to have some more Copic fun in the future!  You can read more about the event HERE in the DRG news release. 

After an amazing day in Berne, Marianne and I drove to Indianapolis to meet up with Bianca Mandity for our very first Copic Ink and Art Workshop event.  Saturday dawned bright and sunny and the room quickly filled with excited participants and LOTS of paints, inks and supplies! 

Bianca and I tag-teamed it during the morning session where we taught 6 different techniques that combined Copic inks with a number of other mediums.  Then in the afternoon, we each taught a break-out session.  Bianca taught hand dying silks and I taught an acrylic medium canvas class. 

We asked students to be adventurous and experiment... and boy did they!  I was thrilled with the "what if" that became the motto for the day.  Every student left with oodles of new information and techniques that they can adapt and incorporate into their own artwork.  It was not only a hug success, but an amazing experience.  I can't wait to grow and expand the program! 

In other news... our book is FLYING off the shelves!  I couldn't be happier.  I'm getting lots of wonderful feedback and I am blown away by the kind comments and the overwhelming support.  Thank you ALL so very much... you are the reason I do what I do. 

I'll be back soon with more updates, some colored images (yes... I do still color sometimes LOL, and a list of classes and workshops that are coming up. 

Gina K. Inspiration Blog Hop

Happy Hump Day!

I'm so excited today to bring you projects from two of the new sets from Gina K. Designs.  I think the new "Free With 3" Elegant Elements set is soooooo versatile!  Wow...  absolutely gorgeous accent stamps that can be used alone or in combination with any other set. 

I used one of the circle patterns along with some of the NEW "just peachy" card stock.  I stamped the circles in salmon adirondack ink and then used my peach Sepia glitter pen to add a touch of glam.  I stamped a sentiment from Vintage Chic and paired them all up with the new patterned paper pack.  I love how easy and elegant this card is.. and it would be so easy to change up the colors and sentiment for any occasion.

This next card is one of my favorites!!!  I don't often get attached to my cards, but this one I did! 

I have a thing lately about lighthouses and this image from Theresa Momber's new "By the Sea" set is just gorgeous!  I colored the image with my Copics (colors listed below) and then airbrushed and played with some colorless blender to create the cloud-filled sky.  I combined Kraft, Black Onyx, and Cranberry Tart card stock and some hemp twine for a nice "seaside" look.  love, love, love the earthy feel of this card. 

Copic Colors Used: C3/C5/C7/W00/W1/W3/G24/G94/R22/R24/R29/E21/E33/E25/E81/E50/E71/YR30/B0000/B41/B21/B32/B95

I am headed up to Berne, IN to do a manufacturer certification with our book publisher on Friday and then I'm going to be teaching the very first Copic Ink and Art Mixed Media Workshop in Indianapolis on Saturday.  I'll be back next week with a review and some more fun projects.

Thanks for stopping by... make sure to check out the rest of the Gina K. DT for more inspiration using the Elegant Elements and By the Sea sets!

 

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Donna Baker
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy

The Copic Coloring Guide is HERE!

This is it!  The day I've been waiting for... the day I've dreamed about... the day I can celebrate! 

I am officially an author! 

I'm so proud to announce The Copic Coloring Guide... a go-to guide for Copic users!  Whether you are completely new to the markers or you have been using them for years, this book contains wonderful and informational tutorials and projects for every skill level. 

I paired up with Marianne Walker and together we share our combined knowledge and love of Copic Markers. Included in the book are step-by-step tutorials explaining the numbering system, how to pick good blending groups, how to blend using a variety of techniques, and how to use that mysterious colorless blender.  Also included are over 40 card projects with easy to follow, step-by-step coloring and assembly instructions... from some of the most talented color artists in the business. 

Here's a sneak peek of one of my FAVORITE projects from the book... (It is so hard to pick a favorite... there are so many awesome samples- but I just love the texture on these two adorable little cuties! - Image by Whipper Snapper Designs) 

I want to thank Tanya Fox, our Editor Extraordinaire, for jumping in with both feet on this project and for being willing to take a chance on a new author and for truly making it the most amazing experience I've ever had.  I want to thank DRG for supporting our efforts and for being as excited about the project as we were.  I want to thank Marianne for saying YES when I asked her to join me on this journey... and for being an amazing friend as well.  I want to thank the superbly talented group of designers who shared their work in the book  - you are my inspiration!  I want to thank YOU... my friends, students, fellow artists who all have cheered my successes and shared in my frustrations along my journey.  And lastly, I want to thank my husband Nate... without whom I could not breath.  You are my very soul.  Thank you.

(Phew... I feel like Sally Fields giving her acceptance speech... LOL)

The book is now shipping and is available (or will be in a matter of days) at a store near you.

Super Duper Uber Excited Hugs Today! Thanks for stopping by!

colleen

 

 

For Mom - Thank You

This morning and welcome to the May Designer Crafts Blog Hop!  This month our inspiration was mothers... and fathers... and graduation!  

I focused on Mother's Day since it's fast approaching.  

I want to share this lovely card... perfect for saying "Thanks for being my mom!" (or any other special lady (grandmother, aunt, MIL, sister, friend...)

I used an image from Loralie Designs called Lovely Butterflies.  It has two beautiful butterfly patterns and some flowers that match.  The cool thing about these stamps is that the company encourages you to stamp an image and then enlarge it for a project.  I stamped this lacy butterfly and enlarged it just a bit so it would fit perfectly on a standard sized card.  

I colored it with V12/V15/V17 and YG03 YG06 Copic markers.  The fun part of this project was cutting out the butterfly and popping it up on the card.  I like to bend the wings out just a bit to give it some movement and dimension.  I popped a button on the center and tied a Copic died ribbon in the middle.  The layout is simple so that the focus is on the beautiful and lacy butterfly...  although I did hand doodle a frame... just couldn't resist. 

What a perfect way to say thank you to those wonderful women in your life.  

Thank YOU my friends.. for stopping in to visit, for your friendship and support, and for sharing your creativity with me and others. 

Hop Forward using the link below to see more May Inspiration!

[ DC Connection ]
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Final Fabulous Friend! My Favorite Things

Good morning!  I'm back with some more FABULOUSNESS from My Favorite Things! 

This week I colored up two of the cutest images in the Pure Innocence line... 

The first sample uses the image Love You With All My Heart.  This little gal has a HUGE heart and she's perfect for sending loving messages to anyone in your life. 

I paired her up with a saying from the Clearly Sentimental About You set.  (LOVE THESE!) And I've got three more videos this week showing the steps for coloring her.  You can see them by clicking on the links below. 

My Favorite Things - My Heart Is At Your Service - The Coloring Code and Basic Blending.

My Favorite Things - My Heart is At Your Service - Coloring Skin and Hair

My Favorite Things - My Heart is At Your Service - Beyond the Coloring Code Blends

I did add some things to the image once the videos were done... like some textured detail on her dress that I created with a sky blue multiliner and some dots of Opaque White.  I then paired the colored image with dark blue card stock and created a scallop border with the  Die-namics open scallop die and added a layer of patterned paper from Basic Grey. 

 

My second sample uses Ladybug... probably my all time favorite MFT image. 

This little lady is just adorable!  I don't have separate videos for coloring her up, but I do have a video link where I colored her as part of a live-web show interview that I did back in February.  You can view that at the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RG-r8XmJtU

For this card, I colored her up and paired her with red, black, and gray card stock.  I love the way the polka-dots on the card stock mimic the dots on the body!    I used three of the dies in the Layered Labels Die-namics set along with the sweet sentiment.  I wanted to keep the whole thing fairly simple, but I wanted something fun, so I added her antenna with curls of wire so they would pop off the page.

I want to thank Kim and the crew over at My Favorite Things for letting me join them this month as a Fab Friend.  I have had so much fun coloring and making videos with these amazing images.  If you'd like to learn a bit more about me, you can head on over to the MFT Blog for a final posting and my answer to yet another interview question. 

Thanks for stopping by... and have a colorful day!

 

Gina K April Release!

Another amazing release from Gina K. Designs this month.  April is my "crazy" month so I knew I would only be able to work with one set this month... and I picked What's the Dirt?  It's just so springy and fun.  I love the cute pots and the pretty flowers. 

My first card uses the wheelbarrow image...

I colored the flowers with RV63 and RV66 (new colors) with a touch of Y19 an G14.  The wheelbarrow is C1/C3 and C5 and the seed bag is E33 and E41.  I used a scallop border and lined that with some white scallop ribbon.  I had these chipboard flowers that just begged to be used since they looked so much like the flowers in the image.  I airbrushed them up and popped a button and some thread on them. 

My second sample uses the pot and flowers image...

I LOVE to color terra-cotta pots... my favorite combination is E93/E95/E97/E99 and a touch of E29.  I started by stamping the little shovel and one group of pots, and then I masked them and added the watering can and a second group of pots. 

There are so many amazing things you can do with this set!  It's perfect for any springy greeting. 

Check out the links below for more samples from the DT members.

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy

MFT - Fab Friend Friday!

It's me again... your favorite FAB FRIEND!  LOL

This week I want to share some cards that I made with some of my very favorite images.  I am in LOVE with My Favorite Thing's Pure Innocence line of stamps.  They are just sooooo sweet and a joy to color (which as you know is sort of my thing! LOL). 

This first card is made with the little girl from the My Balloon set.  I actually cut the balloon out and then squiggled a wire between her hand and the balloon so it had a 3D quality.  The balloon is popped up on foam tape.  The bright colors and the sweet little girl just made me happy... so that's what I put as the sentiment.  (I used the Layered Labels Die-namics for this.. uber easy!)

And for a little treat for you... I decided to create a video for this next image.  I am always asked about my coloring, so I thought I'd tape myself while coloring the image and share with you.  Of course, I didn't do a lot of editing, so I ramble a bit and it ended up being sort of long.  I split it into 4 videos... each about 4 or 5 minutes long... so you could see what I do. Nothing elaborate... just something simple to get you started.

You can see the videos on my Youtube channel - just started one... will be adding lots of videos in the months to come... or just click on the links below.

Video #1 - Coloring The Skin

Video #2 - Coloring The Dress

Video #3 - Coloring The Hair and Details

Video #4 - The Finishing Touches

 

And here's the final image on a card. 

 
I used the adorable little youngster from the Make Mine a Double set for this card along with the Die-namics Open Scallop Border.  Ice cream always reminds me of summer... and the 4th of July... so I went with a red/white/blue color scheme for this one.  Isn't it sweet?

Head on over to the My Favorite Thing Blog today for another "Behind the Scenes" question and answer session. 

Thanks for stopping by!

NEW EVENT... Copic Ink & Art Workshop

Join Copic Regional Art Instructors Bianca Mandity and Colleen Schaan for a day full of mixed media art fun as you explore combining your favorite mediums with Copic markers and inks. Students will attend a combined workshop in the morning and two smaller breakout sessions in the afternoon.

When: Saturday, June 4, 2011 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (1 hour break for lunch on your own)
Where: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites 120 W. Market St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
Cost: $150.00

Morning Session 9:00 – 12:00 Mixed-Media Marker Madness!

In this class youʼll learn a variety of mixed-media techniques that use Copic markers and inks. Walk through each technique step-by-step and then create your own sample. Finished pieces will be attached to shipping tags and bound together to create your very own technique booklet. The techniques that will be covered are: Copic & Bleach Bath, Found Object Resist, Layered Backgrounds, Hot Photos, Colorful Textures and Colorizing Transfers.

Afternoon Sessions will run from 1:00 – 3:00 and 3:30 – 5:30

Session A - Dyed and Gone to Heaven – Bianca Mandity
Create heavenly hand-dyed silk in this 2-hour class. Bind each stunning silk panel to create a magnificent art book, the perfect backdrop for your creative musings.    Techniques taught will be: faux batik, marbleizing silk, French ribbon dying, stenciling, glittering and doodling on silk.

Session B – Ink, Paper, Paint: A Colorful Story – Colleen Schaan
Tell your very own story with ink, paper and paint! Get lost in texture, color and form in this 2-hour experiment. I will teach you how to tint and mix different acrylic mediums and combine them with Copic inking techniques that will give you one-of-a-kind results. Design your own images from paper or fabric while glazing, layering and building your own masterpiece. Be free in your creative process. Watch what happens when we experiment, play and discover our way to a happy ending.  (Here's a sneak peak at part of my project.)

 

Class Kit/Materials Fee payable to instructors at beginning of class: $32

*Note - This is NOT a coloring class.  We are exploring "outside-the-box" ways to use Copic markers and inks and hope to instill the spirit of exploration and experimentation in our students. 

This is a limit on the number of students we are accepting and registration is on a first-come-first-served basis, so register EARLY to ensure your seat. 

Click HERE for more details and registration. 

Learning to be an ARTIST!

I've got to share!

I'm working on my next article deadline, our new Mixed Media event (details will be available in the next day or two!!!) and prepping for my classes in North Carolina next week. 

But I wanted to take a break and share a bit about my trip to Phoenix last week and my very first Intermediate Certification class!  Debbie Olson and I team taught the class and it was AMAZING fun!  OMG... I got such a high from everyone's excitement and enthusiasm and willingness to try new things.

The class is all about looking at yourself as an artist and continually pushing your work to the next level... and to do this, you need to experiment and try new things.  Sometimes things you aren't really comfortable with. 

In the Standard Certification class we give product basics and the rules of use... but in the Intermediate - wow... stand back...we ask you to break all of those rules! 

I'm so impressed with the progress everyone made in just the one day!  And I know students went home and practiced and pushed the boundaries and improved their art.  I'm so proud of all of them and so proud to have been a part of their growth. 

Here's just one of many images that students can practice with.  I tackled it after going through my training for the class and added it to my new ART portfolio.  I'm pretty excited about it... and I'm thrilled to be learning and challenging myself along side my students. (Image drawn by Marianne Walker for use in the Intermediate Certification Class.)

*For a list of all current certification classes accepting applications - Click HERE.

*For a list of all of MY certification class locations for 2011 - Click HERE.

Thanks for stopping in today!

 

I'm a FABULOUS Friend!

Well... I HOPE my friends would agree!

This month though... there's no question...as I've been asked to be the April Fab Friend for My Favorite Things!

My first project uses images from The Sheltering Tree set.  Talk about adorable... these two little owls are just the cutest!  I stamped the tree with Memento and colored with Copics.  I then added the leaves with Bamboo Memento ink, stamped and colored the owls and then cut them out to pop them up on the branch.  I just love the way the larger one is looking at the smaller one and spreading his wings... like he is saying, "You can do it.. just take the leap and fly."  I've got an amazing friend who pretty much told me the same thing this weekend..so this card is winging it's way to her!

My next card was SO much fun to create!  As you know, I like cute and whimsical... and pink isn't my favorite crayon in the box. LOL  But I honestly LOVE this card!

I used the Inspired By - Love set and ohhh, it's full of gorgeous images and text!  I stamped the heart and wing images in Memento black and then colored them with Copics in the R80 family.  I went over the bold black lines in the heart with my Spica pure black glitter pen to really set off the pinks.  I cut out a tag and airbrushed it with R83 and W3 and then stamped "LOVE" on it.  There is a subtle image of the music staffs on the patterned paper at the top of the card and the sentiment is stamped on the bottom.  I wrapped some variegated red/pink fibers around a gray strip and attached the die cut.  I popped the heart on and glued the wings to the back.  A few pearls were the perfect simple embellishment for this project.

And of course... I couldn't leave without giving you Cute and Whimsical...so here's "World's Best Doctor"

If he looks familiar, it's because I gave a sneak of him as an example of coloring tips on this post.  I thought he was so cute I had to use him on a card.  I love the simple layout... that way the focus is on the image and the coloring.  It's the perfect way to express gratitude for someones friendship...

...which of course, is the theme of the day! 

Please head over to the MFT BLOG today to get up close and personal with me as I answer a question or two for inquiring minds. 

Happy Coloring - and Go Hug a Friend!

 

Bunny Hop!

Welcome to April's Designer Crafts Blog Hop!  The theme this month is EASTER... and I've got an adorable little bunny to share with you today.

I absolutely LOVE this image from Stampavie...

To color the bunny and give him some fuzzy fur, I colored him with a smooth layer of E30 and let that dry completely.  Then I scribbled randomly with E33.  To add just a touch more "fur" I added even more scribbles with the Sepia multiliner. 

Talk about easy...  with this simple technique you can whip out your Easter cards in no time!

 

Click the Hop Forward link below to see more Easter Inspiration!

[ DC Connection ]
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Thanks for stopping by!

What a Job!

Have I ever said that I love my job?  Well I DO!  What could be more fun than stamping, coloring card making and teaching?  How about traveling?  How about learning new art forms?  How about experimenting with amazing products?  Yup... that's what I get to do! 

I'm back to my travel schedule and I've added a few new things to my agenda this year.  Namely... Fine Art and Mixed Media.  I was so blessed to be asked to join the Copic Fine Art Instructor Team a while back and I'm super excited to be meeting the rest of the team in Phoenix next week for a meeting and the NAMTA show.  We will be discussing what types of art forms each of us brings to the table (most of the team members have Fine Art degrees) and planning new educational opportunities for our customers.  (Bianca and I have already started planning our first Mixed Media Event).  I've been working on my "art portfolio" for that and this is one of my favorite pieces. 

It comes from this photograph...

I'll be back to share all the details about upcoming events after our meeting.

I've also been prepping for some store visits in North Carolina at the end of the month.  I'll be visiting Peanut Doodles on Tuesday, April 26 and Dorothy's Stamp & Scraps on Thursday, April 28th.  Here's one of the cards we are going to be making at Dorothy's Stamp & Scraps.  I LOVE this image!!!  It's a Loralie Designs stamp.  I got a little doodle crazy on the frame... but who cares!  I still think it's adorable. 

 

If you are in Phoenix next week, stop by and say hi!  Debbie Olson and I will be teaching an Intermediate Certification class before our team meeting.  And if you are in the Charlotte area at the end of the month... stop in and take a class or two!  (and say hi of course!)

Have a colorful weekend!