paper crafting

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In love with Copic


I knew once I tried Copic markers, I would have to have them.
So, for more than a year, I ignored my friends whenever they offered to let me use their markers. I told myself I didn’t need another product that was the latest trend, nor did I need one that worked best on special paper.
And then I kept looking at all of those beautiful stamped images colored in with Copic markers and I decided maybe it was OK just to look.
Well, there are some products you cannot just look at without knowing deep down inside that you must have them.
It happened to me when the store was having too good of a sale to pass up and I decided to indulge.
It took me several months to build up a collection that I could work with, but I have yet to regret my decision. In fact, I have purchased more stamps that I never would have bought before Copic to go with my markers.
At first, I spent time coloring to relax. Then, I started making a few projects, like the Riley card above, using a rubber stamp, a die by Dies Direct and Copic markers.
Granted, I am not as good as the person who taught me, but I am impressed with my personal results. I have tried several different types of markers, colored pencils, paint, watercolor pencils, chalk pencils and chalk to attempt to color in stamped images of the years and never had the success I have with Copic. In fact, my lack of skills caused me to stop stamping most images years ago.
My latest satisfaction came when making this card …

The flower that goes across the middle of the card was made with a Bo Bunny stamp. I used Copic markers to match the colors in the paper.
The coolest thing is I don’t own any of those bright colors. I simply lightly layered my Copic colors until I came up with colors that matched perfectly.
Then, because all things should sparkle, I added some Stickles to the top.

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Look beyond the obvious

Finding the right embellishment is not always easy — unless you look in less obvious places.

For this thank-you card for a member of the U.S. Navy, I wanted something special. I wasn’t able to find what I was looking for in the military section of my favorite scrapbook store.

But, in the travel section, I found this 3-D ship porthole. I love the finished card.

Paper: Karen Foster Designs

Porthole: Reminisce “Under the Sea”

Anchor: Jolee’s

Font: QuicKutz Olivia

When you are struggling for something, think outside the box a bit. Look for school embellishments in the fall section, candy and baking in the Christmas and Halloween department, romance in the wedding and Valentine’s Day sections, theater, dances and concerts in the school department, etc.

And then have fun creating!

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Embellish, embellish, embellish

It only takes a few minutes to take your die cuts from OK to amazing by adding shading, Stickles, and markers.

Since it is 100 degrees outside, I thought I would stay cool by playing with something that reminds me of cooler weather — like a little gingerbread man.

First, I cut out the gingerbread man out of a thin sheet of magnet and cardstock. Both the die and the magnet sheet are available from Dies Direct.
I glued the two pieces together and then, to add a little dimension, I inked the edges with Distress Ink.

I cut the bow out of a scrap of paper and highlighted it with a gold metallic pen. The remaining pieces I cut out of white cardstock and attached. I added Stickles to the frosting pieces to help them sparkle. And, dressed up the eyes with a black marker.

Rather than using the little dots on the die, I found some Making Memories brads that look like tiny buttons. Had I been thinking ahead, I could have attached the brads to the cardstock before I glued it onto the magnet. But, since I never think like that, I just cut the prongs off and used a Mini Glue Dot to attach them.

I think he’s adorable!

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Tim Holtz Day

Tomorrow is Tim Holtz Day.

I feel like a child who is anticipating a trip to Disney World. “I’m too excited to sleep!” or eat or do much else.

It doesn’t matter that my big toe has been causing me  immense pain for the past two days. I will stand in line for hours until I get the opportunity to meet Tim Holtz. I even have a few back-up plans in place, just in case. And, I’ve already packed my bag, complete with extra batteries for my camera.

So, you may be wondering, what is the big deal?

Well, Tim Holtz has been a huge part of my life for the past few years. Granted, he has no clue of my existence — unless he read my column in last week’s paper, but I seriously doubt that. No, I am pretty sure he has no idea I am alive, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t made a difference in my life.

Tim Holtz has given me the tools, inspiration and knowledge that has taken my scrapbooking to a whole new level. My pages are no longer just pictures decorated with stickers and pre-made embellishments. Many of them have become original works of art, thanks to Tim Holtz. He has challenged me to think outside of the box and to make more than just scrapbooks.

Since being introduced to Tim Holtz, via his products, I have learned how to make things exactly how I want them. I color ribbon, add ink to alter the color of paper, paint metal, add sparkle to flowers, … you name it, I change it.

Tim Holtz has also provided me with invaluable tools. He thinks of unique ways to improve the products we use every day. His ruler has tiny holes so you can place brads in a straight line. Grungeboard can handle water, paint, ink and more without falling apart like chipboard does. His sander is balanced so you can apply even pressure on your page. Every detail has been thought through to make my life easier, and for that, I am thankful.

Yesterday, I discovered his tiny attacher, with the smallest staples on the market, can easily staple through cardstock, Velcro, padding and a thin board that were used to make a shadow box I was covering. Not only did it go through it all, it did with ease — something a person with a bad elbow really appreciates.

So, tomorrow I will meet my hero and have the opportunity to thank him for the impact he has made on my life.

Perhaps I’ll go make him a card … if I can sit still long enough to do it. I can’t wait!