Jul 01 2009
Pick a Patch of Poppies and Color with Copics
This is my very first attempt with Copic markers. I’ve been playing around with Prismacolor markers for a few months so I’ve had some practice, though the Copics feel a little different in my hand and their touch on the paper. I will say I love the brush tip on the Copic Sketch markers. It’s easy to get into the small spaces, and I like the feeling of brushing on color with a feathery stroke. The following is a bit of information and my honest assessment:
The ink: I stamped the Poppies in Ranger Adirondack Pitch Black. I’ve heard Memento ink is one of the best for Copics, but I don’t have Memento ink. I’ve also heard the Ranger inks are a good choice and, since I have quite a few Ranger inks, that’s what I’ve always used with my alcohol markers and I’ve never experienced smearing with them.
The paper: Flourishes’ Classic White is a match made in Heaven with the Copics. I was skeptical at first because I dread the thought of bleeding outside the lines and ruining an image I’ve already put a lot of work into. Well…I was told you learn in Copics class that you should find a paper you like and stick with it. It’s the best way to get the feel of how your paper and Copics act together. It took no time at all to get the feel of this paper and Copic combination. I love it! The paper has enough absorbency to allow good blending of the inks, yet there’s very little bleeding. You simply learn, in short order, how close you can come to the line, and how heavy your touch should be.
The Copic Collections: My Copics are from Flourishes — here – and, bless their little hearts, they’ve made it so easy for folks like me to get started. They’ve put together small collections, three to four graduated shades in a collection, so you’ll have exactly what you need at hand, no guesswork on which colors will blend and shade most effectively. It’s a brilliant idea which I know involved a lot of time and thought, and I have to wonder if I’d even have Copics if they hadn’t done all this figuring.
I began timidly with my Copics purchases. Today’s card uses these two collections:
I’ve since gone back for more Copics, I’m well stocked with this particular paper, and that’s probably about the best testimonial a person can give on a product.
The coloring: This link will take you to the Flourishes Newsletter where you’ll find a whole series of articles, picture tutorials and video tutorials about Copics. I’ve shared what I know about the ink, the paper, and the collections. As far as the coloring goes, the best tip I can give you is that you’ll get the best blending if you do it while the ink is still wet.
More samples are shared today by Stacy and Julie. I hope you’ll give them a visit.
Thank you so much for your time. I know how dear it is to you, and I appreciate that you spared a little of it for me today. Till tomorrow…
Stamps: Poppy Patch, Ornamental Elements Paper: PTI Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush & Spring Moss, textured white, Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Infuse designer paper Ink: Ranger Adirondack Pitch Black, white pigment, Copics for coloring Accessories: PTI Spring Moss ribbon, pearls, Spellbinders oval dies, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder, 1 3/8″ circle punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
This is your first attempt with copics!? Looks like you have done it forever to me.
The coloring is impeccable!
And the poppies… so beautiful. Wish I had that set.
What a gorgeous card!!
Your cards are always so well put together and this one is no exception. Love the coloring, the design and the great choice of paper!
Beautiful, Leslie. I am so glad you are trying Copics - just because a marriage between you and those pens would be heavenly! I am still at Preschool level on my Copic learning curve but you, obviously have graduated from college, already. This piece is a lovely work of art. Memento inks still work best for me when stamping the lined image.
Very pretty card. I don’t have copics but looks like a good coloring job to me. Thanks for the tips in case I decide to buy some.
Just beautiful and your first attempt wow I havent taken the copic plunge yet LOL
Hugs
Norine
Leslie, what a beautiful summer card. I’m glad you’re liking your Copics. Now you can join our Copic Creations challenges.
I love the papers you used with this and you did a great job coloring your poppies. Hang in there - it gets “funner.”
Oh my gosh!!! This is stunning, Leslie! When I saw that Flourishes was offering the Copics Collections, I wondered if you would finally take the plunge. What a debut! Bravo!!! I agree, the “color collections” idea is brilliant. Now, the question is whether you will be successful in enabling ME! Linda
Leslie you would never know that you are new to these babies. This is gorgeous! Your layout, the pearls but your flowers look FABO!!!! Wonderful card!
Leslie, this turned out GORGEOUS!!! You are a natural! No surprise there, though…everything you put your hand to turns out beautiful!
Absolutely beautiful!
WOW! I’m so impressed this is your first time using the Copics. I love the flow of ink from the tip of the pen, too. They are so much fun to use. I also appreciated all the information you included in this post about paper, etc. I prefer the Memento ink because the black is darker than other inks I have tried. Your card is also stunning but aren’t they always? Thanks for sharing.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
I ask you…how can anyone NOT want to work with Copics once they see this card!!? This card is beyond gorgeous, Leslie! And you’re absolutely right about Flourishes removing the intimidation factor by grouping the colors!! Thanks once again for sharing! Peggy
What an isightfully delicious post! Your card and poppies are breathtakingly beautiful. However, you are breaking down my resistance and the marvelous groupings of Copics that the good and wise folks at Flourishes have done only beckon me closer to bite the bullet and jump in with both feet into the colorful world of Copics.
Unbelievable!!! I can’t stress enough my admiration for this card! You would never in a million years guess this was your premier Copic card!!! Totally stunning and your article surrounding it was a joy to read.
Viv xxx
Beautiful, you are the queen of combining colours and papers!
Copics are definitely on my wishlist.
This is just stunning..
JUST GORGEOUS Leslie!!!! Gosh you just brought those flowers to life!
Wow, this is just stunning!! Love the image and your coloring is impeccable!
Bravo Leslie!! You are a master with whatever tools you touch girl!!
Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! - I have a set of Copics and I’m still trying to learn to use them but you’ve done a fabulous job with them here on this card.
Beautiful coloring and like your bow placement!
All I can say is “WOW!” I can’t believe this is your first Copic attempt!!!
What a stunning card. It’s just gorgeous!!! TFS
Ms. Leslie this piece of artwork is breathtaking!!
GORGEOUS!! Your outta the box poppies are just stunning!! What a fabulous work of art Leslie!! WOW!! Did I read right? Your first copic attempt!?!? I’m even more in awe now!!
Your *first* attempt! You’re amazing. this card is so beautiful with the dimension of the flowers, the backgrounds, those lovely pearls. A great layout too.
You did a beautiful job of coloring this set.
WOW; absolutely stunning. Your coloring is magnificent!!!
WOW! That is some amazing coloring going on!
Gorgeous Leslie! You picked these up very quickly and the result is magnificent! I am still trying to get the blending right…not as easy as I thought it would be. Bravo…beautiful card!
oh so pretty! You picked a beautiful stamp to color too!
Oh Leslie this is just stunning! I love the dimension of the flowers and how they extend past the mat! Gorgeous!
what a gorgeous card! so perfectly colored! thanks for your honesty! guess i’ll be buying more Copics and some of that lush paper from Flourishes!
Beautiful Leslie, fabulous job with the Copics!!
Beautiful card! Your coloring is gorgeous no matter what medium you are using!
What a FANTABULOUS first attempt, Leslie!!! Absolutely lovely!!
Show-off….(you know I’m just kidding, of course). This is truly gorgeous, and you’ve certainly shown us “seasoned” Copic people a thing or two. *wink* Your poppies are incredibly beautiful, Leslie!!
You did a beautiful job! Your blending is superb and I love how the poppies are all cut out.
This is definately a “Wow” card!!!! Leslie, your Copic coloring is just outstanding. Dang, you are doing it to me again…….inspiring, inspiring, inspiring and making me want new toys. Not only are your dimensional poppies stunning, but your layout is absolutely gorgeous. I love every single little detail. You just amaze me with your talents!!! TFS…sure hope I get to see IRL……
Simply stunning! I hope I am able to do this some day. What a gorgeous creation.
Beautiful, beautiful!! Those poppies will forever be my favorite Flourishes set I think. And they are especially wonderful when YOU bring them to life!
Gorgeous card! I love the colors you used and the poppies are beautiful!
A totally delightful creation! I love it!
GORGEOUS!! I love the cut images and the paper!! Beautifully done!