Tuesday, April 15, 2008

My First "Certified" Creation



Oh... the pressure! YOU GUYS! You are all so sweet. I'm totally going to share what I learned, but remember I'm still playing with these and trying to apply what I've learned. I've been using them SO wrong. Well, not wrong, but totally NOT to their potential. First jaw dropping moment for me was when Marianne took a marker and literally smashed it on the paper. I gasped... out loud. I've been treating them SO gently like the tips were delicate or fragile. My Stampin'Up! markers are so frayed and I've always been gentle with them.... it's a bit disappointing, because I love SU! So, I invested in a small handful of these markers. I've been oh so careful with them, and then Marianne grabs one and says, "look what you can do"...... she was showing us a technique, but all I could do was gasp about her pounding on the end of that marker. Like seriously, my stomach was upset. She made me "smoosh" one before she would certify me.... it was REALLY hard to do. LOL. I'm practicing my smooshing Marianne! (I know that will make her proud... and I want to make her proud). So, first tid bit, don't be afraid to push and smoosh. The tips are QUALITY and will not fray. But, do not pull out the brush side to refill your markers... do the other side. Only pull out the brush tip when you are replacing them....which you do NOT have to do often... even if you smoosh.

Second thing... I was not saturating enough. Start with your light color and go one or two colors up (they are numbered), then you blend the two together with the lighter color. So, do your light, then your darker shades, then go back and blend with your light. You can blend and blend and blend. You keep saturating until they blend. You want to turn your card stock over and see it all bled through to the back... if you don't see that, you are not blending enough. See this image? I totally colored on it ALL DAY. I had polka dots on the flower... I started with it all pink... I kept changing my mind and adding and blending. THERE IS NO PILING.... after ALL DAY of adding colors and blending. Picking up my jaw again.

Next jaw dropping thing for me. The blender pens. TOTALLY opposite of what we do with Stampin'Up! blender pens. Instead of blending, you are taking the color away... or more like pushing it. If you make a mistake and go outside the lines..... use the other end... I think it was called the chisel end (you can use either, but I like the chisel end for this) and "push" it back in. Let it dry and keep doing that process until the ink is pushed back into the line! How cool is that? *Close my mouth... jaw is hanging open again. That blender pen refill... or "The Magic Juice" as Mounds, Leann and I call it, is amazing. YOU NEED IT. Buy it by the gallon.... kidding... I don't think they sell it by the gallon. Maybe I should check? We learned SO many cool things with it. But, for now, I'm going to let this information soak in... get it? Soak in..... SNORT. Seriously... get out your markers, start with the light color, add your shades and blend again with the light. If that is darker than you want, get out your blender pen and take some color out.

For those of you that don't have any Copics (I'm really sorry... I wish I could give you all some).... I highly recommend getting them in groups of shades just a few numbers apart. I started with the eP eSsentials because the shades are very close to the Stampin'Up In Colors, but I've found that I reach for them a lot and will continue to build on those colors. I've since added a few pink shades (go figure) and some blue. Needless to say, I've placed another order and I am counting down the days until they arrive.

Okay.... I'm going to continue sharing everyday some tips and bits I've learned, otherwise, this post could be pages long. For those of you who are debating about these markers... they are a lifetime investment. If you are going to use markers, they will totally pay off and be HALF of what you will spend on others in the long run. Hey... I'm not working for Copic, but I swear I would if they'd stock me up with markers baby. I need a bumper sticker.... "will work for Copics", or "Where is Marianne?". I could totally be her stalker.

Okay... the stuff I used:

Stamps: Lazy Days (Penny Black), Tiny Talk (Stampin'Up!)
Paper: Intense Orange Prism, Neenah White, Chocolate Chip, Imaginisce, A Shore Thing.
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Copics
Other: Round Punches 3/4 inch + 1 inch, Ticket Corner Punch, Spica Glitter Pen, Dimensionals, Gingham Ribbon, Robin's Nest Island Blossom Dew Drops, Scor-pal.

Busy day... I'm going to post again tomorrow, but I'm afraid it will probably be later in the day. Thanks everyone.... I love reading all your comments and recipes. Practice same color blending... that is your assignment. :)


55 comments:

Lesa said...

This is stinking cute and I LOVE the coloring. Thanks for sharing some tips. Keep sharing girl. Maybe I will just start with a few at a time. My birthday is coming up in July! That is what I am asking for. I want to learn how to use these babies bad! TFS!

Anonymous said...

Those markers sound pretty amazing!! I'm still torn abt getting them tho... it is just ANOTHER thing to get addicted to. LOL And, I already have a pretty serious addiction to soo many things! Thanks for sharing what you are learning! Keep it coming!!

Karinn said...

Wow! Your card is just gorgeous! Thanks so much for all you share with us! I get so excited each time I see you've posted a new creation.

Lisa T. said...

Fabulous! The colouring is great. I love, love, love my Copics and I think its good advice to start with just a few a build from there. A lot of people seem to be going for the sets but I always tell people buy two or three shades of a colour you like to use a LOT (plus the blender) and then build from there. Thanks for sharing your great new skillz!

Charlene said...

Wow your coloring/shading on your image is awesome!! Thanks for sharing all of this info. I've had my copics for awhile and although I love them I definately don't know how to use them properly. I will forsure be practicing this week!

Bellawhoop said...

Your image is fantastic but I'm afraid I don't understand the point of the smashing. Does it create a certain effect when you do that, or was she demonstrating the durability of the tips? I have no Copics yet, but I'd like some. Maybe I could give up getting some new stamp sets for Copics....maybe. :)

Jennifer Love said...

How awesome is your coloring! Great card to share with us. I'm sure I couldn't smoosh them either. LOL! Though I still need to get me some...I can't find them yet! I'm going into San Francisco to get some of my writing pens at a shop so I'm gonna check to see if they have them. Can't wait to see more. :D I love coloring. hehe

Anonymous said...

wow cami! the texture on his fur is amazing- is that marker too?!? he looks great- and he only took you all day to color *snort* (I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself coloring the same thing ALL day- just playing forever) I can't wait until next time...

Cynthia said...

Well again I will be changing my Stampin up order. I was truly convinced that I needed SU markers and not Copics!!!!! Back to the drawing board. Where should I buy them any suggestions? Thanks Cynthia

corinnesomerville said...

This is completely adorable and your coloring is unbelievable !!! This card looks absolutely and totally fantastic !!! Way to go...you're gonna make me break down and get some of these babies !!!! :)

Heather said...

WOW! Your card is FANTASTIC!

wendy peatross said...

What a fun lesson. Thanks so much for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for explaining a lot of reasons why Copics are so versatile and sturdy. Who knew? I enjoyed learning all your great tips for using them and now I MIGHT just be inclined to give them a try. Your card is so cute! Love that little hedgie and how you colored him! TFS

Robin McK said...

WOW,
that flwer is gorgeous! It would be soooo great if you would consider posting a video tutrial for the markers. I have a huge set of them, and I don't even know what to do with them!

Anonymous said...

I have a question about the copic markers. I have quite a few of the sketch markers and love them. I am still learning from all the blogs like yours on how to use them. I noticed that the cio markers are a little cheaper. I have seen more people buying a few here and there and showing them on their blog. Are they as good as the sketch and are just a little cheaper? Thanks in advance for the information. I visit your blog everyday keep up the great work.

kmackie@verizon.net

Heather McNally and Melissa MacDonald said...

HOLY MOLY GIRL! Your coloring is HOT! I love this!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

Cami, this card is so cool! I love the rich colors. You did a wonderful job!
I just haven't been able to justify the cost of the markers until now. I am starting to teach papercrafting classes each month, and can see that after reading this post that this would be a good thing to invest in. Thank you so much for sharing your tips with us.

Christina Fischer said...

This card is so cute, and your coloring is amazing!!! I'm still playing and learning with my Copics -- thanks for all the great tips! :)

Broni said...

Cami, this card and your coloring is so awesome! Thanks for sharing what you learned with those of us in the remote regions (untouched by Copic classes, i.e. the South! I'm so excited to see more!!

Lori Barnett said...

AWESOME STORY!! I so want those markers! I want to color JUST LIKE YOU! :) I bet you just can't stop thinking about those markers...you dreamed about them last night too I bet! ha ha ha ha. Well...your card is WAY WAY CUTE!! Love it! Hey...I posted my first ever blog candy. Nothing even CLOSE to your candy...but it's a start :)

Jody said...

LOL! Well I think you've convinced me! I'm extra careful with my SU & they are fraying. The idea of "smooshing" I can't wrap my brain around! eP essential kit doesn't seem to be available right now, though.

The card id adorable - great coloring of course!

Kim Williams said...

OK Cami, one more question for you about the blending: When you put down your light color, then your dark color, then use the light color to blend, does the tip of the light marker "pick up" the dark ink and change the color of that marker? Or do you just "scribble" it away like you would with the SU blender pen?

I have a few Copics, and am now encouraged to use them just a bit more than I have been. Keep sharing the knowledge girl, and tell Marianne if she wants to have some great barbecue, I will take her to lunch in Austin if she will come teach a class here...lol!

Beautiful card!

Kathy K said...

Hey Cami.

Your coloring is fantastic!!! I think I have my basic coloring down really well, too, but I do love how MUCH of the color you erased away from the face. I never take it quite that far, and I really like that look. I'll have to try it. Looking forward to more tips :)

Kevin Renz said...

Cami

Wow thanks for sharing all that info. Yea for eP. I ordered my set there and love them - still working. I have to look at your card again, cuz I felt like it was harder to color in the "furry" guys versus smooth lined images.

Jana M. said...

SHUT UP!!!! I love this card. Your coloring is fabulous! I *heart* the few copics I have bought.

Thanks for sharing what you learned. I would love to be able to take a class like that.

Anonymous said...

Awesome information! Thank you so much, and I can't wait for tomorrow! Your card is beautiful, and I'm sure it's Marianne approved! :D
And I think I need to get some more Copic colors today! hehehe

Terri said...

Cami, thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing what you've learned about the Copics. I have 2 wallets and haven't used them all that much because of difficulty with the shading. I'm going to give them another try thanks to you. Did you color in the sky background with copics as well? How did you you get it to look so creamy? Same technique?

Cindy said...

I'm impressed--and I so didn't want to be! I do love to color.

Kira said...

Very cute card! And thanks so much for sharing the tips as well as your endorsement. I know everyone seems to have them, but it's good to know that after the certification class you are even more sold on them. Maybe one day!

Alex said...

This is stinkin' adorable Cami, the coloring is amazing!!! I swore I was not going to get these, I have the SU! markers and I am trying to stay loyal....but these sound and look amazing!!!!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Anonymous said...

This is totally adorable!!!! I *need* (lol) to know how you colored that background. It looks AWESOME!

Tandra said...

WOW! After that post, I guess I NEED some Copics NOW!!! LOL
Thanks!! ;)

Niki Estes said...

Beautiful, Cami! Love your coloring! I love my copics, too! Can't wait to hear some more tips!

Anonymous said...

Okay I am a die hard, branded Stampin' Up! girl, but smooshing the end of a marker! Now that has caught my attention! I too am frustrated with the furry, fuzzy tips of my SU! markers, I have a set for me and a set for customer use and still.... fuzziness! Thanks for sharing, the wheels are a turnin' in my head now!

Juli Smith, said...

Wow Cambria! Adorable card and overload of Copic info! I will be checking back to see more tips so I can really understand the meaning of Copic Markers! lol - though not kidding. ;)
And that hedgehog is dang cute! Especially the quills that stick through the chair back!

Dawn Easton said...

Your card is adorable! You look like a pro now! Thanks for the tips on colouring with them. I have never been confident enough to shade....but I'll give it a go now!! Thanks so much for sharing!

jean said...

Great coloring and very cute
card
thanks for sharing some tips

Jean

Michelle said...

Wow, thanks for the tips! I have 2 handfuls of Copics now and I was not practicing much because I wasn't getting the results that I was seeing on the blogs. After your tips, I went back and tried it again on the same image...HOLY COW! SO much better! And I did NOT use my blender pen at all, but your light and dark tips. The blender pen, the way I was using it, was causing an ugly, choppy image. Not anymore! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't wait to hear more!

Whimsey said...

Adorable card; jaw is still on the floor...BUT YOU WANT ME TO SMOOSH ONE?????????????????????

Oh, I'll have to pray about that. LOL Honestly, not sure I can do it. HA HA

BUT I did learn your tip in the 2nd paragraph all by myself; use a light shade; apply a darker shade and go back over with the lighter color. I'm so proud of myself! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful tips..BUT SMOOSH? OK, I'll think about it!!

Heidi said...

Oh my- is this so cute. I was contemplating these, almost asked for them for Christmas but thought I would invest in SU markers and now, well now you are making me dream of them again. Shame on you- oh man, my birthday just passed too! Darn you! (giggling)Heidi

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing some of your new knowledge of the Copics. Wish I could take a class! The tips that you have given have been very helpful. Please continue to share!

Carol (HB) said...

Cami, not only is your card SUPER adorable, but your explaination of how to use the markers is fabulous! If I come to OR can I have a personal toot? :)
Love ya darlin!!!!
HB

Karen Kelly said...

Eclectic Paperie is the BEST place to buy Copics! I love them! Thanks for sharing what you've learned--I can't believe the smooshing thing!

Lori Barnett said...

you mentioned about the eP eSsentials being a good starter. Which ones are those? Sketch?
Thanks

Pam said...

Oh WOW, great coloring Cami! I'm so tickled you went to the class, I can't wait to see what you have learned!!

Michelle said...

This is sooo gorgeous. I am soo excited about Copics & my first batch should be here soon. Thank you so much for explaining some stuff in your post, I look forward to more from you.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, and your talents are amazing. Now you are mastering Copic coloring and I just adore looking at things colored with those. What next???

BeckyL

misse336 said...

Your card is just beautiful. I don't have any copics right now, but looking at your beautiful card makes me want to get some.

Dana said...

WOw! Such great tips! If I had seen someone smash a copic I'd be agast too!

Anonymous said...

This is great information...thank you so much for sharing. I would LOVE to take this class...do they travel around or are these only offered in specific places. I LOVE my Copics, but I know they are capable of way more than I am able to do. Thanks again for all the info~

Anonymous said...

Cami, you card is beautiful!! I have himmed and haaaed for soooo long about the Copic markers. My birthday is also in July and I finally asked my DH to 'PLEASE give me Copics' for my birthday....hopefully he heard me :) Everytime I see something colored with them, it just amazes me how it brings a picture to life. Thanks so much for sharing with us what you are learning.

Kathleen said...

That is beautiful~~~could I really color like that if I had those markers??? I just don't know! Thanks for showing us---I'd love to see a before and after pic to see if it really helps! :)

Anonymous said...

OK girl, it's official you are my idol!! I read all your instructions and went into the studio and two hours later emerged with this

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/888756?nocache=1

Thanks you for being such a great teacher!!

Mellie

Anonymous said...

Keep smooshing, baby!!! That card is AMAZING!

Cheryl said...

Absolutely stunning!!!!