Learning to Use Color Pencils Using a Kit And Clowder On-lIne Class

I enjoy coloring with pencils, markers, crayons etc.   It is soothing and fun.   However, I have never taken any classes UNTIL NOW!   I wanted to learn more about blending, shading, and so much more.

First I want to share with you my class project so far, and then I will give you the link for the classes in case you want to sign up too.   Kit and Clowder has classes for both pencils and markers.   They have a conversion sheet so you can determine which color is needed for your project using the ones you have.   My pencils are Faber-Castell Polychromos brand, but there are many other options.

My fairy after the first video lesson (wings):

My fairy after the second video lesson (dress):

Kit and Clowder Website:   https://www.kitandclowder.com/
    If you sign up, please say that I (Mary Director) referred you.   It will give me a $5 AUD refund to my PayPal Account which converts today to about $3.50 USD.
   UPDATE:   12/23/2018   I just got my first referral.   Kit & Clowder refunded the $5 AUD not only to me but to the person who gave me as the referral!!!
   
Classes run about $15 USD a month with the digital image/digital stamp costing about $3 to $5 USD per month.    This month we also received a free class mid-month for being a member of class.    They have individual classes and monthly subscription.   The fairy above is the monthly subscription class.

There are also some free classes you can sign up for.   Don't miss out on those either.  

There are written directions and videos for the monthly classes.   The videos are easy to understand and loaded with wonderful directions and tips.    I play mine through my iPad so that I can watch it in my craft area and pause/go back/replay if needed.

I highly recommend this website and the classes.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today,
Mary

More Layered Butterflies - Kaleidoscope Dies

I have to share some additional photos with you of different color combinations.   So beautiful.  Click for full details on the Original Blog Post

I love being able to switch out the colors for these.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Layered Butterfly Card Using Kaleidoscope Die - Brave Enough to Fly

Oh my gosh, I received the most wonderful surprise gift the other day from my friend, Betty.   She gave me a set of Simply Defined dies called:

563205 Kaleidoscope, Brave Enough to Fly (set of 16 dies)
They are exclusive to Scrapbooking Made Simple
Video Tutorial by the company - starts at the 1 hour 10 min mark for these dies:
https://youtu.be/-PipAwWm_UE

These are very intricate dies so when I die cut them in my Gemini machine, I used "Quick Release Die Paper".

Thank you, Betty, for these beautiful dies.   I definitely will use them a great deal.

All 3 dies - each a different color of card stock (FSJ):
NOTE:  The sky is the limit on the color combinations you can use for these.

Green layer on top of the blue:

Pink layer on top of the green on top of the blue:

All 3 layers made into a card:

Each layer can be used alone or with one or two of the other layers.   The choice is yours.  The card edges can be adhered with 1/8" double sided tape, but I used liquid glue (fine tip applicator).

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Twisted Panel Pop-Up Christmas Cards ... Three Versions

Here are the close up photos of my three Christmas cards I made this week using the Karen Burniston Twisted Panel Pop-Up Die Set #1009.   Each photo set has a cover shot and one of the inside.   The chipboard items and the stickers are from Echo Park.  Card stock and printed paper is from FSJ.   I also did a YouTube video showing these 3 cards.  These cards will fit in an A2 envelope, but would require extra postage because they are thicker.

Card #1:

Card #2:

Card #3:

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Video Showing 3 Christmas Cards Using Twisted Panel Pop-Up Die Set

I am a BIG FAN of Karen Burniston's pop-up cards and dies.   Making them into Christmas cards was a MUST for me the last couple of days.   I made a video to showcase the 3 cards I just made.   Hope you enjoy it.



Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Christmas Cards Using Snowy Path Background Stamp - LOVE IT!

The minute I saw this stamp I knew I had to have it!!!  It was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!.   I was so excited to find it at Scrapbook.com

Scrapbook.com is here locally for me which is wonderful.   They only sell on-line, but now allow local pickup of orders.  If I choose local pickup, there is no charge for shipping!!!   That saves me so much money AND my dear husband never minds driving over there.   They carry so many different brands of products, it truly is a one stop shopping store for the crafter.

Here's the stamp ... Snowy Path made by Deep Red.   It is a cling, red rubber stamp so the details are amazing.

It is a large red rubber stamp which works beautifully on an A2 (5 1/2 x 4 1/4) size card.

I did 4 different versions using this stamp.   Each stamped image was done with a darker gray (not black) ink pad.   I did use FSJ River Stone for these images and it worked well.  All card stock, ribbon, ink, Journey Glaze, and Sparkle Dust (glitter) are from FSJ.

Unfortunately you can't see the glitter or Journey Glaze accents in my photos but the both add a WOW factor to the cards.

This cute little Scotty is from the Fiskars Stamp Set:  Barking Mad that I showed yesterday on my blog.   I accented the edges of the card with NUVO Embellishments Mousse which gives it a shiny, metallic edge.   Accents of Journey Glaze on the stamped image too.

 This stamped image was set behind a cutout to make it look like a framed photo.  Added a ribbon and bow at the base.   Accents of Journey Glaze on the stamped image too.

For this card, I added ribbon to the top and bottom then layered on the stamped image which had been accented with Journey Glaze.

This is a more simple card HOWEVER it is loaded with sparkles.   I put drops of Journey Glaze all over the cards, added Sparkle Dust and let dry.   Shook off excess.   No matter what angle you are looking, the card sparkles and shines.   

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Clear Stamps From Fiskars - Cats Colored with Zig Real Brush Pens

With coupons in hand, we went to our local craft store the other day.  When I saw these darling cats and dogs stamp sets, I knew they had to come home with me.   Having two coupons that were each 60% off sealed the deal.

These are from Fiskars and are clear stamps.   Some of the solid images have a slight line in them from the cover sheet that does show up a bit in stamping.   I really got the stamps for the images that could be colored in and only paid $4 a set, so not a major issue for me.   Both sets though had the same issue with the small solid pets.

First I will show you what I colored in using the Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens:

I really like all the detail on the full cat.   Think both images will make cute cards.

Here are the Fiskars Stamp Sets:

Friends Furever

Barking Mad

The little Scotty dog will be on a Christmas card tomorrow here on my blog.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Images From Wonderful Day Stamp Set Colored with Zig Real Brush Pens

Although the Wonderful Day Stamp Set (FSJ) has retired, it is still one of my favorites to stamp and color in.   I used my Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils to do the coloring of these flowers.   I probably will fussy cut these out and use on a card.  Although, I do like them like this too ... maybe just add in a sentiment.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Coloring With Zig Real Brush Pens and Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils

This card uses both Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens (the deepest color flower) and Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils(other flowers & leaves).  It was interesting to watch the coloring of the flowers as they came to life.   The Zigs give a deep rich bold color in this instance.  I actually like the two coloring mediums together.   A nice contrast of colors and technique.

Dahlia Burst Stamp & Die Set and card stock are from Fun Stampers Journey.

This card could be used for any occasion. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Rustic Wedding Die Set - Lace Heart

I am a big fan of intricate dies, and Crafter's Companion has quite a few.  I got this set from HSN on craft day a couple weeks ago.   This is is the Rustic Wedding Lace Heart Metal Die Set that is part of the Signature Collection by Sara Davies.

The card stock and pearls are from FSJ.   The Hello & Butterflies are also Crafter's Companion products.  They are from the Create-a-Card Butterflies Accessories Pack Die Set.

I had so much fun creating this card, that I had to make another.   This one uses the same die set, but I used Spectrum Noir Metallic Markers (Crafter's Companion) over one of the hearts to add a bit of shine to it.   The heart on the left has the metallic green over the top. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Spinner Square Pop-Up Die Set

Another Karen Burniston die set to share with you today.   This one is the 1042 - Spinner Square Pop-up Die Set.   Karen really does an amazing job on explaining how to put these die sets together to create the cards.   There are so many to choose from on her website. 

The photo below is of the die set that I purchased.

Card stock is from FSJ.   Butterflies, flowers, and sentiment dies are from Crafter's Companion.  It is called Create-a-Card Butterflies Accessories Pack.   I did make this a window card for the front. 

Starting to open the card.

Opening just a bit more.  See the small blue piece starting to peek out?

When the card is fully opened the small blue piece pops out. 

Karen's step by step video tutorial on how to assemble this die set is:
https://youtu.be/lhDIOvEK3k0

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Twist Panel Pop-up Card

One of my favorite designer is Karen Burniston.   She has such a wide variety of dies and unique styles for the cards they create.   I have two of her dies.   Today I wanted to showcase the 1009 - Twist Panel Pop-Up Card Die Set.   This is a photo of the die set.   Each of her dies have step by step videos on her website.

This card is a top fold card.   Card stock, printed paper, ink, and stamps are from FSJ.   Card base with top fold shown below.

This shows the insert and the twist panel as the card is being opened.

This is the twist panel (inside of the card) fully opened but not yet decorated.

FSJ Stamp Set is Dandelion Wishes SS-0497 from FSJ.    This is the card front.

This is the inside of the card with layers and stamped images.

This card is an A2 (4.25 x 5 1/2") but is a bit thicker so may require additional postage.   If a "belly band" is put over it, it would help keep it flatter for mailing.

The twist panel moves so smoothly.   I can't wait to make more.   Here's the direct link to the video tutorial for this specific die:   https://youtu.be/BuNlkY3x4t0

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Peacock Card

Crafter's Companion has a magazine** that comes out every two to three months.   I just discovered that it is sold at Barnes & Noble and JoAnn Fabrics.   What was interesting is the Barnes and Noble had the latest edition (Christmas - #20) and JoAnn Fabrics had the issue that was two back (#18) but none of the current.   Neither store had issue #19.     The peacock and leaves are from issue #18.  

This card is a single layer ... stamped images that were colored in with Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens (found the best deal on them on Amazon).   I embellished the card with FSJ Rainbow Drops.    The Zig pens worked well on the FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock.   I used the pens directly without water.   If I had used water with them or done more intense coloring, then I think  using watercolor card stock would of been a better choice.

This card was for a personal note for a friend, so I didn't put any sentiment on the front.

** Magazine is published in the UK, so measurements are not in inches.   Also contests and giveaways in the magazine are restricted to those in the UK only.   I like the magazine.  It comes with a number of freebies.   I don't think I would purchase it all the time, but it was fun to get and see all the ideas they have inside the magazine.   NOTE:   Magazine is is a box style envelope not in a clear plastic wrap like so many craft magazines.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Noel Christmas Card - Zigs Real Brush Pens and Crafter's Companion Stamp Set Used

This card was created using a stamp set that was included in the Crafter's Companion Magazine Issue #20 (Christmas Issue - I found mine at my local Barnes and Noble).  JoAnn Fabrics only had Issue #18 (coupons not allowed on magazine there).  

I am having so much fun creating with my Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   They are so easy to work with and blend beautifully using the Bristol Smooth Surface card stock I told you about yesterday. 

Hope you find the photo of the Zigs Real Brush Pens (colors I used) helpful.   It helps me remember what I used too if I decide to recreate the card or one similar.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Creating with Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens - Cardstock Comparison

I have been a big fan of Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens for quite a while.   About a year ago I sold my set as I was being brand loyal and building my FSJ business.   When FSJ changed their platform (no longer direct sales), I knew it was time to purchase another set of the Zigs Real Brush Pens.

On one of the message boards we were having a discussion on which card stock works best.  I used my pens a number of different ways and honestly didn't see a huge difference whether I used FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock OR FSJ Color Splash (watercolor paper) when I used the pens direct to paper.   HOWEVER if I used the pen on an acrylic block, then added water to that color and then used a paint brush to my stamped image, there was a big difference.    I do like the look and the distinct colors of the Zigs direct to card stock.

BE SURE to read all the way to the bottom as I did an additional comparison using Bristol Smoth Surface paper.  

Each person needs to decide which works best for them, and go with that.   The point is to have fun and be creative.   Stamped image is a stamp from Crafter's Companion.   Here's my samples:

These are colors I used on all of the butterflies.   I did also used a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen on the body of the butterfly.

FSJ Color Splash Paper - Used Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.

FSJ Color Splash Paper - Used Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.   Then I took a wet paintbrush over the areas.    It muted the colors.   Both the 1st & 2nd butterfly were colored identically except for the addition of water in the 2nd one.   Personally I like the first one better.

In this photo, I used FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock with the Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.  For me, it was just as easy to use this paper as the watercolor paper.   Both allowed me to put the colors on smoothly and neither soaked through to the back.

I didn't stamp out the butterfly for this one.  
I used Whip Cream Card Stock.   I put some of the pen color on an acrylic block.  Using a wet brush added paper to the color and mixed.   Next added to my paper and blended two colors together.   The one on the left is the deeper tones of the butterfly .. the one on the right is the two softer tones. 

 Today, I learned about that the paper/card stock you use can really make a difference in the ability to blend smoothly.   I purchased Strathmore Bristol Smooth Surface paper pad.   It has 20 sheets, is 9 x 12 and can be found in most craft stores in the art section.  Be sure to get the "smooth surface" one.  Here's what the paper pad looks like:

For this butterfly I used the same color combinations as above.   The only difference is that this one is done on the Bristol Smooth Surface Paper. 

It really was much easier to blend the colors using the Bristol paper.   It is like the color sets on top of the paper as you blend it in.  

I decided I wanted to try it in another set of colors using the Bristol paper:

If you decide to purchase the Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens, be sure to do some price comparisons before buying.   Depending on which store you decided to get them from, there can be a HUGE difference in price.   Amazon was the only one that I found the sets of 80 and 90.   If you order from them, my suggestion is to order and "double check" that Amazon is the one fulfilling the order.   With Amazon fulfills the order, you know you will get it quickly.   Some of the sellers ship from outside of the US so could take a few weeks.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary