Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Saturday, January 17, 2009

MY FIRST COLORING JOB WITH COPICS!!

Hey All! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend! We finally got a few inches of snow, so I took "my boys" out in it to play this afternoon. They love it so much! OK, on with the post. . . .


I wanted to remind everyone that you still have plenty of time to get in for my blog candy drawing. You can find out the details on my previous post. Some exciting news however. . . I received an email from the owner of the company that makes Inchies. If you look at the previous post, you'll see that I used them on one of the Valentine Day cards. Anyway, she emailed me and said that she liked what I did with the card and the Inchies, and she wanted to donate a box of Inchies to the prize drawing! How cool is that?!?! So if you would like to know more about Inchies check them out at "Inchie Arts". Thanks so much Lisa!

OK, now it is time for you to be kind and gentle. . .LOL Here is my first attempt at using Copics to color an image:




I so love this image from the House Mouse Gruffies. I chose this image because it would be difficult for me to color using markers, and I wanted to challenge myself. Other than the pillow being a little too pink, I'm pretty happy with the results. What do you think? I love his paw pads. I usually don't like the color combination of pink and brown (popular as it may be), but I do kinda like it with this image. I used Bazzill watercolor card stock as the base, and the pink card stock is also Bazzill. I have no idea who did the printed paper, it has no name on the back. To go along with the theme of the "candy wrappers", I cut the corners out of dark chocolate brown card stock that I had ran through my paper crimper. I thought it gave the look of candy wrappers. I cut the scalloped circle and other circle with my Nesties and mounted the saying with foam squares. Here is a close up of the sentiment (more about the whole sentiment think in a minute):




Here is what the inside says:




LOL! Is that funny or what? I saw a similar sentiment on some one's blog months ago only they had a cookie theme on their card. I have always remembered this saying, and when I saw this image, I knew it would be perfect for the card.

Here are the Copics I used (I've always wanted to show a picture like this LOL!)




Here is the box of Copics that I won:





I have one more card to share with you before you go. It is a Valentine card that I made. Here it is:





Again, another House Mouse image. However, I altered this one a bit. It is supposed to have regular balloons, but I masked them out and used a clear stamp that was a heart in a circle for the balloons. This was a large image, so it was mounted on a larger card. I had a hard time deciding how to mat the image because there was so much white. So I cut four squares; 2 pink and 2 red and positioned them in the pattern you see above. I mounted those on printed paper and mounted all of that on the heavy card stock. Added some bling to the bottom and some photo corners and done. This was colored with colored pencils and OMS. I did this card before I got my Copics.


One final project to share. My boys were just recently groomed and they came home with some cheap little bandannas that had the logo of the place that groomed them. The color was turquoise and was stunning next to their black fur. So, I promptly went to Hobby Lobby and bought two plain turquoise bandannas and stamped them with black paw prints. I used the Staz-on jet black ink. I think they came out great. Here are the boys modeling them for you:





Don't the boys look like models out of a dog catalog? LOL I'm just a very proud Dad! They love to wear bandannas, and they have about 25 each. Are they spoiled????


OK, that's it for now. Need to go get ready to go have some dinner at my best friend's house tonight. Hope you enjoyed the post. Can't wait to read your comments. Again, thanks so much for visiting! I have the best readers EVER! I'll be seeing you on your blogs tonight when I get back from dinner. Take care!


Best,


Curt O'Brien


"God help me be the person that my dogs think I am."

65 comments:

sandyh50 said...

I think you did a fantastic job coloring. One of these days I might have Copics too! Your boys look so good in their turquoise bandanas.

Els G. said...

Love your cards and colouring. I'm still getting used to Copics myself, especially on HM images (it always looks better when somebody else uses them, pfffft).
I admit I'm a bit (very) jealous about that Copics box you've won! :-)
Your 'boys' look great! And NO, you can NEVER spoil them enough, lol. BTW: I left you a little something on my blog.
Els
x

Macpurp said...

beautiful cards!! I have just started using pro markers which i believe are similar to copics.
and i love them now!
how handsome are your boys in their stamped bandanas!!!

Our late doggy Tilly had one but she chewed the knot off it! An Poppy just would not entertain one at all!!!
love tina x

Danielle said...

Great cards Curt! I don't have Copics but I really want them! I think you did an awesome job with your first Copic-colouring attempt! Check out my blog Curt 'cos you inspired me to do a card! Your dogs looks too cute - great job on their bandanas!
Danielle

Jackie said...

You did a wonderful job with the Copics, aren't they wonderful markers? Your boys are very handsome in their bandanas, too.

Jan Scholl said...

You did fine with the copics-better than I have done so far. I know there will be a certification class down your way before anyone come here (no one want's to come to Michigan) so check the sign up to be notified at Copic site.

BTW-if you want snow, you can have my allotment. I would be happy to see the blacktop on the streets just once this winter.

Jami said...

Your coloring is fabulous Curt!!! I can't believe it's your first time with those Copics!! I chuckled at your sentiment. I saw that on a greeting card at a store a long long time ago, and I too have never forgotten it. I still love it!!

The boys look great in the turquoise bandannas. My labs love wearing theirs, and get very bummed out if they don't have one on. They too have a couple dozen each... you can pick some fun ones up at WalMart for $1 each (by the purses, belts and stuff).

Hugs, Jami

Lauri said...

Great coloring job, I would never know it was your first try! That card is so so funny! I will have to remember that sentiment and case it! and your box of Copics looks so so so so so yummy!!!!!

You picture of the copics next to the card cracks me up! You are a pro!

Now your puppies...so handsome...that turquoise is beautiful! Thanks for sharing everything with us!

Erin said...

Curt love your valentines cards. You did a great job coloring them with the copics.. Here in ohio we have about 7-8 inches of snow. I wonder what your poor dogs would do if they saw that.lol.. I love the turquoise bandannas.. You are so right. They look great with the black fur...

V Colbourne said...

Wow! Your coloring is outstanding, you would never know that this was your first time.

Your "boys" are super cute with their new bandanas... :)

6 wacky women said...

Awesome, Curt. You did a fabulous job with your copics. I love both your cards. They are wonderful!! Love the sentiment too.

The boys are adorable in their blue bandanas. They are such elegant looking dogs. They pose very well for the camera.

Take care
Karen x

Sue from Oregon said...

Great cards Curt...and that pic with your Copics all lined up...makes me so jealous LOL! Those bandana's look so nice on your babies too!

Anonymous said...

Curt, careful, you may be commissioned to copic color art pieces! Wowzers on that first try from fine winnings! So glad I stopped by before zzzzs to be treated to such eye candy. Cards and yur boys made eyepopping delight complete with paw prints. My friend in Redmond started a housesitting job where Gretta greeted her while we celled! Gretta needs your paw print stylin'! ARFFFF! Now, off to check out those inchies. Been toying with some quilting paper inches here.

Judy said...

Great job with the Copics and that sentiment -- I love it.

Diane said...

Wow Curt, you did a fantastic job! I love pink and brown together (sorry...LOL), but it looks great as does teal and brown. The "boys" look great too, and it is always fun seeing them! MY "Nellie" has several bandanas, too, one being a John Deere, I have a gator and she wears that one while riding in it with me! I subscribe to your post and am always excited when it comes in my email box....great pic of the week, too! www.nelliesnest.blogspot.com

Etha said...

Great job with your copics coloring! I don't think the pillow is too pink at all, you've framed it all so well that it fits wonderfully. Your boys are TOO cute!! they look like a lot of fun to be around :)

Bonnie Weiss said...

First and foremost...your BOYS are georgous! Interesting, one with cropped ears and one not. And turquoise is definately one of their colours!

And your Copic colouring...amazing. The image is adorable and your meticulous finishing is a joy to look at.

Jules said...

Your copic coloring is fantastic, like I just knew it would be. I don't think the pillow is too pink at all, it just pops nicely! What a cute card! The balloon HM card is just adorable too!
Speaking of adorable...the boys are just ROCKIN' their new bandannas...so cute! They do look like GQ DOG, haha! So cute especially standing in the snow!
I hope you had a nice dinner, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Jules said...

Almost forgot to mention that I love your pine cone picture...you are right we both have the same "eye"! LOL

Anonymous said...

You inspire me!!
I will try to colour with copics this week at my LSS.....
Love the HM stamps - they lend themselves to colouring.
Thank you.
I enjoy your photography so much - thank you again.
Oh, and the Boys!!!

DeeDee said...

Well guess what? Your first Copic coloring job looks FABULOUS!!!! Love that image too....so SWEET!!! The boys look GRAND in their turquoise neck ties...great color for them!!! You're such a good Daddy to make those for them!!! HUGS!!!

Laura Davis said...

Awwww your puppies look so handsome! I am so jealous you have Copics! Great job with the coloring! Your cards are so stinkin cute!
Hugs,
Laura

Ila said...

Both cards are Fabulous!!...and your copic coloring is Wonderful!!...I love the images you used on both of these cards...and the photo of your furkids....Fantastic!!....they could both be models for sure!!...Hugs, Ila

Carolyn Bounds said...

Your boys are definitely model material!!! They are just too adorable!!! I wanna give 'em a hug:o) I also love what you did with the bandanas...how very clever!

Your Copic skills are fabulous!!! I wish I could make my marker coloring look so good! You are simply a natural to all coloring mediums:o)

Both of your cards are amazing, and I am truly feeling the sentiment on your Gruffies card:D Too funny!!!

Hugs!
Carolyn

Joan Fricker said...

Curt, oh my goodness what great models you have and their new scarves truly accent their beauty.
Did they have any trouble with their paws in this frigid weather? Whiskers little toes got sooo cold, but it sure makes him come inside quickly.

You did a great job with your Copic markers. Aren't they fun? I still have so much to learn, but they sure make coloring easier.

Both cards are are adorable!!!!! Great job.

Joan

Julie Koerber said...

First time with Copics??? Couldda fooled me! AND, you won them??? Even better --huh? Your cards are just so sweet a person could eat them!! LOL! Hope all is well!

Rebecca Ednie said...

Glad to see you enjoying copics. I adore mine. The image looks great. I'd never know this was your first try. I would get that sentiment but anyone I'd send it to might be offended! The bandanas look great too be sure to update us on how well the wash up.

Shirley said...

I really really like how you painted your first image and the card is just beautiful and cute too. Your second card is so cute too! Love what you did with those balloons. He is adorable. Now for the other art. Your two boys are beautiful...as I said before they have that 'look at me, I'm important' look. How fun with the bandannas. Maybe I missed it, but where are you? They are in the snow!!! Right?

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Your boys are sooo handsome! They look great in those bandannas :)
I {{heart}} your lil cards so very much! The coloring is awesome - seems like you've been doing it forever! That lil bear had me giggling - Great job Curt ;)
BTW! I'm telling DH that because of you, I had to buy 12 more Copics ;) hee, hee!
xoxo, margie

Anonymous said...

I love that first card, it's hilarious, you did a great job with the coloring and the candy bar corners are quite clever! Do you have a blender pen? That will really help if you need to lighten things.
Your boys are quite dapper, my black cat Jack couldn't agree more on the color choice (he has a turquoise leather collar) :-)

bumblebee creations said...

Love your coloring! I am only lucky enough to have two copic markers! I have enjoyed reading your posts- it is neat to find a guy that will admit he likes making cards!! Love the pics of your kids too!!! Genious idea with the bandanas!

Joani McDonald said...

OMGoodness! Where do I start? The cards are awesome!! And those two dogs, I would just love to hug them to bits! I miss my Ginger something awful ~ cherish them.

Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog - and you are going on my fav's list for sure!
{{BIG}}Hugs,
Joani

Tonniece said...

Great cards Curt. Your boys are so handsome, and the color is stunning on them/

Michelle Alejandro said...

Oh Curt, these cards are wonderful! New toys (copics) too! You are too lucky! I haven't gotten into the copics, but am afraid that my addictive personality will take over and I will blow all of our savings on them, lol! TFS!
Hugs,
Michelle

Sharon Caudle said...

WOW!!!! You did NOT pick an easy card to start using your Copics!! But you sure did an amazing job with them! LOVE the sentimet! It's soooo funny!! And your little floating mouse is just too cute! I really, really like the way you matted it! And your boys look absoulutely FANTASTIC in those bandanas!!! The color is gorgeous on them. and YES they look like models!! Enjoy your dinner!

Maria Matter said...

Your first Copics card looks great! Love the floating bunny too, the balloons are very clever!
The bandanas look like great fun, and the boys look proud to be modeling them!
I was blog hopping and came upon your fabulous blog, I enjoyed my visit!
Blessings, Maria

nicky w. said...

Cute cards!!! I love the bear eating chocolates! Great job with the Copics!!!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh Curt, where do I start?! First, love the first card, cracks me up. I mean that card is soooooo seriously me I think you know me!! Second your dogs are just too too adorable!!! And last but not least, you did an awesome job with the copics. You are on a roll my friend!

Percy said...

Curt you did a fabulous job of coloring.....I wish I could afford them, you rock!!! The valentines card is simply adorable....another great one!!! Your babies are sooooooo cute.....they must be spoiled!!! Continue the great work you do, and the inspiration for all of us!

Gina Wrona said...

Awesome job Curt!
Things have been a blur this past week since my son had strep throat and hasn't recovered yet. Please help me pray for him.
Gina

Linda said...

Hi
Your cards are great :o) And your boys are sooooooo CUTE :o)

Birgit and Marni said...

Yes, the boys are amazing and so gorgeous! And little boys and girls can never have too many outfits. I know that first hand with my little girl. And the card with the copics are adorable. Are copics the same as Tombow markers? Love the House Mouse stamps too.

Jamie Martin said...

You did a great job with your copics! That's one thing I don't have.
Super cute dogs, boy are they big!

Nancy said...

I'm feelin' your Gruffies card...can easily shut myself up with some chocolate. hee hee! You did a great job with the Copics on it.
Love the bandanas on the boys! My Laila (adorable mutt) looks great in the red ones I put on her. :)
I have something for you on my blog. Hey...don't forget to sign up for my blog candy for Pat's project! :)

Julia Aston said...

Fun chocolate card and sentiment Curt! I'd say you are doing very well with your copics! I have a lot of trouble blending the colors. Very fun valentine and love your doggies new bandanas! That is a great color on them!

Carolyn Bounds said...

I left you a little something on my blog:o)

Hugs!
Carolyn

Jodi said...

Curt, you did a great job with the copics, and I love what you did with the balloons! =)
The cutest thing are the boys! They look so cool with those turquoise bandanas! I love it! =)
Thanks for sharing all of your great cards and now, your fab coloring!=)
Hugs,
Jodi =)

Cheryl B. said...

Love your cards! You did a great job with the Copics. My sister and I only have a few Copics and I have not had a chance to use them yet. I am a bit intimidated because I am coloring challenged. One of these days I may get the courage to use them.

Your dogs are so cute. The bandannas look great.

Anonymous said...

YOU DID A GREAT JOB USING THOSE "COPICS", THAT BEAR EATING "TRUFFELS" IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. IN THE PIC. OF THE DOGS, IF THE SNOW WAS BLUE, IT WOULD MATCH THEIR BANDANNA'S...GUNTHER LOOKS SO SWEET AND SMALL, AND SHOTSY SO STATELY...., BY THE WAY.....LOVE THOSE "PINECONES". LOVE. MOM

Rita said...

You did a fantastic job on the coloring with your new copics, your a fast learner Curt! Both cards are awesome inside & out! You make me laugh, you are so creative...those bandanas are SUPER DUPER stylin'!!!

take a little piece of my art said...

I've yet to attempt coloring with my copics...I generally use them with an air compressor instead. But, your coloring was wonderful.
By the way...I liked your comment about the color combo brown and pink and how you didn't like it "popular as it may be"....I think the new color combo should be turquoise & black!!!! Your boys are handsome!!!

Laura Davis said...

Wooohooo lots of comments! You have been photo tagged on my blog:)
Hugs,
Laura

Dawn said...

Hi there
Well I loved your post and well done on the copic colouring -
I don't own any they scare me to death!!!
Your dogs are gorgeous and great idea stamping the cute paw prints!

dpkennedy said...

Adorable cards! I just love HM! You lucky dog winning those Copics! You did a nice job with them! I love the bunny with the heart balloons-very sweet card! And the boys...they are so dang cute! Love their new accessory! Have a great day!

Becky said...

adorable cards, How lucky are you to win those copics, I am jealous :). And your boys are fabulous.

Angie said...

Hey Curt! You did a great job with coloring with your new Copics. Aren't they a fun/challenging new toy? I love mine and I'm always practicing. I've been out of touch with the blogging world for the past week or two since we just moved to Italy! But I plan on getting back "in the groove". Adorable boys as always. I miss my Einstein... but he has a special place in my heart forever and your boys remind me of him.

Papier Creatif said...

Hi Curt! I adore your giant beauties! I have five dogs: 2 papillons, 2 maltese, and a lab/chow mix! The photo of your boys is really beautiful. I leafed thru your blog and love all the projects that you've created. I also love birds, so your background looks sweet! I've just started scrapbooking for my kids. I'm an interior decorator taking a break and recovering from eyelid surgery last fall. {career crisis - lol}

Thanks for the inspiration and when you get a chance take a look at my blog/scrapbook/journal. I have a photo of Georgie & GiGi on the side. AND maybe you should do Twitter too! It's fun! I think you'd like it!

Luv Your Stuff!!!

Papier Creatif said...

Thanks, Curt! Do ya think House Beautiful would hire me as a writer for their design projects OR should I write a juicy love story!!? ;) I know which one sounds more interesting to me! {hugs}

p.s. I noted you in my latest project as a source of inspiration. Check it out and tell me what you think of it.

Janine said...

Great work Curt!!!

Tammy Hershberger said...

LOL The boys look very handsome after their "fluff and buff" and with their new Dad-made bandanas! The cards are great, Curt! I'd say you are well-suited to those new Copics!

magic boxes said...

Hi Curt - Love your card and your sense of humour! Your blog is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, I'm still giggling now.

Thank you for your lovely comments on mine.

Elaine

Deb Neerman said...

WoWzA! These cards are bee-you-tea-full!!

You must be kiddin' ... 1ST time!?! Yikes, you're a natural!

Your bandanas came out awesome ... love 'em! Wish I could get my kitties to wear something like that.

Have a great week, my friend!!

~Hugs, Deb

Jules said...

Well hello Mr.Popular!!!
I just popped over to say hi, my finger got a cramp from scrolling down 62 comments to leave my rambling...guess you better get posting, don't keep your fans waiting too long! LOL

J/K I hope you guys are doing well, stay warm and healthy!

Rita said...

Kurt you haven't posted for awhile, I hope everything is OK with you. I miss you & your picture of the week! Hugs to you my friend!

Anonymous said...

You did a FAB job with the Copics! Love your blog, your dogs are just TOO cute...and I totally admire your photography skills!