Let's Zentangle!

Hello to all my friends!    I am so excited to share my first try at "Zentangle".   I first saw this wonderful technique on Rose Crawford's fabulous blog called In Rosie's Book    A wonderful example of her Zentangle can be found HERE   I just fell in love with her work and tucked it in the back of my mind.

I decided that I wanted to try some new things, in addition to my addictive Copic habit! (Yikes, that is redundant!  I am going to try my hand at Zentangle and I will keep the second thing a secret until the near future. :D

So, what is Zentangle?   It is a way of repeating patterns to create beautiful images.   It has been said to be relaxing....   I have never been much of "doodler" but let's see how it goes!   It was a creative technique created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts  The history can be found HERE.   Classes are given on this and I will be first in line if they give any in my neck of the woods!  This is a great site for  -  Zentangle

Zentangle is:

• Repetitive patterns
• Relaxing
• Simple and meditative
• Fun (Now that's right up my alley!)
• Start without a preconceived idea of a final result
• Not expensive (I like that..... more money for Copics!)
• Timeless
• Intuitive

As I understand it, no two Zentangle images are the same.   There are some basic patterns that the experts provide to get you started - but then your own embellishments and creativity takes over and the process becomes your own.  Some have suggested the image in it's totality is one's life and the patterns inside are parts of your life that make up the whole.  No erasers are allowed!  I guess there is no trial run for life LOL! Life is full of mistakes.... That is what  makes it a part of our unique life!

This is my first Zentangle - My Copic instructor, Suzanne Dean shared that she did this when she was in her art class in college.   She used colored Copic Markers for Zentangle....  If you try this with your Copics remember not use the Micron pens if you are gong to use your colored Copics... it will not be good for your nibs.  Use your Copic Multiliners.  Some of Suzanne's fun classes and groups can be found here at Color Me Creative

I have entered this in:

• Make it Monday - Anything Goes!
• 2 Sisters Challenge - Anything Goes!
• All Sorts Challenge - Anything Goes!

I hope you liked this.  I probably got the ideas wrong but I tried to understand what I could find about Zentangle online - So until I can take an actual class.......   you may find my own variation of what this wonderful art form is! :D

Nicecrane Designs: Three Blind Mice

Good morning to all my fabulous cyber-friends!   I wanted to post this DT card I made for Nicecrane Designs.   I just love this little guy and he makes me happy just to look at him.   The radio is playing "I want to Dance With Somebody" and that is exactly how I feel when i look at this little guy.  My feet are moving and I am boogying  around my craft room! LOL!

This adorable image is especially for those of you who LOVE vintage and enjoy all those wonderful characters in vintage books.  This adorable image can be purchased HERE.

Nicecrane Designs

Copics:

Little mouse:  W0, W1, W3, W6 (and tip to tip to blend W3/W6)

 R20 for ear and cheeks

Shirt: R20, R22, R24 and a little W3 sandwiched between

two layers R24 in the darkest of shadows. 

  

I hope you liked this adorable little image.   Stop by Nicecrane Designs and see all the other wonderful images Ignacio has in stock.  Some of his collages are pre colored for those who would prefer to not use Copic or alcohol ProMarkers. 


I am posting this card on:

• Allsorts - Anything Goes
• 2 Sisters - Anything Goes
• Sugar Creek Hollow Vintage /Shabby (Mine was from Vintage  Illustrated Book "Three Blind Mice:

Have a wonderful Sunday my friends and stop back soon!

CMC Challenge: Humorous, Laughs, Bright and Fun!

I know.....  it's hard to believe but I have two posts today!   I didn't want to delay sharing the new Color Me Creative Challenge with Suzanne Dean news with you!   We have  new challenge that will run until March 2nd.

The theme is: 

"Lots of Laughts & Bright, Fun Colors!"     

We could all need a few laughs around this time ... right?

So get out those Copics, ProMarkers or colored pencils and join in on the fun!   Did you notice that colored pencils are now allowed?   Hey, why not try mixed media?

This is what Suzanne has to say about the prizes!

Each month I 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!!

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS CHALLENGE IS

I Brake For Stamps

Visit their store for a great selection of rubber stamps perfect for copic/promarker/pencil coloring!!  Also visit the I Brake For Stamps site for a selection of great digi images!!

One (1) Lucky Winner will win this fabulous prize from I Brake For Stamps:

 

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

NEW CHALLENGE #37 will run until March 2nd!

We want to see you use YOUR COPICS, ProMarkers, other alcohol markers or Colored Pencils!! 

Do These Pants Make My Butt Look Big?

Copics:

T-shirt:  R20, R22, R24, R27, r59

Pants V0000, V000, v01 with R22, R29

Shoes R20, r22, R27

hair/Slot Machine: C0, C3, C5, C7 White Copic Opaque Ink

Bells and Whistles: R20, R22, R24, R27, G20, YG63, G28

This is my CMC DT card I created.   I used this funny and cute image Slottin Gertrude  from  I Brake For Stamps.     Isn't she just the cutest?!

I am submitting this card in the following challenges:

• Mad for Markers - R's and RV's
• Make It Monday - Anything Goes!
• Inky Impressions - Bright Colors!

Well, I am off to the casino!  Seriously!

iCopic: Mermaid Marci - Let's Make Bubbles!

A big hello to all my friends in Blogland!  It's Marie here and  I am excited to share with you a Design Team card i created for ICopic Lover.  I selected an adorable stamp called Mermaid Marci by La-La Land Crafts.  The size of this stan makes it perfect for cards or projects and the size is large enough that it makes it fun and easy to color with those Copic Markers!  

Techniques:

• Copic Alcohol Ink Markers
• On paper blending
• Tip to Tip Blending
• Embossing
• Quilling

Measurements:

11 in x 4.25 in.   Score at 5.5 in. to make a finished card of 5.5 in. x 4.25 in.

Base layer:  5.25 in. x 4 in.

Top layer:  5 in. x 3.75 in.

Stamp:  Mermaid Marci by La-La Land Crafts

Paper:

Cryogen for focal image  (Curious Metallic, Inc)

Pure Luxury Turquoise Sea (GKD)

Pure Luxury White 120# (GKD)

Designer paper from my stash

Ink:  

Copic Alcohol Ink Markers - BG70, BG72, and BG75   (.too, Inc)

 Copic Opaque White Ink (.too, Inc)

Tumbled Glass Distress Ink (Ranger, Inc)

Broken China Distress Ink (Ranger, Inc)

Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Supplies:

Acrylic stamping block

Petite Large/Small Nestabilities Die (Spellbinder)

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)
Mesh embossing folder (provoCraft)

Quilling paper, tools, and glue

Adhesive (I use ATG)

Scissors

Scor-Buddy (Scor-Pal)

Copic Skin Tones 

YR0000, E11, R20, BG0000

Hair

E40, E42, E44

E40  is applied to the highlighted areas.  E44 is used for the  darkest shadow area.  The mid-tone is E42.  Take care to not over-blend so some of the streaks of hair remain for a more realistic look.  

Starfish, top, fins and body 

BG70, BG72,  BG75

BG70 is used on the area on the area that reflects light.  BG75 is used in the darkest shadow and blended out with BG72.  Care is taken to avoid losing the highlights.   The starfish  can be treated like a "fold"  in a dress in order to give it more dimension.

A Light Green Pearl Pen (Viva Decor) is used for the trim around the bodice.  I let this dry for a few hours before resuming the card.    One can choose to add this after the card has been assembled.  I just like to do things the hard way ! LOL

This is a close up of the cute little image.     Nestabilities oval die are used to cut the image and mat.  Embossed the image while it is still in the die to give a great finish..   Tumbled Glass and Broken China Distress ink are sponged around the die. Start off the paper and lightly sponge toward your image.   I   lightly sketched some circles and colored them to look like bubbles.

BG70, BG72 and Copic Opaque White Ink

TIP:   Steps for creating "bubbles". 

A very small amount of the Opaque White was applied with a toothpick.   I used a technique that Marianne Walker teaches for dew drops on leaves - except I did not use the darkest color for the bubble but chose to use my lightest color, shaded with the next darker color and then applied the white light reflection.

The card was assembled and quilled seaweed and foliage was applied. I quilled a seahorse to go with it but it was way too much!   Sometime less is more!

I hope you enjoyed this card.  It was fun and I was delighted with the way the bubbles turn out.  Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to come back tomorrow and see what special treat Kelli has in store!

Hugs,

Marie

I plan to enter this card in the following challenges:

• Top Tip Tuesday - Magic, Fantasy, Mystical
• Make It Monday - Anything Goes!
• Outlawz Challenges:  - Inspired by a movie or song (  Mine is Tiny Bubbles!)
• Fab n Funky - Blue-Green-White
• Tuesday Throwdown - Blues!

I hope you enjoyed this card.  It was fun and I was delighted with the way the bubbles turn out.  

iCopic: Quick and Easy Gift Bag

Cherry Cupcake 

Hello!  I hope all of you are having a terrific Tuesday!  I have had some great day's off  and yes.... spent more than a few in my craft room!  Aren't day's off just the BEST?! LOL

Today, I was able to post my Design Team card for iCopic Lover.   I wanted  to share a tip on how to make a cute gift bag quicker than you can blink an  eye!    I am using an adorable image by Cherry Cupcake  by Wild Rose Studio.  I think she has such a cute face and is a perfect stamp for any kind of celebration.    

Copic Alcohol Ink Markers

E000, E11, R20

G20, YG63, G40 (This is one of my favorite color combinations!)

B000, B12, B32

Y0000, Y000, Y32

Hair:  E40, E42, E44, W6 and a White Sharpie
Sponged with Memento Bamboo Shoots Dye Ink  (Tsukineko)
Colorless Blender.   Texture was added to the dress by dotting the colorless blender.  The Colorless blender actually "moves" the ink .  The Areas of teture becomes lighter as it dries.  You can always go back and add more texture!

This is a plain gift bag that can be purchased in packed of 10.   

Tip:  I frequently use white so it will coordinate with whatever my color theme is for any given project.   

Background layer cut at 8.5 in. x 4.5 in. 

Top layer of designer paper cut at:  3.75 in x 5.5 in.

Focal image mat cut with Petite Small  Nestabilities Die (Spellbinder) .   I often use a combination of Large/small Petite Oval die for my focal image and it's mat.  

Left:  flat and without dimension.     Right: Scored, Sponged, Curled 

I like to make veins with a scoring tool, sponge with various colors of ink and curl with scissors slightly. Notice how much more dimension the lea on the right has when compared to the one on the left.   

The layers were adhered and the gift bag was embellished with ribbon, flowers and leaves.  I added Platinum Stickles (Ranger)  to the bow on the gift. 

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial on making a quick and easy gift bag for that special little girl.  I have a "little" friend that has her name on it.....   Now what shall I put in it for her little surprise?   

I am entering this gift baag in the following challenges:

• Make It Monday -Anything goes!
• Outlawz - Friday Copic Challenge - Love  (Valentine, Friendship or Anniversary)
• Crafty Purple Frog - Flower Power!
• Paper Pretties - Use Flowers
• The Cutie Pie Challenge - Anything but a card!

Don't forget to stop by our iCopic Blog tomorrow and see what surprise Melissa has in store for you!

Valentine's Day Card: Violets for Faithfulness and Eternity

Click image to enlarge

Hello to all my friends!  I thought I would make a quick post of a card I made today for a SPECIAL Valentine's Day card.  Hope you like it:   I tried my BV Copics.  This is a new image  that I have not used yet.   I am anxious to give it a whirl.   The Stamp s Stately Flowers by GKD.    I used some Martha Stewart micro beads for the centers.

I will enter this card in the following challenges:

• Make it Monday - Anything goes!
• Crafty Purple Frog Challenge -  Flower Power
• Crafts and Me - A new image.  (it's new to me :D)

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day and come back soon.  I will post an iCopic DT project tomorrow!

Liebster Blog Award

Hello  to all my wonderful friends!   What a wonderful surprise to discover that Snoopy

awarded me with the Liebster Blog Award.   Her wonderful blog can be found HERE.   Stop by and give her some love!

and 

Snoopy's Side Kick!!

I first want to thank you, Snoopy for having such an inspiring blog and for being a  follower.  Thank you too for giving the this award! :D  I want to thank all my super followers and to take this opportunity to say how much I appreciate each and every one 
of you!   You make my day!

And now -  for the Liebster Blog Award....

This wonderful award is  given to bloggers with less than 200 followers in the hope that it will bring them new friends and followers.  I am even wearing my "lucky golden shoes" 

in order to hit that lucky 200 mark.   It would be like hitting the jackpot! LOL

It has very simple rules and they are as follows:

1. Show your appreciation by thanking the person who awarded you and link back to their blog.
2. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 5 blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed. and let them know. 
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Most importantly.....bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blog sphere - other bloggers.
5. Finally, have fun and spread the love.

My nominations are as follows:

• In Rosie's Book  (I check Rose's blog on a regular basis and I always learn something new.  Her Copic skills and layouts are out of this world! A MUST  VISIT BLOG!
• Designing Keepsakes Donna's cards always have a touch of elegance and are  stunning to view!
• Rubber Stamping Is My Game  - I have the privilege of serving with Pat on our CMC Design  Team and I can say her work is  STUNNING!   Hurry up and sign to follow because she only has a few slots left before she reaches 200!   I am also proud to call her my friend!
• Linda's Stamping Blog - Linda has the most adorable cards on he blog and her Copic skills are fabulous!   Check it out!
• The Pink Dawg House - Bonnie has the most wonderful cards and projects on her blog.  You will be in for a treat!   And she LOVES pink!
• You Got Ink Where? -  Oh my.... this a blog you cannot afford to miss.   I am a regular at shelby's blog.   I often look at her gorgeous creations before doing some of my project.  Her work and Copic skills are very inspiring!

I know I listed 6 rather than 5 but I just couldn't help myself!   

Thank you too, to  all of the friends I have nominated for this award.  Your blogs inspire me on a regular basis.  I have learned so much from you!

And a BIG thank you to Card's For Men Challenges the the honor of being selected for the Top 3 cards!  

Thank you so much!  I am honored!  

CMC Challenge: Nora Blowing Kisses!

A BIG hello to all my friends!   I hope you are having a fabulous Friday.   I am very late posting my DT card for Color Me Creative Challenge but sometimes.... Good things come to those who wait! (Not sure if I ever believed that bull pucky people tried to feed me! ) !  LOL.     

This is a chance for you to test out all those NEW & IMPROVED Copic, ProMarker or other alcohol marker skills you have, share with others, challenge yourself and WIN some awesome prizes!! 

Everyone is WELCOME to join this group no matter your skill level!  You do not have to take a class here at CMC to join our challenge group!  It's all about having fun with your Markers!!

Now... for the prizes.....   Each month Suzanne 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!! 

NEW CHALLENGE #36 will run until February 17th!

Your challenge this time is all about

 ** COLORS OF LOVE**

In honor of Valentine's Day we want to see you using pinks and reds and whites & creams!

Show your LOVE all over your projects!

We want to see you use YOUR COPICS, ProMarkers, other alcohol markers or Colored Pencils!! 

Use Inspiration Pictures Below as well!

CHALLENGE RULES

-Use any image you want BUT MAKE SURE YOU LINK BACK TO THE CMC CHALLENGE in your blog post!!

-ALL PROJECTS MUST BE NEW & NOT BACK-LINKED!!

-Image MUST be colored with Copics, ProMarkers, other alcohol markers or Colored Pencils!

UPLOAD YOUR ENTRIES to the Photo Gallery and TAG them with the word "LOVE2" so they can be seen easily!

**IF you post your project in your blog MAKE SURE TO LINK BACK TO THE CMC CHALLENGE **

Entries MUST be tagged and uploaded to the photo gallery by Feb. 3rd at 8:00 pm EST!

x

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS CHALLENGE IS

Stamp Fairy

Visit their store for a great selection of digi stamps perfect for copic/promarker/pencil coloring!!

One (1) Lucky Winner will win this fabulous prize from

Stamp Fairy Company

This is my Design Team card I created for this challenge.  Isn't she cute?   This is a wonderful digital stamp from Stamp Fairy.  This adorable image can be found HERE.    

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

• Top Tip Tuesday - Valentine's
• Make It Monday - Anything goes!
• The Paper Shelter - Be My Valentine!
• Outlawz Challenges - Love!
• Crafty Purple Frog Challenge - Flowers!
• Craft Your Passion Challenges - Anything Goes - No Patterned Paper!
• Paper Take Weekly - Anything goes with the option of adding a HEART or LOVE theme!

Just for a little humor...   One of my friends posted this on Facebook and I couldn't resist!

Please stop by and look at all the gorgeous creations at our Color Me Creartive Challengegroup and feel free to join in!   WE are a fun, crazy group!

Hugs,