Cards and Copics - a great team.

When I first began cardmaking, I couldn't decide which techniques I wanted to use.  I swore I would never become a stamper - ha, you should see my bins of wood mounted stamps and binders full of clear stamps and clings.  Guess I'll eat those words.  Then I saw examples of cards using Prisma pencils and Gamsol.  I gave that a try - SusieB is a master and provided wonderful inspiration.  I love how it looks, I just don't enjoy coloring with the pencils that much.  So, along came Copics - oooooh, I love markers and these are almost magic the way they blend. I just had to have them.  There are lots of technique tutorials on the web, but I just get out my color chart, my markers, and begin.  When I saw the sketches for Raq's Card Challenge this week, this card popped into my mind.

                                                             Here's how I did it.

First, I stamped my image on GinaK cardstock.  You need to use good quality, non-porous cardstock so that the colors don't bleed.  I use Momento Dye Ink in Black Tuxedo.  It dries quickly so that you can begin using your markers and the ink won't smear.

Next, using my Copic Marker Color Chart, I selected my colors.  I look for color groups of 2 or 3 markers that  blend from light to dark.  Sometimes I'll choose a contrast as well.  You can see my choices on the mat.  For the sunflower center I chose E31, E33, E35.  For the petals, I used Y02, YR23, and E43 - these were not in the same color group, but they gave me the effect I wanted.  For the stem I used YG00, YG63, and YG67.  When using Copics, you color in the area with the lightest color first, lay in the shades or contrasts, then go back and use the lightest again, blending all the colors together.

The last thing I did was cut out the Sunflower since I didn't want the background.

Here are a few more cards using Copic Markers to color the stamped images.  As you can see, I combine Cricut Die Cuts, stamps, Cuttlebug embossing, Nesties, and stamps.  I just LOVE it all.

I hope I've inspired you to try new techniques. 

Thanks for visiting.  I love comments, if you'd care to leave one.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn