In Card making...and Life...Practice Make Perfect

Thinking of you warms my heart

I wish I had made a copy of my very first Handmade card. I was so proud. It was so simple, but I had made it. Back then, I did not realize how many products and techniques were out in the card making world. All waiting for me to give them a try. I think as I have progressed, I have become bolder, more confident in my card making skills. I am not afraid to try new things. Take Digi stamps. Yes, I have seen what beautiful work other card makers do. I thought this was something I would not get into. I felt I did not have the skill or the tools (Copic Markers) to try this coloring technique. But when I joined the Design Team for Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenges, guess what, some of the challenges use Digi Stamps. I knew if I just had some time to practice, I could make my cards look...well acceptable. So that is what I did. Now, I could not very well go out and buy a full set of Copic Markers. Well, I guess I could, but then I would have to explain why we were having Campbell's soup for dinner for the next couple of weeks. But I did have colored pencils. You Tube has some great videos on how to get a Copic marker look with colored pencils.

The pencil set I have is nothing fancy. I got them at Michaels. It is a 48 piece set by Artist's Loft. Upon doing my research on line, I found that by using Gamsol, which is an odorless Mineral Spirit, you can blend your colors. The liquid results in an almost watercolor-like look. It essentially melts the pencil lines and erased the grainy appearance you typically get with colored pencils. Now this technique is made for colored pencils, not water pencils. So make sure you check what type of pencils you have. You will also need assorted blending stumps and a cleaning tool. These are used to blend your colors and clean your blending tool.They can be found at any crafts or Art store.

Basically, you color your image with colored pencils, outlining your image with the darker color and shading with the lighter color. Then you take your blending tool, dip it into the gamsol and with light pressure use circular motions to pull the darker colors towards the center of the image. This will give you a shaded appearance. I was very happy with this card. I have been practicing for a few weeks now and get more confident as I go along. As I said, practice make perfect...or at least better.

Have fun!

I have entered this card into the following challenges:

• Fat-Tastic Tuesday - Bling
• Creative Craft Challenge - Anything Goes
• Through the Craftroom Dore - Anything Goes
• Pin Inspiration Challenge - #78
• Tuesday Throw down - Awareness
• Link up for Pink