Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Washed-out Effect & Blog Candy

Happy Birthday to Kris
As I was thinking about what to post today, I realized that tomorrow is the birthday of Kris, our front desk manager extraordinaire. So I have a little favor to ask you...

Kris handles all the applications for the Certification classes, answers phones, and keeps me in line. She also LOVES all the cute cards people submit, either digitally or physically in the mail.

All I'm asking you to do is take one photo of a birthday card you've made- it could be made for a kid, a guy, or even your grandmother- and e-mail it to Kris this week. If you don't make cards, then send her a photo of some artwork. You could have posted it on your blog a month or a year ago, it doesn't matter, just send a quick e-mail to Kris. This will be my surprise to her: an in-box full of cute birthday greetings from across the country. Title the message: Happy Birthday to You

her e-mail is orders@copicmarker.com

Once you've sent her an e-mail, come back here and leave a comment. I'll enter you in a quick prize drawing for a handful of Ciao markers.

It's that simple. On Saturday at 12 am I'll chose a winner and post it here. Thanks in advance for helping me make Kris's birthday a fun one. I know she'll be smiling all week long :)

Edit: I came into work this morning and had a big smile waiting from Kris. She was VERY surprised and VERY grateful for the cards! She is really looking forward to seeing more cards and artwork, so THANK YOU!!!

Washed Out with Colorless Blender
Here is the artwork I made for Kris' birthday card. I'm not saying Kris is really old, but she is older than me, so that makes her old in my book (I used to be the youngest one around here at the Copic office, but it's been a few years since I could still make that claim).

This is an easy technique. It doesn't matter too much what paper you use, as long as it's cardstock. Start by loosely coloring with a few colors. You don't have to stay in the lines or anything, you're just getting some color down on the page.

Then, I took a blender marker and dipped it into a big bottle of colorless blender solution and dripped it onto the colored areas. Simple, fun, washed-out coloring.

The scanner didn't pick up all the subtle drop-looking blobs, but in real life it looks pretty cool. I love how the color on his hands and the ribbon really washed out of the lines. Before I glue this down I'm going to add more cute grunge and dirt to the edges to really make it look like this card is ready for the happy grave it has waiting. I know Kris will love her card!

Local Classes
On another note, I'm teaching a cardmaking class this Saturday the 13th from 12:30 to 2:30 or so at DIVA (Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts) here in Eugene. Please register by 5pm tonight if you can come. All supplies are included, and this is a fundraiser for DIVA. I'll be bringing paper, altered art supplies, and all the Copics we can play with (even an air compressor!). To register, visit their website at www.divanow.org

Certification, CHA
There is still space, though these classes are filling up quickly. Contact Kris right away to get added to either the Jan. 23 or 24th class.

Thanks again for all your cards. You'll really make Kris happy and you'll let her know that we appreciate all she does for us down here at Copic. Good luck winning the prize!

109 comments:

SueB said...

Kris'll be amazed at the numbers of e-cards today, LOL! TFS and the chance at the t'riffic blog candy!

Danisha said...

Done and Done!!! I hope she has an amazing birthday! And thanks for the chance to win some great blog candy!!!!

Krisstee said...

That was easy.....LOL
I hope she has a great day with all the messages!
AND THaks for the chance to win some wonderful candy at the same time!

Carin said...

What a surprise that will be!!
Hope she'll love all the cards.
Thanks for the chance to win!

Kim said...

You are so sweet to think of this for Kris! I hope she gets many ecards for her big day!! I sent mine already! Thank you for the chance to win your awesome blog candy!

Susan said...

What a great idea! I sent her a virtual birthday cupcake. Thanks for the opportunity to win some markers. I have learned so much from your blog. Thanks for all the info you share.
Susan

craftyteaspoon said...

I sent her a Hoppy Birthday card! I love the frog on it. Hmmm, maybe you could cover coloring frogs someday? Green, cute frogs.

You are wonderful!

Kim Burmeister said...

Hi Marianne,

This is a great idea! I bet she will not forget this birthday.

I sent her a butterfly birthday card. Thanks for the chance to win.

Gillian McMurray said...

Such a nice idea. Hope she enjoys all the birthday wishes.

MarieL said...

Hi Marianne,
I love your blog since I am really new to copics. I sent Kris my first Magnolia card that I made 2 months ago. I bet she'll be surprised receiving all these cards. I wish I could see her when she opens her email.
Thanks for offering the Copics. I sure appreciate you offering them to us. It would be nice to win

Kelly Booth said...

OK...Sent! Hope She gets tons of Cards.....
Thanks for the chance to win!

Ammo said...

I've never tried making cards, I just do art. So I sent her a picture I drew last week! So much fun, what a cute idea!

Thanks for the great blog, I'm a new Copic user, and hopelessly addicted!

Susan said...

I sent Kris inchies for her birthday. This was such a nice idea. She will be happy.

Jackie said...

What a great idea - I sent her an email with a pretty card. I hope she is having a wonderful birthday!

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

This is such a fun idea. I sent her a cutesie one!

Tamara said...

What a GREAT idea! I just sent Kris a card too. I hope she is inundated with cards!

Lorie said...

Okay...that was FUN! What a great idea! Thanks for the chance to wish her a happy day!

Unknown said...

Done!! Hope she enjoys her day, i'm sure she'll get some fabulous e-cards!!

Alli

MommyMichelle said...

What a fun idea for a Birthday surprise!

ALK said...

What a fun idea! I sent her a cupcake :-)

Colette said...

What a great thing you're doing for Kris! I just sent her a card and it felt great. I can't imagine how she's going to be feeling all week. *smiles*

Anonymous said...

That was fun! I hope Kris has a great one.

Diane M said...

What a great idea, how fun to find an inbox full of delightful cards. Thanks for the opportunity to pass good wishes to Kris, and for blog candy!!

Jolanda Meursen said...

I send here an email with a card 'Van Harte!' (thats Happy birthday in Dutch). Thanks for the chance to win some great blog candy! (I hope someone from The Netherlands has a chance too....)

Cathy Spicer said...

Can I come work for you? PLEEEEEEEEEZZZEEE?? What an awesome boss! I just sent Kris a card and am smiling thinking how much fun she's having today. I love my Copics even more, knowing what wonderful people are with the company.

tojoco said...

You are so great to even think of doing such a wonderful thing for Kris. I just sent my card and I hope she gets a big kick out of all the cards she receives.

Thanks for a chance at the blog candy.

Kimmie said...

I sent Kris an E-card. Thanks for the chance to win some blog yummies!

Kurtis said...

I just sent a card!

Rachel said...

I sent Kris a card... hope her Birthday is amazing!!!

Sam said...

I just sent a card!!! I hope she has/had a lovely birthday!

Unknown said...

Hi Marianne, I sent Kris the card I made last Sunday thet the OCL class at Tall Mouse in Yorba Linda! Great meeting you there!

donatelloh said...

Marianne,

What a thoughtful thing to do for Kris. I hope she has a wonderful day. I sent her an encaustic wine card. Oh and thanks for the chance for the blog candy!

Cheers,
D in FL :D

Broni said...

What a cool way to receive a load of birthday cards! I sent one too!

wendy peatross said...

That was fun. Hope she has a great day!

Dawn said...

What a great friend you are for doing this for her! So nice!thanks for the cahnce to win these wonderful markers!
Dawn

StampinCathy said...

I sent mine. This should really make Kris's day. You are just to sweet. Thanks for a chance at this fabulous candy.

Sumtoy said...

Have a wonderful day. I hope Kris has an awesome birthday. I have sent her an ecard

Brenda said...

What a fabulous idea. I hope Kris has a wonderful birthday and gets tons of ecards. Thank you for the chance to win.

Janet said...

Sent my card, what a cool idea!!! Thanks for the chance to win:)
hugs

Michelle Quinno said...

Sounds like Kris deserves the cards! I just sent mine. Hope she likes it.

Allison Cope said...

I simply LOVE your blog! Thanks for all your inspiration and tips!

Happy Birthday Kris! A birthday card is on it's way all the way from snowy BC!

Susan said...

Great idea! How cool to receive a bunch of birthday cards!

Kim said...

That is so wonderful of you to have us ALL surprise Kris for her birthday! I hope she has the best birthday ever! And that is so wonderful of you to give away some wonderful markers! I would love to add them to my Copic family!
Hugs~ Kim

Stampin_melissa said...

How sweet of you to surprise her! I'm sure she'll be smilin' all day! AND thanks for the chance at some blog candy!

Tracey said...

What a fabulous idea!! I just sent my card! I hope her inbox is filled to the brim all week long!!

CrazyCuteCards said...

I don't know if this is also for people from the Netherlands but I've send Kris one of my first cards I made with copic markers.

Take care and STAY POSITIVE! Trena said...

Marianne! What a nice thing to do for Kris. I sent her a card in an email message. I had just posted a card with presents and thought it would be a nice birthday card for her.

Take care and STAY POSTIIVE!

Kelly said...

Red Roses for Kris on the way. Hope her day is AWESOME!

Carolyn King said...

Happy Birthday Kris! Thanks for sharing all these great tips too!

smd46 said...

This is so much fun!
Happy Birthday to the birthday girl......and many more!

reflections:0) said...

Happy B-day Kris... I sent a few to make your day just a little more happy...


reflections:0)

Bunny B said...

Ahhh!! What fun!!! It's my birthday tmrw too!!! *hint*HINT* :) I've emailed Kris! Hope she enjoys my card :)

bunnybx at gmail . com

Kathy Camasso said...

What a fun thing to do; great idea Marianne! So sweet of you!
Thanks for the chance to play along,
Kathy Camasso

Gail S. said...

I just finished sending Kris a Birthday wish!! Thanks for a chance to win some very fun candy!! Happy B-Day (to Kris) and Merry Christmas!!

Sue Strozyk said...

OMG, How fun!!! Just sent mine!

Susan said...

I sent her a birthday card. I hope she has a wonderful birthday. I have learned so much from your blog. Thanks for the chance to win some more copics. Susan

Lee said...

Okay, sent Kris a wintery b-day card photo!!!! And I love the washed out look with the Blender....I just need lots more practice!!! LOL

Jennifer E. said...

How sweet of you to throw Kris a Birthday email shower! Thanks also for giving us the chance to win some great candy!

H. said...

happy b-day Kris!!!

Mary Dawn said...

i sent kris a birthday greeting too :) i hope she has a week full of smiles

Anonymous said...

What a great idea. I sent the card to Kris. I hope she has them coming all week long.

Maylee said...

I'm sure she'll be tickled pink with all the cute cards! Awesome blog candy!

Colette said...

Marianne, I got a reply back from Kris asking if you were behind this. Not to worry though...I didn't give you up, although I'm sure she's been on to *you* from the start of the email flood. =)

JenniferS said...

I hope Kris has a wonderful birthday! Your so nice to think of doing this for her! Thanks for your awesome blog and giveaway of markers, how cool!

JenniferS
Pinconning, MI

Suzy said...

Done :) Buttttt I would have sent Kris a card anyway she is so awesome and helped me so much in securing my class!

I am so excited to meet everyone at CHA :)

Suzy

Lastel said...

Card has been sent ! Hope she has a fab day ! Thanks for a chance to win some Copics !

Dawn said...

how fun...just sent mine to Kris! and thanks for the chance to win!!

Sandy Knecht said...

Done! I hope Kris has a great Birthday. What a team mate you are. Thanks for a chance for blog candy.

Denise said...

Looks like Kris is not going to get much done today except for trying to keep up with her mail!

What fun this will be! You for sure have to let us know what she says!

Thanks also for the chance to win.
Denise Wells
mamascollections@aol.com

Chris (catt871) said...

FUN!!! I hope she loves the hundreds of emails she will get!!!! Thanks for the chance to win some candy!!!
Chris

reeree62 said...

I was happy to send Kris a card! You're a good friend to do this!

Elaine Wilson said...

I just sent Kris a birthday card. I have been reading your blog for 2 months now, and went to my first copic class last Saturday. We learned to color 5 images in this class. The card I sent Chris is the second card I have made since getting the markers and will be one of my very dear friends 65th birthday card on January 8th! Thanks so much for the wonderful information you put on your blog. I live a couple of hours from places that give classes so it is a real treat for me to have a class almost everyday in my home from you! Merry Christmas! Elaine

TAC Angel Christina said...

I sent Kris 2 cards. Not really birthday, but some that I already had scanned on my computer, 2 of my favorites. I hope Kris has a GREAT birthday!

maiahs_momma said...

Wow, thank you so much for this chance to win some goodies :)! What a great idea you had to help celebrate your friends bday.

Hugs,
catherine
www.mystampinggrounds.blogspot.com
catlevy@eastlink.ca

maiahs_momma said...

Wow, what a great idea to help your friend celebrate their bday :)! Thanks for this chance to win some goodies :)!

Hugs,
catherine
www.mystampinggrounds.blogspot.com
catlevy@eastlink.ca

CJ said...

What a great idea to celebrate a bday. Hope Kris likes the cupcake bday card I sent. I colored it with Copics, of course! :)

Cindy J.

Paula's ponderings said...

Happy Birthday Kris and what a lovely thoughtful idea! Have emailed my card and now leaving a comment with everything crossed! Love the tutorials!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Kris is going to feel on top of the world! Thanks also for the chance to win some goodies! Have a blessed day!

Dawn said...

I hope Kris is able to get some work done with all the cards being e-mailed to her! LOL!

That was a great idea. Thanks for the chance to win some more Copics to add to my collection!

Diane M said...

Hopefully Kris' inbox won't get too full!!! Thanks for the chance to win.

Diane M
aka detour3 on SCS, PCP

Melissa said...

What a sweet idea! I just sent her a card.

Ann said...

Just sent my card to Kris! Hope she like the sentiment....it always makes me laugh!! Hope the computer generator loves MY number this time! ;-)

Ann Clack

Coralmoon said...

What a great idea - Kris gets lots of cards and we get an opportunity to win a prize! Thanks!

Val said...

What a great idea. I just sent a picture. I hope she had a great birthday!!

Jen said...

Fantastically fun idea! I've just sent my card to Kris. {Happy Birthday Kris!!}

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

What a great idea!! Everyone deserves to have lots and lots of attention on their birthday - Kris is lucky to have a friend like you. Thanks for all that you share with us here on your blog!

Sena said...

Wow!! You guys are so great to have thought of this nice surprise for Kris! :) I've just sent a card to her!!

My birthday was a few days ago and copics were on my wishlist ;) Thanks!

sena.sagani[at]gmail[dot]com

Fay said...

That was really sweet of you to have us all send Kris birthday wishes. I'm sure she really appreciates your thoughtfulness!

Sheila said...

I sent a card to Kris. I hope she has the best Birthday ever!

Thanks for the chance to win some markers. I just got my very first 72 pack so I haven't used any yet. They are a Christmas present so I have to wait 2 more weeks. UGH!

Lady and the Stamp said...

OHHH!!! Surprise! Surprise. What a great idea. Happy Birthday Kris!
Cheers
Anne

Lysa said...

What a great surprise and a great giveaway!

Happy Birthday to Kris!

Paula said...

Great idea! Thanks for the chance to win!

melanie.castenmiller said...

What a great idea and
what a Birthday surprise!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!

Rebecca Ednie said...

I left a message for kris.

Candy said...

What a great idea! I have sent Kris my card.
Thank you for the chance to win the markers.

Becky Sorensen said...

I came on today and thought oh, I need to email Kris- I didn't get to take the class in Seattle due to a family conflict-darn kids!! lol But hopefully soon!

I am sure Kris appreciates it so much.
hugs,

Donalda said...

Oh that was so sweet of you to do that for her. I just sent a card so hope I am not late to put a smile on her face too.

mumgranny said...

On it's way to Kris.
Great Blog Candy.

Alfredo Gallardo said...

I just sent her one too... I hope she had the most wonderful B-day ever, and that we didnt ruined Copic's email system...

Michelle Pearson said...

She's got email from me! ;)
What a fun card shower! We want to know how many she ends up getting!! LOL!

paula said...

Belated as it may be, I sent Kris a birthday wish anyway! I know I love getting a card or gift after you think it is all over!! Thanks for the fun idea!

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Yipee!!! I hope she loves all the cards filling up her inbox! What a cool idea and a fabulous tutorial.

Smiles,
~nance

lia said...

What a nice present for your friend! I sent email bday ishes!!

Pricousins said...

I sent her a birthday wish. What an easy way to try to win some Copics!

Thanks,
Angie
Pricousins at gmail dot com

Amy Johnson said...

Happy Birthday Kris! I sent her a card! I love your blog. I read each and every post!

Katie Cotton said...

what a fun idea! I sent her a "card". :) And to boot we get a chance to win some markers! YIPPIEE!

Theresa Momber said...

How fun! Happy Birthday to Kris!

I sent some pics to the gallery.

Gloria said...

I am a little late but I sent Kris a card anyway. Hope her day was happy. I love your blog and can't believe how much I have learned. Thanks for the wonderful information on Copics. Smiles--Gloria

Brenda said...

I saw this late and sent Kris a card today. I hope that she had a wonderful birthday.