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Are we all so busy coloring that we have nothing to share?
I know I'm getting my creative urges back. Hopefully when I finish up a project I'm currently working on I'll be ready to start Suzanne Dean's Copic Class #5 She has some great techniques and videos and lots of good classes at Color Me Creative Classroom.
I love using these markers, and learning about them. There are great blogs with examples - like Marianne Walker (she was the first one I found), and there is so much versatility with them. They've been a great investment.
ok somebody please tell me it gets better. I have just spent a bunch of money on some copic sketch markers and I have been watching every video on you tube I can find. My problem is when I blend it bleeds over the lines. I have tried with several colors thinking it was maybe just the blue that was a little to dark but no it happens all the time. I have read where paper can make a difference, I have been using the Georgia pacific as I read several post that people like that. I do have some Gina K should I try that. Please tell me what works for you and tell me all this frustration will be worth it in the end.
ok somebody please tell me it gets better. I have just spent a bunch of money on some copic sketch markers and I have been watching every video on you tube I can find. My problem is when I blend it bleeds over the lines. I have tried with several colors thinking it was maybe just the blue that was a little to dark but no it happens all the time. I have read where paper can make a difference, I have been using the Georgia pacific as I read several post that people like that. I do have some Gina K should I try that. Please tell me what works for you and tell me all this frustration will be worth it in the end.
Thanks for letting me ramble on.
Michelle
If it's bleeding over the lines, it's either your paper or your ink. What kind of ink are you using? You need to be using the Memento Tuxedo Black (or different color of Memento) if you are stamping. I use Xpress It Blending Card cardstock for most all of my cards and don't have a problem with bleeding. Try the Gina K. I know some people use it. Others that I follow their blogs use Flourishes White. You may have to try a couple different ones until you get the right one for you.
And yes, it's worth it. I love using my Copic markers and wouldn't go back to anything else.
__________________
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers
I should say, I am using digital images with a Canon pixma printer.
They recommend using a laser jet printer. But if you are using a different printer you need to let the ink dry, by letting it set for 24 hours or heat setting it with your heat tool.
Hope this helps.
Once you get it you will never go back to other markers. They are the best!
ok somebody please tell me it gets better. I have just spent a bunch of money on some copic sketch markers and I have been watching every video on you tube I can find. My problem is when I blend it bleeds over the lines. I have tried with several colors thinking it was maybe just the blue that was a little to dark but no it happens all the time. I have read where paper can make a difference, I have been using the Georgia pacific as I read several post that people like that. I do have some Gina K should I try that. Please tell me what works for you and tell me all this frustration will be worth it in the end.
Thanks for letting me ramble on.
Michelle
My money is on your paper choice. Georgia Pacific makes a lot of different papers, but most often the one that gets brought into Copic discussions is soft and that leads to feathering or spreading (ink movement on top of the cardstock, shifting to undesired, visible places). So, to use that paper successfully with alcohol markers, you need to work with a light hand and patience to allow layers of marker color to dry between applications. Choosing light colors will help, too. Light colors are a little more forgiving for beginners than the big, vibrant colors.
XPress It Blending Card and Neenah Classic Crest Solar White are both great paper options to hold the ink where you place it on the cardstock.
I have an HP printer and I did not have great success using it for digi's when I wanted to color with my Copics. I waited for a sale on a Brothers HL-2240 Laser printer and that works great. I got the printer for $60 and free shipping.
In addition to the papers suggested by others I use Hammermill Color Copy Digital Cover #80. It goes through both of my printers without any problems and it works great with the Copics
You need to use a very light touch and move quickly so the ink does not spread. If you leave the nib on the paper too long it wicks the ink and it will spread over the lines.
Using your good Copic paper , draw an entire page of circles with pencil. Make them about 1" to 1 & 1/2" in diameter. Then practice coloring the circles by moving very quickly and feathering with a light touch .
By using a practice page of just circles you take away the stress of trying to color an image perfectly and you can just concentrate on the technique of coloring.
Hope this helps
__________________ "I have not failed . I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" --Thomas A. Edison
Just had a Copic Cert. Class a few week ago (both beginner and intermediate) and the paper DOES make a BIG difference. I played with different paper side by side and right before my eyes I was able to see a big difference.
Here are the one I personally tried
GP
Gina K
PTI
Neenah
Cryogyn
X-Press It
CC. Designs 80lb and 110lb
I believe that was all I brought to try out. We tested all of them. The WORST of the bunch was GP by FAR. Not only does it bleed but it will soak up a ton of your ink and you will need refilling faster.
The best of the bunch was the X-Press it, followed very closely behind by Gina K. The other on the list worked very well. They only bleed if you REALLY over saturated them.
Before the class I used CC. Designs/ PTI primarily. After really working with the X-Press it...I see that it is worth the higher price. I do have choices now.
I have an Epsom Ink Jet printer and when I print on Xpress It Blending Card, I have no problem with taking it off the printer and getting started on my coloring. I never have a problem with bleeding my colors unless it's red, and that's a whole different can of worms.
__________________
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers
I too use an Epsom ink jet with digies and Xpress it card and have no trouble. Mostly I use Memento Tuxedo Black on the Xpress and have no probs at all.
I have a Canon Pixma printer, and haven't had any problems yet!
As far as stamping images to color, I primarily use Memento Ink - usually Tuxedo Black, and for paper, I started off with Neenah Solar White, still use it, but also really like Cryogen, and X-Press It. I don't have any bleeding outside the lines, but then, I use a light touch, and don't over saturate the paper when I blend. I've tried, Gina K, PTI, One Sheet Wonder, and the others are still my favorites.
Sometimes, you have to try different card stocks for the way you color and your preference. You'll find that happy niche for yourself.
Ok, so I took the plunge and bought a 6 pk of floral copics from hobby lobby. I started coloring a flower (a huge magnolia from SU!) and I can understand why y'all talk about copics like they're the best thing since sliced bread!!!
THEN, at the end, when using the darkest marker to shade, a huge glop of ink rolled down the nib. There was no way to fix it the card so I trashed it. Then, I took a warm shower, curled up under the covers and, sobbing quietly, rocked myself to sleep.
I had been using the brush end and, I can swear an oath, I was more gentle and careful with those things than my own kids.
What did I do? Is this common?? I'm scared to use them again for fear of ruining something else that took a couple of hours to make!!! I love them but the betrayal just broke my heart and destroyed my trust and I don't know if this relationship can last much longer!
Do we need counseling? An intervention? Could my copics simply dislike my stellar wit and good looks?
Aw, salome000, so sorry to read the sad news that your first Copic creation didn't survive. But there is good news. First, it sounds like you were having a great first-time experience with these markers, at least up until the Big Blob. And second, there is an easy fix for the blobbing.
Q. I was coloring away and suddenly my marker blobbed. I've had the marker for a while, what happened?
A. The air pressure inside the marker is messed up. Remember, these are very airtight markers. A pressure change from weather, elevation, or my frequent problem is from coloring while flying with the markers. Just pull the cap off both ends and let it sit for a moment. This evens out the air pressure and you should be OK after that.
Changes in air pressure can be caused by shipping, so it is always a good idea to remove the caps from both ends of a new marker, let it rest, and then replace them before starting to color normally.
Good luck with your next coloring attempt, and let us know how it goes.
While making a card for a friend, I had a similar experience happen to me, and actually the same day you wrote this!! We've had weird changes in temperatures, and pressure here, and taking both ends off solved my issue rather easily. I had read that a few yrs back when I first got my markers.
Please don't be discouraged, they're so much fun to use and experiment with, that you will wonder how you lived without them. When I color stamped items now, some of my friends or relatives are surprised that I colored it and it's not printed, that's how beautiful you can get the shading! I even surprise myself!!!
You find yourself enjoying the colors in everything, thinking of how you can incorporate that in your art!!!
Judy M explained it perfectly. My guess is since you just purchased them, the pressure inside was wonky due to shipping or a change in weather. The more you use your Copics, the more you will be able to anticipate this "blobbing". I noticed just the other day that my Copics almost felt "wetter" than normal and we had some weird changes in weather lately. When coloring, I really pay attention to the tip I'm using and when it gets a juicy feeling or it turns shiny when I'm coloring, I QUICKLY pull it back (so it doesn't blob on my project) and then take off the other cap and color with both ends off.
Glad you were enjoying your first experience with the markers, I'm sorry it turned out with a blob. In the future, if that happens, grab your colorless blender and try to "push" the darker color back to where it's supposed to be. It may not clean up completely, but it's good practice on seeing just what the markers can do.
Colorful hugs!
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
Colleen, Love and Judi...Ty so much!!! I just bought set number 3 (of 6 markers) and the only other thing I'm wondering is if I'm going to run out of markers to buy or money first?
I would like to take online classes for Copic Markers. I would like to stamp and color along with a structured class? Do you have recommendations? I looked at a series with Suzanne Dean and also Michelle Houghton. Has anyone taken these? Are there others?
I would like to take online classes for Copic Markers. I would like to stamp and color along with a structured class? Do you have recommendations? I looked at a series with Suzanne Dean and also Michelle Houghton. Has anyone taken these? Are there others?
I've taken and still do take Suzanne Dean's classes, and I think they're great. I don't know that I would call them "structured" classes, because you can work at your own pace, but Suzanne does have very thorough videos, with chat rooms, homework that you get feedback on, and you can always ask questions and she is so helpful. I have learned so much from her, and have been very pleased with the class design and how they work. It's great for my schedule and lifestyle.
She is a very generous person, who wants her students to succeed with their Copics. When she has a live Chat, she shares her latest paper tips, etc. She's just the greatest.
Now, I have only taken her classes on line, but reading blogs by other instructors, they all seem to be passionate these markers, and I'm sure you would get the support by each of them. Their blogs are filled with support and hints on how to be better, and that tells volumes about them....... Not all offer on line classes and that is the catch, so good luck in your choice. You will have fun learning and that's the best part, watching your growth!!
Last edited by lovetostamp3; 05-04-2013 at 07:27 AM..
Reason: added a word
I'm really not sure if I am posting this in the right place so let me know if I'm doing this wrong.
My hubby is coming over to the states on Sunday from the uk for work for a few days and i'm trying to work out where I should send him if he has the time. Ideally I want him to get me a set of copic sketch markers as they are much cheaper over your way than here in the uk.
He's going to be working at the pocono raceway in PA and I was wondering if any of you lovely helpful people know of anywhere in the area he can go to fulfil my shopping list! Obviously if a few spellbinders or stamps or whatever also fell into the basket I wouldn't be too upset!
Tia
Kathleen xxxxx
I'm really not sure if I am posting this in the right place so let me know if I'm doing this wrong.
My hubby is coming over to the states on Sunday from the uk for work for a few days and i'm trying to work out where I should send him if he has the time. Ideally I want him to get me a set of copic sketch markers as they are much cheaper over your way than here in the uk.
He's going to be working at the pocono raceway in PA and I was wondering if any of you lovely helpful people know of anywhere in the area he can go to fulfil my shopping list! Obviously if a few spellbinders or stamps or whatever also fell into the basket I wouldn't be too upset!
Tia
Kathleen xxxxx
There is a Hobby Lobby in Scanton, PA which is about 45 minutes away and there is also one in Easton, PA which is about an hour from the Pocono Speedway. I would say if he were going to be there for any length of time, that you should order them online from Oozak or Carpe Diem and have them shipped to him there. They each have fabulous prices. Oozak has a fantastic delivery also.
__________________
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers
There is a Hobby Lobby in Scanton, PA which is about 45 minutes away and there is also one in Easton, PA which is about an hour from the Pocono Speedway. I would say if he were going to be there for any length of time, that you should order them online from Oozak or Carpe Diem and have them shipped to him there. They each have fabulous prices. Oozak has a fantastic delivery also.
Unfortunately he's only going for about 3 days and leaving Sunday. If i'd known earlier i'd have considered ordering and have him collect when he got there. I might have put a pti order in too as it's extortionate to buy them and have them delivered to the uk!
Think 45 mins might be a bit too far away but I'll give him the details, you never know. Is there anywhere else? I'm also assuming that michaels sell the sets of 72 copic sketches. I'm after set e (the orig sets not the new papercrafting ones).
Unfortunately he's only going for about 3 days and leaving Sunday. If i'd known earlier i'd have considered ordering and have him collect when he got there. I might have put a pti order in too as it's extortionate to buy them and have them delivered to the uk!
Think 45 mins might be a bit too far away but I'll give him the details, you never know. Is there anywhere else? I'm also assuming that michaels sell the sets of 72 copic sketches. I'm after set e (the orig sets not the new papercrafting ones).
Okay, well, there is a Michael's in Stroudsburg, which is about 1/2 hour from Long Pond; one in Wilkes-Barre (45 min.); and one in Whitehall (1 hr.). So looks like the best bet is the one in Stroudsburg. Don't know if they sell them in sets or not.
__________________
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers
Okay, well, there is a Michael's in Stroudsburg, which is about 1/2 hour from Long Pond; one in Wilkes-Barre (45 min.); and one in Whitehall (1 hr.). So looks like the best bet is the one in Stroudsburg. Don't know if they sell them in sets or not.
Are there any other scrapbook/art stores in the area that anyone knows of that sells sets of sketch markers?
Want to arm him with so much info he can't say he didn't know where to go.
No doubt somebody has already asked this, but how well do Copic markers and Spectrum Noir markers play together? If I can get away with complementing my little collection of Copics with the much less expensive Spectrum Noir pens I'd be a happy camper.
I have several kinds of alcohol markers, including copics and spectrum noirs and they all work well together. You do need the right kind of paper, though.
I love coloring with my Bic markers, so I think I'm ready to get into copics. If I wait and get them from my hubby for Xmas, I can buy a bunch of them (around $200).
So my question is: Should I make up a list of single pens? Or just go with a set?
I bought my Copics individually.
When I checked the sets they did not have 3 blending colors in each set and buying all of the sets would be too expensive.
I bought mine from Oozak who have some of the best prices and lightening speed delivery. Rusty, the owner, ships the same day if you order before 3 P.M EST with free shipping on orders of $50 or more. You need to register to get the best prices
Here is the copic link although he has a lot of other things including stamps & dies Oozak.com: COPIC Markers | Pens | Refills | Paper | Accessories
I also bought a hand colored chart from 7 Kids College fund. It was much easier to choose when I could see the actual colors rather than viewing them on my computer
I don't see it listed on her site but you may want to contact her and see if she still sells it.
I just bought my first Copics! I bought a 24 set at Amazon.com ony $110! And ScrapbookPal.com Cricut Cartridges, Copic Sketch Markers & More! has the Fusion sets of 3 for only 15.72! Free US shipping if you spend 25! I'm super excited to have new toys to play with!
I decided to go with the Sketch markers!
Also, not sure how big your hand color chart is but you can print for FREE your own 8 1/2 X 11 HERE!
Can't wait to read all the good info in this thread!
Thanks!
I just bought my first Copics! I bought a 24 set at Amazon.com ony $110! And ScrapbookPal.com Cricut Cartridges, Copic Sketch Markers & More! has the Fusion sets of 3 for only 15.72! Free US shipping if you spend 25! I'm super excited to have new toys to play with!
I decided to go with the Sketch markers!
Also, not sure how big your hand color chart is but you can print for FREE your own 8 1/2 X 11 HERE!
Can't wait to read all the good info in this thread!
Thanks!
I have the blank Copic chart from Copic International and use it to note the marker colors I have, but the hand colored chart from 7 Kids had every color that Copic sells already hand colored in. There are quite a few colors that are very close to each other and it helps to see them because you don't need to buy both of them.
If you can't buy an already colored chart perhaps you can tell us what new marker colors you plan to buy and then if they are close we can tell you. Before I got the hand colored chart I bought a few colors that are so close and I plan to sell those .
__________________ "I have not failed . I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" --Thomas A. Edison
I bought my Copics individually.
When I checked the sets they did not have 3 blending colors in each set and buying all of the sets would be too expensive.
Thanks, Barbara. The sets don't seem like they are much of a money saver, but I thought they might take some of the anxiety out of deciding which colors to buy! Ack!
Thanks, Barbara. The sets don't seem like they are much of a money saver, but I thought they might take some of the anxiety out of deciding which colors to buy! Ack!
When I started collecting and using Copics I choose 3 blending colors of the ROYGBIV system, plus 3 of the C's (gray) and 3 E's the browns and a colorless blender .
I only bought 2 of the oranges since orange is not my favorite color and I didn't buy the Indigo .
I think I had 24 markers and they served me very well for quite a while.
I added 3 Christmas green since I had originally chosen Yellow Greens to color foliage and 3 very light E's ( ivory) for skin color . In time I added other colors, but I find I use my original colors the most. I bought refills for all of my original colors
__________________ "I have not failed . I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" --Thomas A. Edison
I have the blank Copic chart from Copic International and use it to note the marker colors I have, but the hand colored chart from 7 Kids had every color that Copic sells already hand colored in. There are quite a few colors that are very close to each other and it helps to see them because you don't need to buy both of them.
If you can't buy an already colored chart perhaps you can tell us what new marker colors you plan to buy and then if they are close we can tell you. Before I got the hand colored chart I bought a few colors that are so close and I plan to sell those .
Sorry, I didn't realize that is was a hand colored, meaning already colored chart! That would be nice! I printed a colored chart off of copic.com but the colors are pretty small. I was maybe going to use it as a check list but not going to work!
I did find very useful app for my iphone called Copic Collection which keeps track of what colors I already have that way if I happen to stop by a store it won't be a big deal that I don't have my colored in chart.
I haven't seen any stores around here, Sacramento, that sell them individually and for me shopping online seems to be cheaper anyway but it's nice to see them in person before buying.
What I found is the colors from the Copic site shown on my computer screen are not as accurate as the ones on the hand colored chart.
I bought all of mine on the Net from Oozak . His color chart is close but again not perfect
Try contacting the woman at 7 Kids College Fund and see it she is still offering the hand colored chart. It will save you a lot of mistakes.
__________________ "I have not failed . I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" --Thomas A. Edison
