Stamping Study Hall: Creative Color, Day 1

I am absolutely thrilled to kick off this fun event today...

For the next two weeks, I will be sharing this free online class focusing on Creative Color and featuring ShinHan art Touch Twin markers.  I first saw these markers used on Dina Kowal's blog and after seeing the artistic look she achieved I just had to give them a try! Well, I love them and am thrilled to feature them this week.  Here's a look at the class "syllabus."

Monday, December 2: Introducing Touch Twin Markers
Wednesday, December 4: Color Inspiration
Friday, December 6: Bold Color Combos
Monday, December 9: Colorful Characters
Wednesday, December 11: Floral and Nature Images
Friday, December 13: Bonus Techniques
So whether you are looking for Christmas card ideas, coloring techniques with alcohol-based markers, or just love videos, I hope you'll pop by for a visit and leave inspired. :)

ShinHan Art Touch Twin markers are an alcohol- based marker, refillable, and have replaceable nibs.  They are sold for approximately $4.30 per marker for the Touch Twin Brush and $3.40 per marker for Touch Twin Fine Point.  I would definitely recommend these markers whether you already have started a collection of alcohol-based markers (they will work with other alcohol-based markers that are on the market) or are thinking of starting one.  Here are some of my favorite things about them...
*They come in TONS of colors. Over 200 to be exact.  You can also purchase them in sets which can make it easier when first starting a collection.
*The ergonomic barrel is very comfortable for me when coloring.  I often color for long periods of time (and I color A LOT) so this is important for me.
*The ink flow allows for good control.  There is no over saturation which also means the markers last a long time before needing a refill. (I haven't had to refill any at this point.)
*These markers are very easy to blend.  While they are labeled by color family and intensity, I did not feel like I was tied into specific color families.  I could get a smooth blended look without worrying about matching up numbers and letters.  This makes them easy for a beginner and also versatile when you want to mix your own colors.

So without further ado, here's a look at today's card.

Today's video will demonstrate my preferred technique for blending with these markers. I also often use this technique with other mediums, so if you are playing along, don't feel limited if you don't have the Touch Twin markers.

(Watch directly on YouTube HERE.)

As I mentioned in the video, I have created a Color Reference Chart with some of my favorite combos.

You can download my chart by clicking HERE.  A google search will also reveal several other charts if you are looking for additional color ideas.

Thanks for visiting today! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via email and/or Facebook. I find those avenues the easiest for responding to questions and comments.

SUPPLIES

Touch Twin Markers: R15, R10, R16, R140; YR33; Black 120

Penny Black Stamp(s): 40-075 Christmas Pride

Penny Black Creative Dies: Leaves

Ink(s): Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress (Gathered Twigs)

Other: Pearls

ADDITIONAL LINKS

ShinHan Art Touch Twin Marker Facebook page

ShinHan Art Touch Twin Marker Website

Happy Thanksgiving!

For those of you that celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm taking a break from the Christmas Creations today to share an autumn-ish card.

I colored Prima's leaf embellishments with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos and created the woodgrain background by first stamping in dark brown (Penny Black) and then adding a layer of Gesso and a bit of Chocolate Gelato on top.

And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to send an EXTRA thanks and hugs to all of you who support me through your visits, Facebook love, and emails. It means so much!!

Christmas Creations: Day 11

In case you didn't notice (ha!), I love adding circles onto my cards. They are such a fun design element.

I stamped my image (Penny Black 4106K Happy Soul) using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copic markers.  The patterned circles were stamped (Penny Black 40-086 Retro Pattern) using VersaMark ink and then colored with Pan Pastels.  Finally,  to give some texture to the background (Penny Black Mix and Match Cardstock), I dabbed it with Picket Fence Distress Paint in an uneven pattern.

Thanks for your visit!

Christmas Creations: Day 10

Penny Black's 40-168 Holiday Delight is so fun to color...

I colored this image using Copic markers.  I then distressed the edges using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.  The sentiment, stamped onto a die cut circle (Spellbinders) is also by Penny Black, 40-032 Peace Every Day. A few pearls add a finishing touch.

Hope you're having a wonderful day.

HUGS!

Christmas Creations: Day 9

Time for more Christmas Creations...

Today I have another clean and simple card for you.

I stamped Penny Black Joyous using Palette and Ranger Archival inks to cover the bottom of my notecard. Then I simply stamped the sentiment, added it to a piece of cardstock, and layered it onto my notecard using dimensional adhesive.

Have a great day and see ya tomorrow!

Christmas Creations: Day 8

Happy Friday!!
Today's Christmas Creation features Penny Black 4113K Wherever You Are.

I stamped Wherever You Are using Palette Charcoal Ink onto white cardstock.  I then applied a thin layer of Gesso over this stamping to tone it down.  I added paint splatters and also my die cut image (Penny Black 51-021 Love & Joy) which was colored with Copic markers.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend... thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Creations: Day 7

On today's card I've used Penny Black's In a Pear Tree as well as their Creative Dies Chat Bubbles.

I first stamped the tree image onto white cardstock using VersaMark Ink.  Then I added Pan Pastels on top.  The areas stamped in VersaMark appear darker.  The bird was stamped with Ranger Archival Ink, colored with Copics, and then cut out.  A bit of May Arts Jute finishes things off.

See you tomorrow!!