Sharing a New Poll

Hi friends, I’m home!  I realized that I needed to put up a new poll tonight, so I put the old thinking cap on and got to work.  It’s up!  Would you mind weighing in?  You can always see the results of all my polls by visiting the Polls Archive.

Don’t forget, I have current blog candy going on that you can register for on the post dated April 16th, HERE.

See you soon!!

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  • JanineApril 18, 2011 - 2:16 am

    Wish I could afford Copic markers. I’ve played with them a few different times at Archivers and fell in love with how perfect they perform and the results you get with them. Once you get the color combinations down for what you want to achieve, the markers really do all of the work. When it comes to paper crafting supplies, I lack the discipline to be able to save for a set of Copics. And, I know once that I buy one set, I’ll want them all….lolReplyCancel

  • PaulineApril 18, 2011 - 2:27 am

    Copic Marker’s although I still struggle with them. I also like Gamsol & Coloured pencils.ReplyCancel

  • Rosemarie MenassasApril 18, 2011 - 2:40 am

    What inspiration you give us daily! Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • CherylApril 18, 2011 - 3:21 am

    I also wish I could afford copic markers. I love the inexpensive water color pencils and color pencils. The effects can be beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • RebekkaApril 18, 2011 - 3:27 am

    I thought I would never use anything but pencil and gamsol, then I tried copics and fell in love with those things, still learning to use them :)ReplyCancel

  • Phyllis GunnApril 18, 2011 - 4:23 am

    For my budget, Copic Markers are a bit pricey so I always use a coupon or wait for a sale to purchase more colors. I keep an eye out for any tutorials/tips on coloring with Copics. I do not have the “natural” artist’s flair like some of the truly talented people out there but, my coloring does improve with each tutorial.ReplyCancel

  • chrisdApril 18, 2011 - 5:04 am

    I would love Copics but it is simply not in the budget. I use my Prismacolor pencils and basic watercoloring paints.ReplyCancel

  • Iris, Saved by GraceApril 18, 2011 - 5:22 am

    Hi Becca! Copics are amazing! I don’t have alot of them, they are expensive! I bought most of mine from Dick Blick, on line. They had sale plus free shipping. I believe they ended up being a little over $3 each! Iris, Saved by GraceReplyCancel

  • Connie GApril 18, 2011 - 5:25 am

    Copics for me too.. I have none…. drool at the talent out there who can use them to perfection…. but just don’t know if I will be able to master them to justify the investment.
    Oh…to dream.ReplyCancel

  • Dianne CApril 18, 2011 - 5:31 am

    Would love to have copic markers but they are expencive. I do enjoy my prismacolour pencils though and use them a lot. DianneReplyCancel

  • kathy sApril 18, 2011 - 5:39 am

    I love your polls but the last couple have been a bit hard to narrow down the correct answer- I usually use watercolour crayons or pencils -I don’t own many copics and sometimes I combine mediums- so I answered none for this oneReplyCancel

  • phyllis zimmermanApril 18, 2011 - 5:39 am

    I still am learning but I love copics, I always love watercoloring.
    Blessings,
    Phyllis ZReplyCancel

  • ToniRApril 18, 2011 - 5:39 am

    I love the Copic pens. I started out with the facial colors, then expanded my colors project by project. I continually learn new things to do with them. I love the fact that they can be refilled and new nibs applied.ReplyCancel

  • Mary NelsonApril 18, 2011 - 5:48 am

    I still use chalks, I love the soft look of them. Unfortunately I do not own any Copics. I do also use watercolor at times also.ReplyCancel

  • IreneApril 18, 2011 - 6:03 am

    I do have a few copics and so far my results with them have not been good. I know that I need more of the same color eg at least 3 different shades of red and something that I can blend my colors with as well. The videos are helpful but the skill comes from lots of practise. I know that it will all happen in time.ReplyCancel

  • Charlene DahlbergApril 18, 2011 - 6:11 am

    Most of the time I use colored pencils and gamsol– but I do love the results that can be had with copics. I have some – just need to practice more.ReplyCancel

  • Marilyn ClarkApril 18, 2011 - 6:11 am

    I use Prismacolors because I have more of them. I am just getting a few Copics and learning how to use them. They are nice and I have to fit them into my budget. Still use my stash of chalks, but depend on my pencils.ReplyCancel

  • DawnApril 18, 2011 - 6:12 am

    I just use regular markers.
    I would like to try the copic markers everyone seems to love.
    Maybe someday!
    Hugs, DawnReplyCancel

  • JeanApril 18, 2011 - 6:24 am

    I love Copic markers. I will occasionally use colored pencils and gamasol or watercolors but day in and day out I reach for the Copic markers. They are pricey but the result is great.ReplyCancel

  • Karen M.April 18, 2011 - 6:27 am

    Your blog is so fun Becca! I always use my watercolor pencils & blender pen. Copics are out of my price range and I have the whole set of SU markers from years ago and never use them cause I just can’t seem to color nicely with them.
    Make it a good week!
    Karen M.ReplyCancel

  • Evette K. CiampoApril 18, 2011 - 6:39 am

    Good Monday morning Becca! Just love to come to your blog first thing in the am to start my day. Love the new poll. Wish I could say I used copic markers all the time but since I am not really too sure of myself using the few I have…silly me…I use my prismacolored pencils mostly. My SU markers get in there too. How did it go with your son? Try to keep thinking how much this means to him. It will eventually make you smile. I cried all the way home from my eldest sons college the first time we dropped him there…4 hrs. of crying plus. Got a bit easier with the second son. LOL God bless you always Becca and know we all are praying for you. Thank you for sharing your life and fantastic talents with us. Hugs.ReplyCancel

  • SherylApril 18, 2011 - 6:42 am

    I use Crayola markers – they do not make the ink bleed when I print a digi… Copics are too expensive for me …ReplyCancel

  • SallyApril 18, 2011 - 6:43 am

    hi Becca,
    I answered NONE of the above…but I use all those methods as well as Twinking H20’s, Spica and Gel Pens…it totally depends on my mood, and the image. I love my Copics don’t have a huge selection, but enough to dabble.
    Enjoy using all the different techniques, and learning to accomplish a satisfying image with whatever I’m working with.ReplyCancel

  • JoJoApril 18, 2011 - 6:50 am

    I have every color of Tombow markers and use the blender pen with them. I use Twinkling H2O’s a lot for the shine and the colors can be blended with them, also. I have Copics, but am more comfortable with the Tombows.ReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisApril 18, 2011 - 6:54 am

    I chose water color markers and re-inkers. I don’t get all of the copic craze. I think you can get a lovely color with Tombow markers and for a more intense coloring I love using my distress re-inkers. Great topic. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-DReplyCancel

  • Francie (Montreal)April 18, 2011 - 6:55 am

    Hope you wake up today feeling a tad better. Oh, the hurt carries on, but day by day, it should become less acute. Hugs, prayers, and positive vibes are headed your way.

    I mostly use Tombow markers because that’s how I was taught when I first started this obsession. I do love the look of Copics; they are so vibrant, but I’d rather buy Spellbinders stuff with the funds available to me. Hey! We can only spend each dollar in one place, right?ReplyCancel

  • Cindy MApril 18, 2011 - 7:02 am

    I have copic markers and I love them, I started my collection with the colors that Suzanna J Dean put together from Scrap Bitz, then I went to Flourishes web site and did there collection of colors, then JustRite also put a collection of colors together, what I found was that a lot of the colors were in each collection, so I did not buy that color. I have also found a lot of video on you tube showing you how to blend and use the color combination. I am now filling in the rest of the colors, I found that Oh my Craft have them at the best price. I love how my project turn out when used my Copics, I am glad that you started using them on your card. Thanks Becca have a fabulous day!

    Coming to you from Nova ScotiaReplyCancel

  • Mary JaneApril 18, 2011 - 7:07 am

    H2Os are my favorite way to color. I love the feeling of it being almost a watercolor technique, but the shimmer just does me in. I do use Copic markers, but this is definitely on a learning curve so I don’t do it as well as I would like. Consequently, it is still a new and rising process.ReplyCancel

  • DeniceApril 18, 2011 - 7:09 am

    So far, I have never colored my stamped images. I am still pretty new to all of this. My grand babies are just now getting in to school this year and I have been very “available” since they were born. Now that I am only with them 3 days a week, I am trying to play catch up on our outdoors. (veg garden- flower gardens- and the “oh how I love them weeds”……NOT)Then there is the house that has basically been put on hold and needs a major over haul. I am hoping that I can start real soon seriously on a little me time. I love to craft, (cardmaking, scrapbooking, dollhouse miniatures, painting…..etc….) so hopefully pretty soon I will be able to “PLAY”. ; )ReplyCancel

  • Pam B.April 18, 2011 - 7:13 am

    I recently picked up two boxes of Copic Markers at Hobby Lobby using a 40% off coupon, but I have to agree with the consensus of crafters here that their quite expensive and not affordable for me at this time. I hope one of these days to find them at a great bargain somewhere, hopefully someplace like a garage sale.

    Thank you Becca for another great poll. I hope everyone has a delightful week, one filled with the nicest of blessings. :)ReplyCancel

  • christiApril 18, 2011 - 7:21 am

    i lack talent in the coloring area so… that said i do not have copics. i would hate to spend that much money and use them with poor results. i have tried them a couple of times. if i had the love for color, i would get some. i am still back in the dark ages fighting with my crayola crayons. never got the hang of keeping it in the lines. kindergarden here i come!ReplyCancel

  • chaun@satx.rr.comApril 18, 2011 - 7:29 am

    Found a pack of ready-made gorgeous gift cards (8 of them, plus envelopes) for a penny at Michael’s! They were in the $ bins, but rang up for a penny, since they were clearanced! Woohoo!ReplyCancel

  • ChristinaApril 18, 2011 - 7:31 am

    I like to use my Distress inks to watercolor my stamps. I like that the colors are bright, and I already had the product on hand when I first started coloring in my stamped images. I am new to the card world, I’ve only been making cards for about a year…but not on a regular basis. I enjoy reading your blog and I really enjoy your tutorials and the inspiration you provide both on crafting and daily living. Thank you.

    ChristinaReplyCancel

  • Rachel BrooksApril 18, 2011 - 7:33 am

    I have a few Copics – somewhere – but haven’t used them. I prefer colored watercolor pencils followed by the water filled brush, Maybe it’s because my mother was a water color artist? The cost of Copics is outrageous to me.ReplyCancel

  • RoseApril 18, 2011 - 7:51 am

    My daughter is collecting the Letraset Pro Markers – just like Copics, but with a finer tip and 1/3 the price of Copic Sketch. She shares them with me, so I’ve been having fun experimenting with them. They also have a non-alcohol marker – Letraset Pro Aqua, those I have seen in Joanns.ReplyCancel

  • Connie GoodApril 18, 2011 - 8:06 am

    Morning. . . Well I thought Spring was here but we woke up to snow this morning(West ,MI) Oh well it will be here soon. Thanks for another try at the candy.ReplyCancel

  • KayApril 18, 2011 - 8:09 am

    You need an “All of the Above” button! The image and my mood, plus the amount of time I have available determine the method I use. Sometimes I stamp the same image several times and color it in various methods to see which I like best.ReplyCancel

  • Valerie MartinApril 18, 2011 - 8:21 am

    This one was tough…Although I LOVE the results I see with Copics…and I have invested in almost the complete set…I have not had the chance to REALLY PLAY and practice with them…I lack confidence to just dive in…I still use my trusty watercolor crayons the most…So I checked none of the above on this one.
    Blessings,
    VlaerieReplyCancel

  • TaerieApril 18, 2011 - 8:23 am

    I have chalks that I won in at a stamp store years ago so I usually color with them. Losing my job 2 years ago, I can’t afford to color with anything else.ReplyCancel

  • Sally GasparriApril 18, 2011 - 8:31 am

    Copics are a bit pricey for my budget too, but I did buy 4 with coupons at Hobby Lobby – just so I could try them. I don’t have enough to get into any serious trouble with so I mostly use my Close To My Heart markers along with their watercolor pencils. They work good for me. Thanks for another opportunity to win blog candy.

    Sally GasparriReplyCancel

  • Darla WelchApril 18, 2011 - 8:40 am

    Being retired means drooling over Copic markers, but not buying them! Drat! Can’t wait to see what “Feature 2” is going to be. You are so talented and unselfishly make the rest of us look good!ReplyCancel

  • JerryApril 18, 2011 - 8:45 am

    I like copic markers but have so much to learn. I took an online class and am looking forward to buying the book “Shadowing and Coloring”. I love all the talent I see using these markers.ReplyCancel

  • Carol RApril 18, 2011 - 8:49 am

    I choose water coloring but actually use pencils and at times Copic Markers. I only own a few of the Copic markers and have much to learn using them. I’m sure it is similar to water coloring but I feel more comfortable with using my SU ink pads and reinkers to color the images in.ReplyCancel

  • Amanda HApril 18, 2011 - 8:50 am

    I use Tombows and I love them!! They are watercolor markers and very easy to use. I wanted to use Copics but I didn’t have a Copic dealer around here until recently, and on top of that I didn’t have access to a class until recently. But above all, I just don’t have the funds for them, although I love how they color!! :)ReplyCancel

  • SandyApril 18, 2011 - 9:10 am

    Am learning to color…get better every time. I like Stampin up’s Water color Wonders. They are the best. Copics are just too darn expensive!ReplyCancel

  • lacyquilterApril 18, 2011 - 9:12 am

    Tough question. I’m not sure I use any one medium more than the others. Although I do some coloring, it’s not my favorite way to stamp. I love images that are more solid that can be inked with the color before stamping.ReplyCancel

  • Barbara WilsonApril 18, 2011 - 9:14 am

    I only have water color pencils, and chalk. Would love to have copics but they are pretty pricey.ReplyCancel

  • Phyllis SApril 18, 2011 - 9:15 am

    I’ve only had the chance to try Copic once and they seem wonderful, but too much for my “Claire Ants Saw Lay” budget….so I use watercolor pencils and like the effect.ReplyCancel

  • MargApril 18, 2011 - 9:20 am

    I am now using Copic markers and trying to learn more about them but previously I had used the coloured pencils and Gamsol technique (which I still really like).ReplyCancel

  • JudieApril 18, 2011 - 9:32 am

    Copics are awesome. I have quite a few, and am considering taking some on-line classes. Youtube has awesome coloring/blending techniques available.ReplyCancel

  • KAREN SMITHApril 18, 2011 - 9:44 am

    Watch Dick Bileck I buy sets of 72 for $90.00. The case is broken, but I don”care about that.ReplyCancel

  • KAREN SMITHApril 18, 2011 - 9:45 am

    Watch Dick Bileck for copic markers I buy sets of 72 for $90.00. The case is broken, but I don”care about that.ReplyCancel

  • MarieApril 18, 2011 - 9:49 am

    I love to colour and have all the COPIC sketch markers and SU! markers. I would say that markers are my favourite way to colour and watercolouring with inks – refills or stamp pads coming in a close second.
    Thanks for the poll! It’s fun to see what others are doing.ReplyCancel

  • Christine RupakisApril 18, 2011 - 9:57 am

    i don’t own any copic markers (yet). I use watercolor pencils and Martha’s markers. For the other question – I love love love spellbinder die cuts. I get 2 a month with the 40% off from Scrap-mart and Cut at home (from the new collection). I have a cricut and it just doesn’t work right for me so it’s collecting dust right now. Maybe some day I’ll try it again.ReplyCancel

  • Edna BurgessApril 18, 2011 - 10:17 am

    I used to use watercolor pencils, then prismacolor and gamsol, and finally bought a few copics. For the most part love the copics, although I still have trouble with blending with the darker colors. But I keep trying. I buy them with coupons and when they’re on sale with free shipping and have almost 200 of them now. Just ordered the new colors and still have a few others I think I need/want. Our instructor has every color and is good about sharing them in class. Then I want a certain color and add it to my list. Keep up your beautiful cards as I love all the ideas. EdnaReplyCancel

  • ColoradoApril 18, 2011 - 10:26 am

    Hi Becca… I agree with another commenter that the last couple of polls have been really difficult to answer… I haven’t really made a ton of cards so have not gotten into coloring much yet. I guess I’d like to become part of the Copic craze, but they are too expensive for me to really justify at this point. I have lots of chalks, markers, watercolor paints as well as watercolor pencis and crayons and also have a large set of Prismacolor pencils that I hope to learn to use to their full extent. If I get good enough with all these other ways of coloring then maybe I’ll try some Copics… and maybe not.ReplyCancel

  • Judy HApril 18, 2011 - 10:53 am

    I just discovered Copics this winter and love them. Then learned about Gamsol and colored pencils and love that I can use them with Copics. In the past, I used watercolor pencils and chalks most but usually use colored paper and paper piecing. I love the many options and I try as many as I can.ReplyCancel

  • Jacqueline FrisbieApril 18, 2011 - 11:24 am

    I too wish I could afford Copic Markers. A lot of the girls whose sites I have subscribed to use Copic Markers and the colors are so vivid. I use colored pencil or ink. So many things I would love to have. Can’t have everything, though.
    JackieReplyCancel

  • BernieApril 18, 2011 - 11:33 am

    I still use chalks and watercolor pencils. I love the soft look chalks give. They are perfect for my tight budget too. I use chalks instead distress inks as well. I have some markers but only used them direct to rubber.
    Blessings BernieReplyCancel

  • Sandy GrupkaApril 18, 2011 - 11:55 am

    I don’t have Copic markers, but some day I will purchase some. My grandaughter does artwork and has many of the colors and she has let me use some of hers. I use mostly re-inkers now.ReplyCancel

  • Gretchen WilsonApril 18, 2011 - 12:37 pm

    Becca, I love the copic markers the best, bust still struggling with the blending, I know with practice it will get better. The Prismacolor pencils are my next favorite. Just like to be able to chose the different techniques for different cards. It’s my choice and I like that.ReplyCancel

  • RobertaApril 18, 2011 - 12:40 pm

    Copics are so nice to use. I have a few but have to steer my grandchildren to the sharpies for their drawings hahahReplyCancel

  • BelindaPApril 18, 2011 - 1:45 pm

    I haven’t tried Copic yet but I’ve tried the SU! markers as well as Prisma colored pencils. I’m still trying to get used to the idea of coloring with markers, pencils just feel more natural to me for some reason but I’m getting my toes wet in it all.ReplyCancel

  • Linda ClarkApril 18, 2011 - 2:41 pm

    I truly like the gamsol and Prismacolor Pencils. I have just this year purchased a set of the Copic Sketch markers and am on a slow…. learning curve. I have been told I am too heavy handed so I am practicing
    a often as I can. Unfortunately I work away from home so I do not get as much time to practice as I would like. Thanks for sharing you talents and your polls. Hugs, LindaReplyCancel

  • BobbiApril 18, 2011 - 3:38 pm

    Wish I could afford Copic, but my Prismacolored pencils and chalk work fine. Thanks for always sharing and helping us out your techniques and tips.ReplyCancel

  • Marilynn MichauApril 18, 2011 - 3:45 pm

    how do you store your ink pads – am looking for a solutionReplyCancel

  • Rita YoungerApril 18, 2011 - 3:52 pm

    Love reading your blog and the cards are fabulous….Hope I win the Blog Candy …..great itemsReplyCancel

  • Jan GavinApril 18, 2011 - 4:02 pm

    I hate coloring (right up there with cutting out with sissors)!!!!! Therefore, I use monochromatic colors with my stamps as much as possible. When I have to color, I use my SU pens with water brushes & blender pens. I do have some copics, but really need a class on the advantages and uses.ReplyCancel

  • Evie ShambleyApril 18, 2011 - 6:20 pm

    I’m really interested in having more embossing folders & Spellbinders dies. There would be alot of ways to create more interesting cards if had a good collection of these. As always would love some of your talent.ReplyCancel

  • sheriApril 18, 2011 - 8:12 pm

    Can’t afford copics. Wish I could…but…! Anyway, glad you got home safely.ReplyCancel

  • Sandi MarsonApril 18, 2011 - 8:44 pm

    I love copics but they are a little too expensive for me. I have bought a few when i am at shows and they are on sale. But until I have enough to color with shading, I have been using just plain old pencil crayons (crayola) and goo gone. I find this easy to use and the results are pretty good. It’s inexpensive to use and it looks pretty good!ReplyCancel

  • PattyApril 18, 2011 - 8:46 pm

    I don’t have any Copics either. They are so expensive!
    Glad you got back safely! Have a wonderful week!ReplyCancel

  • DebraKApril 18, 2011 - 9:38 pm

    I started buying and using Prismacolors, but wanted lighter colors. So I started buying Copic markers a couple at a time… at first I didn’t like the paint-brush type tip on them, but, I just love the lighter colors, the skin tones, and the range of hues for blending. I buy mine mostly from Scrap-Mart online—$4.87 free shipping. I’ll have to keep my eye out for the Dick Blick sales that Iris mentioned above…$3 is an awesome price!ReplyCancel

  • TerriApril 19, 2011 - 12:47 am

    I haven’t tried Copics yet…cost is prohibitive to me, plus where does one start on a one by one basis? I hear they are fantastic.ReplyCancel

  • Tami WoolleyApril 19, 2011 - 5:48 am

    I love the effect of copics…but still learning to use them. I know they are expensive, but if you use coupons when they are available and increase your inventory one at a time, it’s not so bad.ReplyCancel

  • Denise TrottierApril 19, 2011 - 7:38 am

    I think my best buy was buying my Copics at 20 and 30% sales…I waited for the sales and then got those I wanted…I have loads of them so it was really worth while…I just love working with them, they do such a great job…hugs…
    Denise TrottierReplyCancel

  • Besa GaynorApril 19, 2011 - 8:37 am

    L O V E my copics! Started out small with reds and greens for flowers and Christmas – then added one by one (using my coupon) and now have a good variety. Recently added the airbrush (for my birthday), and can’t wait to play with that. Also LOVE your site Becca, and all that you do.ReplyCancel

  • PamelaApril 19, 2011 - 10:41 am

    Copics are expensive but SO wonderful to work with- cheaper than a psychiatrist! Hobby Lobby carries them individually and has 2 sets hidden in the scrapbooking section; they never put them on sale but you can use your 25% or 40% coupon, and I would buy 1 at a time a couple of times per week (instead of fancy coffee or lunch out) to build up my collection. Oozak.com has great prices if you register with them, and their customer service is fast & fabulous. Some of the mail-order stamp companies like Flourishes.org or papertreyink.com have small sets of color families which show which colors work well together, and Flourishes does have sales. You might want to start with 2-3 of a color for blending (choose them 2 numbers apart usually) and don’t forget the colorless blender- it is more an ‘eraser’ than blender.You can also mix Copics and your other media, so if you don’t have the color you need in Copics, you can use your pencils or whatever instead. Google some different terms with “Copic” and you will find some lists of ‘must-have’ colors and charts to inventory (so you don’t buy duplicates) plus charts to color in, as the cap color is not true to the marker color. (I don’t think the printed charts match either due to differences in printer ink.) And thanks Becca for this blog- I learn so much here and just love your inspiration!ReplyCancel

  • EileenApril 19, 2011 - 11:51 am

    I also use lots of different mediums for colouring but love using copics, they are such a professional looking finish on a card….the only drawback is their price…will take a while to buy all the colours I want.
    LOL EileenReplyCancel

  • GAYLE INGRAMApril 19, 2011 - 5:58 pm

    HELLO BECCA,

    I LOVE YOUR CARDS AND THE BECCA BITS, YOUR SO GRACIOUS
    TO SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH US. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
    I’D LOVE TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE COPIC MARKERS BUT I’M RETIRED AND THE FUNDS ARE LIMITED. YOUR CARDS ARE A REAL INSPIRATION AND ARE SO BEAUTIFUL, THANK YOU AGAIN,
    LOTS OF HUGS
    GAYLEReplyCancel

  • Karen A.April 20, 2011 - 7:31 pm

    Thanks for sharing your ideas and designs – they are inspiring.
    Karen A.ReplyCancel

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