Exploring something new - Copic Markers

It all started a few months ago.

I saw a YouTube video tutorial showing Copic markers. Copic are alcohol-based markers used most recently by Manga artists in graphic novels, but scrapbookers and stampers have been using them for a few years now.The above doodle is my first attempt at using Copics. I used the wrong paper, but finished the piece in less than 2 hours.

If you are at all familiar with my work, you know I like to work with colored pencils and ink. However, I frequently have wanted to be able to fill in areas with saturated color without having to apply many light applications of pencil and risk burnishing too soon. Even though I work small -- tiny really -- my finished pieces took many hours.

I have another order in for more Copic markers already. I really like them!

My Personal Holiday Card - Ho Ho Ho

For the past several years I have been hand-making my holiday cards. Thanks to a super crafty sister, who introduced me to card making and to what materials to use, I have all the supplies in my art studio -- the most important one being GLiTtEr!!! I truly love to glitter, so every holiday card has some glitter added to it before it ever leaves my house.

This year I started with something different and very traditional.

I hand painted this tiny miniature of Santa. The painting is only 3.75" x 2.50"

I placed it in this vintage ornate metal frame.

Then, I scanned the completed assemblage and used my editing program to change the color of the frame. This was really fun and it was difficult to decide on just one color!...

... so (of course) I chose two.

The frame part was then finished with glitter in a tiny bit of gold and a lot of white-ish clear.

I think this is my favorite holiday card... so far, that is.

Happy Holidays!