Violets

Nichole's new Year of the Flower: Violets stamp set from Papertrey is so lovely. I'm so happy to see more more images from PTI that can be colored with Copic markers. When I start a coloring session using flowers, I like to do a little research first. I googled violets and got lots and lots of unique photos, so many different varieties of violets than what we're typically used to seeing. Just look at all these colors and frilly edges, so beautiful.
Once I find a few inspiration photos, I like to print them off so I can keep them nearby when coloring my flower images. It was especially fun to find a grouping of many flower varieties like in the photo below. I matched up violets to a few in the photo.
When coloring with Copics, I also like to gather up a few of the supplies I'll be using for completed projects. This helps me to make sure that I'm matching up my supplies too. Vintage Buttons, patterned paper and some ribbon will do the trick. And when coloring flower images, I like to color a lot to have on hand.....might as well while I've got all my marker colors selected. I use Palette Black Noir ink pads for coloring with Copics. If there are tight spaces to color, I'll sometimes hit the images with my heat gun just to make sure the black ink is set.
When I'm done coloring my images, I cut them out with fine tip scissors. They take on a new life when cut out, they look so real. Then it's time to bring out all the supplies and goodies.
If you followed Nichole's anniversary festivities this week, then you might have made a sheet of embellishments (or doodads as I call them) to give to a stamping friend. I played along too but had another post that day. So while you're waiting for your PTI order to arrive, I thought you might like some additional inspiration.
Aren't the violets just beautiful? For my embellishments sheets, I attached two colored violets, some leaves, tied buttons and rhinestones to a piece of Clearly Creative Cardstock.
I then cut a few sheets of Pretty Pastels patterned paper and two lengths of ribbon. I tucked all of this into an A2 size envelope. The crafty recipient will receive enough supplies to complete two cards.
I tied the envies up with some thick twine...very simple but pretty.
And here's a card I made using some of the doodads.
I added some shimmer to the the flower using a glitter pen. Stitching was added to the center white piece.
And here's the card sketch I used as inspiration. By rounding the square pieces, you get a very soft look to your card. I'll be using this one over and over again.
Here's my Copic colors I used to color my flower images. The T1 Gray color was used over the Y35 yellow color to tone it down a bit.
Soo....are you excited about coloring with Copic markers? Very soon I will be offering some videos that will show me coloring images with Copics. They will be very casual and informal...just me coloring and you watching over my shoulder. I think one of the most helpful ways to learn something is by watching someone else. Josey, my oldest red, is very very good at taking videos. So I have hired her to be my video producer and editor. She's very excited to get it going. So stay tuned for some quality video time with me. :)