Distinctive Touches

New - Special Projects!

I've got another fun announcement to make today!  Copic is bringing you something NEW... and something FUN!

I've been busy creating a new educational program called Special Project Series and it's finally ready to reveal! 

So what IS the Special Projects series? 

The Special Project Series is a chance for crafters to take project-based classes in which Copic products are used with a number of other mediums to create interesting, unique, and fun-to-make projects!  From journaling to drawing, and painting to jewelry making, the new Special Project Series will offer classes that will inspire and excite.  Special Project Series instructors are the best-of-the-best and design their own favorite hands-on classes to give you an amazing creative learning experience.

I'm super excited to say we already have two classes organized and open for enrollment!

Talented instructor Michelle Houghton is joining us to share her love of mixing mediums and will be teaching Copic Doodle Bead Jewelry Set and Copic Mixed Media Apron.  Both classes are completely hands-on and attendees leave with completed projects! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take one or both...

Special Project classes will range in location, duration and price and will typically be limited-location/time only offerings, so sign up soon!

You can find out full class details and apply HERE on the Copic education page. 

 

Related articles

What's This?

Creative Ladder

Creative Ladder

It's finally time!  I can reveal one of the biggest secretes that I've ever kept...

For the past 8 months, I've been researching, planning, organizing and building a new educational program for Imagination International Inc.,  and it's time to reveal (dramatic pause...)

We are going ON LINE!

 

Join us for the next step in your creative journey.  At Creative Ladder, we offer the unique opportunity to participate in interactive classes from instructors who are known experts in their field. 

We are committed to providing a special experience for students through sharing, inspiring, and encouraging artistic and creative exploration in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Whether you want to learn something new or advance your current skills, Creative Ladder is your opportunity to grow. 

Our mission is to share, inspire, and support; giving students the skills and techniques to discover their creativity and climb to new heights. 

_____________________________________________________

We are still in the building process, but our first classes will launch mid-July!!!  I'm SO excited!  

Visit the website at www.creativeladder.com and sign up to be added to our mailing list for notifications about the launch, classes and instructors!

Thank you for stopping in today and please feel free to share this exciting information with your artistic and crafty friends!

(Now you all know exactly why I have't been in my studio getting crafty and sharing projects here on my blog!  LOL)

What's This?

Stay tuned for more information!!!

Spring Flowers?

It's SPRING!  Or at least the calendar tells us it is...

I'm not sure what it's like by you, but here in Atlanta it is cold, windy and just generally crummy.  We did have our windows open briefly last week and I put my flowers out when we had a rare glorious day, but now I'm covering them up as we are supposed to have another night of frost headed our way.

But I can't complain too much, I hear those of you up north are dealing with snow, snow and more snow! 

So, in lieu of seeing my real roses in bloom, I'm sharing my version of roses in bloom...

This is a project that I recently worked on for an upcoming publication.  Here is an "in progress" view...it's got a long way to go yet and I finish up that last rose and then tackle the leaves and background. 

What do you think?  I'm pretty happy with it so far... I can almost smell the sweet fragrance. 

"Roses" Image from Peddler's Pack
"London Fog" Ink from Tsukineko
Copic Markers from Imagination International Inc.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Swirly Spring Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Friends of True's - Swirly Spring" BLOG HOP!

If you are here from Dina's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened onto mine you will want to head back to True's blog where it all starts.

There will be a prize package donated by Inky Antics that includes True's entire, newly released, Swirly Spring stamp line...

These images are SO cute and whimsical!  And the sentiments are the perfect way to send a special greeting.  Love them all! 

The minute I saw this collection I new I had to have the swirly birds set and I quickly got to work.  I made two different projects with the adorable budgie images...

The first one is this full-sized card that I made for an upcoming anniversary.  I absolutely love to make my own "patterned paper" with stamps and the images in this set were exactly right for this technique.  I stamped up the bird a number of times and colored it in to make a full sheet of "patterned paper".  Then I cut it out and added an embossed section of white paper to the bottom for the sentiment.  A pleated ribbon is a soft touch to pull it all together.

The second project was a set of tiny "You're So Tweet" cards... perfect for sending out a quick thank you or thinking of you message.  These were SO easy to make!  Just cut some white cardstock, stamp one of the bird images, color it up, add a sentiment and doodle a quick frame.  Layer it onto some colored cardstock for a quick card.  (I colored up a few extra birds and then cut them out and popped them on on the front to give it a bit more dimension.)

 

I had such a great time playing with this set and I love that I can make some quick and easy cards with it.  Perfect for all of us "on the go" gals!

Your next stop on the Swirly Spring Hop is Carisa Zglobicki.  Don't forget to leave a comment here before heading her way! 

And here is a list of all of the links in case you get lost along the way.

Trudy Sjolander

Allie Gower

Sean Fetterman

Lydia Fiedler

Leah Lucescu

Linda Lucas

Bev Gerard

Dina Kowal

Colleen Schaan

Carisa Zglobicki

Lisa Lara

Bonnie Garby

Suzanne Dean

Joe Rotella

Judy Rozema

Lori Craig

Trudy Sjolander

Make sure to leave a comment on every stop, to increase your chances of winning the prize package. One lucky commenter from a randomly picked blog will win all 6 stamp sets! The winner will be announced on True's Blog on Monday, March 11th.

Thanks for stopping in!

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

 

 

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? 

 

 

 

It's Easy with EZ Mount!

As a member of the Splitcoast Product Review team it's my job to be TOTALLY honest with you about the products we are reviewing... and I'm doing exactly that today with my review of EZ Mount Cling Foam and Storage products. 

I have to say... it was an interesting one!!!  I've got a LOT to say about this product.  Head on over to the Splitcoast Product Review Form to find out just what I (and the other members of the team) thought of it! 

While you are there... check out some of the awesome samples that everyone made for the review!  Here's a sneak peak at a few of my projects in the Splitcoast Product Review EZ Mount/Crafters Companion gallery.


 

Thanks for stopping in! Happy Coloring...

 

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

 

 

My BIG News... (FINALLY!!!!)

Okay... I've been teasing and taunting for months and it's finally time to share!  If you saw my appearance on Julianna's show HERE than you already know........ (drum roll please,.,.,.,.,..,.,.,)

 

I WROTE A BOOK!!!!

 

Yes, I finally did it!  I'm super-duper excited (like jumping up and down grinning) to FINALLY be able to tell you about it! 

I paired up with my good friend Marianne Walker and together we bring you ...

Many of you have been asking for a book - and we listened!  Inside you will find product and compatibility information, coloring and blending tutorials, tips and tricks for using Copic markers and numerous card projects from some of your favorite designers... each with easy to follow instructions!  Whether you are just beginning your Copic journey or if you are an experienced adventurer with them... you will LOVE this book. 

Here's the deets peeps:

• 64 pages of scrumptious goodness
• published by Annie's Attic (well known for quality crafty publications)
• $14.95 retail price
• On Sale Date: June 26th (e-version downloads available about May 27th)

So I know you are saying, "When and where can I get a copy?"  (Do I know you or what???)

If you are a store owner... you can get a jump on the pack by PRE-ORDERING your copies today at DRGWholesale.com 

If you don't have a store... well, June will be here before you know it!  (wink)

You can check out more about the book, see additional images and get notified when it is in stock HERE on the Annie's Attic web site.

Of course, we will make a big announcement (in colorful style with some give aways I'm sure) when the book becomes available. 

Until then...  I've got some free time on my hands and a laptop at my fingertips! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Totally Distressed! (Gina K. Preview)

Welcome back to another sneak peak at sets from this month's release with Gina K. Designs! 

Today... no coloring (GASP) and something completely foreign to me... DISTRESSED!!!  Since I'm typically into cute and whimsical, the stamp sets I picked to work with today were a complete challenge for me... and I'm always up for a challenge!

My fist card sample is made with Nina Brackett's set called Christ Is Risen.  I so love the almost-tattoo style of images in this set!  And the winged cross image is HUGE!  I stamped it on white Pure Luxury paper and colored with Copics (okay... so I guess I did color a tiny bit... but nothing fancy). 

I then cut out the small die and stamped LOVE in black.  I used patterned paper from Glitz Girls Hey Dude paper pad and distressed the whole darn thing with a distress tool and tea dye and walnut stain distress inks. 

I decided to stick with the whole distressing style for the second card.  I stamped images from Tami Mayberry's Live Life Loud set with Red Pepper Ink.  I layered the dotted background, the drum set and the sentiment.  I used papers from the same patterned paper pad and brought in a tiny bit of grungy bling with some old metal flourish shapes (I'm not even sure where I got them... they were just sitting in my stash and were the perfect touch for this card.)  I made a few swipes over them with my Toner Gray marker to dirty them up a bit.  LOL

Both sets have SO many uses -  from holiday to birthday to anniversary to party to congratulations... I just love the versatility of them!

To see what each of the other designers did with these sets, check out the links below!
 

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here!)
  
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Michelle Woerner
• Nina Brackett
• Tami Mayberry
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher

 Thanks for stopping in... make sure to mark your calendars for the Gina K. Designs February Release Party... Tomorrow Night 7-10 CST. 

 

The BEST New Stuff From Copic!

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

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

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

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

 

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

* Comment #35 -

Terre Munk said...

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

* Comment #122 -

Carol Salter said...

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

* Comment #218 -

Sue Coubrough said...

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

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

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

And Yes... More New Stuff From Copic!

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

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

 

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

Even More New Stuff From Copic

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

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

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

Make sure to come back tomorrow for another newsworthy sneak!

Who Doesn't Like Copic Candy???

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

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

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

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

 


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

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

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

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

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

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

Gina K. Sneak Peek (Day 4)

Pardon the dust here at my blog... it's under construction and there may be a few wonky links or glitches as I update all of my information.

Today's the last day for sneaky peaks for Gina K. Designs... stop back in tomorrow for some awesome sneaks, news and prizes from Copic!

_____________________________________________________________

We are gearing up for the release party tonight (from 7-10 CST) over at Stamp TV... stop in and join the fun... it's sure to be a hoppin' event!

I want to share one last card with you before I head out for the day.  This showcases elements from the Free With Three stamp set called Smile.  It's the perfect set for sending sweet smiles across the miles. 

I paired up Lovely Lavender and Vibrant Violet card stock with a fun yellow patterned paper from KaiserCraft Lilac collection.  I stamped the frame image and the sentiment on lavender card stock and set it off with a bit of ivory for a boarder.  I stamped and cut out three of the flower images and popped them onto the card with buttery yellow buttons for centers.  A subtle touch of lavender Spica glitter pen brightens the whole thing up!

I hope you have enjoyed our samples this week... make sure to stop at the rest of the teams blogs for more inspiration with Gleefully Yours and Smile (Free with 3). 

• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here)
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Nina Brackett
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

I'll see you tonight at StampTV!  And remember to stop back in tomorrow for the latest news about what's coming up Copic!!!

 

Gina K. Sneak Peek (Day 3)

Isn't this fun???  Are you lovin' all the sneaks for the new sets from Gina K. Designs?  Don't forget, our release party is this Thursday from 7-10 (CST) over at Stamp TV... come chat with the illustrators and designers and see even more great samples! 

Today I have a fun card to share from the Stamp TV kit!  It's called Sent With Love and it is HUGE!!!  I mean really... there are 11 adorable images and 7 cute sentiments to go with them! 

I'm really working on my CAS cards (clean and simple)... and this set is the perfect fit. 

I paired up the "heart tree" image with May Your Love Continue To Grow.  I thought it would make a great anniversary card for a guy... we tend to focus on the gal when celebrating anniversaries - so here's to you boys!

Supplies
Cardstock: Gina K. Designs Pure Luxury Lipstick Red, Chocolate Brown, and Kraft
Stamps: Gina K. Designs Sent with Love
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa
Copic Markers: E21/E13/E25/R22/R27
Other: red gem brads and journaling pen

 

Thanks for stopping by...  now hop on over to these other designers blogs to see more samples with the Sent with Love StampTV kit

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here!)
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

Gina K. Sneak Peek!!! (Day 2)

Are you ready for some sneaks???  I've got a peek at two new stamp sets that will be fully revealed on Thursday...  

This first card uses multiple pieces from Tami Mayberry's Hopeful Hearts Set.  It has some gorgeous flourishy heart images and a ton of sweet sentiments, perfect for a variety of occasions.  I went with a pink/white/black color scheme... and girlied it all up!  I used Black Onyx and White Pure Luxury card stock and added a bit of fun with patterned paper from Glitz Designs.  I stamped the square filigree heart image in black StazOn and cut it out with Spellbinders Eyelets Squares die.  I stamped the solid heart image in Pretty In Pink ink and cut it out.  It pops perfectly into the middle of the first image.  I stamped the sentiment in the circle, added the doodled frame (similar to the actual stamped image of the heart)... and then added a bling flourish from Zva Creative.  I hope it makes my friend's heart happy. 

 
The second card is super simple and SO FUN!  It's Dino-Mite... seriously.. it is! 

Some of the gals on the team were discussing how to color the adorable dinos and some confessed to being a bit intimidated... I wanted to share this card to show you just how simple it can be to color these big boys.  To make it a bit less intimidating, I stamped and colored on Kraft paper... it's a fun alternative to white or ivory.  I colored the image with just a few simple colors...  YG00/YG13/BG49/R24 

Coloring on Kraft is a bit different... when the ink saturates the paper, it turns pretty dark.  To gauge what color the image really is, you need to let it dry.  So... I added a base coat of the light color like normal and then I added flicks of the darker color.  Make sure to let each layer dry before adding more so that you can see what it really looks like.  It's pretty simple actually! 

I cut out my colored image and popped it up on a strip of Kraft paper that was matted in Red Hot and Black Onyx and attached to a Fresh Asparagus.  The button and bow give it just the right amount of Wimsey.

Check out what these FABULOUS designers did with the Dino-mite and/or Hopeful Hearts sets...

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here!)
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by!  Make sure to join us on Thursday night from 7-10 CST at Stamp TV for the Release Party!

 

Gina K Sneak Peek Day 3 - Floral Wreath

It's time for another Sneak Peek!

Tonight I want to share a GORGEOUS stamp set called Floral Wreath by Gina K.  This is the Free With Three set.

This is a perfect stamp for coloring!  I used my Copics (R81/83/85/89 and G20/24/28) with very little blending to create these stunning flowers.  I stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment (there are a variety of sentiments that come with the set) and layered it on some Cranberry Tart card stock.  A layer of Innocent Pink, some light blue airbrushing and a touch of lacey ribbon finish off this feminine birthday greeting. 

Hop on over to these other blogs to see what each designer did with the Floral Wreath set.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland

Don't forget to join me on Thursday night at Stamp TV for a fabulous Release Party!

Gina K Sneak Peek Day 2 - The Giving Tree

Welcome to Gina K Designs Sneak Peek #2!

Tonight's preview is of Theresa Momber's set called The Giving Tree and I just HAD to have it.  My all-time favorite book is Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree... the story of a tree and a young boy who grew into an old man.  This set reminded me of that story... and I couldn't wait to get it inked up!

 

I used Grass Green, Chocolate Brown and Ivory Pure Luxury card stock along with some patterned paper from Graphic 45.  I stamped the tree with brown ink and then made the leaves by coloring the leaves stamp image with various colors of Copic markers, spritzing with the colorless blender solution, and stamping.  This gave them sort of a watercolor look that I really like... sort of like they are moving in the wind. 

There are SO many images in this set that you can use to decorate the tree.  Make it spring, summer, fall or winter... add furry or feathered friends... grow fruit or flowers... it's all up to your imagination.

Check out what our other designers did with Theresa's The Giving Tree and Asela's Nesting sets.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

And don't forget to join us on Thursday night from 7-10 CST at Stamp TV for the Release Party!

 

Gina K Sneak Peek Day 1 - Block Greetings

Tonight I am sharing the first sneak peek of the new stamp sets that are being released this month by Gina K Designs.  This peek shows one of the images from a set called Block Greetings by Tami Mayberry.  It's LOVELY!  There are three blocks with random flourishes that are the perfect backdrop for the pretty sentiments in the set.  Simply stamp and go!  The blocks are the perfect size (and shape) to use with the square and scalloped square Nestabilities. 

I needed some "guy type" thank you cards for my husband to take to work. I paired this gorgeous patterned paper by 7 Gypsies up with the Block Greetings set for a simple Asian-looking card.  Easy Peasy!

Check out the following designer's blogs for more sneak peeks of Tami's Block Greetings set and Melanie Muenchinger's set Mugs and Kisses.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

 

And mark your calendars for this month's Release Party over at Stamp TV!  Thursday, Dec. 2nd  7-10 CST