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Monday, October 5, 2009

Spotlight On....COPIC MARKERS!

Hey everyone!

I have been waiting to showcase one of my absolute FAVORITE things in the stamping world for some time now, and to help celebrate what will most likely be our last HUGE Copic sale of the season, the time is now....so let's chat about Copics. Grab a chair!

By now, most of you are familiar with Copic markers and even if you haven't used them personally, I would say you've most likely seen them around cyber space, for sure! So what IS so special about these markers and why do I need them, you ask?

Well, although I must say that there probably isn't enough time in a day for me to talk about ALL the pros/cons on one little blog post, I'm here to spotlight some of the more important details.

Copic markers are:
*Alcohol-based
*Come in over 300 colors and are REFILLABLE-a huge plus!
*Can be blended together, shaded, and faded with the right techniques
*Allow beautifully colored images to really come to life on a card, project, or layout
*Are ON SALE at DieCuts R Us RIGHT NOW!

Now, getting into these highlights one by one:

Alcohol based markers, in my opinion, do take a bit of an advantage over dye or water based markers because 1.) they allow blending of colors/shades and 2.) they do not "pill" the paper or tear it because of over-saturation in an area of coloring. Has that ever happened to you? You color and try to get it JUST right and then your paper falls apart? Well, that is a HUGE advantage of coloring with Copics as this won't happen to you. You can keep going over and over the same spot and because the alcohol evaporates, you won't get that paper pilling or tearing. LOVE that!

Copics come in 4 different varieties, but I will tell you about the two that are carried at DCRU.
COPIC CIAO markers-come in 144 colors, are the most affordable of the bunch and are a GREAT marker to start with and/or build up a collection. They are the smallest of the Copic marker family and do hold the least amount of ink, but will still last you a good while and are also REFILLABLE which is fantastic and easily done, as well. They are round in shape and the color name and number is listed on the side of the marker. They come with a brush tip and chisel tip.
COPIC SKETCH markers come in upwards of over 300 colors and are essentially the same as the Ciaos except they do hold a bit more ink, are OVAL in shape (I'm told that the advantage to this is that they don't "roll" off your table although I haven't experienced this with my Ciaos either because of the way that I store and use them). They also come with a brush tip and chisel tip. The only "real" advantage I would express my opinion on over the Ciaos is that the color name and number is written on the cap, which is nice although not completely necessary, and that they do come in more colors.Now that you have a little basic info, how many of YOU have tried them out? If you don't have Copic markers, what type of coloring medium do you use, and what do you like/dislike about it?

Before I leave you today, I thought I'd share with you two cards I made using a very similar stamp so that you can see the difference in my technique and shading/blending from back when I first got my Copics last year until last month when the 2nd card was made. We'll just call it January 2009 vs. September 2009 ;)

January 2009
September 2009

Although I've seen a few super helpful tutorials and thought about taking the certification class, most of my technique has been learned through practice and I think that's the best method anyone can use. I think this is most evident in the hair and face techniques shown above.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my spotlight today! We'd LOVE to hear your thoughts, and have a WONDERFUL challenge tomorrow along with a SURPRISE, so stick with us and let us know what you THINK!

LEAVE A COMMENT today right here and become a FOLLOWER of our blog if you haven't already and ONE LUCKY WINNER will be chosen via Random.org to win a stamp from The Greeting Farm!

See you back here tomorrow, when we'll announce the winner and challenge YOU to get colorful...but for now....go shop that SALE!

14 comments:

Lori said...

I love Copics too and I am WAAAY at the beginning stages of learning how to use them. Your examples are amazing...your first one is beautiful but the second one just POPS right off the page. It's amazing. I hope I get that good someday! The tutorial you posted the other day about coloring faces was super helpful, btw.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Right now I use sharpies or cheap colored pencils. Sharpies are okay but colors are very very limited! So I never get the color I really want. But soon thanks to the DCRU sale I will be coloring with the best!! COPICS!!

-Stacie

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Great post, Jessica!
I'm not too afraid to use my Sketch markers anymore ;) LOL!
Thanks for all the info :D
~ margie

Cara said...

Fab post, Jessica! I look forward to trying out the Copics!
Cara DCRU DT

Cara said...

Fab post, Jessica! I look forward to trying out the Copics!
Cara DCRU DT

Gwen's Busy Little Hands said...

Great product highlight, Jessica. I am trying my hardest to get some skills with my Copics. Love the blending abilitiies with these markers. Your samples are very encouraging. Hoping a couple more months will bring about the beautiful results you shared in your second card.

Smiles!
Gwen

Claudia said...

Jessica,

Your cards are spectacular; both of them! I am new to using Copics myself, but absolutely love them.

Love learning about Copics from you.

Claudia (DCRU)

Jacilynn said...

I love copics too! great blog can't wait to see the challenge!
x

Randi said...

Jess you work magic with those Copics!! Gorgeous cards!!!
Copics rock! Great sale!! Thanks for the info!

Adorable Country Classics said...

I'm mainly a decorative painter and am new to card making. So Im also new to the copics, but absoltely LOVE them. The difference in your cards is amazing. I guess practice makes perfect huh! Thanks for sharing!
Jody

Unknown said...

I have so gotten hooked on copics! I am still learning- Can tell great improvement on your cards! Way to go. Hugs! Gini

Lynda Nielsen said...

What a Fantastic post.... I am a HUGE Copic fan, once I started using them I almost NEVER use any other method, I usually have to FORCE myself to use some other coloring medium, but I really can't stand to be without my copics. They are as much a part of me, as my hands are! Imagine that? LOL
And I STILL have A LOT to learn about them!
Hugs
Lynda =)

Ms. Cheryl said...

Just placed my order. Thanks for all the info AND for the sale. I peeked at the stamps while I was shopping and I would love a new stamp to go with my copics. Thanks, ms.cheryl

Amber said...

Jessica what a terrific post!!! I really had no idea what the differences were with the Copics! Such an interesting post!

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