Time to Post new stuff

It seems that I can easily post here at least once a month.  Since I have told only one friend about this venture, there are really no people waiting with baited breath for my next posting. LOL   I've been working on my coloring.  I've tried different mediums, but now I'm trying to teach myself the use of colored pencils and Copic markers.  They are both a challenge.  I've purchased several brands of pencils and have found that the Prisma brand is probably the best, but I found a brand called Fantasia that seems to have a nice flow to them. So, I'm mixing it up a bit. I bought blending pencils, sharpeners, paper blenders to use with odorless mineral spirits (Gamsol or Mona Lisa brands seem to work). The Copic markers are a challenge.  I have two different style starter pen sets and am just beginning to figure out how to use them.  One of the tricks to using Copics is to have a variety of colors so that you can really show some contrast.  Right now I'm using YouTube to view instructions on how to get started using both these mediums.  It's been a challenge and fun.  I have scanned some of my test samples of my coloring. 

This first stamped image was done in pencil.

 This stack of sweets was stamped and then penciled and then some of it was hi-lited with Copics.

 The two sets of cakes above were done in pencils with the stamped confetti.

The next study was done first in pencil and I almost finished it.  But, then I decided to see what the pumpkin would look like done in Copics.

I noticed how more brilliant the colors are in the Copics and how subdued they are in the pencil.  There is a big difference between the two pumpkins.  I know there is a technique to make the pencils come alive, but I'm still learning. 

Here are some recent cards.  Two cards are for people at work.  There will be a baby shower and a wedding shower for two different gals, so I made these big so everyone can sign the cards.  The topiary card was a birthday card for a friend and the colorful card with the Star of David was given to a Bar Mitzvah boy with his gift. These were colored with pencils.

So my journey continues.  Every day is a learning experience and I'm sharing what I've learned here.

Cya soon!