Sleepy Bunny Kind of Easter

The Easter Bunny is resting up so that he can deliver baskets to all the little kiddies this weekend. Isn't this bunny just too cute? You can find him at myscrapchick.com

Recipe: Sleepy Bunny digi from myscrapchick.com, PTI Stampers Select White cardstock- Lemon Tarte and Aqua Mist cardstock, PTI Lemon Tarte Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon, Bow Easy, Basic Grey Kioshi papers, Prima Say it In Pearls, Prima rose, Kaisercraft Gypsy Sister Flower, CAC Pinafore computer font, Copics: ciao E43 and...

Happy Easter to Ewe!

I am so excited to share this cute little Easter card with you. It is my very first card as a guest designer for MyScrapChick.com. Kristi, the amazing owner and illustrator has expanded her store full of paper piecing patterns and cut files to include digi stamps. Not only are her files high quality, she includes two files per image -one plain line art and one with shadows. I selected the Lamb image with shadows for this project and I just love how it turned out. The shading on the image blended perfectly with my copics and I was able to deepen the shadows with very little coloring. If you would like to get your hands on some Freebie digis from MyScrapChick, become a facebook fan. Kristi has posted some free digi's on their facebook fan page here. She will add more when they get to 200 fans.

COPIC TIP:
White is never really white and black is never really black. To add depth and dimension to my Lamb, I used Warm Gray copics. For his white fur I used- W00, W1, W3 and for his black hooves, I used W9, W7, W5, W3.

DIGI TIP:
I have been playing around with my inkjet printer settings and have found my perfect combo for printing my digis- For my Epson RX595, I select Best Photo mode and Premium Matte Presentation Paper settings while printing on PTI Stampers Select White Cardstock and then my digis don't smear with I color over the lines with extensive amounts of colorless blender. Let your images dry thoroughly or heat set before coloring and you should have little to no smearing.

Recipe: Lamb digi by MyScrapChick, Lovebirds gate freebie digi by Pollycraft, Basic Grey Kioshi designer paper, PTI Aqua Mist- Stampers Select White Cardstock, SU! Lovely Lavender cardstock, May Arts satin ribbon, Prismacolor Pencils in Marine Green and Olive Green, Odorless Mineral Spirits, Prima Say It In Pearls Lavender Swirl, Janome Sew Mini, Bow Easy, Labels One Nestabilities, Clear Button, Copic ABS system and V15 copic marker( to airbrush button), Copic markers used: ciaos-W1, W3, W5, W7, E43, RV10

Thank You!

I finally got around to some cardmaking over the weekend. Here is a thank you card I made using a fabulous digi freebie from Tracey at Spesch Stamps. This stamp is called Penny and since there is a sunflower theme in this stamp, I had no problem at all selecting my colors for the card. Wish the sun would shine here in NY!

Recipe: Penny digi by Spesch Stamps, PTI stampers select white, lemon tarte cardstock and lemon tarte swiss dot satin ribbon, green cardstock from TAC, Kaisercraft Made with love designer paper run through bigshot using an SU! texture plate and alcohol spritz and sponged with Crushed Curry SU! ink, Bow Easy, SU! Crushed Curry cardstock, various Nestabilities, rhinestones, Prima roses, Janome Sew Mini, and Copics used: Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, YG03, YG63, G20, E0000, E00, YR24, YR21, E43

American Idol Chit chat and copic coloring homework share

Well, I am still busy coloring for my Color Me Creative class with Suzanne Dean, so I thought I would share my latest homework for landscapes with all of you in cyberland just to prove I am not just watching TV and lounging around!!!

My tree was colored using copics: G99, YG67, YG63, YG03, G20.

Ok now onto chit chat... what do you think of this season of American Idol?

People are very underwhelmed with the talent this season. I can't say that I disagree. No one has really stood out as great to me yet, although some people really like Crystal. If I had to pick favorites at this point I would say Shiobhan because she is just so different than anything I have ever seen or heard and Lee because I like his voice. I can honestly say that overall I have not enjoyed any of the performances lately from any of the contestants. I am not surprised that Paige went home last night, she was so bad the other night I was embarrassed for her. I think Tim was a little shocked that he made it through to the top 10...he probably had to go back to the Idol house and unpack his suitcase. I think most of them need some vocal lessons and help with their stage presence. It will be interesting to see what they do next week with the R&B soul theme. I think Usher will be a good mentor...look what he did for little Justin Beiber! All in all I think this may be the last season of Idol.. with Scowel (my nickname for cranky Simon) leaving and all these lackluster performances....it may just go off the air.

How Easter Eggs are made

I apologize that I have not been posting as much lately. I am taking a copic advanced coloring class from Suzanne Dean and with my coloring homework assignments, I have not been making too many finished cards. One of the lessons is for grass so I had colored in some grass on this image and decided that I had to get into gear and color up the whole image to use as an Easter card.

This image by Elizabeth Dulemba is just so cute. I went to my local scrapbooking store Scrappers Cove on my birthday last week and I picked up these cute Say It in Pearls by Prima. I had to stick just the butterfly on my card to make it extra springy!

Recipe: digi Image by Elizabeth Dulemba, computer font, Eyelet border punch by SU!, PTI Aqua Mist cardstock and Everyday Blessings papers, Nesties Labels One, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock, Memento dessert sand dew drop ink, chenille pipe cleaner, Making Memories jumbo brad, Reflections pearls, Say It In Pearls butterfly, Copics:

Audrey

Happy Spring! It was in the 70's this weekend here in good ole Jersey! Spring has definitely sprung! Birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and flowers are sprouting up. This card is my ode to spring.

I made my own Chenile Flower to match my card using a pipecleaner and a Basic Grey Stiched Brad. I have been invited to be a guest designer for Die Cuts R Us in a few weeks (April 10th) and I will be doing a tutorial on how you make them. Stay tuned for that!

Recipe: Audrey digistamp from The Greeting Farm, PTI blue shimmer cardstock, SU! Lovely Lavender cardstock, Kaisercraft Airy Fairy designer paper,Basic Grey Kioshi stitched brad, Nestabilities dies, Prismacolor Pencils and OMS, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, SU!Scallop Trim Border Punch, Copics:

Happy St Patricks Day

Happy St. Patricks Day to all. Quick post for me. It is my birthday and I can't wait to soak up the sunshine and go out and play!

Recipe: SU! Go Green stamp, Best Creations designer paper, Stickers and charm from Michael's, Coordinations cardstock, Nestabilities labels 12 die, SU! Handsome Hunter marker, Copic ABS system and G05 marker to airbrush the charm

At the Rainbow's End

I just love Rainbows so I had to get this St. Pat's Digi Stamp collection from Whimsie Doodles. One more day till St. Patty's and my birthday! YAY!!!

My birthday present to myself was to sign up for Suzanne Dean's online Advanced Copic Coloring Class 3. I watched the first lesson last night...I still have to do my homework...which is coloring African American skintones. I have to say that I am very impressed with the quality of the videos and level of detailed instruction. Amazing! I am very happy with this gift to myself! If you would like to sign up for one of Suzanne's online classes too, you can do it here. She offers a Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced class. (Please mention that I referred you when you email Suzanne! so that I can get extra credit! lol!)

Copics used:

Pot- C3, C5, C7, C9

Gold- YOO, Y11, Y15, YR24

Rainbow- RV23, RV25, Y17, Y21, BG02 B04. BV01

Cloud- BG0000

Sentiments- G02, G05, G09

Other supplies- St Pat's digi stamps from Whimsie Doodles, Green cardstock (The Angel Company), Designer Paper- Best Creations, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Shamrock crystal sticker- Michael's, Gold Sakura Gelly Roll Glitter Pen, Nestabilities Label 12 die

Top O' the Mornin'

Here is my first St. Patty's Day card for this year. Those who know me know that St. Patty's is my favorite holiday, and no it is not because of the green beer. St. Patty's Day is also my birthday! Yay! A whole parade just for me...lol! I made this card using Coredinations Cardstock, Best Creations glitter scrapbooking paper, and my nesties lable 12 dies. The word friend and circular Top O' the mornin...sentiment are digi stamps from Whimsie Doodles that I colored with some copics: G02 G05 G09 RV23 and RV25. The dark green glitter shamrock and the Crystal shamrock are stickers from Michael's are the shamrock charm is from Blue Mountain Beads. I airbrushed it green with my G05 copic marker and ABS system.

Spring Bling

Well with the monsoon blowing outside the window, I am pretty sure Spring is here. March is coming in like a lion, let's hope it goes out like a lamb. Here is my card for the 100th Flutterby Wednesday Challenge.

I had some fun using new toys this weekend. I broke out my new Basic Grey Kioshi paper and Nestabilities dies. I also used my Copic ABS system and a copic V15 marker to airbrush my flowers to match my card. I got an air compressor as an early birthday gift, so I felt like I could finally use my D60 air can without being conservative. No more buying aircans for me!

Recipe: Summer Fairy digi from the Greeting Farm, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Kioshi designer paper by Basic Grey, SU! Violet and Bermuda Bay cardstock, Nestabilities Labels Twelve, SU! Scallop Trim Border Punch, Spica clear Glitter Pen, Michael's Flower Rhinestones, Prima Flower, SU! Pretties flower

Prismacolor Pencils vs. Copics

Prismacolor Pencils versus Copics

There is a lot of debate on the internet regarding coloring with Prismacolor Pencils versus coloring with Copics. You have the two different camps going head to head over which is the better coloring method. Some people say that using the pencils is much easier than the markers.

I have had Prismacolor pencils for a while, but never really got into coloring with them. I have always felt my coloring lacked a professional look no matter what coloring method I used. When I tried out Copics I really liked the smooth results and have become a Copic convert. Along my Copic research travels on the internet, I have read many posts about using Copics with Prismacolor pencils to soften the results, add depth, and texture. There is this great blog called Heavens Created This where Lindah has the smoothest, softest colored images. She uses Prismacolor Pencils with Copics on her images and they are beautiful. I decided to break out my pencils and give them another try.

The picture at the top of this post is a side by side comparison of coloring done using The Greeting Farm's Summer Fairy digi image. They both are printed on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock. The picture on the left uses Prismacolor Pencils and the one on the right is done using Copic Markers.

You can see that the colored pencil image on the left has a nice soft slightly textured finish while the Copic colored image on the right has a smooth bold/vibrant finish.

To me, I think what you choose to color with is entirely a matter of preference, comfort level with the techniques and tools, and would depend on what type of effect you are looking for. To me, neither method is better or easier, just different. I had fun coloring the same image with different techniques.

PRISMACOLOR PENCILS

This image was colored using Prismacolor Premier Pencils and blended using Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS) and a blending stump.

Colors used were- Beige Sienna, Chestnut, Canary Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Sky Blue Light, Peach Beige, Muted Turquoise, Aquamarine, Light Aqua, Violet, Lilac, and Process Red

COPICS

This image was coloring using the Copic Markers below.
Finally I decided to combine the two techniques to see if I could get the best of both worlds.

The base image above was colored using the Copic Markers pictured below. Once the entire image was colored using Copics, I layered on Prismacolor pencils in complementing shades to create shadows and highlights. I like that you can both lighten and darken the image with the pencils. After laying down the pencil, I blended over the image using a blending stump and OMS...this did not disturb the Copic ink. Finally I finished by adding a halo with a Lemon Yellow pencil and then some sparkle to certain areas of the eyes and wings with a clear Spica Glitter Pen. I really like the finished image because you get the smoothness of the Copics along with the shading and soft texture from the pencils. If you have never tried combining your Copics and your Prismacolor Pencils, you should give it a try!

New Ava pic and American Idol Chit Chat

No creative post today, still exhausted and not finished with my coloring. I got side tracked last night working on replacing the pages for my copic mini journal. I spilled milk on my journal (YUCK!) and while it doesn't smell bad exactly, it does seem stained on the edges. So new and improved pages are on the way. I spent forever last night typing up the colors instead of handwriting them. I figured if I am going to redo it, I may as well do it better (typed, neat and combos in color family order).

Here is my baby pic for today. My favorite baby, Ava is five and a half weeks old. I nick named her Pink Diddy b/c I think she looks so cool in this picture.

And onto my American Idol review....

The girls....oh girls what is the matter with you? The girls continue to underwhelm me this year. Poor Paige was terrible. My Katie who I want to like just wasn't very dynamic last night. Shiobhan was interesting....I still love hearing that big voice coming out of that tiny woman. Didi was okay, I still think her voice is pretty. Overall the girls just don't hold my interest very well. I must have walked in and out of the room about 10 times to do other things...I just don't find anyone to have any real spark or charisma. ( I didn't even bother to watch Kaitlyn or Lily or the redheaded pixie...what is her name again. You see- forgettable.... The songs they are choosing are so dark and dreary. They really need to pick more interesting songs...

Crystal still is the best in the girl category... I am not sure I would buy anything she puts out or go to one of her shows...but as far as the girls go...she is the one to beat as Simon puts it. She has a great voice, she is a good performer, and she is consistent. Can't wait to see what the boys do tonight.

PS- I will not even comment on Ellen sniffing Simon and sitting in his lap...ok I guess I just did comment! lol! She is too funny.

Oscar Fashion Recap

I am still exhausted from the weekend and am working on a comparison project for Prismacolor Pencils and Copics. Since I am not done yet I will share with you my best/worst dress list from the Oscars.

Best Dressed - Top Three

Number 1- Sandra Bullock- Marchesa

Love it! Love the texture, fabric, fit, love her perfectly polished hair, the simple jewelry... She knocked it out of the park and looked gorgeous winning her Oscar. I am a lifetime Sandy fan!!!

Number 2- Cameron Diaz- Oscar De la Renta

She has never looked better than this! The hair is perfect, the make up perfect with the bright lip and neutral eye, The dress is the perfect shimmery princess dress...

Number 3- Helen Mirren- Badgley Mishka

Can I look that good at her age, please???? The entire look from hair, makeup and jewelry is perfectly age appropriate, sophisticated, sparkly and nice fit.

Honorable Mentions- both receive points for originality:

Nichole Richie in Reem Acra

This gorgeous dress would have been perfect on one of the more mature ladies who were nominated and attending like Meryl, Sigourney, or even Helen....or even a taller lady. A bit too retro and too much fabric for tiny little Nichole.

Vera Farmiga- Marchesa

Great color, great style...maybe a little bit too much going on with the ruffles on the bottom, but I still like it overall, especially with the simple hair and makeup. The dress was the statement...she didn't need anything extra.

and Worst Dressed Goes to:

Number 1- Zoe Saldana- Givenchy

This dress starts out pretty but reminds me of a tye-dyed ostrich at the bottom! Too Much!

Number 2- Sara Jessica Parker- YSL

Did she forget to get a dress and sew together a stain sheet with some lace at the top? Does nothing for her. They must have paid her millions to wear this.

Number 3- Charlize Theron- Christian Dior Couture

This dress makes her look like she has a tummy pooch and I will not even address the bizarre ornamentaion covering her chest...why would a beauty like her wear a strange dress like that?

Dis-honorable Mentions:

Kristen Stewart- Monique Lhullier- Really? Midnight blue on that pale skin and no jewelry...I'll bet any jeweler would have given thier first born to outfit her with their diamonds....what was she thinking?

Diane Kruger- Chanel

I just hate this.... I can't even describe why... just hate hate hate it! And the color makes her look washed out.

That's it for my unsolicited fashion review! Hope no-one was offended.