Season's Greetings to Our First-Rate Boss Lady

Season's Greetings Suzanne! 

Little Elf Finn (Mo Manning)

 This post is dedicated to our 

fearless,

fabulous 

fantastic

fun

first-rate and

far-out  

 "Boss Lady" Suzanne Dean!   

            Merry  Christmas  Suzanne! 

For those of you who may not know Suzanne,  she  created a wonderful on-line classroom for learning to use Copic Markers.  The link can be found at Color Me Creative Classroom The classroom quickly expanded to Cricut, Distress Inks, Prisma Pencils and Magnolia Images. Suzanne has 5 classes on Copic Alcohol Ink Markers that include  detailed video's with PDF files that include: 

Class I :  Wonderful "Must Have" Resources, Colorless blender, Highlights, Shading, Skin Tones, HairClothing and various  Color Combos

Class 2: Shadowing Images and Grounding images, Using the Colorless Blender, Light and Shodows (where to begin), Basic Shading and Highlighting, Coloring White and Black, More combos, Feathering Technique, Coloring Wood Tones and Coloring Hair and appropriate shading, Creating New Colors with Two Markers and Using the Multi-liner

Class 3:  Advanced Shading and Highlighting/Contrasts, Flicking Method of Blending, Landscapes, Reds/Dark blues/ and Browns, Metallic Tones, "T" Copics, Fur and Texutes, Spica pends, Products that enhance Copics, Copic Distress Ink Effect, and Pastels 

Class 4: Large Background areas, Flowers, vintage, Sheer Items,

Airbrushing, Refills to Create Backgrounds, Fabric and other cool tricks and tips.

and......  

Drum Roll..... 

the long awaited

Class 5:  Layering Copics, copper, Patina, Terracotta,  Rust, Tie Die, Hispanic Skin Tones,  Hispanic Hair,  Hot Pink, Animal Prints, Birds/Wings, More about Folds, Hair (Advanced) and Fur.   

This list doesn't include everything...  but .....Where to begin???   At the beginning!   Every  class is jam packed full of learning opportunities!     This wonderful classroom can be found at:

Color Me Creative Classroom

I started taking Suzanne's classes a year and a half ago and I have learned so much!   I never had a Copic Alcohol Ink Marker in my hand before...  and Suzanne was patient and helpful EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! I am proud to be a Senior Design Team member for Color Me Creative .  We have a fun group of wonderfully talented women in our group and have a great time with our challenges.  Each challenge provides the opportunity to put those wonderful Copic skills to use! 

I also had an opportunity to take a class from her in person at On the Road Classes  I quickly discovered that not only is she a fearless, fabulous, fantastic, fun, first-rate and far-out instructor, but she is an absolutely super wonderful person and a loyal friend!

Thank you Suzanne for all you do 

and

 all you 

ARE! 
My card is in the mail and will be arriving at your doorstep soon!


Suzanne, you are now invited to go to the following blogs on December 18th  for more Holiday Love!


Hazel Parr, CMC Design Team
and
Suzanne Foard, CMC Design Team

Happy Holidays!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

• Crafting for All Seasons - Christmas
• Paper Play - Christmas
• Tuesday Throwdown- For Someone Special
• Mad For Markers - Christmas
• Paper Crafting Journey - Christmas
• Crafts and Me Challenges - Christmas
• The Outlawz Challenge - Copic/Promarkers - Celebrations

Love and Hugs,

Marie,  
Color Me Creative Senior Design Team

(and faithful follower)

Ring Those Bells!

Ring Those Bells!

Color Me Creative  is having a new challenge for all of you Copic and Promarker lovers!   The challenge is to create a card just using white, gold and cream!   Doesn't that sound festive?   

For this Challenge we have LOTS OF PRIZES!!

AND A WAY TO DONATE TO A WONDERFUL CHARITY!!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN:

• 1 person will win a NEW Provocraft CRICUT MINI machine
• 1 person will win a NEW KINDLE E-READE
• 1 person will win a $50 Gift Cert. to SCACD
• 1 person will win a $25 Gift Cert. to the Paper Temptress
• 1 person will win 5 digis from Tiffany Doodles and a $15 Gift Cert to 7 Kids College Fund and a Gilli Gift Bag

HOW TO PLAY:

4 different ways to enter

• Enter up to (2) TWO projects into the link system below by Jan. 5th
• Enter (1) one project into the BookEndz Challenge
• Donate a $3-5 donation to the Charity below for 1 entry
• Donate anything over $10 to the Charity and get 2 entries   The link to the charity that Suzanne Dean selected can be found HERE

In addition, all the entries for the entire month will have an opportunity to win a $50.00 gift certificate from Ozark in the random drawing.   

                                               

For my Design Team card,  I selected a beautiful stamp by Stampin Up called Bell's & Boughs.  The challenge was to use white, gold and cream.   

 I am entering this card in the following challenges:

• I Copic Challenge # 60 - Holiday/Winter Theme
• Make It Monday - Anything goes!
• 2 Sisters challenge Blog - Christmas
• Crafting Journey _ Christmas!
• I will not enter this card in the Color Me Creative challenge since I am a DT Member but don't hesitate to enter this wonderful challenge!

Techniques:

Copic alcohol in markers

Copic Watercolor Background Effect

On paper Blending

Tip to Tip Inking

Paper Quilling

Measurements:

Finished card:  4.25" x 5.5"

Base card: 11" x 4.25" Score at 5.5"

Base layer: 4" x 5.25"

Top layer:  3.5" x 5 in (I cut this slightly smaller than I usually do in order to allow more of the gorgeous gold color to show.  

Image:

Bells & Boughs (Stampin Up)

Paper:

Cryogen for focal image (Curious Metallic, Inc.)

Pure Luxury White (GKD)

Gold Precious Metals (Recollections)

White card stock (Recollections)

Ink:

Copic Alcohol Ink Markers (.too, Inc.)

Memento Black Tuxedo ink (Tsukeniko)

Tools:

Acrylic stamping block

Paper trimmer

Scoring tool

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Holly Ribbon Cuttlebug  Embossing Folder (Provo Craft)

Adhesive 

Scissors

Glue

Adhesive pearls (Recollections)

Micro Rose - open (Stamping Scrapping)

Quilling tool

Atyou Spica pen -gold (.too, Inc)

Cricut Expression (Provo Craft)

Cindy Lou Cricut cartridge (Provo Craft)

Copic alcohol ink markers:

Bells and holly (Light yellow)  Y00, Y11, Y15, YR24, YR28

Ribbon and trim on bells (Dark cream) E40, E41, E42. E43

Copic watercolor effect for background: Y000, E40

This is a close up of the quilled bells.

The top layer was embossed and I highlighted areas with the Atyou Spica pen and adhered the layers.   I cut flourishes with my Cricut machine using  the Cindy Lou cartridge.

Click image to enlarge view

I hope you are enjoying our holiday season.  I have a few days off and look forward to working in my little santa shop and get into the holiday season.  I have 150 candy cane reindeer to do tomorrow for the children in our county services.  I plan to start on their treat projects when I finish the reindeer.   

Remember, there is plenty of time to join us in our CMC challenge!  I hope to see you there!

A Little Bit of Vintage!

Click image to enlarge

 Hello!   Happy Friday to all of you!    I wanted to do a quick post and show a couple cards from some wonderful vintage digital images created by Ignacio Molina at Nicecrane Designs

Nicecrane Designs

This first image is from his Peter Rabbit's Outline Pictures.  I couldn't resist coloring the cute little rabbit with his head in the water pitcher.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

• Make it Monday -  Anything Goes
• 2 Sisters Challenge  - Punch or Die Cut
• One Stitch at a Time - Be Square!
• Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
• Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes

Stamps:
Peter Rabbit's Outline Pics DSL (Nicecrane Designs)
Tall Wheat rubber stamp (Hero Arts)


Paper
Chocolate Kiss Pure Luxury (GKD)
Yellow from my stash
Cryogen for focal image (Curious Metallic)


Ink:
Copic alcohol ink markers (.too, Inc.)
Memento Rich Cocoa dye ink (Tsukineko)




Tools:
Computer, printer and editing software
Acrylic  stamping block
Paper trimmer
Score tool
Scissors
Flower  (Recollections)
Martha Stewart leaf punch (Ek Success)
pearls (Recollections)
Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)
Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder (Provo Craft)
Jumbo sponge daubers (Tsukineko)

Copics:

Y00, Y11, Y15, YR24, YR28

E40, E42, E44, R20

W2 for shadows 

Click image to enlarge

An now... for the cold snowy days, nothing is better than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup!   Do you remember the Campbell Soup girl?   I remember seeing the TV ads.   Ignacio Molina has also created the wonderful vintage images of the Dolly Dingle DSL 1 series.   I just think the little girl is so cute.  I also googled (is there such a word?) "Dolly Dingle" and found some images and tried to reproduce some of the coloring of this cute little girl from the original vintage collection.     I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

                                          

Click image to enlarge view

Stamp: 

Dolly Dingle DSL 1 (Nicecrane Designs)

Paper:

Cryogen for focal image (Curious Metallic)

Pure Luxury Ivory Cardstock  (GKD)

The Christmas Magic Collection Designer Paper (Sharon Ann)

Pure Luxury Lipstick Red Cardstock  (GKD)

Ink:

Copic alcohol ink markers (.too, Inc.)

Tools:

Computer, printer and editing software

Paper trimmer

Score tool

Scissors

Martha Stewart Snowflake punch (Ek Success)

Green Brads (Recollections)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Deckled Nestabilities Die (Spellbinders)

Copics:

Dress/Hat/Socks  R20, R22, R24, R27 C3

Face E000, E11, R20

Scarf/Skates/Ball on Hat/Gloves : C2, C00

Hair (Dark Light Blond Hair) Y11, Y21, E97, E99

Background B000 (not visible on this image)

I  added dark green brads to the top base layer and assembled the card. 

Tip of the Day: Turn you punch upside down so you can see the design you are getting when you punch the snowflakes.  I think these little snowflakes were creative and the layered look made them look like flowers.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope your holiday season is going well for you!     

Don't forget that Color Me Creative Challenge is having the challenge that is "funky hair color" and it ends tomorrow!   Get your cards in and join in on the fun!   

Hugs,

Marie

Thank You to A Special Person

Click image to enlarge view

This is a card I created for a very special person.   Kathy Neal, Kaiser Permanente  will be leaving her  administrative post in a few days.  She was the administrator that hired me into my present Patient Care Coordinator position.  I shall miss her very much and know it will be a BIG loss for Kaiser Permanente.   We are having a going away party for her tomorrow and I created this card especially for her.


Challenge:  I am entering this card in the following challenges:

• Crafty Purple Frog Challenge : For Someone Special!
• Divas by Design Challenge 16 : Anything Goes!
• Fab n Funky Challenges : Anything Goes!
• Crafty Boots Challenges : Anything Goes!

Stamp: Happiness Shared (Stampin Up)


Paper:
Pure Luxury White card stock (GKD)
Pure Luxury Chocolate Kiss card stock (GKD)
Earth's Gardens (ANW Crestwood, Inc.)
Cryogen cardstock (Curious Metallic)


Ink: 
Flower: Copic  (.too, Inc)  YR0000, YR00, YR02, YR04
Leaves/Stem:  Copic (.too,Inc) G28, YG63, G40
Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)


Other:
Acrylic Block
Paper trimmer
Scor Buddy (Scor-Pal)
Scissors
Ribbon
Pearls (Recollections)
Jumbo sponge dauber (Tsukineko)
Cuttlebug (Provo Crafts)
Flower Garden embossing folder (Stampin Up)

Click image to enlarge view.

Thank you so much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful week!


Hugs,
Marie

Little Drummer Boy

Click image to enlarge view.

Stamper's Quest just posted December's featured cards.  The theme is "The Serenades".  This is the Design Team card i created using the wonderful image from Mo Manning.

The full turotial can be found at Stamper's Quest  at this link:  The Serenades: Marie's View  This e-mazazine is free and open for anyone to few.  It contains detailed tutorials for each card.   Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
Marie

Steampunk Romance Annie: CMC Challenge

Click image to enlarge view

A BIG "hello" to all my cyber friends! I hope you had a wonderful, safe holiday! I worked on Thanksgiving in the Emergency Department but had a fabulous celebration friday.

Color Me Creative has a new fun challenge for you. Let's see how funky you can color hair. Any color will count as long as it is not a natural color. Hey, what about a rainbow colored hairstyle?, Now why didn't I think of that sooner?

Our wonderful sponsor for this challenge is Simply Betty. Check out her wonderful selection!
The prize will be ........ drum roll.....

**Prize from our sponsor Simply Betty Stamps!!

**1 pack of Cryogen Cardstock

In Addition, each month  Suzanne Dean will take EVERY CMC Challenge Entry for that month and pick a random winner!  That winner will win a $50 Gift Certificate to Oozak.com! 

So we will have 1 Challenge Winner for EACH Challenge (prize listed below each challenge) AND 1 winner from all that month's challenges to win the Oozak Gift Certificate!  Two ways to win, but you gotta play!!

 
      

*****************************

In keeping with my commitment to try to do something different on my cards - I selected a digi image by Simply Betty called Steampunk Romance, Annie. I am just loving these images! I will be visiting them often!

Techniques:
Unusual hair color
Altered image by adding fishnet stockings and coloring them sheer black. Talk about fun!
Copic alcohol markers
Tip to tip inking
On paper blending
Stenciling background


Measurements:
Base card 11" x 4.25" (score at 5.5")
Base layer 5.25" x 4"
Top layer 5" x 3.75"

Stamp:
Steam punk Romance, Annie -digital (Simply Betty)

Ink:
Copic alcohol ink markers (.too, Ink)
Memento (Tsukeneko)
Memento Tuxedo Black. (Tsukeneko)

Tools:
Computer, printer. And editing software
Paper trimmer
Score tool
Scissors
Stencil and brush (martha Stewart)
Adhesive
Ribbon
Pearls

Click image to enlarge view

Tip for the Day:
Save BIG $$$ by investing in an ATG gun and buying the tape from on online store like The Tape Depot. I go in with friends and we place an order for 144 rolls of tape, split the cost and it comes to less than a dollar a roll! :D


I hope you have a wonderful day.  Thank you for stopping by and spending some time!

Hugs,

Marie

Nicecrane Designs: Sweet Little Girls Card

Click image to enlarge view

Happy Tuesday to all of you!   I hope your week is starting out well!    I do my volunteer work at the Crisis Cente this morning and then I start back on my real day job in the Emergency Department Wednesday - Tuesday... with the exception of Friday.  I am off Friday and will be celebrating Thanksgiving on that day.

Do you LOVE "vintage"?   Ignacio Molina, graphic designer from Nicecrane Designs created the most adorable vintage images.   Take a look at this card I created with his wonderful "Sweet Little Girls" set.   

You can see the images that are available on this wonderful set.   Don't miss the big sale... 50% off your entire order!   

Nicecrane Designs

s

Click image to enlarge view

For my Design Team card I chose to use the wonderful image of the little girls sewing.  I think they all fit the vintage theme  but my eye went to this image immediately.   

These are the Copic alcohol ink markers I used for this image.  It is mostly done in a  monochromatic technique but I wanted to add the BG10 on top of the brown ink on the apron to make it stand out a little more and to coordinate with my background paper.     I also used some E70  on top of my E47 in the darkest of shadow areas.

 Techniques:

• Inking:  Direct on paper
• Inking:  Indrirect Tip to tip  
• Copic Alcohol Ink Markers
• Vintage coloring
• Digital image

Click image to enlarge view

I want to thank you for stopping by and spending some time on by blog.   Stop by and check out Ignacio's creations.  Some of his other Christmas images also fit the vintage theme... 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving from my hope to yours    

Hugs,

Marie

Thinking of you: Stamper's Quest Feature

click  picture to enlarge view

Happy Monday to everyone!   It is a bright an sunny day here in California!

Stamper's Quest has published this card along with my detailed tutorial for the November Feature this month.   I am not permitted to  post my tutorial for you on my blog but you can find it HERE.  Stamper's Quest is a free on-line E-magazine that is filled with fantastic cards and projects along with detailed tutorials.  Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
Marie

Special Blessings

It is that time of year when we are reflective of our blessings and of what we are most grateful.   Some of the things at the top of my list:

• my health
• the fact I am still employed 
• have shelter and food
• and most of all.......my family and friends.  Those I love and those that sustain me each and every day.   

I have a very special person that is celebrating a BIG birthday today and I created this card for her.  I know it isn't spring... but she really loves birds and nature so I selected  this special nature stamp.   I hope she enjoys it!

Measurements:
Card 5.5 in x 4.25 in. 

Supplies:

Stamp:  Birds Nest  (Inkadinkado)

Paper:  

Pure Luxury Fresh Asparagus (GKD)

Pure Luxury In the Navy (GKD)

Pure Luxury Pure White  120# (GKD)

Cryogen for focal image (Curious Metallic)

Ink:

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukeneko)

Memento Bamboo Leaves (Tsukeneko)

Copic Alcohol ink Markers (.too, Inc.)

Tools:

Arylic stamping block

Scissors

Scor-Pal (Scor-Pal)

Paper trimmer

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Holly Ribbons Embossing Folder (Provo Craft)
Jumbo Sponge Dauber (Tsukeneko)
Small/Large Oval Nestailities Die (Spellbinders)

Copics:

Nest:  E40, E44, E47, E37, a touch of BG000

Eggs: BG000, BG10, BG32, BG34, BG45 and a touch of R30

Flowers:  R000, R11, R19, R85, BV23 and C2 for shading

Leaves: G 40, G28, YG63

Butterfly:  E33, Y35, Y38, Y00, 

Background:  Copic watercolor effect with BG000 and W2

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Hugs, Marie

Nicecrane Designs : Denslow's Night Before Christmas

Click image to enlarge view

Happy Friday to everyone!   I am so excited to  post this cute little image created by Ignacio Molina from Nicecrane Designs   He is so very talented and I love his images.  Ignacio has images that are already  colored and  images uncolored for those of us that are Copic lovers!    

Nicecrane Designs

This is my Design Team card for Nicecrane Designs.  In keeping with my commitment to try to add new things to my work.    I combined two separate images.  I am still trying to learn Pixelmator on my Apple.  I am still trying to learn how to merge pictures!   I  would have liked to have the children closer but could not figure out how to do that yet.. I will work on it!   I added stones so the image would be grounded.  I practiced with keeping the back of the children dark so my light source just came from the candle.   I like the vintage look!

A direct link to this fabulous digital image can be found HERE

Thank you for stopping by..... off to make more cards!

Hugs,

Marie

CMC: Mermaids, Mermaids, Mermaids!

Click image to enlarge view

Color Me Creative  is having a challenge featuring "Sea" colors!   The wonderful Michelle Perkett is our sponsor for this fun challenge.  The winner will receive 1 package of Cryogen paper from Curious Metallic, Inc.   If you have wondered how this paper works - this is a perfect opportunity to win some for FREE!     I love this paper and use it on a regular basis with my copic markers.   Michelle is also offering 50% off on her wonderful images through 11/12.   Now is a good time to stock up!   Let me see......   twice as many dig's for the price of one!!! LOL

Challenge details can be found at  CMC Challenge.   You do not have to be enrolled in the classes in order to participate in this challenge.  You just have to use alcohol ink markers!   I hope to see you there!   

 I had the opportunity to take my standard and intermediate certification from Marianne Walker  a couple weeks ago in Hawaii. 

 and

 I just LOVE Marianne's work!  I have been following her blog for some time now and trying to study her work.   It can be found at I Like Markers    Marianne's philosophy is that being an artist is a state of mind.   It doesn't involve how well you can draw or how much schooling you have had.... It comes down to how you see the world and interpret it into your chosen medium!    Wow!  That bit of food for thought is worth the cost of the class right there!    

 During our break,  I mentioned  to Marianne that I was "stuck".   You know what I mean!!!!   She took the time to look at my work and give me some excellent constructive criticism.  She said I have learned the rules of Copics well.... and now it is time to break the rules.    Oh no!  Break the rules?  LOL!   Marianne said if I just stick to the rules.. the cards will be  nice cards  - but just that.... nice cards but not memorable.   I need to add texture and unusual color combinations!   I need to experiment.   I am going to take everything she gave me to heart and definitely try this!      AND THE JOURNEY STARTS!!!  Everyone may not like my work but no one can say it will be boring!  I am going to be committed to the following:

1. Study each image before I start coloring to see where shadows will go if applicable.
2. Texuturize at least a small portion of of every picture
3. Have some unusual color combination....  It may be a large or small section... But it will be  there and it will be different LOL
4. Know what element in the picture or image I want to stand out and shade and color in a way that the lighting falls on that element.  Make it "POP".  
5. Try to do my layout in a manner that the eye will be forced back to the image rather than off the paper
6. Not get carried away with my bling... make certain that the viewers will not look at the bling... but my picture.  I will have spent hours on my picture and a few seconds putting the bling on the card.   I want people to look at my   image! :D
7. Not get frustrated that these steps will S L O W me down! Sniff Sniff
8. Commit an hour looking at the objects around me or the image I am working on for every hour  I spend coloring  the image
9. Remind myself to look frequently  at my image from a distance and see what I need to re-work.

Wow.....   I am so grateful for the opportunity to have a class by this wonderful woman.   I sure hope I can do the things I say I am committed to do!    I must post my list right in front of me!    (Are there more hours in the day?)   

Click image to enlarge view.

For my first card, Marianne was generous enough to look at it an help me pep it up.   Some of her suggestions were to add texture to the background. I added colorless blender.   She then suggested I darken the shadows of the face.  (Actually, possibly put lavender in it!!!! yikes....   I will try that in the near future)  Marianne also suggested I add come of my main color over the eyes.  I like it!    She helped me add some definition to the shadows between the eyes and lastly..... put a little of the sea colored background into the hair!!!   I said... "You want me to add what?!!!!" LOL     I really like how it turned out! Wow!  Thanks Marianne!

I decided to try something different by using the same image and same idea of adding texture and my non-traditional color combinations but in a way that will allow the mermaid to have an ethereal mood.   How is that?!!! LOL    I did the same colors I just made it lighter and used a lighter background.   It looks very different but the colors are the same.  

Click image to enlarge view

I am just going to commit to looking at my its and try to integrate anything I can to step-up my images and designs   I am going to try to have "fun" with my art!

I want to thank you for stopping by and spending some time with me!   

From my home to yours - Happy HOLIDAYS!

Hugs,

Marie