Certification class updates

Time again to update the Copic Papercrafting Certification classes available. We are just beginning to open our Fall classes, so be sure to beat the rush and register right away. Some locations fill quickly, so secure your spot now!

Standard Certification
This class is an overview of everything Copic. Every papercrafter who uses Copics should take this class! We have people who have never held a marker before, to experienced users in our classes. Everyone leaves with something they never knew before. These classes are not project based, but teach you standard techniques, process, and why some things are done in a certain way.

We welcome all skill levels! Our instructors are thrilled to answer your questions and help you through your tricky concepts. You can sign up today, or e-mail with questions.


Aug. 16, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 16, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 16, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens
Aug. 23, Carlsbad, CA taught by Sherrie Siemens


Sept. 6, Milwaukee, WI taught by Debbie Olson
Sept. 13, Seattle, WA taught by Sherrie Siemens
Sept. 27, Edmonton, AB taught by Sherrie Siemens

Intermediate Papercrafting Certification
Once you've taken the Standard Certification class, you can take the Intermediate class. All sessions are back to back, making travel easier.



I must say, the Intermediate class is my favorite! We teach you how to color so that your images stand out more...more contrast, more believable colors, and more dynamic shading. We also teach you a bit about composition, helping you put your beautiful images together with paper and embellishments in a pleasing way. So, don't delay, register on our website now.

Aug. 17, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 17, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 17, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens


 Sept. 7, Milwaukee, WI taught by Debbie Olson
Sept. 14, Seattle, WA taught by Sherrie Siemens Sept. 28, Edmonton, AB taught by Sherrie Siemens


Color and Ink Workshops
Here is your chance to get more hand's on experience with the markers. Learn fun new techniques and head home with completed projects. These small classes are a great way to hone your coloring skills, and get inky on many surfaces. Anyone who has taken one of our Standard Certification classes is welcome to register! Next year there will be totally different classes offered, so register today, as locations are limited.


Color & Ink Workshop, Chicago, IL
This weekend!! There is still time to register
 July 19-20th, taught by  Debbie Olson & Cindy Lawrence

Color & Ink Workshop, Glen Allen, VA
Newly opened! Register now before it fills!
Sept 20-21, taught by Colleen Schaan & Cindy Lawrence

Sky Tutorial continued

Finished Tree and Sky
Here is the final tree from yesterday. I colored the trunk with E33 and E29. I also threw in hints of B45 to gray it down. I also dabbed in a few spots of R22 into the leaves just for variety. You can't see it because it is subtle, but it is there.

I think I like how it came out. Now let's adapt this to another image that I will spend more time on. Remember, things far away or things in shadow are less vibrant, and tend to be cooler/bluer. If you want to learn more about this concept, take one of our Intermediate Certification classes, or register for an online class through Creative Ladder (there may a few hiccups with the launch so be patient!). By the way, if you like little hints like this, you really should also pick up a copy of the Copic Coloring Guide, Level 4: Fine Details

More Complex Tree/Sky
Let's look at another, more complex tree, with the sky colored in a similar way as yesterday. This time, both the tree and the sky are more complex. The tree again, is drawn with a 0.3 Warm Gray multiliner, on a piece of sketchbook paper.

This time, I used the BG000 with my colorless blender for clouds. Here is a link to the technique tutorial I made a few years ago for making this style of clouds. Very simple, but nice, subtle clouds.

Notice the fields in the distance, how I made sure to color those with the blue, darker farther away, and lighter blue close up. Again, I wasn't worried about going over the areas with leaves.

Here is the final complex tree. I used similar techniques to yesterday, of dotting on layers and layers of color to make the leaves. I just used a wider range of colors. The fields below the tree are all colored with Y11, it just looks farther away because of all the BG000 underneath. I did add YG11 and hints of E33 to the scrubby bushes off in the distance. Nothing high contrast.

Trunk: E33, E00, E27, E49, W5, Y11(for highlights) B41 (shadows).

Leaves: YG11, YG13, YG17, G24, G28, Y11, R22, C2, C5.

Sky: BG000, 0

Grass: Y11, YR21, E33, YG11, YG13, YG17, W1, W5 (shadows under the tree). Most of these colors I lightly flicked in with the tip of the brush. Notice the grass closest to the viewer has the most contrast, grass under the tree has a little less contrast, and the rest of the grasses just softly fade off in the distance.

Creative Ladder and simple Sky Tutorial

I am so excited!!! Creative Ladder, our new online class resource is now open for enrollment. We have two classes to start, with more on the way.

Check it out and register today!  www.creativeladder.com

Coloring sky behind trees
A quick tutorial today, as I look out at the beautiful summer sky. We have had a rather dry Summer so far, and I am starting to miss the rain. However, this is a great time to go over how to color a beautiful blue sky, peeking behind some trees.

I drew this quick little sketch of a tree with one of the new Copic Warm Gray Multiliners. I love how light and sketchy these feel- not as dark as drawing with black, or as brown as the sepia, but it also doesn't feel like I'm drawing with a pencil (The cool gray multiliners look a lot like a light, fine-line pencil sketch). We have new brown multiliners as well, so check out our website for the full range of new sizes and colors. 

This was drawn on Copic Sketchbook paper, which is the same paper you can find in our new Mini Paper Packs. 

I added my sky first by layering some B41, then I came back with BG000. What I want you to note is how the BG brightened up the whole image. Also, see that I was not very careful about the edges of the tree. I went all over the lines. This is not a big deal, because I was trying to color fast and keep my paper from getting streaks or lines in the large blue area. A little blue under my green isn't going to bug me at this point. Also, it helps with the foliage behind the trunk, as that should be a little less vibrant in my final picture anyways.

Next, I colored the leafy areas with a scribbly base of G12. In this case, I scribble fast in the center of the tree with the side of the brush. Then, I slow down around the detailed edges. I do NOT want that green to get out into the blue.

Whenever I slow down, the paper gets soaked more, so those areas will be darker. This is fine, as it is pushing that lighter blue out of the way in unwanted areas. Down by the base of the tree, do you see the plants in back? They are already darker and less vibrant than the plants in front because of the blue base.

Now, think about where you are going to have shadows. I am keeping this tree simple, so mostly my light will be from above. I actually am not too worried about shadows in this image, I just want a range of contrast on my doodle.

Next, I dabbed in G24 and G28. I kept layering, dabbing, dotting, and adjusting the tones to get the look I wanted. I am careful to leave the brown trunk alone, as that area would look strange with green undertones. Don't forget the foliage at the base of the tree as well.

Just keep dotting in colors until you are happy. To brighten up the top of the tree, I dabbed in a lot of Y11. Look at how it really warmed up the top of the tree.

Tomorrow I'll put the finished tree up for you to see how I completed it.

Meanwhile, if your really want to learn about REAL light and shadow, not just me goofing off with markers on a doodle, head on over to Creative Ladder and register for the Light and Shadow class taught by Sandy Allnock!

Copic Sponsored Workshops at Anime Expo

Happy 4th of July, and happy first day of Anime Expo!

If you are in L.A. and will be attending the convention, you are in luck! Copic is sponsoring a  bunch of incredible workshops and panels over the next few days. Here is the full list of Copic Sponsored Events:

Friday, July 5th, Workshops and Panels
Ink, Paper, and Imagination:  10:00 - 11:30am, WS1

Do you know how to ink your ideas into a manga? This class teaches how to use manga paper, light tables, screentones, and inking techniques with Copic pens. Great for people who want to draw manga by hand, no computers needed! All supplies provided. Taught by Marianne.

Manga-ka:  1:30 - 2:30 pm, LP3

Come learn what it is to be a manga artist in Japan! Hear from a panel of talented Japanese Manga-ka. Each artist will talk about their drawing process, while showing a wide variety of styles. Includes time for Q & A with each artist. Sponsored by Copic

Copic Essentials: 2:15 - 3:45 pm, WS2

From choosing paper to inking and coloring, this class gives a basic overview of how to use Copic products for creating your own manga. Learn how to pick blending colors, how to color like the pros, and see an airbrush demo. All supplies provided.
Taught by Marianne.

DIY Zombies: 5:15 - 6:30 pm, WS2

Have undead lurking in your brains? Need ideas for drawing your own withered corpses? This panel will unearth ways to bring your undead to life. The discussion will leave you crying out for brains. Drawing tools provided, zombie riot gear optional.
Taught by Marianne.

Saturday, July 6th, Workshops and PanelsRookie Manga Character Design: July 6th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, WS2

Are you a total newbie to drawing manga characters? Come learn some quick tricks for designing your own characters. We’ll discuss basic inking techniques, proportion, heads, hair, hands, & more. Bring your ideas & questions! All supplies provided. Taught by Marianne.

Creature Creation: July 6th, 2:45 - 4:15 pm, WS2

     Industry Creature Designer Terryl Whitlatch demonstrates the creation of an imaginary creature and its place in a fantastic world, from its anatomy and appearance, to its place in story and script.

Science of Creature Design: July 6th, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, WS2

      Internationally acclaimed Creature Designer Terryl Whitlatch shares her art and experience in creating imaginary beings for Film and Animation, from Star Wars to Brave, and beyond.

Also, come by our booth for incredible savings on all the Copic Products you need. We have markers, both individual as well as sets, we have refill inks, and we have an amazing array of papers, sketchbooks, screentones, and more. We hope to see you there!

Blog Hop Winner and Anime Expo

What a week! I taught classes this week on Tracing Memories, taught a teen drawing class for the City of Eugene Library, and got all of my prep done for heading off to Anime Expo in a few days. We have online classes opening up soon through Creative Ladder.com, as well as a new beading and apron class coming to Kansas City, August 17th (You can find out full class details and apply HERE on the Copic education page).

And...I was so thrilled at how excited everyone is over the new book that Colleen and I worked so hard on!!

Before I announce the blog hop winner, I wanted to tell people about Anime Expo coming up this
week.

Anime Expo, July 4-7, 2013
Los Angeles Convention Center

Stop by the Copic Booth, located in the back with Artist's Alley. Prices will be great, and you can get personal demos throughout the entire show. We will have 3 guest Manga artists from Japan, as well as Terryl Whitlatch from the Tales of Amalthea project.

We have a full schedule of hands-on workshops and panels on July 5 & 6th. (I'll post more class details tomorrow). Stop by to get all your favorite Copic supplies and meet some amazing artists!!


Blog Hop Winner!
But, before I go to L.A., I need to share the winner for the 4th Copic Coloring Guide book blog hop!

Random.org chose #95 out of 187 possibilities for a winner. Wow!

The lucky winner is:

Ellen, who said...

Your coloring is incredible! Can't wait to get my hands on the new Copic Coloring Book! Thanks for the chance!

Ellen, I sent you a note! Please get back to me and next week when I return from the convention, I will send out your very own copy of the book!!

Copic Coloring Guide Book 4 Blog Hop

Good morning and welcome to a very special blog hop!  Colleen and I have worked really hard to create another book! the Copic Coloring Guide, Level 4: Fine Details

This book is jam-packed with uber-cool techniques that help you take your coloring from good to great!  The 64-page book is the latest in the Coloring Guide series, offering information and educational material for crafters of all skill levels.

From light source to shading and shadows, to mixing mediums and tackling detailed images, this book shows how to take your coloring up one notch further… by focusing on the fine details.  I know that I was challenged coloring some of the tutorial images, but these simple to follow directions will make the process easy for you. I know you will love it!

You can print each tutorial on your own paper and work along with the book, using the included CD of images.

I have a really neat card included in the book. This is one of my all-time favorite images I have ever drawn for papercrafting. But, it can be tricky to color. Lucky for you, to color it I used a lot of techniques that are discussed in the book. Little things that will make your image jump! The color scheme on this card is so simple and vibrant...I love it! I like simple, bold designs.

Today, each contributing designer is hopping along to give you a peak at their favorite project from the book - and a chance to WIN your own autographed copy!

To help kick off the celebration of the new book... each designer on the hop is giving away an autographed copy of the book...signed not only by Colleen and myself, but by the individual designer too (I guess if you win my copy, it will only be signed by Colleen and myself).   

Please comment on this post for your chance to win a copy for yourself!  Commenting will be closed midnight on Sunday, June 30th.  Check each individual's blog to find out winners. Please Note: winners on my blog are limited to North America, sorry! Once you comment on my  post, wander over to these other fine blogs for more chances to win. Good luck and happy hopping!

Jane Allen  

Michele Boyer 

Lori Craig

Jennifer Dove

Sharon Harnist

Melanie Holtz 

Kathy Jones 

Cindy Lawrence 

Debbie Olson 

Colleen Schaan 

Can't wait for your copy?
Copic Coloring Guide Level 4: Fine Details is now available at many stamping and scrapbooking stores. Visit your local store today and ask about availability.  It is also sold through the Annie’s catalog, accessible online at Annie's.

Commenting is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Coloring ribbon and Certification updates

Ribbon Flowers
I am constantly using Copic markers on just about anything I can find. Many times I simply take for granted that people might want to see what I am working on, since frequently it seems so simple. Today I was coloring some little ribbon flowers and I remembered that I should post something!

Here are the dainty ribbon flowers I was making. I had a pack of white Offray ribbon flowers that I needed to color and make into little centerpieces. I colored the flowers with RV21 and V04 markers.  I then colored some bits of white grosgrain ribbon with a YG11 marker.

I cut a little circle of cardstock just big enough to glue three flowers to, and stuck the flowers on using the new Clear Gel Glue by X-press It that we sell. This bottle is awesome, by the way! It has a lot of glue in it and it holds all sorts of things. I let it dry really well, then I added the green "leaves" of folded ribbon to the back of the circle.

Now my little flower centerpieces are ready for my project!

Upcoming NEW Copic Classes!
It's been a while since I updated my blog with all the great classes we have in the next few months. You can register from our website for any of these upcoming classes.

We have a totally NEW workshop, coming up in August. This is part of our new Special Projects Workshop Series. Crafters get a chance to make finished projects using Copic products.

For the first workshop, there are two classes, you can choose to take one or both. Each is a half-day, and super exciting. Talented instructor Michelle Houghton is joining us to share her love of mixing mediums and will be teaching Copic Doodle Bead Jewelry Set and Copic Mixed Media Apron.  Both classes are completely hands-on and attendees leave with completed projects!

Special Project classes will range in location, duration and price and will typically be limited-location/time only offerings, so sign up soon!

You can find out full class details and apply HERE on the Copic education page. 


Meanwhile, you can register now for summer Certification classes. We have many locations in August, so if you've been waiting to take one of our classes, wait no longer. Popular locations fill quickly, so sign up now on our website!

Standard Papercrafting Certification
June 28, Chicago, Il, taught by Debbie Olson FULL

Aug. 9, Kansas City, KS taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 16, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 16, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 16, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens

Intermediate Papercrafting Certification
June 29, Chicago, Il, taught by Debbie Olson FULL


Aug. 10, Kansas City, KS taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 17, St. Louis, MO taught by Lori Craig
Aug. 17, Minneapolis, MN taught by Debbie Olson
Aug. 17, Portland, OR taught by Sherrie Siemens

Color & Ink Workshop
 July 19-20th, taught by