Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Make Gnome mistake.....

Hi there and welcome to Studio 5380!
I hope your day is going well for you.  Mine has been pretty productive - laundry finished (even folded and put away), sheets changed, bathroom clean and dinner cooking in the crock pot.  I love days like this - they don't happen often, but I love those rare occasions when it all seems to come together.

So, here's the down side of my day - I finished up a card last night and took my photographs this afternoon.  You know the old saying about how the camera never lies?  Well, my camera seems to be brutally honest!  This ever happen to you - you are really excited about a project, can't wait to complete it, feel somewhat accomplished while working on it, complete the project and go....oh, hmmm, not quite what I had in mine.  Yeah....me too.

I'm not looking for compliments here - just being honest about how I feel about this one.  I want so badly to master coloring with my Copic Markers.  Let's face it, I have a ton of money invested in these pricey little markers not to mention the cost of two classes.  I know I need to practice more, I know, I know, I know.  Anyway, I was super excited about this adorable image and while I still adore the image - not so much adoration on my coloring skills.  I'm going to share this with you today with the hope that with time (and practice, I know) future projects will show improvement.


So, this sweet image is from SugarPea Designs. The stamp set is called "Gnome Sweet Gnome".  I adore the images, I like my colors and paper choices.  I guess the biggest issue I have with my coloring is the whole blending thing.  Still just don't have a firm grasp on that particular skill. I also really need to remember to start with lighter colors and build up to the darker shades.


And, I will admit that while it's a darling little scene, it is also very detailed and probably not the perfect image for someone still learning the mysterious ways of Copic Markers!

Thanks for letting me share my project and for listening to me critique myself. I am hoping that publishing my projects (even though I don't love it) will help me see where I need to improve and motivate me to practice...I know, I know, I know.

Also, if you have any tips or techniques that you would like to share, please leave me a comment.  Thanks for stopping by today, see you soon!

20 comments:

  1. I do not see anything wrong with your coloring...AMAZING and so BEAUTIFUL!!!
    I LOVE it my friend!
    Have a wonderful day,
    Migdalia
    *Crafting With Creative M*

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  2. Your card is sooo STINKIN' CUTE Tanya, LOVE that sweet image!!! :)

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  3. I LOVE it Tanya, I think it looks GREAT. That is a really CUTE image :)

    Have a WONDERFUL day my friend!
    Shelly

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  4. I think it looks fabulous, Tanya!! I wish I had a smidgen of your coloring talent!! The image is so adorable!! Who would have thought a gnome and a chick would look so cute together??!! Love the paper you used, too!! Awesome my friend!! Have a great evening :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  5. Saw this on FB and has to run over and leave a comment. I just love the scene you have created.. C Too cute. You coloring as I said on FB is perfect.
    Have a creative day.
    Hugs Nana
    ♥ My Crafting Channel ♥
    ♥ Nana's Rag Quilts ♥
    ♥ 2 Creative Chicks ♥
    ♥ Silhouette Challenges ♥

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  6. What an adorable saying and card design.

    Hugs diane

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  7. I actually love your coloring..What a great job. The stamp set is so adorable..I have a question. What is the difference between copic markers and just markers or is there a difference? Please feel free to email me if you like...

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your sweet words Cheribear! I'm certainly no expect on Copic markers but will be happy to share the things I do know about them. First of all, they are alcohol based markers rather than water based as most other markers. The alcohol base makes Copics easier to blend. Water based markers tend to tear up your paper as you are coloring unlike the alcohol based Copics. Copics come in over 350 colors so you find many shades that don't exist with other brands. Copic markers are also refillable which is pretty economical - you don't have to throw the marker away and purchase a new one. The refills cost less than a single marker and will refill your Copic many, many times.
      Copic markers are an investment, but I started with just a few and have slowly added to my collection of around 200 markers. You can find bargains from online stores occasionally and I try to fill in my missing markers when I find a good deal.
      I hope I was able to help somewhat -have a great day!

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    2. Thank you for answering my question. I was so clueless. Are you talking about Stampin up that has that many colors,

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    3. I was referring to the Copic Markers range of colors - over 350!

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  8. I'm so sorry to have to disagree with you, Tanya, but this is adorable! I love it. The coloring is fabulous. Something I can't seem to do. Terrific job!

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  9. I absolutely adore your sweet little card. I happen to think you did a great job with your coloring!! I do not own any copic markers and am a little intimidated by the whole coloring thing, so I tend to stay away from it as much as possilbe...lol. I own a set of Stampin Up Markers and I use those when I need to color.

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  10. Why are you always so hard on yourself??? I LOVE everything you create... And that's the truth! You make amazing projects and your coloring is just fine... I left you a comment on facebook already.... but I read your post and felt I needed to add something to it! :o) I don't even own copic markers... I use Zig pens... and you know what I LIKE THEM!!! They may not get all the fancy coloring like a copic marker does... but I color just fine and SO DO YOU!!!! :o) OK... I'm stepping off the stool now and telling you as a friend... your card is wonderful and I love the image and coloring! HUGS!!! :o)

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  11. Well I think this looks fabulous! Great colouring! TFS

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  12. Tanya ~ REALLY???? Wellmy sweet and talented friend I thin you did an AMAZING job on coloring! You are a zillion times a zillion better than I will EVER be! HONEST!!! I think this card is DARLING! CUTE scene too! Again your posts cracks me up.. we won't even go into me buying these expensive markers, swearing to myself (1) I would not buy them unless I took classes ( HAHAHAHA lied to myself) (2) still purchasing them and rarely use them and still no classes taken! So my sweet friend ~ you again are amazing!

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  13. OMG! Now this is super cute!! Love it Tanya!!

    Susie

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  14. I think it looks great (as do ALL your projects!) I haven't taken the leap to try Copics because of the "pricey" tag attached to another addiction. You can master it for both of us! : )

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  15. You are being too hard on yourself... and mastering alcohol markers doesn't happen overnight. I use Promarkers and feel I can shade well, but I either start out with colors that are too dark, or don't allow myself enough space for multiple shades. I also over blend to the point that it annihilates the 3 shades and looks more like just 1 or 2. Its a fine line between blending while the ink is still wet and allow the ink time to blend naturally. Alcohol markers can also look different after they dry. Try keeping a notebook of favorite blends and practice the blending in different size shapes. I think you will have a lot more confidence that way then putting the internal pressure on yourself to color a stamped image. I assure you that it looks better than you think it does. No evidence of newbie coloring, like bleeding outside the lines and such. Just my 2 cents! Very cute card :-)

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  16. I think your card turned out super AWESOME!! Your coloring is GREAT and that image is CUTE!!!
    Such a fun card!!
    Keep up the GREAT work on your coloring!!!!

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  17. Well, I think it's pretty darn amazing!! We are all our own worst critics - but your blending here is perfect. You even did an incredible job creating woodgrain on the door!! Love it!

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