Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
Thanks Judi!!! I printed out a couple of the new charts on the different papers that I use and I was up to 4:30 trying to color them in...Hopefully that will be good for a year till they come out with new colors again.
Valerie
I have a question about copics. I have just ordered my first copics but forgot to
order the blending pen. Can you blend the copics with say, a Dove blender pen
or only the Copic blender pen? I did try to find that info before asking but just
didn't see it. TIA!
I have a question about copics. I have just ordered my first copics but forgot to
order the blending pen. Can you blend the copics with say, a Dove blender pen
or only the Copic blender pen? I did try to find that info before asking but just
didn't see it. TIA!
The Copics "blender" pen doesn't really "blend." It's very unique and you really need one to get special effects for your work. You really blend using your various shades of colors that you blend together. The "blender" pen actually moves the ink from wherever you touch it to the paper. It's used a lot for fixing mistakes when you go out of the lines, you can use it to push the color back within the lines. Check out Marianne's I Like Markers blog and look at her information on using the blender. But I'd say you definitely need to get one.
__________________
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers
The Copics "blender" pen doesn't really "blend." It's very unique and you really need one to get special effects for your work. You really blend using your various shades of colors that you blend together. The "blender" pen actually moves the ink from wherever you touch it to the paper. It's used a lot for fixing mistakes when you go out of the lines, you can use it to push the color back within the lines. Check out Marianne's I Like Markers blog and look at her information on using the blender. But I'd say you definitely need to get one.
Thanks for that info. If it's used for mistakes then I'm definately getting
one! Like I said this is my first foray into the Copics so I had better
head to my LSS for the blender pen. I'm excited to start practicing with
them! I really appreciate all the help/info that you all provide here
I love colouring with my Copics (only have about 23 of them) but I am never happy with the results when I look at all the amazing colouring on cards on SCS. I am so excited because my LSS is having Copic colouring classes at the end of May. I just can't wait to play. The classes last 4 hours so I will be in colouring heaven.
__________________ Catherine (aka Cat). Newly retired RN. Lovin' life.
Hi there! It sounds like the pigment from the ink is drying up in the nib and causing the ink to come out blobby and thick. This sometimes happens with the very dark pigments like dark blue and dark red. You can try to take the nib out and soak it in a baggy or small jar with some blender solution to "clean" it. When much of the ink comes out, put it back into the marker and see if that fixes it. If not, you may just need to replace the nib completely. Check to make sure your caps are on tight and if it's happening with certain markers only, check them over carefully and make sure that the barrel isn't cracked.
Hope this helps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MishB
Hi Ladies - I'm having a problem with the copics that I haven't found an answer for so I thought perhaps one of you might have an answer. Sometimes, a few of my copics seem "sticky" on their tips (generally the same ones over and over) and they don't blend well. They, well, sort of "stick" and I get a spotty color. I'm using Georgia Pacific CS - and I'm sure there are better papers, but the problem is, other copics work just fine and I don't ahve any problems. I thought perhaps the problem might be that the marker is getting dry, but it doesn't seem to matter if I refill it or not. Does any have any ideas what I'm doing wrong?
Thank you
Michelle
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
As other's have already said, the blender doesn't blend. LOL To blend colors together, you use the lighter colors. In essence, color with a light color, add shading with a dark color and then blend with the lighter color. Since Copics are alcohol ink markers, they are a solvent and will react with other solvents. (I think the Dove Blender is a water based product and not a solvent, so it won't react with Copic ink.)
If you are new to the markers, there is definitely a learning curve to them. If you can, visit your local scrapbooking or stamping store to take a class.
Hugs!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Juble
I have a question about copics. I have just ordered my first copics but forgot to
order the blending pen. Can you blend the copics with say, a Dove blender pen
or only the Copic blender pen? I did try to find that info before asking but just
didn't see it. TIA!
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
As other's have already said, the blender doesn't blend. LOL To blend colors together, you use the lighter colors. In essence, color with a light color, add shading with a dark color and then blend with the lighter color. Since Copics are alcohol ink markers, they are a solvent and will react with other solvents. (I think the Dove Blender is a water based product and not a solvent, so it won't react with Copic ink.)
If you are new to the markers, there is definitely a learning curve to them. If you can, visit your local scrapbooking or stamping store to take a class.
Hugs!
Our local LSS does have monthly Copic classes and I thought it would be a good idea to enroll in one also. Since Copics are an investment I didn't
want to purchase them and then get discouraged because I wasn't using them correctly! I've read other posts where people have bought them and
then don't use them because the coloring doesn't turn out as they expected. So, I think a class is a good idea for me!! Thanks for you help!
Somehow the ink is drying out and clogging the brush tips. This is what is causing them to be of a different color and gummy, I found a marker in my stack like this just the other day. This can be caused by 3 things:
1. The inside of the cap has a residue built up and so the marker isn't sealing properly.
2. The inside of the cap is cracked and not sealing properly
3. When you color with the brush, you are only using the tiniest part of the tip, not the sides of the brush.
To solve the first two: Clean out the inside of the cap with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. Visually check for breaks or lumps of built-up ink. If the cap is broken then you would have to replace the marker, as we don't sell replacement caps.
If the marker tip has gummed up simply from years of repetitive use in the same manner, then here are some suggestions:
Carefully remove the tip with Copic tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Soak in a few drops of rubbing alcohol/blender solution, cleaning out the tip. Rinse and repeat until the tip turns almost white again. Let the nib dry out then replace into the marker.
To prevent this from happening in the future, color with the side of the brush. This keeps the ink flowing over the entire surface of the nib, preventing the gumminess from unused ink simply drying out as you are coloring with the tip of the brush. We had this happen at a make-n-take we had a few years ago. The people trying the markers were too timid, and only used the tip of the brush for so long that the whole nib gummed up from under-use.
If this still doesn't help, please let me know and we'll figure out how to fix the problem.
This is a post on Marianne's blog that shows how she uses opaque white: I Like Markers: Opaque White- adding snow. You can also search her blog for "opaque white" to see other examples.
Hi all. I just recieved my first order (notice I said first!) of copics. I went to my
local LSS to see about a beginner class. They told me they only have intermediate
and advanced classes. They said there wasn't enough interest in beginner's
classes. Don't know if I'm buying that but, now what? Would it be beneficial
to take an on-line class or just try to wing it? I have colored some with them but
clearly need guidance as well as practice!! Any thoughts/suggestions would
be welcome. Thank you!
Something that helped me when I was first starting was I Like Markers. The lady actually teaches Copic certification classes. But, as a beginner, be sure to go to her very first blog post in 2008 and work your way forward. She covers all the basics!!
Something that helped me when I was first starting was I Like Markers. The lady actually teaches Copic certification classes. But, as a beginner, be sure to go to her very first blog post in 2008 and work your way forward. She covers all the basics!!
Thank you Kim! I will start there and see how I do
Hi all. I just recieved my first order (notice I said first!) of copics. I went to my
local LSS to see about a beginner class. They told me they only have intermediate
and advanced classes. They said there wasn't enough interest in beginner's
classes. Don't know if I'm buying that but, now what? Would it be beneficial
to take an on-line class or just try to wing it? I have colored some with them but
clearly need guidance as well as practice!! Any thoughts/suggestions would
be welcome. Thank you!
I learned so much from the online classes and tutorials. You will find them very helpful.
I learned so much from the online classes and tutorials. You will find them very helpful.
Bonnie
I've already learned something! I guess I need to get some different
paper. I took her cardstock test and mine didn't pass her criteria.
I used some Gina K heavy base weight and the Copics didn't blend
well. Then went on to GK's layering weight and that was a no go.
Finally found some paper that I suspect came from HL and it reacted
like it was supposed to. Go figure! She recommends Neenah paper
so I guess I'll get some of that. I'm determined to learn how to use
these markers so I'll just have to get what I need and practice,
practice, practice! LOL!!
Where are you located? If the store isn't willing to offer education for the product, (which is a shame in my mind!) maybe you can contact a certified instructor who lives near you and see if he/she would consider meeting with you and giving you a lesson or two. (Expect to pay per hour).
While there is a TON of info out there on Copics (and other brands of alcohol ink markers), it's not all correct or clear...so be ready to weed through a bunch of it to find the good stuff (which there is also a lot of!)
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
Where are you located? If the store isn't willing to offer education for the product, (which is a shame in my mind!) maybe you can contact a certified instructor who lives near you and see if he/she would consider meeting with you and giving you a lesson or two. (Expect to pay per hour).
While there is a TON of info out there on Copics (and other brands of alcohol ink markers), it's not all correct or clear...so be ready to weed through a bunch of it to find the good stuff (which there is also a lot of!)
I live in NE Kansas, close to Topeka. If you know of any instructors that might like to give a few classes that would be great! Meanwhile I'll
keep going through Marianne's blogs for helpful tips/instruction. Thanks
for responding to my posts. I noticed on Marianne's blog that there are a couple of new books coming out so I'll be looking forward to getting
those. Thanks again!
I live in NE Kansas, close to Topeka. If you know of any instructors that might like to give a few classes that would be great! Meanwhile I'll
keep going through Marianne's blogs for helpful tips/instruction. Thanks
for responding to my posts. I noticed on Marianne's blog that there are a couple of new books coming out so I'll be looking forward to getting
those. Thanks again!
I have not found any classes in the Omaha Ne area either. Soooo I drive to Shawnee, KS to the Scrapbook Page. There is a gal there that has the most awesome classes. And the store is wonderful. The class price includes the supplies and the use of their Copic markers.
I dont know if its convenient for you to drive there or not but I thought I would mention it.
I live in NE Kansas, close to Topeka. If you know of any instructors that might like to give a few classes that would be great!
I think that Stamper's Ink and The Scrapbook Page - both independent stores on Shawnee Mission Parkway offer several different skill levels of Copic classes on a fairly regular basis.
I can't believe it...this will be the third time writing this post...keep hitting the wrong button!
OK, Juble - you are not alone in struggling with using Copics and finding paper bleeding and not know what one to use and getting confused with all the suggestions about this paper and that paper. Consequently, I have quite an inventory of suggested papers!
I found this document and I followed the instructions the other day. My results are:
a) LSS in-house paper - everyone who hangs out there raves about it. For me, it bleeds. I am assuming this is because I am such a newbie and it will work for me when I know what I am doing.
b) Cathie Allen's 130-lb - also raved about at my LSS. It bleeds for me...I can find another use for this paper so, no big loss.
c) Neenah Classic Crest - this paper did not bleed for me...yipee!
d) Prism Simply Smooth - recommended by the Copic instructor at my LSS...did not bleed for me....another yipee!
e) Cryogen White - did not bleed for me...pretty paper..off-white and sparkly. If it is important that my image be on white paper...I have two others to choose from...another yipee!
f) Gina K 120-lb - it does not bleed however, it is a real PITA to blend and, my colors look faded. I have been using this paper in my homework to date and I have been really struggling - no more! I will not use this paper for Copicing but, I am really, really looking forward to using this paper with my Distress inks!!! Thumbs down for Copic but a big thumbs up for Distress inks.
I am taking the online Copic classes from Suzanne Dean (can"t say enough about this) and I used the Prism Simply Smooth for my homework last night...what a difference...no more struggling and feeling frustrated!
So basically, it comes down to simply what works for you. Follow the instructions in the document with the papers you have. I intend to keep adding to my swatch file as I accumulate more papers. Remember...each person colors differently and so will the papers. What works for someone else may not work for you and vice versa.
Cathy
__________________ I stand alone without beliefs...the only truth I know is you
I am on my own to learn to use Copics as there are no classes anywhere near me and I can't afford the on-line classes.
I love these markers!
A couple of tips that may help.
I checked sites where designers often use Copics and tell you the colors they use. It really helps to see them used on an image before you buy them
A couple of my favorite sites are Beate fresh & fun Sharon Harnist PaperFections
Both tell you the markers they used and Sharon has a lot of Copic information on her site.
You generally need 3 colors in the same color family to get them to blend and the colors need to be close to each other
If you try to blend B29 and B 21 or YG00 & YG09 or RV000 & RV19 you will "never" get them to blend. They are too far apart on the color wheel.
The color gets darker by about a 1/2 shade each time you go over the same color so you can make darker shades just by going over the coloring again.
Very light colors blended into very dark colors will push the dark color and leave an ugly line that is close to impossible to blend out.
The paper makes a huge difference. I use Neenah Classic Solar white super smooth, but I have been told the X-Press It paper is fabulous. I hope to try it one day, but it is a bit pricey.
I keep a notebook of images I have colored and I am pleased with the combinations I chose.
I never had any art training and I am a bit new to this, however here is a Goldfinch I colored with Copics . I still have a lot to learn , but you can teach yourself
I can't believe it...this will be the third time writing this post...keep hitting the wrong button!
OK, Juble - you are not alone in struggling with using Copics and finding paper bleeding and not know what one to use and getting confused with all the suggestions about this paper and that paper. Consequently, I have quite an inventory of suggested papers!
I found this document and I followed the instructions the other day. My results are:
a) LSS in-house paper - everyone who hangs out there raves about it. For me, it bleeds. I am assuming this is because I am such a newbie and it will work for me when I know what I am doing.
b) Cathie Allen's 130-lb - also raved about at my LSS. It bleeds for me...I can find another use for this paper so, no big loss.
c) Neenah Classic Crest - this paper did not bleed for me...yipee!
d) Prism Simply Smooth - recommended by the Copic instructor at my LSS...did not bleed for me....another yipee!
e) Cryogen White - did not bleed for me...pretty paper..off-white and sparkly. If it is important that my image be on white paper...I have two others to choose from...another yipee!
f) Gina K 120-lb - it does not bleed however, it is a real PITA to blend and, my colors look faded. I have been using this paper in my homework to date and I have been really struggling - no more! I will not use this paper for Copicing but, I am really, really looking forward to using this paper with my Distress inks!!! Thumbs down for Copic but a big thumbs up for Distress inks.
I am taking the online Copic classes from Suzanne Dean (can"t say enough about this) and I used the Prism Simply Smooth for my homework last night...what a difference...no more struggling and feeling frustrated!
So basically, it comes down to simply what works for you. Follow the instructions in the document with the papers you have. I intend to keep adding to my swatch file as I accumulate more papers. Remember...each person colors differently and so will the papers. What works for someone else may not work for you and vice versa.
Cathy
Oh, Cathy! Thank you for the paper comparison!! I haven't checked this
thread in a while and hadn't seen your post! I've been practicing and my
LSS contacted me stating they would have a beginner Copic class this month.
I colored a GKD stamp of a frog and toadstool and it actually didn't look too
bad. I'm slightly encouraged! LOL!! I used the GKD 120# paper but may have
to try something different. Thanks again for the info!!
I am on my own to learn to use Copics as there are no classes anywhere near me and I can't afford the on-line classes.
I love these markers!
A couple of tips that may help.
I checked sites where designers often use Copics and tell you the colors they use. It really helps to see them used on an image before you buy them
A couple of my favorite sites are Beate fresh & fun Sharon Harnist PaperFections
Both tell you the markers they used and Sharon has a lot of Copic information on her site.
You generally need 3 colors in the same color family to get them to blend and the colors need to be close to each other
If you try to blend B29 and B 21 or YG00 & YG09 or RV000 & RV19 you will "never" get them to blend. They are too far apart on the color wheel.
The color gets darker by about a 1/2 shade each time you go over the same color so you can make darker shades just by going over the coloring again.
Very light colors blended into very dark colors will push the dark color and leave an ugly line that is close to impossible to blend out.
The paper makes a huge difference. I use Neenah Classic Solar white super smooth, but I have been told the X-Press It paper is fabulous. I hope to try it one day, but it is a bit pricey.
I keep a notebook of images I have colored and I am pleased with the combinations I chose.
I never had any art training and I am a bit new to this, however here is a Goldfinch I colored with Copics . I still have a lot to learn , but you can teach yourself
Barbara Jay your goldfinch looks lovely! I don't have any art training either
but it sure is fun playing with these markers!! I've been practicing but.......
long way to go.
When do you use the "chisel" point on the Sketch marker?
What color "green" would you suggest using with
G40 and G82?
Thanks for your help. ;)
Barbara
I seldom use the "chisel" end of the Sketch marker. I would say though if you're coloring in a large area or a narrow area and just use the end of the chisel. I use the chisel end of my blender to push back color if I go out of the lines.
__________________
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers
I have not found any classes in the Omaha Ne area either. Soooo I drive to Shawnee, KS to the Scrapbook Page. There is a gal there that has the most awesome classes. And the store is wonderful. The class price includes the supplies and the use of their Copic markers.
I dont know if its convenient for you to drive there or not but I thought I would mention it.
Hello,
I am new to copics. In my research so far I have found that there are certain inks that will damage the nibs of the markers. (ie: stazon) However, I am becoming interested in digi stamping and have not yet come across anything indicating if inkjet ink or laser toner will damage copic nibs. I have found info on testing for bleeding over the lines but nothing to indicate if the inks will damage the nibs.
Any help in my search would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Hello,
I am new to copics. In my research so far I have found that there are certain inks that will damage the nibs of the markers. (ie: stazon) However, I am becoming interested in digi stamping and have not yet come across anything indicating if inkjet ink or laser toner will damage copic nibs. I have found info on testing for bleeding over the lines but nothing to indicate if the inks will damage the nibs.
Any help in my search would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Toner from Laser printer or copiers will not damage your nibs. The alcohol (ethanol) solution from your copics doesn't disolve the baked-in toner, so it is safe to use without worries.
Inkjet ink may or may not disolve (bleed) when you apply the Copic Ink, but so far I haven't personally seen any nib get ruined by that type of ink (Inkjet).
Changing brush nib -- need help...
I have removed the damaged nib. The replacement nib has a metal clip. Does this clip need to be removed? I did but I'm not able to get the new nib seated in place. What are the tips and tricks to doing this?
