copic oz

Feathering Technique

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000+11:00

Hello Everyone!! Today I'm talking about my FAV technique - FEATHERING!!! It is often said that this is the hardest technique, but I love it and when you practice a few simple things, you will love it too!!! :) This technique is primarily used when you want to colour something from two DIFFERENT colour families, such as dresses, fairy wings and flowers (think pansies or irises that change from purple to yellow). The biggest thing to keep in mind is that, when using this technique that you use colours that end in the number 0, 1 or 2! Why? Because they are very pale and will blend from one to the other. Darker colours are difficult to achieve this look, although with some practice you could also use colours that end in a 3.

If you are practicing and you are still having trouble go for the colours that both end in 0 (BV00, B00, RV10, BG10 etc). Once you've mastered the paler colours you can move on to the darker shades.

I find the easiest way to teach feathering is to draw a long skinny box and mark it at 1/3rd and 2/3rds. What this does is helps you flick far enough to the opposite side so your colours will blend in the middle.

For my example, I've chosen R81 (a colour that ends in a 1) and flicked it in from the left side. Notice I've flicked over to about the 2/3rd line.

Next I've taken Y21 (another colour that ends in a 1) and flicked it in from the right hand side. If you find it difficult to flick from different directions, simply move the paper around - make it as easy as possible on yourself!!

When I say FLICK, look at the top of the image above. Notice how it's dark on the end when I put my marker to paper and then the end is almost at a point - this is because I'm lifting my marker towards the end.

The second image, I'm not lifting my marker - notice it looks more like a rectangle? This is not going to work for feathering.

The final image above is what I often see when people say they find feathering to difficult. This is because the marker is not being lifted at the end and they are using a motion like the second image and not flicking far enough in, causing a blocky looking cross over.

Let's apply this to a stamped image. Today I'm using Princess Marci by La La Land Crafts.

First I flick down with my R81 marker (remember you can turn the paper if it easy for you!).

Then flick up with the Y21 marker. Keep applying the colours until you get the look you want!

Then finish colouring your image as desired.

Copic Colours -
Hair - E50, E51, YR31, E53
Skin - E000, E01, E11, R20 (for lips)
Dress - R81, R83, R85, Y21

That's all from me today, have a play with feathering and leave a comment with a link to your blog so we can see what awesome feathering creations you've been making!!

Happy colouring
Kathy :)

WIN the New Copic Colours

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000+11:00

We, at COPIC OZ, are very excited to announce the release of 12 brand new Copic colours!

I have created the chart below, which includes the brand new colours as well as their existing coordinating colours!

I have also blended the colours together so you can see how the combination of colours work together!

I have used the new colours and their blending combinations to colour this gorgeous La La Land Craft stamp. All colours have been labelled for you!

Finally, I have added the coloured image onto a card!

NOW for some brilliant news .....

YOU CAN WIN A SET OF THE 12 NEW COPIC COLOURS!!!!!!

Including all these beautiful colours!

ENTER THIS MONTHS COPIC OZ CHALLENGE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE SET OF NEW COPIC COLOURS

What's the Challenge?

This month is a colour challenge.

Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using ANY of the Copic Marker Colours on the list above!!! (R46, R59, G40, BG53, BG93, BG96, E87, BV31, RV55, YR24, V20, V25)....or as close to as possible.

Is there a Prize?:

YES!!! The new pack of 12 Copic Sketch Colours!!

Who can play?:

This challenge is open to AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND RESIDENTS ONLY!

How do you enter?:

Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 20th February 2012, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!! Winner will be announced on Tuesday 21st February 2012.

Good Luck .... and .... Happy Colouring

Mandi-Lee

xxx

Summer Challenge Winner!!!

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000+11:00

Oh My Goodness - what amazing submissions we had this month!!! There were 20 wonderful cards and projects linked!!! A HUGE thank you to everyone who played along this month, we loved seeing what you created!!! :)

The lucky winner this month is...........

Number 17 - SANDY G!!

Congratulations Sandy, you've won an Acrylic Block and pack of A4 Blending Card!! - Please Email Sascha with your postal details so we can send your prize to you!!!

Don't miss Mandi's fabulous Colour Challenge for February - you have the chance to win THE BRAND NEW SET of 12 SKETCH MARKERS!!!!!

Happy Colouring
Kathy :)

Fade to White Tutorial

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000+11:00

Welcome back to Copic Oz for an exciting 2012!

I hope you have had a great holiday period and you're back ready to learn another Copic technique!

Hope you enjoy the video....and be sure to leave some love!

Happy Creating .... Mandi-Lee

xxx

Christmas Challenge Winner!!!!

2011-12-30T22:51:00.003+11:00

Hello Everyone!!!

I am so sorry for the delay in announcing the winner of the Christmas Challenge. I have been away and had some technical difficulties posting onto the blog.

Nevertheless, here I am.... and before I announce the winner I'd like to say a couple of things!

Firstly, I hope you had a very merry Christmas and that you are enjoying the holiday season.

Secondly, I was absolutely blown away, firstly by the number of entries for this challenge....and secondly, by the quality of entries!!!! Your creations were simply amazing!

Thank you ALL for sending in your gorgeous creations. I wish I could give a prize to each of you!

So now, without further ado, the winner this month is......#37-FIONA!!!

Well done!!! ...

FIONA, please email us your address so we can mail your prize to you!!!!

Thank you again for ALL your entries!

I wish you all a very happy New Year, and a healthy, colourful and creative 2012!!!

Lots of love .... Mandi-Lee
xxx

Summer Challenge!

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000+11:00

Here in Australia, Summer is well and truly upon us, so what better time to have a SUMMER CHALLENGE!!! What does Summer mean to you? Do you think of hot days at the beach, swimming in a pool, camping, bold blooms or just generally being outside and playing with the kids? For our friends in the Northern Hemisphere who like to play along, perhaps this is just the challenge you need to escape from the cold and snow that you are experiencing right now?!

For my feature card, I've chosen to go with bright, happy colours and this adorable Beach Marci stamp by La La Land Crafts! You can find the recipe for the card and the instructions on My Blog!

Copic Colours used -
Hat/Float Ring/Swimmers - G20, G21, G24, Y21, Y35, Y38, RV55, RV63, RV66
Hair - E50, E51, E53, YR31
Skin - E000, E01, E11, R20

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to create a Summer Project!!! Doesn't matter what image you use - let's see what Summer inspires in you!

Is there a Prize?: YES!!! An Acrylic Block and pack of A4 Blending Card!!

Who can play?: This challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 23th January, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

I can't wait to see what you create!!!

Happy Colouring!!
Kathy

Working With Reds

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000+11:00

Hello Everyone and welcome to another CopicOz Tutorial! Today I'm going to be talking about working with Reds. Many people find working with reds challenging as the dense and intense colours have a habit of bleeding where you don't want them to! I find that having a lighter hand and not over blending makes a big difference and also using a paper that is able to handle more ink helps a lot too.

Lets have a look at what I would do with reds.....
I've used Berry Sweet by Flourishes for my tutorial and have imagined the light source is coming from the upper right hand side.

First I lay down my base colour of R32, it really doesn't have to be very wet to saturate the paper, remember reds like to bleed and also, the colourless blender will not work well with reds, so you don't want to go outside the lines!

Next I've flicked in some R35 (I'm showing this before blending). I find that using a Feathering action means not as much ink is laid down and therefore less likely to bleed! Then very lightly flick out with R32 to blend.

Next I've added some R37 where the darker shadows would be, once again before blending. If you are finding that your colour is starting to move where you don't want it too, leave it to dry for little bit so the paper isn't so saturated.

I like a lot of contrast in my images, so I've added a little R39 to make the berries look rounder. Once again I've just flicked in a little bit and very lightly blended.

If you really want to deepen those shadow areas, try adding a little RV99 - look how much deeper those shadow areas are now!

One thing I always do with my images, is colour the red areas first. Why? Well, if it does bleed and make a mess, at least I haven't spent a lot of time working on the rest of the image and can simply start again.

If you are struggling with your reds, here are some tips you may like to try.....

Work on an absorbent surface, but putting clean scratch paper or paper towel under your work. This will help absorb some of the excess ink.
Try different paper! A soft paper is much more likely to bleed.
Use less ink - it doesn't matter if the back isn't looking smooth, focus on the front and don't over soak your paper.
Feather blend or flick your colours rather than circle blend. This made a huge difference for me.
Let your layers dry before adding the darker colours as your paper can only hold so much ink before bleeding.
Stay away from your edges so that a little bleeding will not go outside the line, remember due to the intensity of red, the colourless blender won't work to correct your mistakes.

I hope you've enjoyed today's tutorial and make sure you leave us a comment with a link to all your creations colouring with reds!!

Happy Colouring!
Kathy :)

Springtime Challenge WINNER

2011-11-28T21:57:00.001+11:00

Oh My!!! What an assortment of gorgeous cards I had to drool over this month!!! From flowers, bears and little girl images to even little girls aged 5 showing us that they too are Copic lovers!!! :) A big thank you to everyone for playing along in my challenge this month, I wish I could give a prize to you all!!!

The lucky winner this week is number 6, CRAFTDEE DONNA!!!!

Congratulations, you've won 2 La La Land Stamps and an Acrylic Block!!! Please Email Sascha with your postal details so we can send your prize to you!!!

There are even more chances to win by playing along with the December challenge, can't wait to see what you create next!!!

Happy Colouring!
Kathy :)

Copic Oz Christmas Challenge

2011-11-23T09:42:00.001+11:00

Can you believe it is already almost December ! Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! Well at Copic Oz anyway!

We have an unbelievable challenge for you this month.... with an even more unbelievable prize!

So....this brings me to the challenge.....

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to show us your best Copic Christmas creations!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month the prize is a 12 pack of SPICA!!!! Woohooo!

Who can play?: The challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 26th December 2011, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!! The winner will be announced on Tuesday 27th December 2011.

Happy Colouring....Mandi-lee
xxx

Colouring Pleats Tutorial

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000+11:00

Today, I wanted to show you how I colour pleats, when the pleats are already drawn into the image.

Here is the image that I have used. This little cutie is Fancy Marci.

I wanted to show you exactly how I coloured her pleats.....so I have made a little step by step movie for you to watch.

Let me know what you think .... and please be sure to leave some LOVE!!!!!

Happy Colouring ..... Mandi-Lee

xxx

Copic Girls Night In Update

2011-11-08T16:10:00.000+11:00

For thoseof you in the papercraft community who have been following the journey offellow blogger and talented papercrafter – Katie Renz ,today is indeed a very sad day as we share in the loss of Katie, who passedaway this morning. Our thoughts and sympathy are with her young family andfriends.

So manyprecious lives are lost each year to cancer which is why Copic Australia choseto support Girls Night (an initiative of the Cancer Council) in 2011. We arepleased that with the support of our Copic retailers and the loyal colouringcommunity, we have so far raised over $10,000.00. We are still waiting on a fewfinal collections (so if you have not sent your forms and collections backplease do asap). We once again want to thank you all for your support of thisworthy cause which touches the lives of so many.

In honourof Katie (and all of those strong and courageous woman who have battled Cancer)Copic Australia is will be adding to our tally by donating an additional$1,000.00 to Girls Night In.

Trick or Treat?

2011-10-31T09:01:00.003+11:00

Happy Halloween from everyone at Copic Oz! We thought youmight like a little bit of blog candy... Leave us a comment telling us what youare doing to celebrate this fun time of the year! The best 31 comments with will be sent a trickor treat... you have until midnight tonight 31/10/11... (AEST, sorry Australianand New Zealand residents only.)

Springtime Challenge!

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000+11:00

Hello Everyone!! Spring is here (although sometimes that is hard to believe considering how cool it has been lately), so let's celebrate by using your Copics to create a SPRING themed project!!! You could focus on Spring flowers, or perhaps Spring showers, pastels or even Spring Cleaning!!! Let's see how Springtime inspires you!!!

For my feature card, I've chosen to go with soft pastels, butterflies and flowers (yes, I know you are all shocked that I've used flowers LOL!!!). The stamps I've used are Botanical Butterflies by JustRite Stampers and you can find the recipe and details on My Blog!

Copic Colours used -
Flowers and Butterfly - RV000, RV32, RV34
Leaves - G20, G21, G24
Script behind flowers, flower centres and butterfly body - E50, E51, E53

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to create a Springtime Project!!! Doesn't matter what image you use - let's see what Spring inspires in you!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! 2x La La Land Stamp and an Acrylic Block!!

Who can play?: This challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 28th November, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

I can't wait to see what you create!!!

Happy Colouring!!
Kathy

Copic Oz Challenge Winner!!!!

2011-10-25T10:07:00.002+11:00

Hello Everyone!!!

It's that time again when we announce the winner of this month's CopicOz challenge!!!

Thank you so much to all the people who joined us for this Challenge!!!

Your creations were simply amazing!

Without further ado, the winner this month is......Julie Price!!!

Well done!!! ... and thank you for ALL your entries

Julie, please email us your address so we can mail your prize to you!!!!

Bubbles and Pebbles Tutorial

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000+11:00

Hello Everyone!! Today I'm going to show you how much fun it is to create bubbles and pebbles! It's always fun to add a little scenery to your images and bubbles are easy to create for your water scenes and pebbles for under buckets and park benches or even pebble pathways! It's easy and yet so effective!

Bubbles are EASY! Simply take a blue Copic Marker and add dots of various sizes.

Let it dry for a bit (this way your Colourless Blender will give a stronger effect) and then take your Colourless Blender and add dots to the centre of your blue dots. Because the Colourless Blender moves colour out of the way, the blender will move the the blue to the outer edges - just like dropping detergent into greasy water!

Keep adding dots of blender to your bubble until you get the effect you are looking for.

By using the same method, we're now going to create pebbles!! How often have you coloured an image, looked at it and thought it's just sitting there in space, that it just needs something??? Here I've coloured a bucket of apples (stamps by JustRite Stampers - Autumn Blessings), but it's just floating in space and could use something to ground it.

Start by colouring under the bucket with a little C3.

Then add dots of YR24 and YG95 to it.

Once again, let this dry a little so the blender effect is stronger. Take your Colourless Blender and dot it all over until you get the look of textured pebbles!! I felt that I added too many coloured dots, so I've added more dots of C3 to tone it down a bit - keep going until you get the look you want.

Cut out your scene and create your card!!

Two quick, fun and easy ways to add a little extra to your projects - hope you have fun with them!!!

Happy Colouring!!!
Kathy

New Product- The Copic Full Colour Case

2011-10-06T14:33:00.001+11:00

Copic Marker Australia is really excited to announce theaddition of a new product to the Copic Case range- The Copic Full Colour Case!

This soft-sided, zip up carry case is will make sorting and transporting your Copic Markers a breeze! It is sturdy, withreinforced sides, yet holds the markers compactly. It has 6 removable inner baskets which can hold a total of 380Copic Sketch.

The Copic Full Colour Case will be available in AustraliaMid November, so place a pre-order with your local Copic Stockist NOW!

Happy Colouring!

complementary colours challenge

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000+10:00

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementarycolors (example: red and green).

The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especiallywhen used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it isnot overpowering or uncomfortable to the eye.

Complementary color schemes can be tricky to use in large doses, but work wellwhen you want something to stand out.

Complementary Colours also work perfectly in your shadow work. Be bold and brave and give it a go...add some R59 or R89 to shade your green trees! You will be very pleasantly surprised by the outcome!

Here are two exaples of images that have been coloured using complementary colours.

Red and Green ( I have also used G29 to add some shadow into her dress!Yes thats right....G29)

Purple and Yellow/Orange

So....this brings me to the challenge.....

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to show us your best complementary colour creations!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month the prize is a copy of the SHADOWS and SHADING BOOK.

Who can play?: The challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 24th October 2011, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!! The winner will be announced on Tuesday 25th October 2011.

Happy Colouring....Mandi-lee
xxx

Sporty Winner

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000+10:00

Hello Everyone! We had a small but fabulous collection of submissions this month for the sporty challenge and a big thank you to everyone who joined in!!!

The winner this week goes to SHELBY for this amazing basketball card!!

Congratulations Shelby!! Please Email Sascha with your postal details so we can send your prize to you!!!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for another CopicOz Challenge hosted by Mandi!!

Happy Colouring
Kathy

Casting a Shadow

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000+10:00

Adding a cast shadow can be a bit tricky at first but its not as difficult as it seems.

In the image below, you'll notice that one side of the shape is light and the other is darkened. All you need to know for now or keep in mind is just that. What the light doesn't hit, is darkened.

You also have to ask yourself where is the light source coming from and how far away is it?

It is important to keep in mind that shadows are crisper and darker if the light source is close to the object or lighter and more diffused the further away the light source is.

In the image below you can see a very slight cast shadow. This would indicate the light source is far away from the girl and rather diffused.

Whereas in the image below there is a very distinct cast/drop shadow

Here is a nifty trick to help you place your cast shadow.

Create a mask of your image using Mask It.

Determine your light source, and then place your mask in the correct position.

You can then draw around your mask and shade in your cast/drop shadow appropriately. It is important to note the shadow takes on the shape of the item it comes from.

Now you have a go!

** Please Note: All shadows in this post have been darkened considerably for clearer understanding of the concept!

Happy Cast Shadowing .... Mandi-Lee

Let's Get Sporty!!

2011-08-31T08:00:00.003+10:00

Hello Everyone!! It's the last Wednesday of the month and that means it is Challenge time again!! This month I want everyone to get Sporty!!! You could incorporate your Father's Day cards into this challenge, but it's not essential! Girls or boys, we all love our sport --- what's YOUR favourite sport??

For my sample, I've used Footy Luka from La La Land Crafts. This little dude comes with a plain jersey, but since I love my boys in Red and Black, I've drawn in a sash with a .3mm multiliner to create an Essendon Bombers football uniform! :) Personally I think he turned out a little like Hirdy which is perfectly fine with me!! LOL!! However, I can see that I will be drawing in vertical stripes and colouring them black and white (Collingwood for the FIL) or yellow and brown (Hawthorn for my Dad) - don't you just love the versatility! What team do YOU go for??? :)

Colours used for my sample...
E000, E00, E01, E11, E13, E50, E51, E53, YR31, C3, C5, C7, R22, R24, R29, R59.

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to create a Sporty Theme!!! Doesn't matter what image or sport you use - let's see some sporty creations!!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month it's a Pack of X-Press it Blending Card and a Copic Swatch Book!!!!

Who can play?: This challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 26th September, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

I can't wait to see what you create!!!

Happy Colouring!!!
Kathy :)

300 Followers!!

2011-08-24T09:35:00.001+10:00

Just a quick little post to say to say a big thank you to everyone who follows Copic Oz! To celebrate reaching 300 followers we are giving away some blog candy. Leave a comment (before midnight tonight AEST) on this post telling us why you are ready to sparkle in Spring! The 30 best comments will each get a Spica pen. Please note that this is only open to Australian residents.

Also don’t forget that we will be at the Melbourne Paperific Craft Expo… Come down and say Hi! (and check out our super cute new La La Land Craft release!) Keep an eye on our facebook page to stay up to date with all of the Paperific fun over the weekend.

It's All About The Hair Challenge WINNER!!!!!!

2011-08-23T20:14:00.001+10:00

Hello Everyone!!! It's that time again when we announce the winner of this month's CopicOz HAIR challenge!!!

Thank you so much to all the people who joined us for this Challenge!!! Your creations were simply amazing!

Without further ado, the winner this month is......CARLY W (Shelby In Colour)!!!

Well done!!! ... and thank you for ALL your entries

Carly, please email us your address so we can mail your prize to you!!!!

Copic Girls Night In

2011-08-18T17:34:00.002+10:00

Copic Australia is pleased to be supporting Girls Night In, 2011. Copic Stockists all around Australia will be hosting events to raise funds for research, prevention programs & support services for women’s cancers.

Please see the list below of participating Copic Stockists to locate an event near you. More events will be posted as details are provided.

ACT
PaperArtsy (Isabella Plains)

9/23/2011

7.30pm onwards

kim@paperartsy.com.au

NSW

Mad ForMarkers (Wolli Creek)

10/8/2011

7pm onwards

sales@madformarkers.com.au

Ritzy Bitz(St Georges Basin)

10/28/2011

6pm-9pm

bonniesspot@yahoo.com.au

Scrap YourSocks Off (Ingleburn)

9/24/2011

9am-9pm

scrapyoursocksoff@hotmail.com

ScrapAWhile(Taree)

10/14/2011

6pm-9pm

alita@scrapawhile.com.au

ScrapbookSuperstore Pty Ltd (Penrith)

11/8/2011

11am onwards

kylie@scrapbooksuperstore.com.au

Stamps andStuff (Windsor)

9/29/2011

10am - 12:30pm

susanne@stampsandstuff.com.au

Crafty Divas(Palmerston)

9/24/2011

7pm onwards

Crafty Divas [craftydivas@bigpond.com]

QLD

A CraftersPassion (Berserker)

10/15/2011

12pm-12am

acrafterspassion@bigpond.com

Arnolds(Rothwell)

10/13/2011

5pm-9pm

tracy@arnolds.net.au

Arnolds(Rothwell)

10/29/2011

2pm-6pm

tracy@arnolds.net.au

CreativeScrapbooking (Burleigh Heads)

10/8/2011

9:30am- 5pm

maureen@creative-scrapbooking.com.au

Discount ArtWarehouse (Fortitude Valley)

10/22/2011

5pm till late

valley@discountart.com.au

PhotoContinental (Mt Gravatt)

9/14/2011

9:30am- 4:30pm

enquiries@phorocontinental.com.au

PhotoContinental (Mt Gravatt)

9/15/2011

2:30pm- 7:30pm

enquiries@phorocontinental.com.au

ScrapbookFantasies (Gladstone)

10/9/2011

9am- 3pm

scrapbookfantasies@bigpond.com

ScrappyTech(Longreach)

10/7/2011

7pm-12am

scrappy_tech@tpg.com.au

PaperFlourish (Para Vista)

9/3/2011

7:30pm onwards

tracey@paperflourish.com.au

VIC

Beach HouseBlvd (Spotswood)

10/28/2011

7pm till midnight

info@beachhouseblvd.com.au

Create onOrmond (East Geelong)

10/8/2011

11am onwards

info@createonormond.com.au

Debling InDesign (Frankston)

9/17/2011

10am-10 pm

deb@deblingindesign.com.au

Fat CatScrappin' (Warragul)

10/15/2011

6.30pm till late

fatcatscrappin@yahoo.com.au

Little BitsKeysborough

10/8/2011

5.30 pm Onwards

littlebitscards@hotmail.com

Scrap 2Relax (Drouin)

10/26/2011

10am & 7pm

enquiries@scrap2relax.com.au

Scrap Haven(Sunbury)

9/3/2011

9:30am-9:30pm

sales@scraphaven.com.au

ScrapbookingAllsorts (Whittington)

9/18/2011

1pm onwards

scrapbookingallsorts@hotmail.com

Scrapville(Wodonga)

9/2/2011

scrapville@iinet.net.au

TalkScrappin (Portland)

10/28/2011

7pm onwards

sba04661@bigpond.net.au

The CraftyWitch (Timmering)

12:00:00 AM

6.30pm-10pm

sandra@thecraftywitch.com.au

TheImagination Factory (Ballarat)

9/23/2011

5pm-10pm

imaginationfactory@bigpond.com

Made withMemories (Rockingham)

10/27/2011

mwm2009@tpg.com.au

Scrappy-Go-Lucky(Safety Bay)

9/10/2011

6.30pm till late

mandy@scrappy-go-lucky.com.au

If you can't attend an event in your area but would like to donate to this wonderful cause, click here to visit our page on the Girls Night In website...

Dark Skin Tutorial

2011-08-10T08:00:00.001+10:00

Hello Everyone and welcome to another CopicOz Tutorial!! In March I did a Light Skin Tutorial and this month I decided to do darker skin following the same concept with light source and blending but using a darker range of colours. Today I'm using one of the new La La Land Crafts stamps called Marci with Flower, she's cute isn't she!! :)

Begin by colouring your base layer with E11. It's OK if it's not totally smooth, there will be plenty blending.

I've assumed the light source is coming from the top right, so I've added E13 a little heavier on the left side. (I'm showing the colour before blending - once you've added your E13, blend with E11 to smooth it.)

Next, take E15 to deepen the shadows, don't add too much and then blend with E13 and E11.

Next use your E18 to really deepen those shadows and use the lighter colours above to blend. You don't need a lot of E18, but remember the more contrast, the more interesting your picture will look! Once again, blend with your lighter colours, E15, E13 and E11.

To cool those deepest shadows down and make them a little deeper, use BV00 (or if you want a lot of contrast, try BV13!).

Finish colouring your image in your favourite colours!!

Copic Colours Used

Skin - E11, E13, E15, E18, BV00

Mouth - E04

Hair - C0, C1, C3, C5, C7

Shirt/Shoes - Y21, Y35, Y38, YR24

Jeans - B91, B93, B95, B97

Flowerpot - E97, E08, E19

Flower - R81, R83, E51, E53, G24, G28, E35, E37

Spade - C0, C1, C3

I hope you've enjoyed today's tutorial and if you create some darker skinned people projects, we'd love to see them!! Leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog so we can see what beautiful work you are creating!!!

Happy Colouring!!!
Kathy :)

It's All About The Hair - Challenge!

2011-07-27T09:00:00.001+10:00

Thank you so much for all your amazing comments about my Hair tutorial video. I will be sure to make some more videos for you to watch and learn from!

In the meantime....

I showed you all how I colour hair..... NOW ..... I'd like you to show me how YOU do it!!!!

So this months challenge is 'ALL ABOUT THE HAIR'

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to show us your best hair colouring creations!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month the prize is 2 La La stamps and an X-Press it acrylic block!!!

Who can play?: The challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 22nd August 2011, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!! The winner will be announced on Tuesday 23rd August 2011.

CopicOz Challenge Winner

2011-07-26T08:00:00.003+10:00

What a beautiful collection of Copic Embellished cards made it's way into our challenge this month!!! It was such a lot of fun seeing the different elements you've coloured and that some of you even used your airbrushing systems!!!

Well, the lucky winner this month is.....

NUMBER 1 - Anita Marie!!!

Congratulations Anita Marie, please Email me with your postal details so we can send your prize to you!!!

Don't forget to pop back tomorrow for the latest CopicOz Challenge!!!!

Colouring Hair with Texture

2011-07-13T09:00:00.002+10:00

Hi Everyone,

As you know I love colouring cute little people, and I often get asked how I go about colouring hair.

So, I have put together this tutorial with a video! ( My first video - EVER!!!!) for you to hopefully enjoy and learn from!

As Copic addicts, when we first learn to colour we often use the Basic Blending rules that we know to colour hair. That is, colour in circles and aim for a 'seamless blend'. The outcome often looks like this ...

As you can see the hair is very smooth, but also very bland!!!

If you colour a little differently, you can add some texture and 'streak-i-ness' to make the hair look much more interesting...like the image below!

Here is a closer look at the difference between the two colouring styles:

So, without further adieu, here is my video tutorial on how to Colour Hair with Texture!
(pssst let me know what you think!)

Happy Colouring...Mandi-Lee

PS Don't forget to enter the challenge!!!!!

And the winner is....

2011-07-01T21:46:00.001+10:00

Hello Everyone!!! It's that time again when we announce the winner of this month's CopicOz challenge!!!

Thank you so much to all the people who joined us for our last Challenge!!!

Without further ado, the winner this month is......EDNA!!!

Well done!!! ... and thank you for ALL your entries

Please email your address so we can mail your prize to you!!!!

Happy colouring....Mandi xxx

Challenge #12 - Embellish This!!!

2011-06-29T08:00:00.008+10:00

Hello Everyone!!! A big thank you to everyone who played along with last month's Colour Challenge!! This month I'm challenging you to EMBELLISH THIS!!! No longer will we need to worry about embellishments to match our latest project thanks to our fabulous markers!!! Anything is fair game, rhinestones, pearls, ribbons, charms, flowers, brads.....let your imagination run wild!!!

I've used a BG15 marker to colour the sheer ribbon, a RV25 to colour the rhinestones in the top corner and a Y23 to colour the rhinestones on Marci's hair ribbons! I also used some fabulous new X-press It Clear Gel Glue to stick my whole card together!! (If you loved the OLD Pritt glue formula - you'll love this glue.....trust me!!!)

TIP - remember if you are colouring onto a non-porous surface that it is best to use darker markers because the ink does not absorb into the item, but dries on top!

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to Colour Your Embellishments!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month the prize is a bottle of the brand new X-press It Clear Gel Glue!!!

Who can play?: The challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 25rd July, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

We can't wait to see what you create using your markers to colour your embellishments!!!
Happy Colouring!
Kathy :)

1 Year Blogiversary- Blog Candy Winner

2011-06-24T09:08:00.000+10:00

Thank you all for your wonderful Blogiversary wishes! We have loved hearing about your favourite posts and will defiantly be showing you more of the techniques and tips that you want to see.

The winner of the blog candy will recieve a set of 12 Copic Ciao and a bottle of our new X-Press It Clear Gel Glue.

Congratulations to Leanne Coghlan, please send an email with your postal details to sascha@xpressgraphx.com.au

Leanne said...

I went to the paper craft expo in Brisbane and had so much fun! I attended both of the Copic classes, came away so inspired and full of information, it was great and the challenge board was amazing. Congratulations CopicOz! I have bookmarked Apr 13, stamping with the multiliner, so this must be a great post!

A Brilliant Brisbane Show

2011-06-22T09:00:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone,

WOW! Have we been busy! The Copic Team hit the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for the Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo. We had a brilliant few days at the show.

Our Copic Stand was constantly full of beautiful people watching us demo how to colour with the Copic Markers.

We ran two fabulous Copic Classes (for beginners) each day. Thank you to all who attended our classes. Kathy and I had a lot of fun and enjoyed teaching all the lovely ladies and gentlemen that are new ....and not so new ... to Copic.

We covered concepts like; how to do basic blending, picking your colours and palette blending.

In my class we looked at feather blending, colouring black and white, picking your light source.... and a few other secret Copic tricks!

Take a look at what we made ...

We look forward to seeing you next year where we intend to offer our first ever intermediate level copic classes at a show...so stay tuned and keep colouring.

Also don't forget to enter our CopicOz Challenge!

Happy Colouring...Mandi-Lee

Happy Blogiversary!! Copic Oz is 1 year old!

2011-06-15T12:27:00.003+10:00

It’s Our Blogiversary! We have decided to freshen our blog up and we are making a few changes…

Our new format will include a monthly tutorial jam packed with ideas and inspiration.

We will continue to have a monthly challenge with awesome prizes.

We have decided to add an icon to the top of each post so you can quickly identify the type of content covered…

To Celebrate our first year we are giving away some blog candy! Leave us a comment; we want to know what your favourite post from the last year was. We’d also love to know what you would like to see more of. The winner will recieve a set of 12 Copic Ciao and a bottle of our new X-Press It Clear Gel Glue. You have until Midnight (AEST) Tuesday June 21, 2011 to comment on this blog. Winner will be announced on Wednesday June 22, 2011.

Also a HUGE thank you to everyone who visited us at the Brisbane Papercraft Expo and to everyone who contributed to the Copic Card Challenge! We were so happy to have over 100 entries from all around Australia.

Congratulations to the winners...

Anne Maree Campbell- Winner

Theresa Boy- Runner Up + bonus La La Land Craft Prize

Natasha Kazich- Runner Up

Teagan Ellis- Encouragement award

Airbrushing Flowers

2011-06-08T11:02:00.000+10:00

Hello Everyone and welcome back to another CopicOz Tutorial!! Today I'm going to show you how to create custom coloured flowers to match whatever papercraft project you are making!

How many times have you been creating a card or a scrapbook layout, only to discover that despite your vast amount of flower embellishments that you don't have just the right colour to match your project?? I know this has happened to me in the past - but no more! Now I have a lot of white flowers, my airbrush system (ABS1N) and my Copic Markers.

Here I've gathered my airbrush system, a white flower and two colours of Copic Markers. With colours, the best thing is to pick a light colour and a very dark colour - the don't have to be from the same colour family, that is just what I've chosen today. Notice however, that they are both Sketch Markers - this is because only the Sketch Markers and Copic (Original - square shaped) Markers are designed to fit in the Air Grip for the airbrush system.

Next step is to take your lighter Copic Marker (I've used R83) and use the Medium Broad Chisel Nib (notice the nib is facing UP in the airgrip) and airbrush your flower. By using the Medium Broad Chisel Nib, it will give you a nice, even coverage.

Of course if you just wanted a one tone coloured flower, you could stop there - but I want more colour! Take your darker marker (I've used R89) and use the Super Brush Nib. By lightly pressing the nozzle on the airgrip you will notice that by using the Super Brush Nib, you don't get that smooth, even coverage, but you get a splattering of spots!

Keep applying your splatter pattern until you are happy with the finished result!

When finished airbrushing as many flowers as you like, add it to your card or scrapbook page for perfectly matching embellishments! :)

I hope you've enjoyed today's tutorial and if there is any Copic techinques that you'd like to see featured as a tutorial on the CopicOz Blog, leave us a comment!! :)

Happy Colouring
Kathy :)

Copic News, Reminders and Updates!

2011-06-01T12:49:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone,

We have a quick news update for you today!

We have some very exciting changes planned for our blog coming soon....So keep watching for the changes!

Also, don't forget to follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/copicmarkeraustralia)! 'LIKE' the page and watch out for some amazing new competitions on the Facebook Page!

If you are going to be at the Scrapbook Expo in Brisbane come and colour with us at the Copic booth!!

One last reminder you have until Friday to get us your cards!!!

AUSTRALIA'S COPIC CARD CHALLENGE

Australia’s Copic Card Challenge is on again!

The prize pack is Worth $450!!!! .... AMAZING....but you have to be super quick, as entries for Australia’s Copic Card Challenge close on the 3rd June 2011!

Winner to be announced at Brisbane Scrapbooking and Papercraft Convention.

If you would like to enter the Australia’s Copic Card Challenge you need to MAIL your actual card to:

Copic Card Challenge
P.O.Box 80
Moorabbin VIC 3189

CLICK HERE for more information about Australia’s Copic Card Challenge including entry form and terms and conditions.

Challenge #11 - Colour Challenge

2011-05-25T09:00:00.003+10:00

Welcome to this months Copic Oz Challenge!

This month we are having a COLOUR CHALLENGE!

Below you will find details for TWO SEPARATE colour challenges!
BOTH CHALLENGES ARE USING THE SAME COLOURS!!!!

The colours for BOTH challenges are

CHALLENGE 1: COPIC OZ MONTHLY CHALLENGE

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, tag, layout, off the page) using the above Copic Markers (BV00, G82, RV21)! If you dont have these exact colours... don't worry...you can use any markers as close to this as you have!!!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month's awesome prize is a pack of A4 X-press It Blending Card and a Copic Swatch Book!!!

Who can play?: The challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz (at the end of the post) to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 27th June 2011, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

SEPARATE TO THE ABOVE MONTHLY CHALLENGE....

CHALLENGE 2: AUSTRALIA'S COPIC CARD CHALLENGE

Australia’s Copic Card Challenge is on again!

The prize pack is Worth $450!!!! .... AMAZING....but you have to be super quick, as entries for Australia’s Copic Card Challenge close on the 3rd June 2011!

Winner to be announced at Brisbane Scrapbooking and Papercraft Convention.

If you would like to enter the Australia’s Copic Card Challenge you need to MAIL your actual card to:

Copic Card Challenge
P.O.Box 80
Moorabbin VIC 3189

CLICK HERE for more information about Australia’s Copic Card Challenge including entry form and terms and conditions. Please read terms and conditions of entry as they are different to the monthly challenge!!!!!

And the Winner is.....

2011-05-25T08:00:00.001+10:00

Sorry this announcement is a little late going up, blogger has been playing up again!! We had so many GORGEOUS creations this month and a big thank you to everyone who played along!!!!

This week, the lucky winner is.......
CHUPA!!!

She made is beautiful card...

Congratulations!!! Please email Sascha@xpressgraphx.com.au for your prize!!

Don't miss Mandi's awesome Colour Challenge this month with more great prizes to be won!!

Happy colouring
Kathy

Let's Airbrush it with Fluorescent Colors

2011-05-18T08:59:00.026+10:00

G'day Australia! IT is a beautiful day here in Abu Dhabi and it's the right time to airbrush those Fluorescent markers. My name is Jing van Opstal and I am currently residing in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. I am teaching COPIC classes in the UAE and I am excited to be a guest at Copic Oz Blog and share my passion on Copic markers. Today, we'll get our fingers dirty ...

So now let's airbrush those Fluorescent colors. Have you tried only using the Fluorescent colors in some of your projects and airbrush it? There's only 8 fascinating colors. Anyway, I use the colors for blending with other regular colors whenever I don't get the one I really want. I will show you that by just using Fluorescent markers I will be able to create my "fantasy" background. I love to airbrush Fluorescent colors ...I get a subtle and subdued effect on my projects.

Today I will use a silhouette image and create an airbrushed background using only Fluorescent colors. Whenever I airbrush backgrounds, I always have a story in order for me to organize my markers ... and that is totally fun and interesting.

This is the sequence of my markers to use.

# 1 - I stamped the Hero Arts image Dancing with Flowers (CG266) using the Tsukineko Memento Ink (Black Tuxedo) onto the Blending X-Press It.

#2 - I airbrush the first layer with FY1 from the top.

#3- Then slowly increasing the depth of the colors, I use FYR1 concentrating more color on the side.

#4- I slowly airbrush FYG1all the way to the bottom ... espcially within the grass area. Remember, I want to create a MAGICAL background for the kids playing in the meadows.

#5 - One more go for FY1, then with a very soft press on the air grip, I use FYG2 (my favorite Fluorescent color) just halfway of the image.

#6 - One more go for FYG1, then I airbrush FBG2 mostly at the upper portion.

#7 - Starting from the bottom, I use FRV1 just to create a contrast.

#8 - Then I use again FYR1 at the top - I wanted to have more emphasis on that area.

I finish it up with gray colors W00 and N0 (check on the latest post on desaturating colors using gray colors) ... and now I have created an enchanting and fantasy background for the kids playing in the meadows.

Finale ...

Photo #1 Photo #2

Photo #1: I used Atyou Spica (Baby Blue) for the flowers ... and I am just loving the contrast. Then a spritz of Glimmer Mist (Copper) to give a delicious effect to the image.

Photo #2: I did not spritz the image with Glimmer mist ... it is just plain but still interesting to have only the fluorescent colors being used.

Now, it's your turn ... I am sure you will enjoy airbrushing your projects with only Fluorescent colors.

Explore ...

Colourless Blender Bleaching

2011-05-11T08:00:00.001+10:00

Hello Everyone! Welcome to another CopicOz Tutorial!! This week I'm showing the Colourless Blender Bleaching technique that was created by US Copic Instructor Colleen Schaan and featured at Splitcoaststampers. Many thanks to Colleen for allowing us to showcase this technique here at CopicOz! This is such a fabulous technique for showcasing your silhouette stamps and still use your Copics!!

To create this effect you will need a Copic Airbrush System or Compressor, Gloss Card (I have used X-press It Inkjet Film), three Copic Markers (I have used three from the same colour family), Mist It filled with Colourless Blender Solution (not pictured) and a silhouette stamp (I have used 'Blush' by Penny Black).

Firstly take a piece of glossy paper and use your airbrush airbrush system with the lightest of three Copic colours. It doesn't have to be heavy, blotchy is fine!

Next take your mid-tone colour and also airbrush in a patchy effect over the lighter colour.

Next take your darkest Copic marker and once again airbrush over the colours you've already laid down.

Now take your silhouette stamp and spritz lightly with a Colourless Blender filled Mist It.

Press your stamp onto the glossy paper and hold for a few seconds - when you remove your stamp you'll be left with the effect of a bleached image!! If you want to do a second impression, clean your stamp and re-mist your image to remove any colour it may have picked up.

Hope you've enjoyed today's tutorial and if you want to create a card using this technique, leave us a comment and let us know where to find you, we'd love to see what you've created!!!! :)

Happy Colouring
Kathy :)

Copic Tutorial: Desaturating Color with Gray

2011-05-04T09:00:00.002+10:00

Hi, thanks for stopping in! My name is Colleen Schaan and I'm a Regional Certification instructor over here in North America. I'm honored to be a guest on the Copic Oz blog today and I'm excited to share a new little tip for using your gray Copic markers!

One of the many exciting things about Copic markers is their vibrancy and the range of vivid colors. I LOVE bright and I tend to lean toward the fully saturated colors in the Copic color line.

Aren't sure what fully saturated means? Here's a quick mini-lesson on the Copic color number system. The code contains three parts: a letter and two numbers. The letter stands for the color family, the first number represents the saturation and the third number stands for the value or shade. Saturation basically is the amount of pure color. The lower the number, the more fully saturated (or vibrant) the color is. The higher the number, the less saturated the color is.

Okay... back to the tutorial. I'm one of those designers who doesn't always plan ahead. I color my image first and THEN look for papers to match. LOL Sometimes this causes problems because the colors I used for coloring aren't quite right for the paper that I want to use. That's what happened today.

I colored up this cute little image:

And he was just too bright and vibrant to go with the muted patterned paper I wanted to use.

Don't worry though... here's a tutorial for "altering" your coloring to match a less saturated patterned paper.

This video is also available for viewing HERE on my YouTube channel.

Here are the steps:
1. Color the image as normal. I used B12/B24/B26/B28/R22/R24/R27/R29/Y08/Y23/Y35/E30/E34/E25 to color this image - all very vibrant - saturated colors.

2. Let the image dry completely.

3. Pick your "family" of gray: warm grays have brown tones and cool grays have blue tones. If in doubt as to which gray to use, use the neutral grays.

4. When picking grays, keep the "shade" 2-3 steps below the shade of the color that was used on the original piece. Otherwise the image gets very dark.

5. Use the lightest grays and flick color onto the lightest areas of the image. You do not have to worry about "color" as you can use the gray over any and all of the colors on the image.

6. Slowly work your way darker. Use the darker grays to flick ink onto the image over the darker colors.

7. Continue until all of the areas on the image are "desaturated" with gray.

Tip: If you see your original color lightening up, use a gray that is one or two steps up in shade.

It's really as easy as that to change the whole look and feel of an image!

Here's the original colored image. Just a touch too vibrant.

And the same image "desaturated" with grays.

Of course, I couldn't leave you without a finished project... so here's the final card that I created. A perfect color combination for when I don't want those uber brights!

Thanks again for visiting... and thank you OZ for letting me play with you today!
Colleen

Challenge #10 - Celebrate Women

2011-04-27T08:00:00.009+10:00

Hello Everyone and welcome back to another CopicOz Challenge!!! Can you believe we are up to number 10!! With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought this month's challenge would be to celebrate the women in your life! It's doesn't have to be a Mother's Day card (although that would be perfectly fine!), but any kind of project to tell those women in your life how special they are - whether it is your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother or your best friend forever!!!

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to Celebrate Women!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! This month's awesome prize is an X- Press It kit - containing a pack of A4 X-press It Blending Card, 3mm high tack double sided tape, 6mm high tack foam tape!!!

Who can play?: The challenge is open to EVERYONE, including international!!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 23rd May, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

We can't wait to see what you create when celebrating the special women in your life!!!
Happy Colouring!
Kathy :)

And the winner is....

2011-04-25T15:25:00.001+10:00

Hello Everyone!!! It's that time again when we announce the winner of this month's CopicOz challenge!!!

Thank you so much to all the people who joined us for our Easter Challenge!!! And a happy Easter to you all!

Without further ado, the winner this month is......KELLY!!!

Well done!!!

Please email your address so we can mail your prize to you!!!!

Be sure to check back here tomorrow for Kathy's Challenge.

Happy colouring....Mandi xxx

Psst.....Have you heard????

2011-04-20T14:33:00.002+10:00

There's a brand new Copic Marker Australia competition happening! Simply upload a picture of a Copic coloured La La Land Crafts image to the Copic Marker Australia Facebook Page!! The three images with the most 'likes' by the end of May 15th will each receive Two Acrylic Blocks AND a Copic Colour Swatch Book!!!!

Along with Copic Markers and La La Land Crafts Stamps, you can now buy acrylic blocks through your local Copic Stockist!

I've used Birthday Marci and coloured with Copic Markers.....

Dress - R81, R83, R85, R89
Skin - E000, E01, E11, R20 (for blush and lips)
Hair - E50, E51, E53, E55, YR31
Present - G40, G82, G85
Ribbons - YR20, YR21, YR24
Panda - C0, C1, C3, C5, 0

For more details about the card, see my personal blog - Inspired to Stamp.

What are you waiting for??? Start colouring, don't forget to 'like' your favourite and tell all your friends!!! :)

Happy Colouring!!!
Kathy

Stamping with your Multiliner BM

2011-04-13T12:24:00.008+10:00

Today I'm going to show you a variation on our traditional stamping technique.

Usually when we stamp up an image to colour with our Copics, we usually ink up the whole stamp using Memento Tuxedo Black (or an alternative colour) and stamp directly onto our X-press It Blending Card.

Well here is a different technique to use while stamping that allows you to look WITHIN the stamped image and pick out 'points of interest' or individual items from within the whole image and stamp just that part.

To do this I use my Multiliner BM.

I colour the area of the stamp I'd like. Here I have coloured just the roses from Marci's hair and tutu using my Multiliner BM.

This allows me to very accurately colour just the area of interest. I also dont have to mask the image, and there is no mess involved!

Once I am happy with the specific area that I have coloured I can them stamp it directly onto my X-Press It Blending Card.

It stamps crisp and clear! The ink does not need to be heat set, and the lines of the multiliner ink will also act as a barrier for your copic ink.

This is a simple but great technique that I love to use.

So now you can pull out all of your old stamps and look WITHIN the image. Pick out new 'points of interest', and stamp away using your Multiliner BM!

You'll be amazed at the different way you look at your old stamps, and your old collection will become NEW again just by looking WITHIN! How brilliantly economical!

Happy Stamping....and colouring
Mandi-Lee
xxx

Making Your Own Background Papers

2011-04-06T09:00:00.004+10:00

Hi Everyone--my name is Bianca and I am a new addition to the Copic team in the fine-arts division. My specialty is mixed-media and I do a lot of art journaling which is basically a journal with drawings, photographs, doodles and words.

Today I'm going to be talking about ways to turn recycled paper (such as old textbook pages, vintage sheet music or ledger paper) into your own unique background papers using your copic ABS, some large foam stamps and antibacterial hand gel. Yep, you read right, hand sanitizer.

Since hand sanitizer has a high alcohol content, it bleaches the Copics out and since it is in gel form, it doesn't spread or bleed, leaving a clean crisp image on the paper. It's a similar process to stamping with blending solution on glossy card-stock, except you can do this process on ANY paper.

Here are a couple of samples of what you're going to be learning how to do both are on vintage ledger papers:

For the first two projects you'll need: recycled paper, non-stick surface, antibacterial hand gel, foam stamp, ABS and copic markers in the same color family. And for the third project you'll also need the re-inkers.

I decided the easiest way to show you the process was a video, I'm including thesteps for the basic technique at the bottom of the post:

Here is a page from my art journal that I made using papers that I made using the hand-sanitizer gel process for the house, roof, heart, and background sheet-music. To get a closer look, you might need to click on the image!

A big thank-you to all the folks at Copic OZ for letting me post today. If you have any questions you're welcome to contact me through my blog. If you're going to be stateside or are just interested on keeping up with my copic mixed-media classes you can sign-up for my mailing list.

Stamping with hand sanitizer basic instructions:
1. Airbrush three different colors from the same color family onto your paper
2. Put a small pile of hand sanitizer on your non-stick sheet and sink up your stamp by tapping it into the hand-gel.
3. Stamp your sheet with the foam stamp, lifting straight up to avoid smearing, then wipe off on a towel.
4. Repeat until sheet is covered, then set aside to dry.

La La Land Crafts Winner!!!

2011-04-04T08:00:00.003+10:00

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the competition to win 3 LA LA LAND CRAFTS stamps!!! What a fun and fabulous prize!!! We won't keep you in suspense, the winner is....

Ashlee - she said “Great tutorial, awesome tips! Thanks for the chance to win some of these lovely stamps...so cute!”

Congratulations Ashlee!!! Please email your details to Sascha@xpressgraphx.com.au so we can send your prize to you!!!

Enjoy your beautiful new stamps and happy colouring!!!
Kathy :)

NEW Easter Challenge

2011-03-30T10:11:00.008+11:00

It's time to release the COPICOZ challenge for this month!!!

Can you guess what it might be???

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to create something (you guessed it!!!!) to do with EASTER!!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! Get EXCITED - it's a BRAND NEW SWATCH BOOK!!!! This book is HOT off the press, as it includes all the NEW colours in it!!!!

Who can play?: Everyone is welcome to play along with us!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 5pm Monday 25th April, Australian EST (3am USA EST)!!!

Happy Colouring ... Mandi
xxx

Magical Challenge Winner!

2011-03-29T08:00:00.002+11:00

Hello Everyone!! What a GORGEOUS collection of Magical cards we had this month!!! Fairies, leprechauns, dragons and unicorns, the mystical world was truly embraced and thank you to everyone who joined us this month!!!

The very lucky winner of the 12 Pack of the BRAND NEW SKETCH COLOURS is........DEBBIE PAMMENT!!!

Who could resist this amazing creation by Debbie.....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
Please email Sascha@xpressgraphx.com.au with your details so we can send your prize to you!!!

Don't forget to pop back tomorrow for another fun challenge hosted by Mandi!!!

Happy Colouring
Kathy :)

Blog Hop Winner

2011-03-28T16:46:00.002+11:00

We are excited to announce that the Copic Oz winner of the Blog Hop is Karen! Congratulations Karen, please email your details to support@copicmarker.com.au

We are also pleased to announce that we have added more Copic Certification dates to the 2011 Calendar.

MELBOURNE

Sunday, May 1-Beginner Copic Certification

Saturday June 4- Copic Project Class

Sunday June 5- Intermediate Copic Certification

SYDNEY

Saturday July 23- Copic Project Class

Sunday July 24- Intermediate Copic Certificate

BRISBANE

Saturday April 16- Beginner Copic Certification

Sunday April 17- Copic Project Class

Tuesday June 14- Intermediate Copic Certification

To register your interest for these classes go to the Copic Australia Website.

A BLOG HOP FOR THE NEW SHADOWS & SHADING BOOK!

2011-03-25T06:00:00.001+11:00

Today the Copic Instructors in the US and Australia are doing a Blog Hop!!!

We are excited to announce that Marianne Walker's new book called Shadows and Shading is now available.

This Shadows and Shading Book is designed for people who want to understand the basic rules of light when colouring, whether they draw their own art or not!

This beginner's guide covers many kinds of light, the differences between shading and cast shadows, how to colour a variety of objects, and shadow colour theory.

Designed for beginners, either papercrafters or artists - this is a wire-bound book that comes with 4 clear printed guides to help you add shadows properly on your own work.

A Blog Hop wouldn't be as much fun without BLOG CANDY!!!

Today each and every blog will be giving away a copy to a lucky commenter!! That's right, leave a comment and you'll be in with a chance to win this fabulous book!! If you are an Aussie or Kiwi - you can win on either the Mandi's Blog, Kathy's blog or right here on COPIC OZ!!

You have until Sunday 6pm AEST to comment on this blog. The winner will be announced on Monday morning Australian time. If you are in North America, comment on the Copicmarker site or one of the following instructor's blogs!

Here's the list of blogs you can comment on for your chance to win.....

CopicOz (Australia)
Kathy Jones (Australia)
Mandi-Lee Klinger (Australia)

Copicmarker
Marianne Walker
Lori Craig
Sharon Harnist
Jenn Balcer
Jennie Black
Colleen Shaan
Biance Ndm
Debbie Olsen
Sherrie Siemens

**Here is a sample of how my colouring has changed with the help of Intermediate certification and the Shadows and Shading Book.

So Happy Hopping and Happy Colouring... Mandi

A Little Sneak Peak!!!

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000+11:00

We have something very exciting planned for you all ....
but it's still a little bit secret!!!!

sssshhhhh!!

So for now all I can show you is a little sneak peak ...or clue!!!

What do you think we are up to????

Check back here this coming FRIDAY (Australian Time) for all the excitement!!!

Happy Colouring....Mandi

La-La Land Crafts

2011-03-16T06:31:00.003+11:00

Hello everyone! Irina is here today :-) I was super excited when Jacquie and Mandi invited me to be a Guest Designer for a day on Copic Oz blog!! I think this is a great chance for us to tell you all first hand how excited we are at La-La Land Crafts to be represented in your country by X-Press Graph-X!!

Irina Blount (me) and Eric Berry are the owners of La-La Land Crafts AND the artists of Marci and Luka line of stamps. This line of stamps was introduced in August of 2010 and received an amazing response from the crafters from all over the world. Our images are adorable and sweet. Our stamps are designed to be colored!! There are a lot of open areas in all of our images to showcase your Copic coloring skills. From the novice to the Copic coloring expert, everyone can enjoy coloring these images!! Our stamps are made of red rubber and are deeply etched, they come to you mounted on a cling and ready to be used with acrylic blocks.

Today I would like to share my card with our Marci with Rose. This stamp along with other Marci and Luka images is available through X-Press Graph-X.

I colored Marci in Black & White with a hint of pink, kind of like a photo tinting effect. A few tips on coloring images in Black & White:

- I find Warm Greys to be the best choice for coloring images in Black & White. Other option is Toner Greys.
- Color in small areas to keep the ink wet to avoid overblending. I always start coloring the face and the rest of the skin on the image first to set the tone for the rest of the image.
- If desired, add some color to your image to tie it in with your project. If doing so, color those areas with your greys first to give it a grey undertone.

I also colored this pretty silk ivory ribbon with Copic R85 to match the paper.

This card measures 6" x 6".

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Marci with Rose by La-La Land Crafts

Papers: Cardstock - Bazzill, Designer Paper - Teresa Collins

Tools: EK Success Border punches, Spellbinders Circle Nestabilites, Cricut Eiffel Tower (from Paris in Summer Cartridge)

Embellishments: Crystal Stickles, Button from Buttons Galore, May Arts ribbon (colored to match with Copic in R85)

Copics Used:

W00, W2, W4

R83, R85

YG03, YG63

I hope you enjoyed my post :-)

Hugs!!

All Bound for La La Land!

2011-03-10T08:00:00.005+11:00

We are so excited X- Press Graph-X (your Australian and NZ Copic distributor) is also now the exclusive distributor for this gorgeous new range of La La Land Crafts stamps. These incredibly cute unmounted rubber stamps are just perfect for colouring with your Copic markers! Stamps should be available at your local papercraft store in March!!! These stamps are cling mounted (for use with your clear blocks) and made of deeply etched natural red rubber and stamp beautifully every time! Today I'm showcasing Birthday Marci - isn't she super sweet!!?? :)

To celebrate the arrival of La La Land Crafts to Australia, we are offering a lucky commenter the chance to WIN 3 STAMPS!!! Leave a comment on this post telling us what you love about the new stamps and you can have the chance to WIN!!!

The competition is open to all Australian and New Zealand residents and will close on Friday April 1st at midday AEDT. The winner will be announced on Monday 4th April!

I've had a few questions about colouring skin from beginners who know which colours to use, but not sure how to get the look they are going for. When I began my Copic journey, I wasn't sure about skin and hair either since I did a lot of flowers, so today I'm also doing a Back to Basics tutorial on colouring skin.

Step 1 - Stamp your image in Memento ink onto X-press It Blending Card.

Step 2 - Decide where your light source is coming from by overlaying a piece of acetate that you've drawn some 'sun rays' on. For more on Light Source, see THIS POST.

Step 3 - Lay down your base colour (in this case E50) by colouring in circles. It doesn't have to be perfect at this stage as we'll be blending some more.

Step 4 - Add your darker skin tone (in this case E51) where the shadows would be. You will find shadows under the fringe and on the opposite side of the face to where your 'sun rays' would be.

Step 5 - Blend your colours together with your lighter skin tone (E50 here). Now for blush, you can either tip-to-tip or use the palette blending technique. I chose to scribble some R20 onto the bottom of my acetate since it was already on my desk and then picked up the colour with my E51 Marker. I chose the darker one because I wanted rosy cheeks - but I will often do it with the lighter skin tone (E50) - depends on the image you are using.

Step 6 - Feather in your R20/E51 colour from the sides of the cheeks.

Step 7 - Blend your colours with the lightest skin tone - in this case E50 until you are happy with the result. I've added R20 to her lips for a little colour.

Step 8 - Finish colouring your image as desired, remembering where your light source is coming from!

So, do you want some La La Land Crafts stamps now??? Leave a comment below telling us what you like about La La Land Crafts stamps and you can WIN THREE of your own!! :)

If you want to win a set of the 12 BRAND NEW SKETCH COLOURS, join us in this month's CopicOz Challenge to create a little magic!

Happy Colouring!!
Kathy

Copic Project Day...A HUGE Success!!!!!

2011-03-07T14:16:00.013+11:00

What a HUGE Copic Weekend it has been! We ran a very successful Standard Certification on Saturday. Thank you to all the lovely ladies AND gentlemen that joined us for a brilliant day!

Sunday saw the introduction of the Copic Project Class!!! WOW .... it was busy, fun, exciting, fun, jam packed with great projects, fun, colour - full day .... oh and did I mention it was LOTS and LOTS of FUN!!!!!!!

Here are some pics of the ladies hard at work!

Thanks Ladies for a great day!

I am looking forward to the next project class in SYDNEY this weekend!!! Look at the SIDEBAR for upcoming Project Class Information ... and come join us for a great day full of COLOUR, FUN and INSPIRATION!

Happy Colouring....Mandi

12 New Sketch Colors

2011-03-02T08:00:00.000+11:00

There has been quite a buzz in the Copic world with the recent release of 12 new colors of Sketch markers. The colors in this release are: V20, V25, RV55, RV63, RV66, YR30, YG61, BG53, BG70, E23, E81 and E87. Because Copic has never retired a single color from it's line, this brings the color range of the Sketch collection to 346 beautiful colors.

Here's a color comparison project that I put together. I've used most of the 12 new Sketch colors to blend. I've noted the colors used on each sample. The new colors used are noted with a • next to the reference numbers. Couple of editorial comments: 1) YR30 - drool...for anyone who enjoys adding a faint glow behind their images, usually with YR31 and blender - sometimes mixed in an empty pen, you'll *need* this color. 2) BG70 - perfect compliment to a favored combo BG72/BG75. 3) Surprisingly, one of the colors I was least excited about became a favorite when I colored these balls of yarn, RV55...a beautiful shade of bright pink. {love}.

And here's a fun card using the Roses in Teacup image from Lockhart Stamp Company and new Sketch colors. (BG70, BG72, RV63, RV66, YG61, YG63 and W1)

Don't forget that we have a Magical Challenge going right now. One lucky person has the opportunity to win all 12 of the new Sketch colors from X-Press Graph-X Supplies!

Thanks for stopping by ~
Lori

Challenge #8 - A Little Magic

2011-02-23T07:00:00.002+11:00

When thinking of a challenge this month I was thinking of St Patrick's Day but then I thought, I'm going to see WICKED tomorrow night - why settle for only leprechauns in green when you could have fairies, witches, dragons, unicorns and more!!! So use your Copics to add a little Magic to your project, and even better some Spica for a bit of sparkle!!!

What's the Challenge?: Create a project (card, layout, off the page) using your Copic Markers to create something with a little MAGIC!!

Is there a Prize?: YES!! Get EXCITED - it's a 12 pack of the BRAND NEW SKETCH COLOURS!!!! You'll find out more about this awesome prize next Wednesday here on the blog!!!!

Who can play?: Sorry, only Australian residents are eligible to win this prize - but everyone is welcome to play along with us!!

How do you enter?: Use the inlinkz below to connect to your blog or online gallery and upload it prior to 6pm Monday 28th March, Australian EST (4am USA EST)!!!

We can't wait to see what you create!!!

Hugs
Kathy :)