Card Art with Copics: Joanne Schempp's Spanish Dabloon

This fun mermaid, playing with her overflowing treasure, is named Spanish Dabloon and was designed by Joanne Schempp for Sweet Pea Stamps.

Here's a view of my Copic-filled rubberstamped image:

I've added a layer of Delish Peppercorn Main Dish black and white patterned paper to my Bazzill cardstock.  A Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Rectangle frames my image.  A few McGill pine branch punches and Recollections Mulberry Paper Mini Roses form flower clusters, one of which adorns a thoughtful Penny Black sentiment.

Here's a view of my completed card front showing my use of Joanne Schempp's Spanish Dabloon . . .

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Totally Papercrafts "Sketch by Sue" (here)
One Sweet Challenge "Unusual Holidays" (here) January 13 is Make Your Dream Come True Day
Sweet Pea Stampers "Classy Black Tie" (here)
Craft Your Passion "Mythical Creatures" (here)
Dream Valley "Anything Goes" (here)
Fashionable Stamping Challenge "Anything Goes" (here)
Magical Monday "Anything Goes" (here)
Crafty Emma's "Anything Goes" (here)
Anything Goes "Anything Goes" (here)


Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93
hair - T0, T6, T9
gold - Y13, Y26, Y28
wooden chest - E31, E35, E47, W3, W5
tail - FBG2, FB2, FV2
airbrushed background - E55, Y13, BG18
Opaque White for bubbles and pearls


I'm so glad that you stopped by to visit!

~ Rose

My 2011 Blog Year in Review

Karin over at With an "i" For Paper is hosting a Year in Review Blog Hop and offering a $25 gift certificate and another for $15 to randomly selected entries.  What a fun way to highlight some favorite projects or events from the past year.

Click Above Photo to enter

2011 has been an important growing year for me with my blog.  I began the year as a newbie blogger and in the past 12 months, I think I've progressed to at least a slightly-experienced blogger. I've been inspired and encouraged by so many amazingly talented artists.  As I look back through the year, I see how my blog posts show that my papercrafting interests have changed a bit as I'm more likely to skip scrapbooking layouts in favor of card making or other gift giving projects.  I've included some of my major blogging/crafting events below.  These are some things that changed the way I post blog entries or create my projects.

In January of 2011, I invested in a Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine and with just a few dies I developed an interest in enhancing die cut projects with embellishments.  Here's an example of one of my first Pillow Purses:

In February, I entered my first sketch challenge using Lady Tilda on a card.  I learned how following a good card sketch can help to unblock creativity and get the juices flowing again.

I was thrilled to accept an invitation to join the Copic Goddesses design team at the Copic Creations Challenge blog in March and held my first blog give away.  I was introduced to the fabulous fantasy images at Crafts and Me Stamps (Yay!!!). I also had a project published in Magnolia Ink's magazine!

April brought more experimenting with card shapes and styles.  I also posted a photo that was successfully taken under a black light, showing my Copic Fluorescent-filled image on a card:

In May, I had to find a way to add Copic clouds to my images and so began experimenting.  I've used this technique on many of my cards since.

In June I added my first real guy card and held my second blog give away . . .

I was overjoyed to accept an invitation to join the Dynamite Digi design team at Crafts and Me Stamps and began entering my projects into multiple challenges in July.  I also added my first 2011 Christmas card.

I spent quite a bit of time with Spellbinders Labels One dies and in August I posted ten examples.  I also gained my 100th follower!

I dabbled in the Steampunk trend in September . . .

In October, I found Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge blog (Yay!!!).  I also posted various ways to use Spellbinders Labels Two.

I was thrilled to accept my first guest design team assignment at Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge in November.

Adding multi-textures to this multi-layered Christmas card was a fun way to spend some time in December . . .

Oh, it's been a fabulous year in papercrafting, alright.  After looking through all the photos and my posts, I understand better why my dear non-blogging husband, when seeing me with my camera or at the laptop after 7pm, is compelled to ask, "Whaddaya have a blogger tonite?"

Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement, and inspiration.  I am ever grateful.

Here's wishing you a happy and healthy New Year that's overflowing with all good things!

Card Art with Copics: Kathleen and Summer by Hannah Lynn

I'm thrilled to introduce this beautiful and newly released Crafts and Me Stamps' digi image by Hannah Lynn named Kathleen and Summer.

This lovely mermaid is tenderly holding her dear little mermaid who is carrying her own little mermaid doll.  It seemed appropriate to make good use of some of the Copic Fluorescent colors for this under the sea image in objects like the seahorses, fish and coral.  I couldn't capture the cool effect of these fluorescent colors using a black light but in person it's really magnificent.  This photo shows a closer view of my Copic-filled image . . .

While working with this image, I couldn't help but think of the Highlights magazine and their Hidden Picture page where you had to search through the picture to find items hidden throughout.  At first glance, I only saw one dolphin then while coloring it, I found another.  I love the face included in the front of the wrecked ship.  There may be some items that I've missed as there is so much within this picture to enjoy.

I've layered Bo Bunny's Winter Joy Bundled and Dot with teal, purple and green Bazzill cardstock to create my card.  A Fiskars border punch mats my image.  A couple of Memory Box Madera Corners and an EK Success corner punch decorate my corners.  Several Close To My Heart Bitty Sparkles add some bling to my fancy corners.  Recollections Mulberry Paper Flowers with a satin ribbon create a nice corner cluster.

This is a photo of my completed card front where I've showcased the beautiful Kathleen and Summer image by Hannah Lynn . . .

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Anything Goes "Decorative or Altered Corners" (here)
Fab-n-Funky "Anything Goes" (here)
Divas by Design "Anything Goes" (here)
Creative Craft "Free for All" (here)
Crissy Armstrong's Monthly Challenge "Anything Goes" (here)
Charisma Cardz "Seeing Spots" (here)
One Stitch At A Time "Be Square" (here)


Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, BV00, E93
hair - adult E31, E35, E47 child E51, E55, E57, Y13 doll Y13, Y26, Y28
sunken ship - E70, E74, E79
treasure chest - E31, E35, E47, W1, W3, Y13, Y26, Y28
message in a bottle - E35, E30, G00, 0
crab - R22, R24, R29, B29
starfish - E02, E04, E08
seahorses - FYG1, FYG2
dolphins - B91, B95, B97
shark - C1, C3, C5
tiger fish - FY1, FYR1
coral - FBG2, FB2, FV2, FY1, FYR1, FRV1
seasponges - E40, E42, E44
seaworms - RV23, RV14, RV19
seaweed - BG93, BG96, BG99
leaves - YG11, YG13, YG17
grass - BG70, BG72, BG75
plants, adult eyes - BG11, BG15, BG18
sand - E40, E41, E42
tail - adult BG70, BG72, BG75, BG78 child V04, V06, V09 doll YG11, YG13, YG17
water - BG000, BG01, 0
Opaque White

 

"Artist's Choice" Jan. 1, 2012 Sundays With Crissy

 

 

"Top 6" Dec. 14, 2011 Divas by Design





Enchanting Card Set: Card - Crafts and Me Shiitake and Oregano

As I finish putting together my coordinated Enchanting Card Set, I've added a Birthday card using this Crafts and Me Shiitake and Oregano digi image by artist Sara Burrier.

This is one of a few cards that will be enclosed in my card set's folder found here, so I've kept my embellishments very light.  Other coordinating all occasion cards can be found here and here.

When completing a card set, consistency with the pieces of the set is very important. I've used a similar layout as well as the same colors, papers and embellishments to match my card set's folder and other cards. Antique Gold Satin Ribbon knotted on the border, Bazzill Basics Walnut jewels at two corners and a negative mask formed from a Spellbinders scalloped oval for an airbrushed backround provide the simple consistency that makes this piece easily recognized as belonging to this card set.

This photo shows the completed card front for one of the cards that I've added to my Enchanting Card Set using Crafts and Me digital images.

Here's the completed card set that will make a lovely handmade gift . . .

The cards, with envelopes, fit into the folder so nicely . . .

I'm entering this card at the following listed challenges:
Craft Your Passion's Text It Challenge (here)
Dream Valley's Summer Theme Challenge (here)
Allsorts Free and Easy Challenge (here)


Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93, BV00
hair - E31, E35, E47
leaves - G82, G85, G99
mushroom stem - Y13, Y26, Y28
mushroom cap - E70, E71, E74, E79
wings - N1, FYR1, Opaque White
clothing - BG53, B45, V95, Y00
airbrushed background - Y00, BG000, B00, V000

Enchanting Card Set: Card - Crafts and Me Child of Healing

The Dynamite Digi team at Crafts and Me Challenges wants to see your Summertime projects. The lovely Teresa of Crafts and Me Stamps is offering SIX digi images to the winner of a randomly selected entry. Find out more about this challenge here.

I've added another all occasion card to my coordinated Enchanting Card Set.  This time I've used Crafts and Me Stamps' Child of Healing by artist Sara Burrier.

As this is one of a few cards that will be enclosed in my card set's folder found here, I've kept my embellishments very light.  Another all occasion card can be found here.

When completing a card set, consistency with the pieces of the set is very important. I've used a similar layout as well as the same colors, papers and embellishments to match my card set's folder and other card. Antique Gold Satin Ribbon knotted on the border, Bazzill Basics Walnut jewels at two corners and a negative mask formed from a Spellbinders scalloped oval for an airbrushed backround provide the simple consistency that makes this piece easily recognized as belonging to this card set.

This photo shows the completed card front for another card that is now part of my Enchanting Card Set using Crafts and Me digital images.

I'm entering this card at the following listed challenges:
Simon Says Stamp!'s Anything Goes Challenge here
Flutter By Wednesday's Photo Inspiration Challenge here



Featured "Top 5" July 24, 2011 Flutter By Wednesday

 



Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93, BV00
hair - E31, E35, E47
leaves - G82, G85, G99
gown - Y13, Y26, Y28
flowers in hair - N1, FYR1
wings - BG53, B45, V95, Y00
doves - E41, 0
airbrushed background - Y00, BG000, B00, V000

Enchanting Card Set: Card - Crafts and Me Morning Glories

As part of my coordinated Enchanting Card Set, I've added an all occasion card using this Crafts and Me Morning Glories digi image by artist Sara Burrier.

Since this is one of a few cards that will be enclosed in my card set's folder found here, I've kept my embellishments very light.

When completing a card set, consistency with the pieces of the set is very important.  I've used a similar layout as well as the same colors, papers and embellishments to match my card set's folder.  Antique Gold Satin Ribbon knotted on the border, Bazzill Basics Walnut jewels at two corners and a negative mask formed from a Spellbinders scalloped oval for an airbrushed backround provide the simple consistency that makes this piece easily recognized as belonging to this card set.

This photo shows the completed card front for this addition to my Enchanting Card Set using Crafts and Me digital images.

I'm entering this card at the following listed challenges:
One Stop Craft Summer Time Challenge here
Stampin' for the Weekend Wings and Things Challenge here
Totally Gorjuss Summertime Challenge here
One Stitch At A Time Anything Goes Challenge here
Flutter By Wednesday's Open Challenge here


Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93, BV00
hair - E31, E35, E47
flower stems - G82, G85, G99
dress, flute - Y13, Y26, Y28
wings - N1, FYR1, Opaque White
flowers - BG53, B45, V95, Y00
airbrushed background - Y00, BG000, B00, V000

Enchanting Card Set: Folder - Crafts and Me Old Log

It's been a while since I've put together one of these coordinated card sets.  I see so many possibilities with this great Old Log background digi image by Crafts and Me Stamps that I wanted to give it its very own space on the cover of an Enchanting Card Set Folder.

This marvelous Old Log image can be home to fairies, gnomes and woodland creatures of all types and sizes.  It can also stand alone as I've shown here:

I tweaked the measurements for making the flat folder from a Connie McCotter card set as published in July 2010's CardMaker magazine to allow more room for embellished cards to fit inside.  With an added 1/2" binding edge, the layered and lightly embellished cards placed inside won't be squashed, especially when envelopes are included with the card set.

Antique Gold satin ribbon, threaded through eyelets and across the inside of the folder, holds the card set in place and adds a beautiful decorative touch.  Here's how the inside of the folder looks with just the ribbon showing.  The ribbon helps to secure everything, including the cards and envelopes that will slide behind the ribbon on both sides of the folder.

I used Parchment Ivory Cardstock from The Paper Company to create my Enchanting Card Set Folder.  It's a beautiful creamy color with lots of varied texture.  This sturdy cardstock makes a nice enclosure for several cards and envelopes.  The remaining ribbon extensions make a wonderful large bow on the side of the folder that literally ties it all together.

With folder measurements of 5 1/2" wide and 8" tall, this Enchanting Card Set will make a nice gift too.  Three or more A2 size (5 1/2" tall x 4 1/4" wide) cards with matching envelopes will fit inside.

Check back soon to see what images I've used on the cards that coordinate with my Enchanting Card Set Folder . . .

I'm entering this card set folder at the following listed challenge blogs:
Papertake Weekly Anything Goes Challenge here
Dream Valley Ribbon Challenge here
The Emerald Faerie Garden Sugar and Spice All Things Girlie Challenge here
Craft Your Passion Anything Goes Challenge here
One Stitch at a Time Use a Digi Challenge here


Copics used:
log - E31, E35, E47
foliage - G82, G85, G99
flowers - N1, FYR1, Y13, Y26, Y28
mushroom caps - BG53, B45, V95, Y00
mushroom base - Y13, Y26, Y28
airbrushed background - Y00, BG000, B00, V000

Card Art with Copic Fluorescents: Sweet Pea Stamps Dance of Butterfly

The current Crafts and Me challenge is to show use of ribbon.  Whiff of Joy is sponsoring this challenge and offering a Miss Ladybugs stamp to a randomly selected entry.  Find out more about this challenge and sponsor here.

The In A Sweet Pea Dream challenge is offering a $7 gift card for Sweet Pea Stamps to a randomly selected entry showing your favorite color.  Find their challenge here.

Sweet Pea Stampers challenge is offering a $10 gift card for Sweet Pea Stamps to a randomly selected entry showing a card for Mother or Hero.  Find their challenge here.

I've inked up my Sweet Pea Stamps Dance of Butterfly by Ching-Chou Kuik and stamped her onto Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80lb cardstock then filled this beautiful image using my Copic Fluorescent colors.

Are you ready?

You're not going to believe this . . .

It's awesome . . .

I can't believe I made it myself . . .

Here she is, glowing under a black light . . .

I know!  It makes you want to run out and get some of those Fluorescent colors, doesn't it?  There are only 8 of them, thankfully.  You can find out more about how much I love the Copic Fluorescent shades here, here and here.

This photo shows the full card front with the image framed in Offray 1/8" salmon ribbon.  A few Creative Impressions small tropical iridescent blossoms and leaves with gold mini brads are at two corners.  The sentiment is from Outlines Rubber Stamp Co.

Lights ON . . .

Lights OFF . . .

Gotta love it!!!

Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93, BV00
hair - FV2, FB2, FBG2, FYG2, T6
tail - N1, FYR1, FRV1, 0
gold accents - Y13, Y26, Y28
butterflies - FY1, FYG1, FYG2
eyes - C3, C00, FBG2, FB2
bubble - G20, G21, G24
airbrush - BG11, BG13, BG15, V04
highlights - Opaque White

More About Using Copic Fluorescent Markers

The Dorland’s Medical dictionary defines fluorescence as the property of emitting light while exposed to light, the wavelength of the emitted light being longer than that of the absorbed light. The current eight colors of Copic fluorescent markers do just that! Copic fluorescent ink shines brightly when exposed to ultraviolet light!

Copic Fluorescent colors shown under a black light

For us non-scientific folks, Neon is a gaseous element, known to give off a reddish-orange glow under some circumstances, and teensy, tiny, no-worry amounts can be found in the air and some electric lamps. Copic fluorescent marker colors can appear to glow but they are not gaseous. I mention this because I need to stop referring to Copic fluorescent colors as being neon. (I expect that one of my Copic class students, Christine the Chemist, will be happy to learn that I’ll try not to use that term so lightly anymore. LOL!!!)  It’s just one more syllable and another seven keystrokes to complete the word “fluorescent.” So be it.

I wanted to see which combination of these fluorescent shades would produce the most nicely blended, yet knock-your-socks-off, filled image. I also like to see the results, for comparison, very near each other on the same project.

This Dover Digital Image of three parrots among branches of a rose tree did the trick. This also allows me to show use of regular Copic colors mixed with the fluorescent colors in the same image. Parts of this image are smaller and tighter than I like to work with. I thought that I might have to use a lot of tip-to-tip and/or pallet blending to provide the needed shading in those 'one-stroke-is-all-you-get' areas.  A light touch with the very top of the brush tip was all I needed.

My favorite wood colors for branches are E31, E35 and E47. My favorite colors for filling roses are R22, R29 and R59. G82, G85 and G99 are wonderful dull greens for leaves.  W5 and W7 with 0 for highlights worked nicely for the beaks and claws.

Following are closeups of my attempts at three different marker combinations using Copic fluorescent colors.  The Copic color coding system seems a little skewed on these but don’t let that deter you from the happiness these fluorescent shades can produce. Four colors (code with digit of 1) are brighter and the other four (digit of 2) are slightly duller.

FRV1 Pink, FYR1 Orange

FYG1 Yellow, FY1 Yellow Orange, and FYG2 Dull Yellow Green

FB2 Dull Blue, FBG2 Dull Blue Green, and FV2 Dull Violet

Find out more about using Copic fluorescent marker colors here and here.

Shading with Copic Fluorescent Markers

I have a Dover digital image of a wizard brewing something spectacular with the help of his tiny dragon companion. I want to convey the mood of fantasy, mystery and imagination. The color purple denotes mystery and intrigue. Purple is associated with royalty, spirituality, imagination and inspiration. I need that deep, bright bluish-purple, like a royal purple.

I immediately reach for my handy-dandy Copic Marker Hand Color Chart. (The marker cap colors are very deceiving and don’t provide a true value of the marker color.) Uh oh. I do not see an appropriate color after a quick look through the blue violets and violets. Hmmm. I glance at my blues and find that B79 Iris might work but it’s a little more blue than I’d like it to be. What to do? What to do? FV2 (fluorescent dull violet) to the rescue!

I started to fill the area of the cauldron and used B66 Clematis for my base layer, FV2 for my medium shade, then added some deeper shading with my B79. It still wasn’t quite dark enough so I added a more narrow shaded area using T6. I’m happy with the deep, dark, mystical color of my wizard’s cauldron. I get the feeling something really magical is brewing there.

I want the wizard’s robe to be the same royal purple color but opted to leave the FV2 out of that part of the image to see what difference it will make to my whole image. I really appreciate being able to easily see the comparisons for future reference.

I used FB2 (fluorescent dull blue) on the dragon to highlight the magical feel of that loyal and faithful mystical companion.

So, you see, in this example, that shading with Copic fluorescent marker colors can add a certain flare to your images that you might not otherwise be able to achieve by using just the colors represented by the markers alone.

May you always be able to create the perfect look with a simple tweak of your resources . . .

Using Copic Fluorescent Marker Colors

Eight of the current 334 Copic Sketch markers are fluorescent colors. They're fabulous neon shades of pure happiness. I made some time to play with these colors with the hopes of helping you to see why you would want to add these markers to your Copic collection. I'll show a small sampling of how I added these colors to some Dover digital images printed on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# using my Canon Pixma i6600D ink jet printer.

These neon colors are absolutely m*a*g*i*c*a*l and perfect for filling images of enchanted things:

like this baby griffin . . .

and this magnificent winged horse . . .

Don't you agree that this treasured image of an underwater fantasy creature looks stunning in all its effervescence?

Oh, can't you just feel the magic emanating from these images of enchanted things? I haven't even added any atyou Spica yet. There are no special effects with Opaque White. I faded a little, in places, with Colorless Blender, but haven't added any shading in the neon areas.

These flourescent colors will make the most magnificent airbrushed backgrounds too!

You have to see, in person, how these colors glow under a black light. I've included this photo to give you a fair idea. This picture really doesn't do it any justice! I'll keep trying to get a better night-scene photo to share another time.

I feel a really cool, totally magical, Colors of Copics-Shades of Neon class coming on . . . Get ready! LOL!

I'm so glad that you stopped by . . .