Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Blick Studio Brush Marker Comparison to Copic Sketch Markers, in my opinion.

Hello fellow cardmakers. Today I am sharing with you my opinion on the Blick Studio Brush Marker and how it compares to Copic Sketch Markers. Of course, this is my opinion and you may find different results. Every crafter has their own set of likes and dislikes, and how things work for their particular skill set. I am no Copic expert, but I do enjoy using them and have collected quite the collection over the years. I am however, still learning how to use them. I have taken several online classes to develop my skills over the past few months, including Online Card Classes Copic Markers for Card Makers and Kit and Clowder's Basic Copic coloring class. This post is not so much to teach you about alcohol markers, but to give my limited opinion and some factual information about Blick Studio Brush Markers and Copic Sketch Markers in comparison to each other. I hope you find it at least interesting, but hopefully helpful. I have a video to go along with this post on my YouTube Channel that reviews this information, and a mini vlog of our trip to the brick and mortar Blick Art Materials store in Baltimore, Maryland.



Let's start with price, since money is the root of all evil. Copic Markers are expensive and often people look for a cheaper alternative. I found Copic Sketch Markers to be cheapest online at Blick.com, the online store of the name behind the Blick Studio Brush Marker. Although Copics come in a varitey of sizes, for the purposes of this comparison, we will only be focusing on the sketch variety. Blick Studio Brush markers currently only come in one size that most closely represent the size of the Copic Sketch Marker. Copic Sketch Markers are $5.24 individually there. Blick Studio Brush Markers are $3.99. These values are in US Dollars since I live here in the "good ole US of A", and do not include tax and shipping. Blick.com often runs free shipping with a $45 or more purchase. I purchased my markers for this comparison at the physical store located in Baltimore, MD. I am very fortunate that I live so close to such a great resource. This location is only about 20 mins. away from my home. I paid $5.24 because I purchased 12 or more for the Copic Sketch Markers. If you go to the physical location, you pay up to $6.99 per marker depending on the number of markers you purchase, essentially, its worth it to buy a few more, and get the discount. The cheapest value is $5.24 for purchasing 12 or more. Online however, individual markers are $5.24 unless you purchase more than 12 of the same marker. This allows schools and art facilities to purchase a greater number of supplies for a discounted rate. The Blick Studio Brush Markers, in store, were $4.99. This value was prior to me signing up for there preferred customer program. After signing up, I received a $1 discount on each marker, making them $3.99. Below is a copy of my receipt. So, with all of this having been said, it's cheaper to buy more online than to physically go into the store. In the future, unless I want something right away, I will be patient and order online at Blick.com for both Copic and Blick markers. I do enjoy the instant gratification of having my new markers in hand and the Copic display is awesome.



I did notice that some colors that were "backordered" online, were available in store and vice versa. I had prepared a list of markers that I wanted to purchase and was unable to select a few that were not available in store. When I got home, I did see that I could order them online. I have had instances where I ordered a particular color and it went "out of stock" prior to shipping and it held up my order. But that is a different blog post. The Blick Studio Brush Marker selection seemed to be in full force, having an equally awesome display.



Choosing Blick Studio Brush Markers was difficult for me and you will see in the video that I failed at finding a good blending group. I can't seem to find an explanation of there color coding system. On the display, I picked colors that looked similar and that were similar to colors in my Copic collection for comparison. I choose Light Peach, Pink, and darker pink. If you couldn't tell by my previous statement, they didn't blend well together. I don't know if it was my color selection or the ink quality. So, I can honestly say that although they seem to have a good color selection with currently 96 colors including a colorless blender, the coding system needs improvement. They fall well short by  comparison to the extremely thorough Copic Color System, currently available in 358 colors.



So, after finding that the colors I chose didn't blend well together, I started blending them with my Copics to see if I could use them together. I found that when blending with a Copic marker, they seem to work fantastically. This may be because of the high quality of the Copic ink, but I'm not really sure. I found that when used with similar Copic colors, they could be used as a supplement to missing colors or in addition to your current Copic or other alcohol marker collection.



The brush nib on the Blick Studio Brush Marker is a tiny bit stiffer, in my opinion, to the brush nib on the Copic marker. This could be a positive or a negative depending on your coloring style and preference. I am used to coloring with the Copics, but I did not find the stiffness of the Blick nib to be hindering in any way, and still found them enjoyable to color with. I almost never touch the chisel nib but both types of markers offer one on the other end of the marker.



I have spent a ton of money on my Copic collection. Some people think its insane to spend that kind of money on a marker. What they don't understand right away is, they are refillable and can be used and repaired for the life of the collection. In fact, many of my markers are second hand. I started my collection by purchasing the remains of someone else's unloved markers. I can refill them. I can re-nib them. I can clean them and make them look and color just like new. Unfortunately, the Blick Studio Brush Marker is currently a one-trick pony. Unless you purchase a similar ink refill by the Copic brand and use it in your Blick Studio Brush Marker, it will die when it runs out of ink. This is the primary reason why I will not be purchasing any additional Blick Studio Brush Markers.

In conclusion, I will continue to spend the higher amounts of money adding to my Copic collection, knowing that I am purchasing a tool with extendable service life,  and loving every minute.

Thank you for visiting my blog today,

Kori

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Your Next Stamp Gone fishing Birthday Card with Video

Hello fellow card makers. Today I am sharing with you a project I created using stamps by Your Next Stamp. I personally love Your Next Stamp products and this set is no exception. Today I used the Keepin' it Reel stamp set. I also used some Distress Inks to create my background and I colored my image with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers. Below are some photos of my card, a link to my YouTube video I created making this card, and a full list of supplies.





Supplies:

Stamps:
Your Next Stamp, Keepin' It Reel

Dies:
MFT, Stitched Basic Edges 2 and Blueprints 1
Sizzix, Circle Framelits
Your Next Stamp, Puffy Cloud Border

Ink:
Versafine, Oynx Black
Distress Ink, Mermaid Lagoon, Mowed Lawn, and Chipped Sapphire
Versamark

Cardstock:
Simon Says Stamp, Fog
Tim Holtz, Distress Watercolor
PTI, True Black
Strathmore, Bristol Smooth White
Stampin' Up! Old Olive

Embossing Powder:
Simon Says Stamp, Detail White
Stampin' Up! Clear

Other:
Zig, Clean Color Real Brush markers  http://amzn.to/2pgdD2F
Doodlebug, Erie Eyes
Black Craft Mat by Dahle  http://amzn.to/2mbSzJE
Scotch 3M Foam Tape (huge roll)  http://amzn.to/2lzZauc
Sizzix Big Shot (white)  http://amzn.to/2mc5ICD
Sizzix Big Shot Caddy (white) http://amzn.to/2lvv7FR
Fiskars Wire Guide Paper Trimmer  http://amzn.to/2lvAMM4
Fiskars Titanium Replacement Blades  http://amzn.to/2lKjkUj
White Craft Foam Sheets  http://amzn.to/2mceqAu
Ranger Multi Medium Matte  http://amzn.to/2ldDfs1
Quilled Creations Precision Tip  http://amzn.to/2mceXlY
Scor Tape 1/4" http://amzn.to/2ldSqkI


Thank you for visiting my blog today,

Kori

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

A Beauty and the Beast Card Featuring Sweet Stamp Shop with Video

Hello fellow card makers. Today I am sharing a card that I made with Sweet Stamp Shop products . I used stamps from both the Prince Charming stamp set and the Wear a Crown stamp set. Using these stamps I created a card that reminds me of the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast. The main image on the card is reminiscent of the flower from the story. The background was created using similar images of an empty flower stem and some roses and falling petals. I recently saw a card made by one of MFT's design team members, Joy (Simple by Design), that created a custom background by white heat embossing images in this same way. I was inspired by her card to create this one. Below are photos of my project, a link to my YouTube Video, and a complete list of supplies.

The first card I created I used Glossy Accents all over the image to make it appear like glass. I didn't like how it turned out and re-colored the image, this time forgoing the use of the Glossy Accents. I'm not sure if it was a great move. I would be interested in hearing your opinions. Leave a comment below or on my YouTube Video letting me know which one you prefer, the with or without Glossy Accents.

with Glossy Accents


without Glossy Accents 


without Glossy Accents 




Supplies:

Stamps:
Sweet Stamp Shop, Wear A Crown and Prince Charming

Dies:
MFT, Blueprints 1 Die-namics 

Ink:
Memento, Tuxedo Black 
Versamark 
Versfine, Onyx Black 
Distress Ink, Dried Marigold and Scattered Straw 

Cardstock:
Papertrey Ink, Soft Stone
Tim Holtz, Distress Watercolor 
Neenah, 110 lb Solar White http://amzn.to/2mZft7l
Neenah, 80 lb Solar White http://amzn.to/2ldAiaH

Embossing Powder:
Simon Says Stamp, Detail White 

Other:
Copic Markers 
Ranger, Glossy Accents 
Zig, Wink of Stella, Clear 
Tim Holtz Tonic Trimmer  http://amzn.to/2ldCgb8
Black Craft Mat by Dahle   http://amzn.to/2mbSzJE
Scotch 3M Foam Tape http://amzn.to/2lzZauc
Sizzix Big Shot (white) http://amzn.to/2mc5ICD
Sizzix Big Shot Caddy (white) http://amzn.to/2lvv7FR
Quilled Creations Precision Tip http://amzn.to/2mceXlY

Thank you for visiting my blog today, 

Kori 



Sunday, April 16, 2017

Happy Easter with Jane's Doodles Images

Hello fellow card makers. Happy Easter! This is such a special day for us here in our home. I wanted to make something special for all of you. Today I am sharing with you not only a card I made, but two cards that my kids made. We used images my friend Kaja sent to me. They are by Jane's Doodles, a set called Suzi's Easter. Here is a link to Kaja's Blog were you can find all things Kaja. Thanks again Kaja and I hope you loved the cards the kids made for you. Below are photos of the kids, a link to my YouTube Video, and a full list of supplies for my card.




Hayden coloring his images with Prismacolor Colored Pencils. 

Cailin coloring some of the images with Prismacolor Colored Pencils. She is a true artist, far better than myself. She is 15 and I am constantly amazed at what she creates. 

This is Hayden he is 13, he is putting together his card. 

Dexter painting with Derwent Inktense pencils with his big sister. 



Hayden's finished card. 

Cailin and Dexter's finished card.



Supplies: (for my card)

Stamps:
images from Janes Doodles Suzi's Easter
Clearly Bessotted, Many Mini Messages (sentiment)

Dies:
MFT, Scalloped Basic Edge Die-namics, Accent It Flags and Tags Die-namics

Ink:
Versafine, Onyx Black
Memento, Tuxedo Black

Cardstock:
Taylored Expressions, Earl Grey
Neenah 110 lb and 80 lb Solar White http://amzn.to/2ldAiaH  http://amzn.to/2mZft7l

Embossing Powder:
Stampin' Up! Clear

Other:
Copic Markers
Nuvo Crystal Drops, Oyster Grey
Black Craft Mat by Dahle  http://amzn.to/2mbSzJE
Scotch 3M Foam Tape (huge roll) http://amzn.to/2lzZauc
White Craft Foam http://amzn.to/2mceqAu
Ranger Multi Medium Matte tp://amzn.to/2ldDfs1
Quilled Creations Precision Tip http://amzn.to/2mceXlY
Scor Tape 1/4" http://amzn.to/2ldSqkI

Thank you for visiting my blog today,

Kori

Friday, April 14, 2017

Hang In There Card Video Featuring MFT for MFT Sketch Challenge 328

Hello fellow card makers. Today I am playing along with MFT's sketch Challenge #328. I used the new Cuddly Koalas set. Below are some photos of my project, a link to my YouTube video for this card, and a complete list of supplies.




Supplies:

Stamps:
MFT, Cuddly Koalas and Crosshatch Background stamp

Dies:
MFT, Stitched Basic Edge Die-namics and Stitched Rectangle Word Window Die-namics
Mama Elephant, Femme Frames

Ink:
Distress Ink, Salty Ocean and Mowed Lawn
Hero Arts, Unicorn White
Versafine, Onyx Black

Cardstock:
Simon Says Stamp, Fog
Taylored Expressions, Earl Grey
Strathmore Bristol Smooth White

Embossing Powder
Simon Says Stamp, Detail White

Other:
Zig Clean Color Real Brush http://amzn.to/2pgdD2F
Nuvo Crystal Drops, Oyster Grey
Black Craft Mat by Dahle http://amzn.to/2mbSzJE
Scotch 3M Foam Tape (huge roll) http://amzn.to/2lzZauc
Ranger Multi Medium Matte http://amzn.to/2ldDfs1
Quilled Creations Precision Tip http://amzn.to/2mceXlY

Thank you for visiting my blog today,

Kori

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Harvest Mouse Sending Hugs Card with Video

Hello fellow card makers. Today I am sharing a card that I made using My Favorite Things, Harvest Mouse Stamp Set and Papertrey Ink's, Sending Hugs Mini Stamp Set and Big Hugs Die Set. I ink- blended my background using some Distress Inks and made my "hugs" sentiment into a shaker window using some craft foam and Mini Prills as my shaker bits. They look like the Nerds candy to me, do you agree? I use to love me some Nerds candy, lol. Below are some photos of my project, a link to my YouTube video, and a complete list of supplies.






Supplies:

Stamps:
Papertrey Ink, Sending Hugs Mini Stamp Set
My Favorite Things, Harvest Mouse

Dies:
Papertrey Ink, Big Hugs

Ink:
Versafine, Onyx Black
Hero Arts, Black
Distress Ink, Salty Ocean and Mowed Lawn

Cardstock:
Neenah 110 lb Solar White (card base)http://amzn.to/2mZft7l
Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Paper

Patterned Paper:
Lawn Fawn, Perfectly Plaid
My Minds Eye, Dolled Up

Embossing Powder:
Stampin' Up! Clear

Other:
Derwent, Inktense Pencils
Nuvo, Crystal Drops, Bottle Green and Duck Egg Blue
Mini Prills, Rabbit
Gelly Roll Black Glaze Pen
Tim Holtz Tonic Trimmer http://amzn.to/2ldCgb8
Black Craft Mat by Dahle  http://amzn.to/2mbSzJE
Scotch 3M Foam Tape (huge roll) http://amzn.to/2lzZauc
Sizzix Big Shot (white) http://amzn.to/2mc5ICD
Sizzix Big Shot Caddy (white) http://amzn.to/2lvv7FR
White craft foam sheets http://amzn.to/2mceqAu
Ranger Multi Medium Matte http://amzn.to/2ldDfs1
Quilled Creations Precision Tip http://amzn.to/2mceXlY
Scor Tape 1/4" http://amzn.to/2ldSqkI


Thank you for visiting my blog  today,

Kori


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

PTI Thankful Card with Video

Hello fellow card makers. Today I am sharing a card I made using some Papertrey Ink products that I've had in my stash a while. I am using my Distress inks to blend a background onto some Bristol paper and using a negative die cut technique to make a window. Below are photos of my project, a link to my YouTube video and a full list of supplies. Hold onto your hats folks, there are lots of mistakes in this card, but its good, cause we can learn from them... and then spend money to not make them again : )





Supplies:

Stamps:
PTI, Counting my blessings mini stamp set

Dies:
PTI, Counting my blessings die collection

Ink:
Hero Arts, Unicorn White
Distress Ink, Festive Berries, Spiced Marmalade, Squeezed Lemonade, Twisted Citron, and Salty Ocean

Cardstock:
Neenah 110 lb Solar White http://amzn.to/2mZft7l
Strathmore, Bristol Smooth White
PTI, True Black

Other:
Tim Holtz Tonic Trimmer  http://amzn.to/2ldCgb8
Black Craft Mat by Dahle http://amzn.to/2mbSzJE
Scotch 3M Foam Tape (huge roll)http://amzn.to/2lzZauc
Sizzix Big Shot (white)http://amzn.to/2mc5ICD
Sizzix Big Shot Caddy (white)http://amzn.to/2lvv7FR
Fiskars Wire Guide Trimmerhttp://amzn.to/2lvAMM4
Fiskars Titanium Replacement Bladeshttp://amzn.to/2lKjkUj
White Craft Foam Sheetshttp://amzn.to/2mceqAu
Ranger Multi Medium Mattehttp://amzn.to/2ldDfs1
Quilled Creations Precision Tiphttp://amzn.to/2mceXlY
Scor Tape 1/4"http://amzn.to/2ldSqkI

Thank you for visiting my blog,

Kori