The New Collection is Almost Here!

Gorjuss in her Spring and Summer Fun!

Dyan Reaveley Oh-So Vibrant spray is Here!

Create backgrounds on cards, scrapbook and journal pages, and in mixed media art projects. !

Cutters Dies!

From our favorite stamp company..WOJ, CC Designs and My Favorite Things!

Enjoy another great release from My Favorite Things!

Pure Innocence, Mouse in the House, Clearly Sentimental, A la Modes and Die-namics.

The one and only Henry the Mouse!

Fun, Upbeat and Animated designs perfect for traditional and classic styles!

Join the Fun!


Commenting Giveaway Alert: This week we will draw a name from all the comments left on this week's new posts and give away a $5 gift certificate! The more posts you comment on, the more chances you have to win.


11/30/10

Tuesday Tips and Tricks

Before we get to today's Tips and Tricks, I want to announce our winner from the Christmas Blog Hop. The winner of the goody pack of Copic markers is. . . KERRY!!!

Kerry said...I love COPICs -- my favorite! Love the puppy - so very cute and wonderful card. Thanks for sharing. I did become a follower. I'll be back!

Congratulations Kerry! Please email me at samantha@spandcompany.com with your mailing info so I can get your prize mailed out to you.


Now, let's start today's Tips and Tricks lesson.

Today, I want to talk to you about airbrushing! Airbrushing is one of my new Copic loves so today, we're just going to cover some of the basics.

Airbrushing with Copic markers can be done with the Copic Original Markers and the Copic Sketch Markers. There is a special holder that easily fits these two varieties of markers. Since the Copic Ciao markers are a little smaller than the Sketh, they do not fit inside the holder without wiggling (unless you adapt your holder, which I will cover in another Tips and Tricks segment in the future).

If you want to airbrush, there are some supplies you will need besides your Copic Markers. You will need an Airbrush System for Copics, which are referred to as ABS. There are three different systems to choose from and there are pro's and con's about each system. You can find all three systems available in the iCopic store.

ABS systems are basically a holder, a connection tube, and a form of compressed air. The ABS systems are numbered based on what type of compressed air they use:

ABS1
This is the mid-range system, because it uses the larger air cans.
If you want our complete, most cost-effective system without buying a compressor, then you should get the ABS 1. This lets you use our larger, more efficient Aircan 80 and Aircan 180.
Pro: Cheapest unit without a compressor, larger aircans last quite a while before you need to replace them.
Con: You're still throwing away an aircan. After you've gone through 5 of the large aircans you really should start looking at getting a compressor.

ABS2
This is the most affordable system, but it only works with the smallest air cans, which means they don't last very long.

If you just want to try airbrushing before jumping into a larger system or you need a really portable system without much fuss, use the ABS-2. Uses Aircan D60, which hooks directly into the air grip.
Pro: This gets you started with our smallest, most basic system.
Con: The Aircan D60's don't hold much air and just when you figure out how cool it is it runs out. This can be an expensive way to airbrush.

ABS3
This is the most expensive of the three systems, because rather than using air cans, you are using an air compressor. This is the system I have (and I will explain my reasoning at the end).

If you already own a compressor, then use the ABS 3 set. You’ll need to get an adaptor to match your air compressor to our 1/8 inch hose fitting. This set-up will work with almost any compressor that can go between 40 & 60 psi, as long as you can match the hose fitting.
Pro: Never buy another can of air
Con: Compressors come in all sizes, costs, and levels of noisiness and they can be pricey. Choose a compressor carefully since it is a long-term investment.


Like I mentioned above, as a Copic lover, I went with the ABS3. For me, it was about the cost over time and the ease of use. If you plan on airbrushing a lot, then ABS3 is probably the best system for you because you won't have to keep purchasing air cans and running out of air. With an air compressor, you always have air as long as the compressor is functioning. Air cans are convenient and relatively cheap, but they don't last long, and you cannot use them over extended periods of time because the can starts to get cold. I didn't even want to consider the air can systems because to me, that screamed high maintenance and I want my crafting to be as easy as possible. I am also a very impatient person so the thought of having to wait for my air can to warm back up didn't sound like something I would enjoy! :O)

When choosing an airbrush system, it is important to weigh the options and choose which system works best for your situation.  I will be sharing some more airbrushing projects, videos, and tips with you in the future.

11/23/10

Kickin' Off Christmas Blog Hop

Hello everyone!! If you are blog hopping today, you should be arriving from Donna's Blog. Welcome to your next stop on the Kickin' Off Christmas Blog Hop. If for any reason you get lost on the blog hop, all of the blogs are listed in order at the blog hop facebook page by clicking here.

iCopic is so glad to be a part of the Kickin' Off Christmas Blog Hop and really hope that you will check out our Design Team Call that was posted yesterday (Click here!). iCopic is the #1 internet retailer of Copic markers and has a great variety of stamping products also. We will be announcing our very own design team January 1st and we hope that you will check back regularly to see what we have to offer you.

Here is a lovely project made by our design team leader, Samantha. She is also the owner of SP and Company and is your last stop on the blog hop. This adorable card and cocoa gift box would be a great gift for co-workers or children's teachers. It is just a little happy gift!

The dog on the card is from the SP & Company - Christmas Emma Stamp Set.
 It was colored in with Copic markers in the following colors: C1, C3, C7, R27, R29, E31, and B02. The E31 was used for airbrushing the background (more on airbrushing coming very soon!)

The sentiment is from the SP & Company - Ultimate Sentiments I Stamp Set.

And the Merry Christmas pattern was made using the Chomas Creations Gel Pen holder and the Cricut Expression. The shape drawn is from the Cricut Simply Sweet cartridge.

The directions for this goody bag will be available this weekend from Samantha. The template she designed holds 4 packs of hot cocoa mix perfectly in a cello bag.

I hope you enjoyed our project for you! To show our appreciation for you stopping by, we have a special giveaway!!

One lucky blog hopper will receive a little Copic Marker variety pack! In order to be eligible for the prize, please become a follower here and leave a comment below!  This giveaway will end on Wednesday at midnight EST.
(the ones shown below are not necessarily the colors in the prize pack, it is just a sampling of Copics.).

Thank you for stopping by! The next stop on your hop is Maria's blog.

11/22/10

An iCopic.com FIRST!! Design Team Call!


Hey everyone!! Samantha here and I am soooooo glad that Ashley finally gave me the go ahead for something we have been working on behind the scenes: THE FIRST EVER iCOPIC design team call!! That is right, fellow Copic lovers, we want YOU to try out for our first ever design team! I look forward to seeing your best work! Full details are below and please click on the image to zoom in.




www.blog.icopic.com

www.icopic.com

11/19/10

iCopic's Showroom Coming Soon!



2 post in one day, what happening over here? A lot of changes!

Our holiday season is a bit more chaotic then normal as we must let you in on a little secret; we’ve started demolition for a retail/showroom in Fountain Valley, CA! Over the years, we’ve received so many requests from our local customers inquiring about our so many items from our extensive line of Copic products as well as the newer additions to our product line. We’re very excited at the progress thus far and will keep everyone up to date as we get closer to a Grand Opening, which will be very soon hopefully!








I, Ashley, attended my first stamping party last night which was hosted by Arlene Stokes (Irvine, CA). Arlene was fabulous and extremely talented and I can't wait to do this again next month. Hopefully I won't be to addicted to Stampin' Up as I have seen the damage it does to people wallet..haha. Also, a big Thanks to Cindy for inviting me to such a fun event and lending a hand to this beginner.










ICOPIC'S COLOR CHALLENGE #8!

In a few short days Thanksgiving will come and the madness of shopping for the holidays will follow. Somewhere in between I always make time for one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, DECORATING! Sure, untangling lights, unwrapping ornaments and assembling a tree is time consuming and hard work, but the end result has always been worth it. So for our next Color Challenge, include a Christmas Ornament in your creation with our color combination. We hope this won’t be too much of a challenge and hope you find inspiration all around as the variations of ornaments are almost unlimited!

Now on to our challenge 7th, I was a bit sad to see so little submissions but it is getting near to Thanksgiving & Xmas and I guess everyone is over there head with planning. Either way we want to thank everyone who submitted an entry to our challenge. We wish we could make everyone a winner, so in the spirit of giving, we decided to do just that. In appreciation of your time and support of our Blog challenges, all other entries to challenge 7 will receive a small gift towards your next purchase at our iCopic.com store.
Congratulations to our Challenge 7 winner Michelle #1!

To enter, follow these easy steps:
1. Become a follower of our blog, if you aren’t already.
2. Post your original creation with your entry and the link back to iCopic's Color Challenge on your blog. You can make ANY type of project that includes the use of Copics: greeting card, scrapbook page, altered art, 3D project, illustration, etc. Anything goes as long as Copics are used!
3. The colors need to be as close to the challenge’s color theme as possible.
The challenge starts Friday, November 19th 2010 and will end on Tuesday, November 30th 2010. The winner will be chosen by the True Random Number Generator.





11/9/10

Tuesday Tips and Tricks #3

Hello everyone!



Today, I want to give you a SECRET for blending! This is one of the biggest and best tips you will ever get about Copic Markers. . . are you ready?

LIGHTER blends out DARKER!
Some of you might already know this useful tip, but this is absolutely fundamental to any Copic use. What I mean but this is, when blending two colors together, you need to do your blending with the lighter color you are using.

This tip can also come in handy when you are trying to add a highlight to an area AND when an area on your project turns out darker than you intend.

Let's look at an example. This cute little gingerbread man stamp is available in the iCopic store TODAY  SP & Company - Cutest Gingerbread Man Stamp Set.


For coloring his little cheeks, I used this tip: LIGHTER blends out DARKER!. I colored in the cheeks originally with RV04, thinking it would match the adhesive pearls I used to accent the gingerbread man. Well it came out way too bright, so I went over it with RV02, which is lighter.

The result was a tint in between the two tints of pink! and Voila, the cheeks match the adhesive pearls!

I colored in the rest of the gingerbread man with E33, E35, and E29.  E29 was used for the darker accent areas, since it is a darker brown.

Here is a photo of my finished layout! Notice the decorative stitching around the edges? That stitch work is actually FAKE!! It was made by a stamp from the SP & Company - Stitchery Doo Stamp Set which is now available in the store.

11/2/10

ICOPIC'S COLOR CHALLENGE #7!

Yes! I know I’m LATE posting our challenge!! What else is new, right! LOL!

So much to do, so little time.

51. The number of days until Christmas Eve! Ah I can feel the chaos, excitement and anticipation this holiday season, and every holiday season, brings on. So I've decided that for Challenge number 7, we'd take it easy on you guys, not entire easy, but easy. Challenge 7 submissions must include a good Ol' Christmas Tree along with the use of the challenge colors.

Also, thank you to those who participated in Challenge 6. Our lucky winner is Mari K. number 6!

So remember to get started early as 51 may seem like a big number now, but before you know it, you'll be down to 1.

Good luck!
To enter, follow these easy steps:
1. Become a follower of our blog, if you aren’t already.
2. Post your original creation with your entry and the link back to iCopic's Color Challenge on your blog. You can make ANY type of project that includes the use of Copics: greeting card, scrapbook page, altered art, 3D project, illustration, etc. Anything goes as long as Copics are used!
3. The colors need to be as close to the challenge’s color theme as possible.
The challenge starts Tuesday, November 2nd and will end on Sunday, November 14th. The winner will be chosen by the True Random Number Generator.






Here is a little inspiration for you.
The tree was colored in with Copic colors G94 and YG67. The star was accented with Y38.




iCopic Tuesday Tips and Tricks #2

Hi everyone!!

Here's another installment of Tuesday Tips and Tricks!

Today, I wanted to give you a list of Copic Colors that I would start with. I get asked by beginners all the time about what colors to get when first starting out with Copics.

Everyone has to start somewhere and I recommend starting slow and building your collection. I have compiled a good list to get you started with some of the basic colors that I use pretty often. I have all the Copic Ciao markers and a handful of Copic Sketch markers, but I started small.

If you like to color in people images, I would recommend that you get these first:

For Fair Skin
  • E00
  • E02
For Tan Skin and Lighter Brown Hair
  • E33
  • E35
  • E37
For Blonde Hair
  • Y11
  • Y15

For some basic everyday colors, I would recommend these first:

For blues:
  • B00
  • B02
  • B95
  • B97
For reds
  • R27
  • R29
For pinks
  • RV21
  • RV23
  • RV29
For greens
  • YG03
  • YG11
  • G05
  • G07
For shadows
  • C1
  • C3
  • W1
  • W3

I hope that gives you some information that will help you start your collection. If you are an experienced Copic user, please leave a comment with some colors that you use all the time so we can see.

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