Love Banner

Love Banner~

for Valentine's Day

I just loved the font on my Elegant Cakes Cartridge, and I knew I wanted to use it to make a "Love" Banner for Valentine's Day.  Hubby and I got married on Valentine's Day, so it is always a double celebration at our house~  I wanted it to hang on my fireplace screen, and be super girly-girl and foofy as my mom would say.

Since I had this project in the back of my mind for a while, I was so glad to finally get it done for this week's challenge at Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog.  Our theme this week is ~Love~.   Come check out everyone's inspired projects!

Now back to my ~Love~ Banner~  Here it is in front of the fireplace :)

I used the Birthday Bash Cartridge to cut out the background layers of my banner.  All of the papers are from the K and Company ~ Brenda Walton Sweet Talk collection.  I found it for $2 at TJ Maxx.  How could you go wrong with that?  I used multiple banner layers and foam tape to give each pennant depth.

For the "L" I used various ribbons, lace, flowers, and bling that I had in my stash.  The banner is three layers, the scallop 5" , the regular 5", and then a smaller cut of the regular 3" -- all from Birthday Bash.  The "L" is the shadow and regular script cut from the Elegant Cake cartridge.  I stamped the background of my regular pennant cut with Tim Holtz's script stamp, and then embossed it with white embossing powder.  The flowers are from Making Memories and Recollections.  The bling is from Kaisercraft, and the ribbons and pearls are from Offray and the $1 collection at JoAnn Fabrics.  The small heart charm on the L was a gift (it says made with love).

 I used the same basic cuts list above for the "O".  I also cut the lock and key from the Sentimentals Cartridge.  I added gold metallic gel ink to the lock and key to give it sparkle. The key is attached using red and white bakers twine. I had some doilies that I purchased at Walmart a couple of years ago for $0.10 after Valentine's Day, so I took two of them and sprayed them with Cherub Pink Glimmer Mist and Shimmerz Baby's Breath Spray. I added faux stitching around the doily using my white gel pen, and then I added seed pearls to the centers of the flowers on the doily with Glossy Accents.  I made the rolled roses from textured cardstock, and then air brushed them with my Copic Markers.  The tickets are from an old roll of raffle tickets, and I aged them with Distress Inks.  The tag and felt flowers were from Making Memories.  I dressed them up with some seed pearls I had left over from a sewing project.  I adhered them one-by-one using Glossy Accents.

Again, the "V" started with the same basic cuts.  I used some pearls from the $1 section at JoAnn's as an accent, and I added them using Glossy Accents.  The bird on the small pennant is from the Tim Holtz collection, and I stamped it with Versamark, then embossed it with super fine black embossing powder. The small pearl accents were cut from a pearl spray I got at Michael's.  I used part of it here, and part on the "E" I made the flowers with textured cardstock, and then sprayed them with my Copic Air Brush System.  The crown and wing accents are from Making Memories.  The heart paper clips was a gift, and the bling is from Kaiser Craft.  The silk flowers are from Heidi Swapp.

Last but not least my E.  I used some more pearls from the $1 section at JoAnns.  The dress form was cut from the Forever Young cartridge.  I layered it with the shadow.  Before putting them together, I stamped the dress form with the Tim Holtz script writing stamp, and embossed it with white embossing powder.  The special event ticket is from Making Memories, and the pearls are from a pearl spray I got at Michael's.  I cut it apart to make it fit the way I wanted on the "E".  The flowers are from Recollections, and the ribbon is offray.

To hang it up, I cut strips of Offray ribbon and pearls in various lengths and colors.  I threaded one ribbon through the banner holes, then twisted the rest of the ribbons together around main ribbon to make it more "froofy"  LOL.  If I ever find my mini-clothes pins, I will cover and decorate those and use them, too.  I know they are in my craft room somewhere!

I forgot to mention my project also meets the challenge over at Party Time Tuesdays.  They are doing a love/cupcake theme challenge this week.  It is hard to see in the photos, but my background papers have cupcake accents on them.  I added so many embellishments, they get a little lost in the photos!

Sentiment Card Challenge

We often design beautiful cards and then struggle with sentiments.  I know lately, I have really been struggling to design at all.  The stress of real life can really get in the way of crafting. 

I enjoyed throwing myself back into designing for this week's challenge at Scrappy Frogs!  The challenge was to include the sentiment on the face of the card. 

I have a real love for the Magnolia line, so I used my beloved Copic Markers to color one of my favorite images.  I had some really old but super cute papers from Cherry Arts (I don't think they are even still around), and I know they would look great with the colors I chose for my image.

The flowers and buttons are from Making Memories, and that cute little border punch is one of the new ones that hubby got me from the Martha Stewart line.  He really spoiled me with crafty gifts this Christmas!

I hope you enjoyed this card, and please hop on over to Scrappy Frogs and join in the challenge.  :).

Happy New Year, everyone!

Copic Mondays - Cricut & Copic Roses

Today's video will teach you how to make these cute and easy flowers using your Copic Airbrush system and your Cricut Expression!



Products Available from Cutters Creek:

Cricut Expression
Cricut Cartridges - Paisley, Forever Young, Sweet Treats, Cindy Loo & many more 
Copic Airbrush System
Copic Sketch Markers ( I used R81 and R85 along with R29 and R89 for this video)
Glue Dots

Santa and His littlest Reindeer

Today's card is Santa and his littlest reindeer!  This card was fun to make, and I really enjoyed using my two favorite crafting items -- My Copics and my Cricut.  They are a great combination.

I started with a standard 4.25" x 5.5 inch kraft cardstock card.  I went with a lot of layers on this one for depth.  The papers were "busy" so I wanted them to have a bit more depth and definition.  The solid layers helped achieve that goal.

The first layer is 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" cut in white cardstock.  The next layer is 4" x 5.25" cut in kraft cardstock.  Then my next layer is 3 7/8" x 5 1/8" cut in patterned cardstock.  The band is cut at 3.75" x 4" with a white border paper 1/8" larger all the way around.  The band is added to the card with foam tape.

Now for the fun part!  Santa is cut at 3.5" using my Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut cartridge.  I accented his layers using my Copic Markers and my Copic Multiliner pen.  I also used the Multiliner pen to draw in the eyes and the glasses.  My reindeer comes from my Cindy Loo Cricut cartridge.  I didn't have the perfect color cardstock, so I colored her body in using my Copic markers.  For an added extra, she had to have a googly eye.  I put them together using Mono Liquid adhesive.  I added them to my card front using foam tape for dimension.

Now to the inside.  I wanted to make a gift card holder, so I cut a white strip of cardstock at 4" x 6".  I finished the edge using my Martha Stewart double loop border punch.  I thought it matched the patterned paper the best out of all my punches.  I scored the bottom end at 2" and folded it over to make the card holder.  I adhered the edges only using ScorTape.  I added a 1 7/8" x 4.5 inch strip of patterned paper.  I made it slightly wider so I could wrap it around.  Next I cut the holly border, and airbrushed it to match with my Copic marker and Copic airbrush system.  The little tag is cut using the Cricut cartridge Tags, Bags, Boxes and more.  The kraft layer is 1.75" and the white tag is 1.5".  I stamped my Papertrey Ink sentiment with Olive Pastel Colorbox chalk ink, and then lightly chalked the edges.  I adhered the two pieces together using an eyelet and my trusty Crop-A-Dile.  A small piece of twine completed the tag look.  I added the pocket to my card with ScorTape, and then added the tag with foam tape.  A nice Micheal's gift card inside, and the gift is complete :)

Have I lost you yet?  I think the end of this Christmas Card Challenge is going to require a blog candy give-away.  Stay tuned.  I am putting together a great Christmas package for one lucky reader!

Pop-Up Penquin Card

I had a lot of fun making this card, but it did take me a lot longer to complete than I planned.  The directions for this card came initially from Card Maker magazine.  There were a few things that I had to figure out a bit further from the directions, and I did somethings using my Cricut instead of the Spellbinders dies.

To get started on this one, I cut a 4" x 12" piece of red cardstock.  I used the Core-dinations red.  I scored at 2" 4" 8" and 10" using my ScorPal.  Then I marked the middle of the card 6" with a light pencil mark.  For the folds to work out, be sure to be accurate on your measurements for everything.  You are going to use the 6" middle markings on top and bottom to score an X in the middle section.  Line your score mark with the top of the 6" and the bottom of the 4", then the top of the 6" and the bottom of the 8".  Flip and repeat.  You will end up with a scored X in the middle portion of the card.  Fold all vertical lines as valley folds, and fold all diagonal lines as mountain folds.

I used my Cricut for the card front.  You can use a number of cartridges to complete this project.  The Accent Essentials, From My Kitchen, and Preserves cartridges all have scalloped circles and regular circle cuts on them.  I set my machine on Real Dial Size.  I used the Accent Essentials, and I cut my scalloped circle at 4.75".  I repeated the cut with my Preserves cartridge, and it came out a little different with the same setting.  I cut my center circle at 3.75".

I used my Inkadinkado stamp set and chose the penguin.  I stamped him first on a post-y note to make a mask.  I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink, because I planned to color my images with my Copic Sketch markers.  I stamped the center penguin first centering him visually.  I covered him with my post-y and then stamped his two friends.  I added the snow mounds using my Copic 0.5MM Multiliner pen.  I wish now I would have snapped pictures during the coloring stages to show you exactly how I created the feathered blue in the snow.  I will remember that next time.

I colored the image using my Copic Sketch markers (colors listed at the bottom of this post).  I placed the scalloped circle on top of the card for centering.  (You want the scallops to cover the fold points when the card is finished).  I adhered the stamped image to the scalloped circle using Mono Liquid Adhesive, because I wanted time to be able to be sure my image was centered correctly.  I placed it aside so I could add randomd drops of Icicle Stickles for the snowflakes effect.  I then added Liquid Pearls on centered on each scallop. I  must admit that I need to work a bit more on my technique with this product.  Some of my pearls are better than others.

I Cut four strips at 3.75 x 1.75" using patterned paper, and two strips of red cardstock at 1.5" x 3.5".  I adhered complete strips centered on the outside flaps of the card.  Layering red cardstock over patterned paper.  For the folded sections, I marked the center of the remaining two patterned strips, and cut them at a diagonal.  Placing the center mark and the corner along the paper cutter line.  This gave me my long piece and my two triangle pieces cut perfectly for both sides. I adhered those on each side.

Next came the snowflakes and decorations.  The snowflake brads, snowflake die-cuts and star punch out were all random items in my stash.  I used clear Twinkle Jewels for added effects, and I adhered those using Glossy Accents.  Lastly I accented all of my decorations with Icicle Stickles.

Once everything dried, I adhered my center medallion to the center square.

And there you have it!  My very first pop-up card.  Wow, now what to try next?? The challenge ends in just a couple of days!  I have to pick something harder for my final card.  Any suggestions??

As always, I would love to hear your comments!

Products used in this project are available at Cutters Creek:

Cricut Expression
Cricut Cartridges - Accent Essentials, Preserves, From My Kitchen (circle & scalloped circle cuts)
Copic Sketch Markers

• Colors used:  0 (colorless blender), 100 (black), B0000, B000, R17, R22, R27, R29, Y38, G05, G17, G20

Copic Multiliner Pen 0.5MM - Black
Twinkle Jewels
Glossy Accents
Mono Liquid Adhesive
Core-dinations Cardstock
Ranger Stickles - Icicle
Liquid Pearls - White Opal
ScorPal
Inkadinkado Stamps
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad

Other items - Patterned paper - red glitter snowflake Imaginisce - Snowy Jo
Snowflake Brads
Die Cuts snowflakes (2) & Die Cut Stars (4)

Scrappin' and Chattin' Blog Hop

Welcome to Scrappin' n Chattin's   First Ever Blog Hop!

If you made it here from Sue's Blog, you are right on track.  If you came to my blog first,  please click here to go to Abby's blog to start the hop from the beginning.  Be sure to visit and comment on each blog to be entered for the "BIG" prize.  Remember, you need to follow the blog hop in order.  You are collecting secret words hidden in each post that enable you to win the BIG GRAND PRIZE!    Once you complete the hop, return to Abby's Blog, follow the instructions, and you will be entered to Win, Win, WIN!

One lucky winner will receive 2 new Cosmo Cricket collection kits (Togetherness & Mitten Weather) including Ready Set Chipboard. As well as a new Cosmo Cricket (Matilda) 6x6 paper pad!

With the winning stuff covered, let me thank you for coming by!  I always love guests, and I am super excited about this blog hop.  It is our first after-all :)  The theme for our hop is "favorite things".  For me, when it comes to crafting, I have way too many items in my favorites pile.  Right now my Copic markers are at the very top of  my list.  I also love the Magnolia stamp line, Martha Stewart punches, my Cricut, my computer, my ATG gun (even though I am longing for the new pink one), Stickles, and so much more!   ~LOL~  Like I said, crafting is my weakness.

For this blog hop project, I knew I was starting with my Magnolia stamps and my Copic Sketch Markers.  I picked my Copic colors based on the papers I chose for the finished project.  I colored two images, and added Glossy Accents to the shoes.  I guess I should tell you that I made two images because I let my husband choose the image that he liked the best for the card.  He got the honor, because I was making this for his mom's birthday.  After much deliberation, hubby picked the cake image.  I added Diamond Stickles to the candle and the cake for a little frosty sparkle. 

Front View

 

My card base was 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" and was made with Bazzill Basics Blue cardstock.  It was scored at 2-3/4" and 5-1/2" to form an easel card.   The Patterned papers are from DCWV paper pack Nana's Kitchen.  The white cardstock is also from Bazzill (Prism).  The  dark blue paper layer is cut at 5-3/8" x 5-3/8" then layered with the checkered cardstock cut at 5-1/4" x 5-1/4".  The "lace doily" is white cardstock cut at 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" and then punched using Martha Stewart's Punch Around the Page set in Eyelet Lace.  The pink plaid is cut at 2-5/8" x 5-1/2", and then layered with the pink patterned paper cut at 2-1/2" x 5-1/4".  Next I added the Recollection Mulberry Flowers using Mono Liquid Adhesive, and then I tied my bow with White Satin Offray Ribbon.  A small dot of Mono Adhesive under the bow's knot keeps it securely in place.  I used a Scripto lighter to lightly burn the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying (just be careful not to set you project on fire--seriously).  I glued the half paper doily to the strip using my Glue Glider Pro.  Then I attached the completed piece to my card using foam tape for dimension.  I stamped the "Make a Wish" sentiment using Colorbox Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink on the Bazzill White cardstock.  I layered it with pink and blue patterned papers.  The completed piece was added using foam tape.  I cut one cupcake from the pink patterned paper, and added it with foam tape.  Then I added my Magnolia image using foam tape.  Then the finished card front was added to my card base using 1/2" ScorTape for strength.

Inside of Card

For the inside, I used the measurements listed above for my blue basic layers and my lace doily.  I used the Martha Stewart Double Loops Punch Around the Page set this time on the doily.  My sentiment was stamped using Colorbox Chestnut Roan ink with a Studio G Sentiment stamp from Micheal's $1 bin.  I added the 2-1/2" x 5-1/4" pink patterned paper to my blue base with my Glue Glider Pro.  Then I edged it with White Satin Offray Ribbon taped to the back with regular Scotch Tape.  I added my doily image using Mono Liquid Adhesive.  The lace band was created with a 2" strip of Bazzill White cardstock punched with Martha Stewart's Flowerbed Deep Edger Punch layered over a 1-1/4" strip of Bazzill Blue Cardstock layered over a 1-3/8" strip of blue patterned cardstock.  The embellishments were cut from the DCWV Nana's Kitchen patterned paper, added with foam tape, some with one layer of tape - others with 2 layers of tape, for added dimension.  The finished inside layer was added to my card base using my 3M ATG Tape Gun.

Easel Back View

 Lastly, to give the easel a finished look, I made another "lace" strip from the Bazzill white cardstock.   Start with a 2" layer of cardstock, and then punch using the Martha Stewart Flowerbed Deep Edger Punch.  This was added to the cardbase using my 3M ATG Tape Gun & Mono Liquid Adhesive.
 

Tilda with a Cake - Close Up

Supply List:

• Papers:  DCWV Nana's Kitchen, DCWV Home Accents, Bazzill Basics, and Bazzill Prism Premium cardstock.
• Copic Sketch Markers
• Ink:  Colorbox Chestnut Roan Chalk ink
• Stamps Studio G Basics $1 stamps at Micheal's
• Ranger Diamond Stickles
• Glossy Accents
• Ribbon - Offray 
• Flowers - Recollection Mulberry Paper Collection
• Tools:  Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Double Loop Set,   Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Eyelet Lace Set,  Martha Stewart Flowerbed Deep Edger Punch, ScorPal, Fiskars Paper Trimmer,  Making Memories Bone Folder, QuicKutz Pick Up Tool, and Martha Stewart Craft Mat
• Adhesive:  Mono Liquid Adhesive, Glue Glider Pro, 3M ATG gun, ScorTape, 3D Foam Adhesive, and Scotch Tape

Blog Candy Time!!!

Now for the fun stuff~  I am giving away 2 blog candies in honor of our first blog hop.  Here is what you need to do to enter.  First, they are limited to the United States.  Sorry, international shipping is more than I can cover right now~  These boxes are heavy!

75+ Papers, Die Cuts, Chipboard, Alphas, Stamped Images, Page Kits, Design Template, Stickers, 3  Mini Albums, handmade embellishments, epoxy stickers, vellum tags, findings, metal tags & MUCH MORE!!

Candy #1 ~ This is the biggest, so it requires the most "work"~  For your one entry become a follower of my blog, and promote this blog hop on your blog.  Leave me a comment including your blog address telling me you have done both. (I will be checking the blogs to be sure this is fair).

Want a couple more chances to win???

For up to 2 extra entries, promote this blog hop on Facebook and/or Twitter.  Leave a comment on this post letting me know what  you said/did.  Post your Facebook name or Twitter account name.  That's it!

You can have up to 3 entries for this prize.  Be sure to check back on Monday (8/16) to see if you have won.  If the prize isn't claimed by Friday (8-20), I will draw a new winner on Saturday!

50 Sheets of paper, alphas, 3 mini albums, Stickers, Stamped Images, handmade embellishments, Vellum & chipboard tags & More!

Candy #2 ~ this one is easy ~ Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment below saying you only want to be entered for drawing #2.  You don't have to do anything else.

Easy Peasy!  Same rules apply.   Be sure to check back on Monday (8/16) to see if you have won.  If the prize isn't claimed by Friday (8-20), I will draw a new winner on Saturday!

Now don't forget there is also the Blog Hop grand prize.  Be sure you visit every blog on the hop and leave a comment to be entered to win this fabulous prize!

Next stop is Vicki's Blog.  She has a great project to share, and a personal blog candy offered, too!   Hop along and thanks again for stopping by~  I hope you visit again soon and share my blog with your friends,  because bloggin', scrappin' and chattin' is a (secret word) "community" of wonderful people~

If you happened to get  lost along the way, the hop order is as follows:

• Abby's Blog ~  Start Here
• Theresa's Blog
• Sue's Blog
• Laura's Blog ~YOU ARE HERE
• Vicki's Blog ~Next Stop~
• Kim's Blog
• Suzanne's Blog

Oh, I forgot to mention this project is also my entry in the challenge #11 over at Party Time Tuesday~

Magnolia Christmas Slider Card

Today's card is a double challenge card.  At Scrappin' n Chattin' on Yahoo Groups, I am in an Every Day Card Challenge for Christmas cards.  Over at Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog, our challenge is to make a slider card.  Sherri found these great directions on You Tube ~Click Here~ for making these fun cards.  This is my first ever slider card.  It was fun to do :)

I started working on my project in my so organized craft room ~laughing hysterically~.  It is hard for me to believe that I actually cleaned my entire room 2 weeks ago.  From the looks of this photo, it looks like a hurricane hit recently.

As I was working away, I looked down to find my Boxer Scooby Doo asleep in Hailey's little dog bed.  You see Hailey is always in the craft room with me, and normally, I am trying to get her out of my chair.  She loves to sit right behind my back.  In fact, that is where she is as I type this.  A 100# Boxer Dog doesn't fit well in a Puggle bed.  LOL

So back to my card.  I used another Magnolia image, and of course, she is colored using my Copic Sketch Markers :)  I added some Stickles Glitter Glue and some bling from the Copic Spica pens.

The slider part is so cool.  You will see the "secret" is a plastic shopping bag if you watch the video.  Here is the the card closed:

And then sliding a little ways:

And then all the way open:

Since I added so many pictures, I won't bore you with all the directions!  The papers are from Imaginisce.  The ribbon is Offray.  The button is from Making Memories.  The stamp sentiments are from Inkadinkado and Papertrey Ink.  I used Memento Bamboo Leaves ink for the sentiment, and Colorbox Chalk Ink in Olive for inking the sentiment edges.  For the Magnolia image, I used the Ranger Distress Ink (Tumbled Glass) for the edges.  I also used a white gel pen from Inksentials for accenting the image.  Of course, all coloring was done with my Copic Sketch Markers~

Copic Mondays Colorless Blender & Blending Solution

The colorless blender is probably the most mis-named item in the Copic Marker Toolbox.  By saying blender, most people thing you can blend two colors together with it.  In reality the Colorless Blender is actually just the plain alcohol that is used to dilute the marker colors.  The blender "moves" the colors around.  It doesn't actually blend them.

You can use this to your advantage in several ways.  If you are coloring and image, and your color bleeds slightly outside the lines.  Wait for the first color to dry, then push the color back using the colorless blender.  Use small strokes, and be patient.  You want to slowly move it by adding a little alcohol at a time.  You don't want to saturate the area, because that will make the run worse.

The coolest thing you can do with the colorless blender is to make effects on your designs.  Did you know you can use it to create a brick wall effect?

Color your "wall" using your favorite brick red.  Then place the chisel end of your blender pen down flat on the colored surface to create bricks.  Cool, huh?  See how it pushes the color out to create the brick effect?

You can do a similar technique using the brush end of  your marker to create flowers and hearts.

It does take some practice.  Some of my flowers are better than others, but you get the idea.  You can really see how the colorless blender pushes out the ink to create the image.  You can see how the pushed ink pools to create an outline around your image.

So what else can you do?  How about creating denim jeans on one of your stamped images?   You will need a piece of denim a little larger than the jeans on the stamped image and a colorless blender refill or bottle of colorless blender fluid.  Color the jeans first when using this technique.  Color them normally with your favorite blues.  I like to use B91, B93, B95 and B97.  Dampen the denim.  You want it damp, but you don't want it saturated.  I like to stretch the denim on a stamp block to get perfect denim jeans, but you can just press the area with the damp denim.  It will leave the denim imprint on your image.  Another great detail for your artwork!

How about animals?  Do you color them, but wish they looked more "furry"?  Take a small scrap of terry cloth and get it damp with blending solution.  Dab it on the stamped image to give it texture.  See how my bear looks more like fun then just a colored image.

You can also use the terry cloth to create texture for grass or for mountains.  I hope it is easy for you to see the light and dark areas that the blending solution creates to give a texture appearance.

Think of all the fun things you can try using blender ink!  I would love to see your projects trying out any of these fun techniques!

Next time --  we will be checking out the Copic Airbrush System!

Girly Girl Card for My Auntie's Birthday & Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog

For my aunt's birthday, I knew I wanted something very pretty and feminine.  I wanted it to be a special card she could display on her desk at work, and enjoy for a while.

I started by coloring my Magnolia image using my Copic markers.  For additional interest, I added Flower Soft to the sunflower and Glossy Accents to the shoes.  I accented a few places using my Inksentials white gel pen.  I set her aside to dry and went to work on the card.

My overall card is a 6x6.  The paper is cut at 6" x 12".  I scored at the 3" and 6" lines using my ScorPal.  My pink background layer is cut at 5.75"x 5.75".  I distressed the edges using my Making Memories edge distressor.  My floral paper layer is cut at 5.5" x 5.5", and again I distressed the edges.  I used my Glue Glider Pro to attach the papers, and then I sewed around the edges using brown thread (Gutterman).  I went around the edge twice being sure to make it look uneven and vintage.  I attached the completed piece to my card base.

Next I made the lace band.  The background is pink floral paper with white cardstock overlay, then pink cardstock, and followed by the white cotton lace.  I attached the completed piece to my card using foam tape squares.

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink, and I stamped it using Versamark Ink then embossed it with pink embossing powder.  I die cut the sentiment out using my Sizzix oval bookplate die.  I chalked the edges with Colorbox chalks, and then cut a second die cut using the pink cardstock.  I layered the bookplates together using foam squares.  I added flowers from Prima and American Crafts accented with Martha Stewart pearls.  The pink/lavender pearl is from Michaels.

My Magnolia was dry, so I cut her out using my Cutter Bee scissors, and added her to the card with foam tape.

For the inside, I cut another piece of pink cardstock and distressed it like the front.  I used a smaller piece of floral pink card stock for the center, also distressed.  The labels were cut using my StoryBook Cricut Cartridge (Real Size Dial set at 4" for the large and 2.5" for the small).  I embossed the smaller one with my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder and then used my Colorbox chalk inks over it and on the edges for dimension.   On the larger one, I just inked the edges. The birthday cake was stamped on several scraps of cardstock using the Colorbox Chalk ink.  I added Stickles for dimension to accent the details.  I stamped the candles on white cardstock using the same inks, cut it out using my scalloped circle punch, and then colored my candle flames with my Copic markers.  I then put Stickles on top for more candlelight sparkle.  I cut out each section of the birthday cake from separate papers for layering.

For the accent bar to hold the easel part of the card, I cut a strip of white cardstock then embossed it using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder.  I set it aside, and cut a smaller piece of floral paper and distressed the edges.  I cut another piece of pink cardstock, then covered it with a piece of satin ribbon using my ScorTape (it is so great for ribbons).  I layered the pieces together using my Glue Glider Pro and my foam tape squares.  I added the pearl strands using Beacon 3 in 1 adhesive.

I stamped the Birthday Wishes from my Papertrey Ink stamp set on a scrap piece of pink cardstock with my Versamark Ink and then embossed it with the pink embossing powder.  I then freehand cut it out using my Cutter Bee Scissors.  I layered the pieces on using foam tape and then added the three Michaels pearls.

On the back I had to add my boxer dog.  It is an old Hero Arts stamp that I bought in the 80's (I think).  I stamped it using my Colorbox chalk ink on white cardstock.  I punched it out with my Creative Memories circle punch, then punched the larger circle with the pink cardstock.  I chalked the edges then added them to my card.

My aunt LOVED this card.  She was so happy with it.  I was really pleased with how it turned out, and it is so very girly girl!

Products Used from Cutters Creek:

Circut Storybook Cartridge
Brown and Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft & Flower Soft Glue
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots A2 folder
Prism (Bazzill) White Cardstock
Memento Black Ink
Colorbox Chalk Ink
Copic Markers
Inksentials Gel White Pen
Cutter Bee Scissors
3M Foam Tape
Versamark Ink Pad
Glossy Accents
Glue Glider Pro
Beacon 3 in 1 adhesive
Stickles Glitter Glue - Diamond
ScorTape
ScorPal
American Crafts Flowers
Core-dinations Cardstock


Misc Items:

Magnolia Stamp
Making Memories Edge Distressor
Papertrey Ink Stamp Sets
Hero Arts Boxer Dog Stamp
Cardstock - Making Memories, TLC & Misc.
White Cotton Lace
Prima Flowers
Martha Stewart Pearls
Creative Memories Circle Punch
Strand Pearls
Offray Satin Ribbon
Michaels Pearls

Hummingbird w/ Basic Grey "Dream" Card

I received this wonderful papers from April for being Member of the Month at Scrappin-n-Chattin' on Yahoo Groups.  I love them so much!  I made this simple easel card using Kraft cardstock that my hubby picked up for me at Hobby Lobby.  I stamped the Hummingbird using an Inkadinkado stamp from Cutter's Creek.  I used my Memento Tuxedo black ink, because I wanted to color my image with my wonderful Copic markers.  I stamped the sentiment using a stamp from Studio G's $1 stamp sets.  I think I picked it up at Michaels.  I used the Versamark ink, and then embossed it using white embossing powder from Judikins.

Other fun stuff used:

Martha Stewart border punch and butterfly punch
American Crafts Rhinestones
Twine
Making Memories Edge Distresser
Pop Up Foam Squares - 3M

Since July is such a fun summer month, I want to start out with a small blog candy.  I will be building up more prizes all month long.  To enter, just submit your name on a comment below.  If you would like a second chance to win, add your name and link below.  Include a link on your blog to this post and giveaway.  You will receive a second chance in the drawing.  For three chances, follow my blog.  For FOUR chances, subscribe to my feed updates.



This candy will be 12 stamped Inkadinkado Fancy images to include butterflies, hummingbirds (the one used in this card) and others from this great stamp collection.  All images will be on Neenah or Prism cardstocks, and stamped with Memento inks.  They will be perfect for coloring with your Copic markers.

If my followers reaches 100 before the end of this giveaway, I will add more prizes!  What a great way to start month number two of summer!!

Copic Mondays - The Markers -

Which Copics are best?  It is a common question that is asked by anyone considering the investment in these great markers.  I know I wondered myself, why would someone pay over $6 for a marker.  Then I tried them!  I fell instantly in love with the way they color and blend.  Trust me, buying PrismaColor or Sharpie markers are no where near close.  They might all be alcohol markers, but not all markers are equal in quality.  Copics are non-pilling.  They blend evenly without destroying the paper. 

With Copics, they are literally a lifetime marker.  You can replace the nibs, and refill the inks on all of your markers.  Ink and nib replacements are inexpensive to do, and you have a lifetime of service.  Once a Sharpie or Prismacolor runs out, you have to throw it away and buy a new marker.

All Copic markers have a guaranteed 3-year shelf life.  The color consistency between all of the lines is completely guaranteed by Copic.  If you buy RV00 in a Ciao, Sketch and Original, all of those colors will be the same.

All Copic markers are low odor, and are easy to clean up using an hand sanitizer with alcohol or alcohol wipes. 


So you know "why" Copics, but now the question is which marker is best for me?

Ciao

The Ciaos are the least expensive of the Copic Markers.  The hold the least amount of ink of all the Copics.  Their shape is round, rather than oblong.  They will roll off of you work surface.  The marker caps do not have the color number on them, but the cap is color is the marker color.  The nibs on the Ciao and the Sketch markers are the same.  The Ciaos come in a total of 144 colors, and there will not be any new colors added to the Ciao line.  The Ciaos will not work with the Copic airbrush system.  They are a great economical choice.

Do be careful if you purchase the Ciao markers.  Each marker has a ring inside the cap with air holes.  This is to prevent choking should anyone accidentally swallow the cap.  When putting your caps on your markers, be mindful of the rings inside.  You do have the potential to damage the marker tip if you don't line it up correctly in the cap.


Sketch 

The Sketch are by far the most popular of the Copic marker line.  In fact, card makers and scrapbookers are the fastest growing market for Copics overall.  The Sketch markers hold a full 2 oz. of ink.  They come in 334 colors with new colors due on the market very soon.  No other marker set has this many color options available.  The Sketch markers can be used in the Copic airbrush system.  They are created with an oblong shape with prevents them from rolling off of your work surface.  Each end of the marker has the marker color number printed on it.  Like the Ciao the cap is the color of the marker.  The gray ring on one side indicates your brush tip side of the marker.

 Original

The Copic Original markers have a medium broad tip and a fine tip.  They are great for lettering, journaling and small images.  The fine tip allows you to create very detailed artwork.  Because they don't have the brush tip like the Ciao and the Sketch, you cannot do techniques such as feathering.  Oringials come from the factory in 214 colors.  There are empty markers available, so the line is expandable to all 334 colors by using the empty markers and the refill inks.  They are compatable with the airbrush system.

Wide

These are great for large areas.  They are easy to refill.  Due to the extremely large 3/4" nib, they use a lot of ink.  The 3/4" nib comes in two style: the Calligraphy nib and the Standard Broad nib. The Wide markers come in 36 popular colors, but like the Originals they are expandable to all 334 colors using empty markers and the ink refills.  These are great for coloring large areas.  They are excellent when used for backgrounds, calligraphy and architectural design. 

Ink Refills

Ink refills are available in all 334 Copic colors. How many times will one ink refill fill up your marker?  Here is the chart:

Since the Ciao holds the least amount of ink, you will be able to refill it 15 times with one refill bottle.  The Sketch marker can be refilled 12 times, and the Original 9 times.

Nibs

You can change the nibs on your markers.  The Ciao and the Sketch both come with  the  Medium-Broad and Super Brush nibs.  The Original marker comes with the Medium-Broad and Fine nibs.  The Wide marker comes with the Calligraphy or Chisel nib.

Ciao nib options:

Sketch nib options:

 Original nib options:

I hope this really brings together some marker basics for new Copic customers, and answers some basic questions for those of you that already love these markers like I do.  In future articles, I will bring you information and uses for the multi-liner pen, Atyou Spica Glitter pens, the Colorless Blender, and the Colorless Blender solution.

Remember the complete line of Copic Markers are available in the Cutters Creek store.

**Credits - information from Copic International, Jennie Lin Black, and I like Markers.  Photos courtesy of Copic International.