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

Nicecrane Designs: Sweet Little Angels

Happy Monday!  I hope your week is starting well!   I am back from Hawaii and had a wonderful time taking my Certification (Standard and Intermediate) classes.  My instructor was the wonderful graphic artist, Marianne Walker.  I learned so many new and wonderful things about Copic markers.   I can hardly wait to try them out! 

Speaking of fabulous graphic artists.....   I created this card with a digital stamp designed by Ignacio Molina, a wonderful graphic artist from Spain.  You may have heard of his site - Nicecrane Designs  If you haven't had the opportunity, you should give it a try.  there are many wonderful images that can be used with your alcohol ink markers.    For those who choose to not color with Copic or other markers, Ignacio offers digital images that are fully colored and shaded for your card or craft projects.  They are gorgeous!   

                                                 

I created my Design Team card with this wonderful digital image  from the collection "Adorable Little Angels"   I used my tree embossing folder and Cuttlebug (Provo Crafts" to provide texture to the background.  I colored my image with Copics B0000, B00, B02, C00, C1, C3.  I added texture to the darkest shadow areas of the wings by coloring with a AtYou Spica Silver glitter pen (.too, Inc)  I added G38, YG63 and G40 to the green garland.  

Thank you for stopping by and spending some time.  I Hope you check out   Nicecrane Designs and see what all the excitement is about!    I will be posting my Color Me Creative Design Team card Wednesday so stop back soon!

Happy Holidays from my home to yours!

Hugs,

Marie

THCRD: I am Published!

Aloha from Hawaii!   Having a wonderful time!   I am just so excited to share with you that I was published in the fabulous craft e-magazine, Through The Craftroom Door.  Suzanne Dean gave me special permission to post the card that I created for this wonderful magazine.

Click to enlarge

The stamp is a digital image from Mo Manning.   

 Suzanne also gave me permission to post the entire tutorial later this month...   But don't wait for that.  Check out this wonderful magazine at  Through The Craftroom Door..  It is filled with crafting tips,  tutorials challenges... everything an addicted crafter would need!

Hugs,
Marie

Little Fireman : CMC Boys, Boys, Boys Challenge

Dedicated to Lisa and her wonderful family.

Happy Thursday to all my wonderful friends!  I am in Hawaii taking a much needed vacation.   Of course, I brought my copies along so I could take the basic and intermediate Copic Certification class taught by Marianne Walker.   It's a rough life but someone has to do it! LOL!

I wanted to get this post up and let you know that Color Me Creative has a wonderful challenge with a "boys" theme. Get out those Copics or Pro Markers and color some cute boy images!

Our wonderful sponsor is:

**Prize from our sponsor Mo's Digital Pencil is a $15 Gift Certificate to spend at her store!!

**1 pack of Cryogen Cardstock

For my Design Team card I selected a cute little image by Mo Manning. called Playing Firefighter.  I dedicate this to my wonderful friend Lisa whose husband is in the military serving as a firefighter!  

Stamp:  Playing Firefighter digital image (Mo Manning)

Copic Markers:   

R20, R0000, R22, R24,W1, 

C3, C5, C7, C9, 

Y04, Y02, Y0000, 

B06, B04, B02, B000

G28, G24, G20

I must apologize for my coloring.  We needed to work ahead on our Design Team cards and I did this just before taking Suzanne's  On The Road Class and realize that I needed to blend much better....  but hey...  maybe I will see my improvement!   That's what I am taking away from her wonderful class.... Blend! Blend! Blend!

Thank you for spending some of your precious time with me on my blog.  I know we are busy and I do appreciate having you stop my.  It means so much!  Thank you!

Back to vacation!  LOL

Hugs,

Marie

A Magical Land

Good morning to all of you!    I am so excited.  I have just been invited to serve on the fabulous  Creative Team for  Nicecrane Designs.  I have always been impressed by the images designed by Ignacio Molina.  His work is gorgeous!  His blog can be found HERE.   This is the first card I created as a new Creative Team member for Nicecrane Designs.   His wonderful images and graphically designed background images can be found at  Nicecrane Designs.   Stop by and check out all his images!  You will be in for a treat!

These gorgeous images for his Adorable Alice series can be purchased at Nicecrane Designs.   You may also enjoy Ignacio's wonderful blog that can be found at  Nicecrane Designs Blog.


I selected this adorable little rabbit from the Alice in Wonderland Series.   Isn't he just adorable?  

Techniques:

• Copic Alcohol Markers
• On Paper blending
• Tip to Tip Blending
• Digital Image

Supplies:

Stamps:

Adorable Alice II/Alice in Wonderland Digital Image (Nicecrane Designs)

Paper:

Pure Luxury White Cardstock (GKD)

Cryogen/focal image (Curious Metallic)

Designer paper

Blue Cardstock (unknown color) (Bazzill)

Ink:

Copic Alcohol Ink (Too, Inc.)

Memento New Sprout Dye Ink (Tsukineko)

Other:

Computer, printer and software to edit picture size

Paper trimmer

Scor-Buddy (Scor-Pal)

Adhesive

Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Small and Large Petite Oval Nestabilities die (Spellbinders)

Jumbo Sponge Daubers (Tsukineko)

Hand crafted roses from card stock
Doohickey flourish die (Magnolia)

Copic: YR23, Y21, Y11, Y0000

B28, B26, B24, B21, B0000

Vest: G29, YG63, G40

Fan: G29, YG63, G40, C0, C1, C3

Rabbit: E50, E53, E55, R20

Die:  Petitie Oval Nestabilities.  Cut then embossed.   

Sponged:  Memento New Sprout Dye Based Ink

Focal Image Mat:   Petite Oval Nestabilities with Blue Cardstock to mach the blue color in the coat.

I created roses and leaves from card stock.   

Click to enlarge

The card was assembled and stickler were placed on the leaves and flourishes.

I hope you enjoyed this card.  I had a great time using these wonderful little images!  Thank you so much for spending some time with me!

Hugs,
Marie

Harvest Moon

Click image to enlarge

Color Me Creative is having their Halloween Challenge and it is going on now here!  The card needs to be a halloween theme and you need to use orange!  Doesn't that sound fun!

Stephanie at Glitterbabes is sponsoring this challenge.   

The prize from our sponsoris a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at her store

and 1 pack of Cryogen Cardstock  

In addition, 

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!!

I selected this cute little image for my Design Team card.  It is  called Harvest Moon from Stephanie at Glitterbabes.  Isn't it such a cute image?   That should jump start my Halloween Spirit!   

Techniques:

• Copic Alcohol markers
• Reflections
• On paper Inking

Personal challenge:   I decided to try to practice "reflections".  I wanted to have  the moon and sky reflect on my image.   

Finished Card Size: 5.5” X 4.25”

Supplies:

Stamps:

• Harvest Moon Digital  Image (Glitterbabe)
• The Light and The Sea Set (Stampscapes Inc.)

Paper:

Pure Luxury White Cardstock (GKD)

Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice Cardstock (GKD)

Midnight Blue color of cardstock from my stash (Bazzill)

Cryogen (Curious Metallic)

Ink:

Copic Alcohol Ink (Too, Inc.)

Memento Summer Sky (Tsukineko)

Memento Paris Dusk (Tsukineko)

Gold Atyou Spica Pen (.Too, Inc.)

Other:

Computer, printer and software to edit picture size

Paper trimmer (Fiskus)

Scor-Buddy (Scor-Pal)

ATG Adhesive (Scotch)

Jumbo Sponge Daubers (Tsukineko)

Embellishments:

Amber Rhinestones

Crystal Stickles (Ranger, Inc.)

Measurements:

8.5  x 11 in.  cardstock at 4.25 in (vertical landscape).  This will produce one 4.25 x 5.5 in. pieces.  You will only use one piece of cardstock. Score at 5.5 in. (Fold at top)

Base Layer: 4 x 5.25 in.

Focal image: 3.5 in. x 3.75 in

Focal Layers 3.3.625 in x 3. 875 in and 3.75 in x 4in.  

Copic Alcohol Ink Markers:  

• Pumpkin:  YR18, YR16, YR14, Y17, Y21, Y02, Y000, Y0000, touch of B000
• Leaves G28, YG63, G40
• Hat: C9, C7, C5, C3, C00, Y000.  I also used a small amount of B69 at the darkest on my shadow area.
• Harvest Moon: YR16, Y17, Y000, Y0000 and a small amount of B000

I hope you take time to join us a Color Me Creative Challenge.  We always have a lot of fun!

 Thank you for taking the time to few my card!

Hugs,

Marie

Want to Copic Like This? Me Too!

This was created by Suzanne Dean, who has been my Copic instructor for a year and a half  now at Color Me Creative Classroom.  I consider her my "Copic Guru!".   I will have the opportunity to take a basic/intermediate class and an advanced class from this wonderful woman October 22nd!   I am over the moon!   

Suzanne will be offering classes in the San Jose, CA area (Campbell, CA)  on October 22 & October 23rd.   Please sign up and join in the fun!  I would love to see you there!

Check out the links below for more information!!!

Want to get in on the Copic Marker Craze! 

Want to learn how to master, use & love these

markers?

**Take a Class from Instructor Suzanne J Dean**

Suzanne has been using and teaching about Copics for 3 years

and runs a successful Online Copic Classroom and is taking her classes on the road!

She is also a freelance designer for many craft companies around the world!

Check out her online classroom and blog to find out more info about her and see her work:

Color Me Creative Classroom:   www.scrapbitzcopics.ning.com

ScrapBitz Blog:  www.scrapbitz.blogspot.com

See you there!

Hugs,

Marie

A Moment to Remember

A Moment to Remember

Stamper's Quest  is an online magazine that is filled with wonderful tutorials that specialize in cards or crafts made with rubber stamps or digital stamp images.  The magazine's theme for October is "Monochromatic Magic".   I created this card using Sepia Tone on Tone Copic Alcohol Markers.

Since this card was created for the e-magazine publication, I cannot share the tutorial on my personal blog... however, you can find it Here

For some wonderful monochromatic cards and tutorials check these out!

• Monochromatic Magic: Pat's View
• Monochromatic Magic: Lisa's View
• Monochromatic Magic: Marie's View
• Monochromatic Magic: Nola's View
• Monochromatic Magic: Peggie's View
• Monochromatic Magic: Nancy's View
• Monochromatic Magic: Marion's View

Take the time to stop by and view everyone's tutorials.  I think you will be impressed!

Thank you for spending some time.  Come back soon!

Hugs,

Marie

Tilda in Winter Night : Distress Inking

I am so sorry for the delay in posting.  I worked an extra  5 days and then found myself without wifi or any internet connection for a few days.  My connection is back up and running.... YAAA!   

Oh my...   Color Me Creative has grown!  Not only are we getting more and more wonderful new members... We have increased the number of  our design team members!  Our Junior Design Team joined our Senior Design Team and now we have some wonderful new Junior Design Team members.   Look on the sidebar and your will have a link to their wonder blog sites. I know you will be in for a treat!

Color Me Creative has a new challenge with the focus on distress inking with Copic  alcohol markers.   I just love to use the technique of distress inking.  It is a  technique I learned in  Suzanne Dean's Color Me Creative Classroom Class 3 Video 14.   This technique gives a watercolor effect and you will notice there is a lot of white space.   It is a technique frequently used by Scandinavian artists. Do you think trying to perfect this technique would be a good excuse to travel abroad? LOL!  It is work a try!    Check out this technique and join in the fun for the  Color Me Creative Challenge: Distress Ink Effects Using Copic Markers! 

Site:  Color me Creative Challenge 28

Challenge:  Distress Effect Using Copic or ProMarkers 

No back linking allowed!

Sponsors: 

The Prize for the winner of this challenge (randomly chosen) will get:

3 Magnolia Stamps of their choice from Magnolia-licious

and 

1 pack of Cryogen Cardstock

  

OOZAK 

All challenge participants will have the opportunity to have their name in a drawing for a $50.00 Gift Certificate!!!!

Technique:

• Distress Inking
• Copic Alcohol Markers
• Masking
• Sponging

Stamp:

Tilda in Winter Night (Magnolia-Licious)
Tree Silhouettes (GKD)

Paper:

• Cryogen (Curious Metallic)
• Pure Luxury In the Navy (GKD)
• Pure Luxury Little Boy Blue (GKD)
• pure Luxury White (GKD)

Ink

• Copic Alcohol Ink Markers (.too, Inc.)
• Memento Summer Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
• Memento Summer Angel Pink (Tsukineko)
• Memento Summer Summer Sky  (Tsukineko)
• Memento Summer  Dandelion (Tsukineko)

Copics

Coat and Socks: B04, B02, B000, C3, Colorless Blender

Bench and shoes: E49, E44, E40, Colorless Blender

Hair and lantern  :  E37, E34, E30  add y02 and Y000 for Flame  and flame shadow

Skin Tones:  E000, E00, E02, R20

Shadows under bench:  C3

I hope you enjoyed this card.  Join in on the fun and I hope to see you at Color Me Creative!

Hugs,
Marie