Copic markers vs. Stampin up, CTMH, prismacolor pencils?
 

OK I am trying to figure out the best thing for making coloring in the stamps. I currently have watercolor pencils by CTMH, some markers and Stampin up markers and blending pens. They don't seem to get the nice effect I see on everybody else's work.

I have been hearing a lot about copic markers, prismacolor watercolors, prismacolor markers? What is the best and easiest to use?
Thanks.
Kristy

just subscribing...I'd like to know what others think and use also. And, if anyone knows where to get the best prices on copics. Thanks!

I have Prisma colored PENCILS and love to use and blend those.

I am also amassing quite a collection of Copic markers. I really think these are my favorites. They give a rich, vibrant color that is hard for me to achieve with pencils. And I find them fairly easy to blend and get nice shadings.

I buy mine from www.oozak.com. They don't have a lot of stock right now, but I try to order right when they get shipments in (they post on their website when they expect shipments). Sketch markers (which is what I order exclusively) are $3.90 each and shipping over $50 is free.

I have the Stampin Up markers, the prisma pencils, Copic's and water color pencils/crayons. I love using each one depending on what I am doing and the depth of color I want, if I want a lighter color, I use the pencil's and water color pencils/crayons, if I want a more vibrant color I use the Copic's, if I am doing something that doesn't have alot of detail I use the Stampin Up markers. I have tried the Prisma markers and liked the Copic's better, the Copic's are easier to hold and they don't have an obvious oder to them like the Prisma's do and the Copic's can be refilled which is more economical in the long run. I bought my Copic's at The Merri Artist I liked there prices and they had a great selection and quick delivery to Canada.

Where to see Copic Markers?
 

Does anyone know of national brand stores that carry Copic? I'd like to see them in person before I order any... Thanks!

Do you have a Hobby Lobby? They carry a standard selection, maybe like 40 different ones. I wish they'd add new colors! But it is a good way to try them.

Also, if you have a Dick Blick art store near you, they carry a bigger selection, but I've yet to find a store that carries the refills. You have to get those online, but with normal use, you won't need them for a while.

Cindy

I got a few at Plaza Art Supply store. And I hear that Hobby Lobby carried a limited selection as well. But I don't have a Hobby Lobby to confirm.

I think you've summed it up very well, and I agree, except I've never tried Prismas. Copics give a GREAT consistent and smooth coverage, but they are more bold. I love the watercolor aspect for a more soft look. A downside to Copics (which is no big deal just so you know) is that they DO bleed through your CS. In most cases, you shouldn't color right on a card front... stamp on a layer then go that route. The thick CS like PTI handles it better, but I've not found any that is perfect. I will say, once I discovered Copics, it really re-energized my desire to craft... fun, pretty shades, etc.

Thanks!
 

We do have a Hobby Lobby not too far away... I'll try there!

:)

Thanks everyone. I ordered a set of the caio copic markers today. and 2 sketch copic and 1 wide to see the difference in markers. I ordered these from Oozak.com

I also ordered the prismacolor pencils from Dickblick.com so I will try each out.

I love my CTMH watercolor pencils and my SU Watercolor crayons but I wanted to try something different because even though I like these I am not getting the effect I am sometimes looking for.

Thanks for the advice.
Krisyt

I jumped in here a little late, but just wanted to say that you are going to LOVE those copics!! They're my favorite. Hands down.

If you get into copicmarker.com, you can get a list of stores in your state.

You can always layer different products to get the look you want. Don't think that just because you colored with markers you can't layer on pencils or watercolors for more textures or different colors-

Colored Pencil + Marker
http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/200...e-colored.html

Marker + Watercolors
http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/200...tercolors.html

I've just gotten into using Copic Markers and I really like them. I purchase mine from www.ellenhutson.com and I am really happy with the fast shipping. I just purchase the Copic Tech. & Projects DVD and am on my way to watch it. I ordered on thursday night and got my stuff today. Pretty fast and since I ordered 12 markers they came in a plastic case!! Cool! Hopefully I will get my courage up to share my creations with others. So far, haven't felt like they are good enough! LOL

My favorite coloring tool is copic markers.

Sketch or Ciao...or does it matter?

I buy sketch markers for two reasons. Refilling seems like a pain and the sketch hold more ink. And I hate it when my markers/pens/pencils roll off the table and the sketch are oval and don't roll. The Ciao are round and do roll (I have two from my LSS before I started ordering sketch).

They have the same ink (just not as much in the Ciaos) and the same tips.

I think it's more personal preference than anything else.

If you are in OH, Stamplistics in Amherst has ALL of the Ciao colors (I think, those are the cheaper ones, right?) for $4 each, plus refills

I am searching through the threads now to figure out the naming system, if it's different for Ciao vs Sketch, because I got 3 that are only 2 numbers apart in the last digit and they are WAAAY different (skin white, fruit pink and lipstick natural--don't have the numbers handy but they were something like R00, R02 and R04)

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Most Art store carry them as well.