A Perfect Marriage--Copics and Prismas

Okay, so y'all know I recently made the GINORMOUS leap into the vast ocean that is Copic Markers. Well...ginormous for ME.

I've discovered that marrying Copic Markers and Prismacolor Pencils together to color stamped images...is a match made in crafty heaven.

Who knew? And why do I suddenly want to start singing "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" from Fiddler on the Roof?

(clears throat)

Matchmaker, matchmaker 

make me a match

something that I

won't throw in the trash

Help me create with my pencil and pen

something that's truly Zen...

I'm so excited to really delve into this blended "medium"!!! I've pretty much figured out that it's MUCH more effective (and easy) to lay down a layer of REALLY light color with my Copics as a base than it is to try and achieve a light, EVEN tone of colored pencil. Perhaps I shall do a tutorial on this in May...

So that's what I'm working on doing from this day forward...'til death do us part (or my Copics run dry).

Take this card, for example.

I made this card for my friend's daughter Andrea. She just turned 1. I loved this image as it TOTALLY reminds me of Andrea in her little pink tutu-esque skirt. To achieve this look, I took my Copics and laid down the lightest tones you see in the card...flesh, pink, yellow and tan (for the hair). I don't remember the specific Copic #s, but suffice it to say...they were all REALLY pale. I didn't do any shading...nada. Just laid down a single layer of color for each element of the image (skin, hair, sweater, skirt, shoes, frosting).

Once I had the entire image colored it looked flat and boring. But this is exactly what I was hoping for. Laying down the pale Copics gave me an incredible foundation for building the shadows with my Prismacolor pencils.

It worked GREAT. I was even able to use odorless mineral spirits (OMS) just like I normally would to blend the colored pencil. The Copics remained true, even with the use of OMS. The end result is really FaBuLoUs!

I think I very well may have found a way that I can and WILL use Copics in my card making.

Copics and Prismacolor Pencils...it's a perfect marriage...I'm tellin' ya.

Ingredients:

Digital Stamp - Nellie Snellen (Dawn with birthday Cake)
Copic Markers
Prismacolor Pencils
Nestability dies - Spellbinders (Scalloped Oval)
mini scallop scissors
patterned paper
cardstock
grosgrain ribbon

Copic Blog Hop! REALLY!!!

O-M-G...

I'm participating in the FIRST-EVER blog hop at Making Our Mark, Copic's Design Team blog. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. "Torrey...doing a card for Copic????"

No, Hades has NOT frozen over. I am honored to say that I was ASKED to be a guest designer for this hop!!

My bestee, Jodi, challenged me to make a card using Copic Markers. At first I was...horrified. I mean...y'all know I am not a Copic girl. Not by ANY stretch of the imagination. It's not because I don't like Copics. In fact, I think they're the bee's knees. They're the ULTIMATE in art markers. It's just that I'm, Copicphobic. Truly.

But, Jodi is an AWESOME teacher and she walked me through some basic Copic coloring principles.

The entire design team has gone gaga over the new Steampunk set created by their very own Colleen Chapman and once you see all of the inspiration we have in store for you, you’re going to want to get your hands on this set.

Here's some extra incentive… complete our blog hop, leaving comments and love all along the way, and you’ll receive the entire stamp set free. Can you believe it? Plus one lucky person will be entered into the drawing at the end with a chance to receive the Copic Sketch Set Ex-6.

Remember to collect letters all along the way so you can spell out the “secret” word to claim your prizes! The letter you need from my blog is.... have you guessed it yet?

"S"

You should have traveled here from the FaBuLoUs Shelley's Heartstrings blog… Isn’t she terrific?

In honor of this auspicious occasion (new Steampunk line, first blog hop for Copic and ME actually using Copics) I made a card using the debonair stamp I call "Steampunk Stuart". He's dashing, isn't he? And YES, I used Copics as the BASE for coloring my image...BUT the kicker is, I used Prismacolor pencils over the top of the Copic base for the shadows to really make the colors "pop" and give the whole image more depth and texture. I just couldn't abandon my beloved Prismas altogether now, could I?? I am, after all, addicted to them. I think I've found a "happy medium" with my medium...know what I mean? By using BOTH Copics and Prismacolor pencils...I get WAY MORE control than I EVER could with Copics alone. And one more note...I was able to use my odorless mineral spirits to blend the Prismas OVER the Copic base without it affecting the underlying Copic color. Totally cool, huh? 

By the way, I'm still TOTALLY Copic-challenged.

My blog was the caboose of this Hopping train. So your final stop is back at the station at Making Our Mark. A great big Texas THANK YOU for letting me join in the fun here as a "guest" design team member!!!

You just may make a Copic girl out of me YET...if I can use them in tandem with my Prismas.

If you get lost along the way, remember you can always get back to the beginning by visiting the home site at Copic Marker Scrapbooking!

Ingredients:
Image - Colleen Chapman for Copic
Copic Markers
Prismacolor Pencils
Sprightly Sprockets and Nestabilities dies - Spellbinders
Brads and ribbon - Creative Impressions
Copper bookplate and buckle
Patterned Paper
Copper leafing pen
Cardstock
Glitter pen - Sakura

Happy Birthday Bettie Mae

April 22 marked the birthday of one of America's greatest female icons. She's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and...Madonna. Undoubtedly, there are people out there who are scratching their head saying, "Bettie who?". Well, Bettie may be gone from this earth, but her legend has left an indelible tattoo on American culture. From her trademark kohl-black bangs to her fishnet stockings and 6-inch heels...she's THE ultimate pin-up.

She's timeless.

She's quintessential.

She's Bettie Page.

It's Hop time over at Bombshell Stamps, and the theme of our monthly blog hop is a tribute to this lovely, leggy lady (thank you Alison for a truly inspired theme). 

If you traveled here from Emily's site, then you're in the right place!! If you just stumbled on my blog and would like to start from the beginning (which is ALWAYS a very good place to start), or if you have gotten lost along the way...just head on over to the Bombshell Blog to get your bearings. You'll want to check out the FaBuLoUs artwork from all the participating Bombshell Girls!!! And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave comments, love and verbal hugs on each participant's blog...because if you do, for each comment you leave, you'll earn an entry into our monthly drawing for a set of Bombshell stamps!!! Prizes are ALWAYS fun, aren't they???

Ok, I'm done with the preliminaries.

Here is my entry. A sparkly tribute to Bettie, featuring the oh-so-versatile "Bombshell Angel" stamp (altered a tad...I mean, I had to give her bangs, fishnets and sunglasses...ya know?). This is what I love about Bombshell Angel. She's like a chameleon. She can be dressed up, dressed down, and you can change her hair color at the drop of a...colored pencil. She can morph into just about ANYONE. Well, maybe not into Teddy Roosevelt...but I'm sure I could turn transmogrify her into Eleanor Roosevelt if I tried.

But for today, She's Bettie Page--the sultry brunette with her trademark bangs, wasp waist and long legs. I was a good girl and didn't give her a whip...but I thought about it. Just sayin'.

Ingredients:
Pin-up stamp = Bombshell Stamps (Bombshell Angel)
Nestability die = Spellbinders (Labels Eight,  Classic Scalloped Oval)
Prismacolor Pencils
Patterned Paper
Ribbon = Creative Impressions
Embossing folder = Cuttlebug
Pearls = Michaels
glitter pen = Sakura
cardstock
black stamping ink


Thank you for stopping by to see my homage to Bettie Mae! Next you'll continue on to the uber-talented Kim at Crafty Pink Anchor. Prepare to be amazed!

Here's a full list of the Hopsters in case you want to revisit some. And don't forget to leave your comments on everyone's site AND at the Bombshell blog for your chance to win some FABU Bombshell stamps!

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Kelli: http://www.cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Mary G.: http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com
Laura: http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Susie: http://whiteribboncards.blogspot.co.uk
Rachael (Etsy Ketsy): http://rachaelshandmadedesigns.blogspot.com/
Jennie: http://piratejennie.blogspot.co.uk/
Jodi (Elam): http://www.elamdesign33.blogspot.com/
Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com
Emily: http://bombshellemsartisticexpressions.blogspot.com/
>>>>>> Me (Torrey): http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/
Kim: www.craftypinkanchor.blogspot.com
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Theresa: http://mommameasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/
Stempelientje: http://stempelientje.blogspot.com/
Mary (Sparkly Engineer): http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com

Carp-ay Diem

Hidy Ho!

I'm here today to share my take on the Bombshell Stamps monthly sketch challenge for April (better late than never). I got to use my new Koi Tattoo stamp set--which I love!!! There is just something about these fish that intrigues me. I know they're just glorified carp, but they're so pretty. Our fearless DT captain, Kathi, came up with this sketch.

Anywho...here is my version of the sketch. Yeah, I took liberties--but I always do. Admit it, y'all would be disappointed if I didn't. Right?? I just kinda turned the whole sketch cattywampus. What a great word..."cattywampus". It rates right up there with "doohickey" and "spiflicator" (which comes from Jodi's dad and I still don't know what the heck it is).

So, enough incessant babbling. Here it is. In the photo, the glitter pen didn't show up (of course)...it never does. Glitter is SO DIFFICULT to capture in a photograph. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to effectively photograph glitter? At any rate, it's kind of scattered all over the card background and on the fish's scales. I colored the whole image with my Prismacolor pencils (what else). Ya know what I just noticed...the strips of patterned paper kinda look like giant bandaids. Hahahaha. Oh well.

Ingredients:
Koi stamp - Bombshell Stamps (Koi Tattoo)
Prismacolor pencils
Patterned paper
cardstock
glitter pen - Sakura

Shiver Me Timbers

Arrrgh, matey! 'Tis time for another challenge at Chocolate Coffee & Cards! This week our sponsor was none other than the FaBuLoUsLy sexy Kenny K (aka Kenny Kiernan). I love Kenny's work, but I have one LITTLE TINY request from him...Kenny, if you're reading this, could you PLEASE make some images of girls who do NOT have their own set of flotation device boobs that defy all laws of gravity???? And, it's NOT because mine are moving southward toward my belly button--like a mudslide in California, at an alarming rate. Or that I DON'T have a waistline the size of a wasp. Or, that my hair has a mind of its own...and that mind is deranged.

Ok, maybe it is those things.

*sigh*

But JUST ONCE...I'd like to see a Kenny K girl that was...more endowed around her middle than she is on top.

Just saying.

Ok, glad to get that off my 50-year old sagging chest.

The challenge this week was to do a BINGO card. I've never done one before. It was fun...though I must say, I was TEMPTED to do a "blackout" card and use EVERY technique on here...but, I came to my senses and didn't do it. For those of you who don't know what a BINGO card is, it's where you choose 3 of the techniques on the BINGO card--to form a BINGO...straight across, up and down or diagonal. You know...BINGO. So, I chose the top row--Distress, Lace and Emboss. But, of course, I had to stretch the rules a bit. My card is LACED. I figure that counts as "Lace". If not, oh well. Bite me.

Here is my card. I chose the saucy wench, Eva Pearl. She's a buxom lass, full of spice and sass. And, she is really quite the clever crafter. I mean, could YOU make a skirt out of a wooden keg? Now THAT'S talent right there. I colored her with my Prismacolor pencils on Kraft paper (yes, that's mettalic silver on there) and silhouette-cut her out. The sentiment I made myself. When I was a kid, like most girls, I used to doodle. A LOT. But, while most girls were drawing flowers and hearts...I was drawing old, ripped, worn maps and scrolls. What can I say? I was...not normal. It's really not that difficult, and for this card...it just fit the theme.

I embossed some Kraft paper, used direct-to-paper-inking, then cut it in half...and inserted brads and "laced" it, corset-style, with some faux-leather rope. I found the PERFECT patterned paper to echo her bustier. To finish it off, I took the blade of my scissors and scraped it along the edges of the card to give it a chewed-up-weathered look.

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

The Spotted Chick's - That's Krafty Thursday #60

Catered Crop - The Krafty Recipe Swap

Ingredients:
Digital image - Kenny K (Eva Pearl)
Prismacolor Pencils
Paisley embossing folder - Cuttlebug
Brads
"Leather" rope and organza ribbon (Michaels)
Font: Drift Type - Dafont
Stamping ink - Colorbox

Creatin' with Jodi

WOO HOO!!!!

I'm here visiting my bestee, Jodi...and we're creating in her studio. Side by side. In our jammies. She's my muse. She inspires me...and challenges me. And she tells me when my stuff is crap. Life is good.

I love her.

I tell ya, the TOJO MOJO is flowing! (that's TOrrey and JOdi MOJO). She coined that term years ago when we were working on our first book together...and it stuck. All I know is I'm cranking out the cards right and left. So far I've made 3--one for a DT project and 2 to actually give to people. What a concept. Giving cards away to people. Go figure.

I used the same papers for both cards, I mean...why not? I had them out on the table already, ya know? And you can't tell, but I did use a glitter pen on both cards. The photographs just don't do justice.

The first card is for an upcoming baby shower she and I are attending this weekend. I thought these stamps from Inkadinkado were a perfect touch for a baby card. The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye (LOVE them).

The second card I made is for my hubby...to show him I love and miss him (even though I've only been gone 4 days). I know he's missing me a LOT. But I figure it's good for him to miss me...the whole absence and fonder heart thing.

The fabulously cute hedgehog stamps are from Hampton Arts. How can you NOT like hedgehogs. They're just too stinking cute and they TOTALLY reminded me of him and me and how lovey dovey we can be. I know, I know...gag me, barf barf.

Soda Story Goes...

Hidy Ho, fellow crafty chicks and cats!

Torrey here with my first-EVAH Bombshell Stamps tutorial!! I posted it over on the Bombshell's blog HERE and, I will also posted the instructions here. So fear not! You, too, will soon have the knowledge to recreate this jewel!

First, a little art history lesson. (it's good for you).

Metal Repoussé and Chasing is a VERY OLD art form dating as far back as King Tut's time (really). It involves shaping metal into bas-relief images. Repoussé is French and means "pushed up". It's done by hammering the metal into raised (convex) areas known as "Repoussé" and indented (concave) areas called "Chasing". It's termed "chasing" because you actually "chase" (push) areas of the metal back into their original places once you've repousséd them. It's usually done with REALLY heavy sheets of metal, BIG honkin' hammers, various shaping tools (which look a LOT like medieval torture devices), a giant bowl of gooey pitch and lots of sweat, muscle and time. If you want to learn more...read here.

Go figure.

So, I ended up using a good old aluminum soft drink can, a stylus and a paper blending stub. MacGyver's got NOTHING on me!

So, it started out like THIS:

And ended up like THIS!!

Here is the DETAILED 411. And, yeah, it's a long tutorial. I am an old-school publishing girl so I do step-shots. LOTS of step shots.

Supplies:

First off, O M G...my crafting table is CLEAN. Good thing I took a picture, it will never happen again.

1. Patterns (see below for full pattern)

2. 2-LARGE (23oz) soda cans--empty, rinsed and dried. One is for the lid, one for the base.

3. Tools:

   a. Heavy Scissors

   b. ruler

   c. paper blending stubs (may use cotton swab)

   d. styluses (may use ball-point pen or even a pencil)

4. Stamp and solvent-based ink

5. Alcohol inks and applicator

6. Texture plate (if desired to add embossing--but I didn't use it)

Not shown:

7. mouse pad

8. sanding block

9. die-cutting machine (if using texture plate)

Instructions:

NOTE: You'll be working with VERY sharp, raw metal edges so BE CAREFUL.

1.  Print out pattern on plain paper in desired size. Note: for mine, lid top is approx. 2 inches across (not counting sides/tabs).

Instructions below are for the BOX LID 

2.  Carefully “stab” one of the soda cans on its side with scissors. Cut straight line up from stab point to about ½ inch from top.

 

3.  Carefully cut around can just under top to remove top. Discard. Cut straight line down from stab point to about ½ inch from bottom.Carefully cut around can just above the bottom to remove base of can. Discard.

 

4. Trim edges of aluminum to remove any rough, jagged areas. Be careful to remove as little of the remaining sheet of aluminum as possible. This will leave you with a rectangular piece of aluminum.

 

5.  With printed side of can facing DOWN, tape pattern in place over aluminum. Place aluminum on mouse pad. Trace pattern with stylus or ballpoint pen being careful not to puncture through aluminum but hard enough to leave a nice distinct line.

 

6. Remove pattern. You'll have an outline that looks like this.

7.  Cut “box” out along outermost lines.

8. Flip metal piece over so that painted side is now UP. With the metal on a mouse pad, retrace all lines with stylus (use a ruler this time).

9. Flip cut-out piece over so that silver side is now facing up. With stylus, score a line from the top of each little corner triangle down the middle. This will create a "valley" fold that will allow you to tuck the corners in.

 10.  Using solvent-based ink, stamp desired image onto PAINTED side of aluminum piece.

 11. Using stylus, trace all lines of stamped image. Press hard enough to leave imprint but not so hard as to poke through the metal.

12. Flip aluminum piece over so that silver side is UP. Carefully trace INSIDE AND OUTSIDE each embossed line. You gotta go inside and outside each line to give it the most dimension.

13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 at least one or two more times.

14. Using paper blending stub (or cotton swab), rub recessed (chased) areas to remove stylus lines. It's sorta like erasing.

This is what the image looks like after 3 rounds of stylus work on front and back. I went ahead and did some freestyle stylus work on the sides and top to add more decoration.

15. Fold box along scored lines. Make certain the corners are going inward toward underside of box.

16. Turn box over and fold corners flush up against the sides. Fold tabs inward and down to secure corner flaps. Be careful when folding as the tabs can break (see the one on top).

17. IF DESIRED, you can apply alcohol ink to top and sides of box. Let dry. I think the box would look really neat if just left aluminum color or if "aged" with a black or patina wash.

18. Gently sand with emery board or sanding block if you want the image to stand out more.

19. FOR BOX BASE: Cut out and assemble box base, in same manner, and decorate with stylus work if desired. I didn't. I was lazy.

Here it is again!!

Thank you for taking the time to read my "lengthy" tutorial! Hope y'all enjoyed it! A big THANK YOU to my husband for photographing it all. <3



Ingredients:

Butterfly stamp - Bombshell Stamps (Butterfly Queen)
Adirondack alcohol ink- Ranger
StazOn ink
Aluminum drink can

Flutter by Little Butterfly

Today I was treated to a living lesson on resurrection...at least that's how I like to look at it.

I ventured outside to our back porch today despite the fact that it's overcast and threatening rain. Our privet hedge is in full bloom and is perfuming the air with such a delicately sweet fragrance it's almost like an instant sedative. The aroma just melts away all tension and imbues me with an overwhelming sense of...peace.

What's even more calming is the presence of butterflies...dozens of them. They're all flitting about the hedge in pursuit of nectar. They're EVERYWHERE. Beautiful little orange and black butterflies called Vanessa Atalanta or, more commonly, Red Admirals. I haven't seen so many butterflies on this hedge before. Ever.

Of course, whenever I look at butterflies, I start thinking about the incredible metamorphosis that takes place in their life cycle. They start out as mere caterpillars and then cocoon  themselves and emerge as...something else. Something new....something....GLORIOUS.

Sorta reminds me of The Resurrection. New hope. New beginnings.

Happy Easter!

...of Lace and Pearls

Hidy Ho, fellow crafty people! It's challenge time over at CCCC! This is Challenge #10. Wow, time flies. This week's challenge is "Pearls and Lace" and is sponsored by the talented folks at Sassy Studio!

It's a pretty straight-forward challenge--the projects have to have pearls and lace on them. Ya know... I'd like to see someone do an UBER masculine card with a construction worker or NASCAR driver or something that OOZES testosterone and incorporate pearls and lace on it. Wouldn't that be a challenge???

Anyway, I digress. Here is my card using their Victorian Beauty stamp. I cut the top flap of the card "short" so that the curved Nestability acts as the right edge of the face of the card with the pale patterned-paper interior peeking out the side.

I'd like to enter this in The Spotted Chick's --That's Krafty Thursday #60.


Ingredients:

Digital Image - "Victorian Beauty" by Sassy Studio
Nestability dies - Spellbinders (Label Ten)
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Patterned paper - Paper Studio
Cardstock - kraft and double-sided brown
pearls - Michaels
sentiment stamp - Studio112 by K&Co.
Distress Ink - Ranger