Stampin! with Jaydee

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.

I promised you a technique video tonight and you voted to see me using the Classic Inks with Blender Pen technique.  I used the image from Angelic Joy to color.  The reason I used this image, is that it has a fair amount of surface space to color - and, of course, it is such a gorgeous image! 

Now.... my regular visitors will know that I am not that adept with my camera, with my editing software and that I am new to this whole video thing.  So, please excuse my bloopers.

I have not embedded the video directly into my post, as it makes it a very "heavy" page to view, so here is the link to my mobileme gallery where you can view the video.

I did try to insert as many tips as I could whilst I was coloring for you.  Let me just remind you of a couple of key things:

• I used Whisper White card stock
• Classic Inks:  Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, More Mustard
• Markers:  So Saffron, Rose Red
• Tools:  StazOn black, Stampin' Up Blender Pens
• Tips: 
• • Use a very light touch otherwise you saturate the paper.  Which you don't want to do when you are using normal card stock
  • When coloring with my blender pens I tend to use strokes rather than small circles.  The opposite of what I use when I color with alcohol markers
  • Start with your lighter colors first and then add the darker layers
  • Try to color one area of the image at a time to retain consistency
  • Remember:  you are not going for perfection with your coloring when you are using this technique.  What you do get though is light and dark, depth and, because you are using the normal card stock, you often end up with a little bit of texture.  This actually adds to the overall look and adds interest.

I really enjoy coloring, I find it very restful and almost meditative.  Take your time and practice really does make perfect.

I hope you enjoy the video and that you learn something from it.  I did do another video using exactly the same image, but coloring with Copic markers.  Why do I use both?  Well, at first it was because everyone was raving about Copics and I had to give them a try.  I love using Copics.  HOWEVER, I don't always prefer them.  Copics are great if perfection is what you are aiming at - and you take the time to learn how to shade and blend, etc.  For me.... it isn't always what I am looking for.  Also, Copics are very intense and sometimes, I don't want that.  It's all about preference.    Also, you cannot use your Copics on your stamps the way you can with your markers.  The Stampin' Write markers are so useful for images where you want to use different colors on a stamp.  I love them for that.  If you do try Copics, you need more than one color in the same range - a minimum of 2-3 - as that is the way that you work with the blending and shading.  If you don't want all that blending and shading, then Copics are overkill.  You may as well really stick with your markers or using your inks.  It's horses for courses - and most time my course is with my Stampin' Write markers  (BTW If you are an SU demo, I am sure you get asked this question often by clients, it's good to understand about Copics so that you can answer the question. :-)....)

I will post the next video on.... yep... you guessed it... TUESDAY.  I will try to make Tuesday's a technique night for you.

I would appreciate one thing... if you like the video and you do find it informative, I'd be very grateful if you would pass along the link to anyone you think might learn something from it.  :-)

On a personal note: 

The weather was warm here again today, but not as warm as you guys are experiencing on the West Coast.  Looks like summer has finally arrived for you.  Because we still have so much water around, it was really humid today.

Charlie (aka Prince Pipsqueak) is pigrooting around chasing his little ball.  He really is the cutest little thing.  Mind you, I've decided to call him Damien.  Anyone remember The Omen?  Yep.... one minute he is adorably sweet and all chittery and the next... I swear he runs around like he is possessed.  I really had forgotten what it was like to have a kitten in the house.  Mind you, it is very gratifying to see that he is now behaving like a kitten, learning how to play and is also sleeping deeply.

Shout out tonight to JANNA..... Oh YEAH!  Janna's gorgeous cards arrived tonight for the Operation Write Home card drive.  You guys rock.  Janna, I know you were not feeling well, so thank you so much for getting the cards done and sent out to me.  You really have brightened the day for so many servicemen/women and their families.  Thank you!

Well, I am off to try to make a card.  Maybe I will get one done tonight.... I thank you for all for spending a little time in my area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits, your support and your comments are what make this blog what it is.

Prayers tonight for Germaine, T, Pri, John & Sue.  For Lesley, Rach, Adelle and their furbabies.  For Cam - hope you are having a great week.

Hugs to you all

Jaydee