Flowers and Alcohol Inks!

Three weekends ago I was at the CKC Scrapbook Convention.

In my Card Maker magazine, I've been carefully reading and re-reading the Copic Coloring tutorials they've published, and I've tried the techniques with my Stampin' Up markers so far - It's worked pretty well, but I decided it was finally time to break into the alcohol based markers.

One thing...  $6 for ONE Copic marker??  334 markers??  That's $1,986 not including taxes, and shipping!  Sorry, but that's just too much for me.

While I was at the show, I saw another brand of alcohol markers:  Spectrum Noir.  I did a make-and-take using the markers, and LOVED them!  I already knew the shading techniques, and just had some questions for the 'leader'.

I didn't buy the entire set, but got the base sets, and will add the 4 I'm missing as I go - just need the Pastels, Lights, Brights, and Darks to complete the collection.  I have an awesome selection now, so I'm not feeling "deprived" of colors to use.

That said, here are the two cards I made using my new Spectrum Noir markers!

I used a Stampin' Up Sizzlits die behind the card on the left, and the Spellbinders dies on both cards - one for the sentiment, and the other for the flower and frame cut-outs.

I'm definitely having a GREAT time with these markers!  They blend so well, and really coordinate to get the look you want.

THANKS to my friend Dee on the advise to keep the flowers white... after I had worked the background a little, the white from the cardstock background really seemed to glow!  It's too bad you can't really see the vase - the blues were really pretty!!  Next time! :)


Your comments are always appreciated!