A few Copic Basics to get you started

Let's start with the letters that are on each of the Copic markers.
These letters tell you which "Color Family" each marker belongs to.

B = Blue
BG = Blue Green
BV = Blue Violet
G = Green
YG = Yellow Green
Y = Yellow
YR = Yellow Red
R = Red
RV = Red Violet
V = Violet
E = Earth
C = Cool Gray
N = Neutral Gray
T = Toner Gray
W = Warm Gray


Next comes the numbers, which represents the variation or "Saturation" of gray colors in each marker as well as how light it is within that variation. The first number focuses on the variation... you will get more vibrant tones with the lower number and more dull tones with the higher numbers. The second number focuses on how light or dark the marker is going to be... 0 being very light (hightlights) and 9 being dark (shadows).

For easy and natural blending (and less thinking on your part) select a color that you like and choose 2 markers that start with the same letter and same first number as that marker but end with digits that are off by 3 (2-3 is recommended) either way of your selected marker.
SO... let's say you really like to use B26. I would recommend trying out B23 and B29. Then to "grow" your natural blending color family, just change the letter of your marker and stay 2-3 digits within the same as your selected marker. For this, I recommend using the 322 Copic Color Wheel as a guide and selecting colors that compliment your selected marker. In other words, select colors that are near each other on the color wheel, instead of opposite of each other (if you are looking for easy selections and less thinking on your part).

The next big question I get asked is... "What is the difference between the markers?!"
Well, I know three of the four markers... Copic (original), Sketch, and Ciao. Then there's the Wide, but I am not as familiar with this one as I am with the other three (not that I'm all that familiar with the other three to begin with!)
Copics markers are alcohol-based, allowing for easy and permanent blending on paper and other surfaces such as plastic, wood, fabrics (not wearables), etc. When coloring on shiny surfaces such as glass or ceramic, you need to seal your finished work with a sealant that is alcohol free.

All three markers have different tips on both ends and they are refillable. The Copic and the Sketch markers have replaceable nibs but only the Copic markers have the following optional nibs: Calligraphy 5mm and 3mm, Brush, Round, Standard Broad, Semi Broad, Soft Broad, Standard Fine, and Super Fine. The Sketch and the Ciao have the Super Brush and the Medium Broad nibs that the Copic marker does not offer. Depending on what you are coloring on, Copic will hold the most ink, so it will last the longest of the three. Sketch holds more ink than the Ciao.

I hope this helped a little. Please know that I am still learning about these fabulous markers myself. If you know of any information on this that I need to correct or you would like to add to, please let me know! I am going to learn more about them this Saturday when I go to CHA Winter and take Marianne's Copic class. Believe me, I am counting the days!! :)

I will post a quick sample of how I like to blend with my Copics so stay tuned!

Hip Hop Thursday!

Hip Hop!

I got around to completing a Hip Hop "I {Heart} Unity" challenge that Jeanne S. hosted earlier today. The requirements: "Make a card using Unity Stamps with a hearts (image, patterned paper, embellishments, whatever)."

A couple of other challenges I met with this card:
Color Challenge #201 (CC201) - Not Quite Navy, Kraft, and Baja Breeze
Sketch Challenge #211 (SC211)
Whoopsie Daisy Gallery



Stamps: Birds of a Feather (Unity)
Paper: Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Whisper White Craft, Kraft
Accessories: Copic Markers, sponge daubers, heart punch (SU), Cuttlebug embossing folders (With Love, Swiss Dots), stampin' dimensionals
Techniques: embossing, distressing


Ready to Hip Hop around with me?


You can go from blog to blog by following the link from each blog or, if you don't have a lot of time and need to come back from time to time, here are the direct links!

Enjoy!

Unity Stamp Company Blog
Sherry
Heather M.
Natalie
Jeanne
AJ
Renee
Maren
Brooke
Patter
Anne-Marie
Robyn
Lynn
Jennifer
Linsey
Chelsea
Wendy
Christi
Laura
Heather B.
Amber
Jen
Jimmi

So hip hop over to these fabulous blogs out if you have some time and don't forget to leave some love for them!

Monday's Fun Day!!

I have a winner for last week's Monday's Fun Day!



Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: 3
Timestamp: 2009-01-13 07:23:02 UTC





Oh!! Jana!! Congrats, girl! I hope you can use the chalk! :)





So is everyone ready for another Monday's Fun Day giveaway from Memories Live On?
How about some love for Unity?






What could be in that pretty little bag?











Isn't it just the sweetest image?

Leave me a comment here about your favorite Unity stamp set and have your name put in for a chance to win this Unity stamp and Memento Dew Drop!

You can view Unity stamps HERE.
You can also view Angela Magnuson's Unity Stamp Company Blog HERE!

Speaking of which...

Happy Birthday, Angela!!!


Hugs,

Updates from Memories Live On!

Hi there! I have a few updates to share with you from Memories Live On.

Check out these classes!


Teddy Bear Chipboard album



This is SO darn cute in person!!

Holly's style comes to "bear" in this Valentine's themed chipboard album featuring K&Company's Sweet Talk collection. One perk of this class is that the papers come pre-cut to the shape of the bear (we do this with our Klik-n-Kut) so the most tedious part about doing this type of album is done for you!

Beginner Scrapbook Layout class

Create 3 two-page layouts featuring neutral tones of cream, browns and blacks. The class will focus on using paper in a variety of ways to create embellishments and each two-page layout will present a different page map so you will leave with more ideas about how to set up a page. This is the first installment of the beginner level classes.

10 Things I Love...Mini-album



Make a clean-line and simple mini-album with Lisa. Each page offers ideas for adding tags, pockets, and other flip-up details that you can use on your own future projects. You can easily personalize the album once you get home.


Loves me, Loves me not Interactive Album



Spin the spinner and see where it lands! Every page in this unique album has a different secret place for love notes and/or pictures. Cory has created this amazing album using Basic Grey "Bittersweet" paper, stickers and rub-ons.

Here are a couple of sneak peeks to the album that I took...




January Kit of the Month!
Valentine's Candy Box



KT headlines our Kit of the Month again with an easy to make Valentine's box. Each kit comes with instructions and materials for two boxes.



I will be posting my cards for February's class in the next few days, so stay tuned!

Hip Hop Thursday!

This is actually a day late but thought I had such a fabulous time "hip hoppin'" last night that I just had to share with you some of the fun I had!

Here are the Unity HIP HOP links!

Whateva (Brooke)
Inky Paws (Jeanne)
Pieces of Me (Lynn)
The Buck Stamps Here (Jennifer)
Stamping when I'm not Working (Sherry)
The Willow Garden (AJ)
In My Thoughts (Heather B)
Dougnat Diaries (Natalie)
Chelsea Cook's Creations (Chelsea)
Just Me (Anne-Marie)
Triple the Scraps (Patter)
Stamping & Shopping (Jimmi)
The Stamping Scrapbooker (Amber)
Outside The Lines (Linsey)
She's Gone Crafty (Wendy)
Zany Not Crazy (Maren)
shut up! it's true! (Jen)
Laura LooLoo (Laura)
Altered Ambitions (Christi)
Here By Grace (Robyn)
It is what it is (Renee)

The other day, I made this card using one of my favorite Unity stamp set, Birds of a Feather

"Love is in the Air"


The sketch is from Unity Sketch Challenge Week 8
I paper pieced the bird and the acorns for Gina K's Challenge (Day 7)
I also used silver brads for the "Ringing in the New Year" challenge.


Stamps: Birds of a Feather
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Flirty (Bo Bunny)
Ink: Black Tuxedo (Memento), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Silver brads, Marvy Giga Oval, sponge daubers, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Pop-up glue dots


First, I stamped on some cute Bo Bunny paper called "Flirty". I stamped my bird over the hearts.



Then I stamped the entire image on Whisper White cardstock and twice on scraps of coordinating scrapbook paper for the acorns. Here you can see I paperpieced the acorns.


Then I cut all around the bird and acorns. I have received a few emails asking how I cut out such small images. Besides coloring, I love to cut. I have found that a good pair of very sharp scissors with the precision tips or super sharp tips are essential for getting into tiny grooves. Another tip is to learn to work with the other hand as you cut... move the paper as you cut.
Here are a few pictures I took as I cut out this image.











OMG!! Stephanie just let me know that this card is featured on the Unity blog today!!
You can view it here!

Thank you, Angela! What an honor to have my card up on your blog! Even more so is to have this card displayed at Unity's booth at CHA Winter 2009! Woo hoo!

HIP HOP!!

The Stampin' Up! Retiring accessories list is up! How about a SU Inventory Blowout?

Unlike the retiring stamp sets, the retiring accessories list is basically, "First come, first served". What this means is that the status of any retiring product on this list may quickly change to "No Longer Available" at any time! If you see anything on this list that you want, please email me right away and place an order! It's not guaranteed that it will be available when you do place your order, but the longer you procrastinate, the bigger the chance that it will not be available.

Here's the most recently updated list as of 5:45pm, January 9th.


111377
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782
ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12
Not Available!
104188
ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384
ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516
ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381
ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
Not Available!
103977
BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978
BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981
BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446
BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445
BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604
DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174
DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
Not available!
112462
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
Not Available!
111355
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963
ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523
ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104
ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298
ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695
ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115
ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372
METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925
ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190
ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180
ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086
ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923
PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
Not Available!
104942
PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
Not Available!
104943
PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273
PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389
PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391
PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE
Not Available!
104830
RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829
RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828
RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831
RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037
RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282
RUB ON ANCHORED
111806
RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805
RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417
RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283
RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
Not Available!
112043
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
Not Available!
112016
SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647
STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813
WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

Retiring Wheels

107212
MATEYS MAP
106749
BRIGHT BULBS
109672
BRONCO
No longer available!
104100
MAKING TRACKS
108978
SANDY SHELLS
110332
SNOW
101233
SNOWFLAKE
109694
SWEET STARS
111249
TAKE A NUMBER
*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.



INVENTORY BLOWOUT!!
NOW UNTIL JANUARY 18th!!

From the Fall / Winter 2008 Ideas Book & Catalog:
109190 pg. 180 On Board 9" x 9" clipboard $7.95 - now $5.99
107925 pg. 181 On Board Bitty Book $9.95 - now $6.99
105384 pg. 183 Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Linen Post album $19.95 - now $14.99
105381 pg. 183 Real Red 6" x 6" Linen Post album $19.95 - now $14.99 ** Not available **
103977 pg. 187 Bold Bright buttons $6.95 - now $4.99
104389 pg. 188 Double Circle punch $5.95 - now $4.49
114447 pg. n/a Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit $49.95 - now $24.98

From the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:
109013 pg. 163 Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Pad $5.25 - now $3.99
109012 pg 163 Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Pad $5.25 - now $3.99
109011 pg. 163 Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Pad $5.25 - now $3.99
109010 pg. 163 River Rock Classic Stampin' Pad $5.25 - now $3.99
109009 pg . 163 Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad $5.25 - now $3.99
109014 pg. 163 Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad $5.25 - now $3.99
109179 pg. 178 On Board Ginormous Pieces $14.95 - now $10.99
109189 pg. 190 Beachfront Ribbon Originals $12.95 - now $7.99
109187 pg. 190 District Ribbon Originals $12.95 - now $7.99
109188 pg. 190 Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals $12.95 - now $8.49
109185 pg. 190 Jersey Ribbon Originals $12.95 - now $8.99
109184 pg. 190 Sherbet Ribbon Originals $12.95 - now $8.99
109186 pg. 190 Theater Ribbon Originals $12.95 - now $8.49
109062 pg. 191 River Rock double-stitched ribbon $8.95 - now $6.49
110716 pg. 191 Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon $7.95 - now $5.49


Current products appearing in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog:
111349 pg. 162 Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" x 11" card stock $5.50 - now $4.49
111345 pg. 162 In Color (2008-2009) 12" x 12" textured card stock $11.95 - now $8.99
109110 pg. 185 Fire Circle Rhinestone brads $10.95 - now $7.99
109112 pg. 185 Fire Square Rhinestone brads $10.95 - now $7.99
109113 pg. 185 Ice Square Rhinestone brads $10.95 - now $7.99
111325 pg. 185 Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware $29.95 - now $22.49
112454 pg. 185 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware $29.95 - now $22.49
113451 pg. n/a 20th Anniversary Embosslits die 11.95 - now $9.49


Items and special pricing are limited supply.
Retired/previously retired items will be sold until quantities run out.
Current items may revert to their retail price if inventory levels become acceptable

Pictures from the store - Monday's Fun Day!

Look at what's new at Memories Live On!

Unity is in the house!







Ribbons, punches, and more... oh my!





Pink Bind-It-Alls!



Here's a onesie that I stamped on and filled the little frog in with Sakura "3-D Crystal Color Lacquer - Glitter Primary (Green)".



Love the newest paper!



Love is in the air!










Now for Monday's Fun Day!!



That's right! Not one, but TWO sets of chalk!
It's amazing what you can do with chalk!
Stay tuned this week for a quick and fun "Chalkboard technique" tutorial!

To have a chance to win this awesome package, just post here and let me know what your favorite coloring technique is. For example, I love my Copic markers! I probably use those markers to color with more than anything else I own right now.

Speaking of which, how about a tutorial using Copic markers? Come back and I will have one posted for your viewing pleasure!

Have one terrific week everyone!

Updates from Memories Lives On and the latest Monday's Fun Day winner!

We hope everyone had a fun and relaxing holiday season! 2009 is upon us and our New Year's resolution is to bring you even more variety in classes techniques and events this year than last and to provide even more samples and ideas for your inspiration. To that end, we are adding more teachers to our monthly class schedule to increase the range of styles and techniques offered at our store. We also now have a design team made up of very versatile and creative crafters who will be designing layouts, cards, and other paper crafts projects that will spark your creativity. And KT continues to provide tips, hints, and project ideas in the "FYI: For Your Inspiration" section of the store.
If your new year's resolutions include keeping on top of all your scrapbooking and card-giving events then come on over; we'll always be here to help!

Happy Chinese "Moo" Year

January 26, 2009
2009 is the year of the Ox. In celebration, we have put together a little Chinese New Year area highlighting some Chinese-themed papers and embellishments that will be perfect for cards. Plus we will soon be offering two items that are exclusive to MLO: A Chinese "Moo" Year Stamp and a fancy cow die cut. If you're looking for more than the Chinatown red envelope, stop on by and let us help you create something special.

January Classes

Wow! 3D Valentine's Day Projects
These WOW! PROJECTS include a gold wire heart strung with heads and ribbons, a HUGS AND KISSES gift box using our new line of JustRite custom stamps, a GHIRARDELLI Chocolate V-Day card, and one other unique candy holder.
There are only four spaces left for KT's Valentine's classes on January 18th.

Create 3 two-page layouts featuring neutral tones of cream, browns and blacks. The class will focus on using paper in a variety of ways to create embellishments and each two-page layout will present a different page map so you will leave with more ideas about how to set up a page. This is the first installment of the beginner level classes.

10 Things I Love...Mini-album
Make a clean-line and simple mini-album with Lisa. Each page offers ideas for adding tags, pockets, and other flip-up details that you can use on your own future projects. You can easily personalize the album once you get home.

For more details about these and other classes, please visit our website or call or visit the store.

Now for last week's Monday's Fun Day winner!

Drum roll please...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers: 1

Timestamp: 2009-01-05 15:22:06 UTC

Theresa!! That's you!! Email me your address and I will get this package out to you.

Everyone... come back later tonight for the next Monday's Fun Day and pictures from the store! They have new stuff on the shelves that I have been wanting to share!!

Have a terrific Monday!

~ Jane

新年明けま し て おめでとう ご ざいます！

Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!

Wishes to all for a year of beautiful memories and wonderful moments!
Here's to good health, good friends, and good cheer!

Happy New Year!

Happy 102nd birthday, "Uncle" Harry Katsuyama!

My father's uncle, Harry Katsuyama, celebrated his 102nd birthday!
It was a wonderful gathering of his immediate and extended family members.
My second cousin, Jana (and Paul) invited everyone to their home for the celebration.
I had a fabulous time catching up with my second cousins, Jana and Sean, and their parents, Jane and Ron.

Kevin and I are not yet in this picture but here are the rest of the family:



I took the picture with my Sony Cyber-shot.
The rest of the pictures are still on my Christmas present from Kevin.



It turns out that the memory stick is not compatible with my computer, so we have to get a external card reader first. Believe me, I was totally floored by this most awesome gift! :)

It's 3:40 in the morning and I'm finally starting to come down from all of the excitement from the family reunion. I'll get to the craft table after catching some zzz's and will post another card or two so come back again later tonight!

Cheers!