Michael Strong 6th anniversary blog hop

Hello to all Michael Strong Stamp fans!  I joined the Enjoy Michael Strong Stamp Group in 2009.  I did not realize that I joined in the first year or two.  I guess that makes me one of the old timers.  This group has been such an inspiration.  There are so many talented members!  I am not sure which stamp was my first.  That is because I bought several with my first purchase.  I am not sure which they are were but I know it included the Cloisonne Pot, Vase and Heart.  Below is one of the first cards I made.  And of course the Technique was taught by Michael.

The background is painted and then scored.  The score lines are lightly sanded to expose the black card stock.  The Cloisonne Post is stamped and embossed in Black.  It is shaded with Walnut Distress Ink using a blending tool.  The plant is made with scored paper then inked with red and green.  The cut in small strips.

In February 2010 I was lucky enough to attend one of Michael's classes in the San Diego area.  My husband and I were in San Diego on  vacation and he drive me 20 to 30 minutes to attend the class.  It was a wonderful class.  Below is a picture of me and Michael.

He is more photogenic that I am!  During the class we made the cards below.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you hop to the other blogs.  Your next stop is Joanna's at - http://www.Craftyjo.org.uk

The complete list is below.


Mike  -  http://www.blog.strongstamps.com/
Shelly  -  http://shellymc2.blogspot.com/
Heidi  -  http://heidi-thereluctantblogger.blogspot.ca/
Yael  -  http://yaeloc.blogspot.nl/
Herma -  http://hermaf.wordpress.com/
Rosie - http://gramig05-playtime.blogspot.com/
Joanna  - http://www.Craftyjo.org.uk
Jill  - http://jmp1022.blogspot.com
Laura  -  http://holmadelaura.blogspot.com/
Hetty  -  http://craftchaos.blogspot.com

Copic Card Class - Turning on Lights

Today I learned how to shade depending on the light source.  I especially liked the flicker method of coloring in the flowers.  Below you will see 4 of the flowers I colored.

Copic Coloring Class - Day 3 - Streching Your Markers

Today I learned how to shade using grays.  I would have never even thought of doing this.  I only have 2 cool greys, C3 and C5.  So I used a W1 and W3 on  some of my practice images.  It worked well for light colors.

Copic Coloring Class - Day 2 - Blending Tricks

Today I learned different methods to use to blend colors.  Below is my practice sheet.  I like to combine methods.  I like to use the feathering method to color and blend but if I do not have a color in the middle, I like to use the acrylic block method.  Using lots of ink and practice seems to be the key.

Copic Coloring Class

Today I learned how to do 2 color blending and 3 color blending.  It was a great day of instructions.  I learn many tips and tricks.  Below is my practice sheet from today.

As you can see, some colors were easier to blend than others.