Copic Markers...a new way!
Today's tutorial makes your Copic markers a millions times better! I love the rich vibrant shading you get when coloring line art images with Copic markers. But I also enjoy the softer look of watercoloring that you can get when you color directly on a stamp and spray it lightly with water. Up until now, we've been told that that technique is something you can't do with Copic markers. Not anymore.
As I sat and thought about my favorite watercolored look, I realized that water based markers could be reactivated with water but that alcohol markers could not. But then it hit me, "What about rubbing alcohol?" Hmmmm.

For this technique, I used one of my favorite Stampin' Up stamp sets, "The Art of Life," Copic Ciao Markers from Box D and a small spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol.
I began by coloring my flowers with a rich red marker.

Then, I added a little bit of bright orange around the outside of the flower petals. It's hard to see any difference in the photos.

Next, I colored the stems and leaves with a dark sage green and added a little lighter green to the edges of the leaves.

Then, I worked my magic. I spritzed the entire thing with rubbing alcohol.

And check out the results!!

The small picture above is before I mounted it and the larger image is after I matted in on some Prism dark brown card stock. (It looks a little black in the photo but it's dark brown.) I stamped the textured background stamp with "Haystack" palette ink first and them stamped my flower on top.
The color comes out more vibrant than using water based markers and the detail is beautiful!
Here is my finished card.

Here is another view.

One of the things that make the flower look even better in person is the card stock that I used. It's Prism card stock with that super cool orange peel texture. It looks like watercolor paper but it comes is so many color choices. I used a cream color for this card and it really adds to the whole look of the card.
For the patterned paper, I used another piece from the K-ology/Hannah scrap pack. My card base is also Prism card stock in dark brown. My only little embellishment is the gold cording.
I like having generic cards like this in my stash for whenever I need fast card. All I have to do is choose the right inside greeting and I have a "thank you," "birthday," "anniversary" or "sympathy" card in a hurry!
So, for all of you who have purchased some Copic markers, now you have a whole new way to play!
Hugs,
Gina K.
EDITED TO ADD:
Many of you are asking me if the alcohol spritz will damage your rubber stamps. The answer is no. Just clean your stamp after you are done with any good quality stamp cleaner like Ultraclean, Stazon cleaner or Stampin' Mist. (Ultraclean will remove all of the color and your stamps will look like new.)
As I sat and thought about my favorite watercolored look, I realized that water based markers could be reactivated with water but that alcohol markers could not. But then it hit me, "What about rubbing alcohol?" Hmmmm.

For this technique, I used one of my favorite Stampin' Up stamp sets, "The Art of Life," Copic Ciao Markers from Box D and a small spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol.
I began by coloring my flowers with a rich red marker.

Then, I added a little bit of bright orange around the outside of the flower petals. It's hard to see any difference in the photos.

Next, I colored the stems and leaves with a dark sage green and added a little lighter green to the edges of the leaves.

Then, I worked my magic. I spritzed the entire thing with rubbing alcohol.

And check out the results!!

The small picture above is before I mounted it and the larger image is after I matted in on some Prism dark brown card stock. (It looks a little black in the photo but it's dark brown.) I stamped the textured background stamp with "Haystack" palette ink first and them stamped my flower on top.
The color comes out more vibrant than using water based markers and the detail is beautiful!
Here is my finished card.

Here is another view.

One of the things that make the flower look even better in person is the card stock that I used. It's Prism card stock with that super cool orange peel texture. It looks like watercolor paper but it comes is so many color choices. I used a cream color for this card and it really adds to the whole look of the card.
For the patterned paper, I used another piece from the K-ology/Hannah scrap pack. My card base is also Prism card stock in dark brown. My only little embellishment is the gold cording.
I like having generic cards like this in my stash for whenever I need fast card. All I have to do is choose the right inside greeting and I have a "thank you," "birthday," "anniversary" or "sympathy" card in a hurry!
So, for all of you who have purchased some Copic markers, now you have a whole new way to play!
Hugs,
Gina K.
EDITED TO ADD:
Many of you are asking me if the alcohol spritz will damage your rubber stamps. The answer is no. Just clean your stamp after you are done with any good quality stamp cleaner like Ultraclean, Stazon cleaner or Stampin' Mist. (Ultraclean will remove all of the color and your stamps will look like new.)







GET OUTTA TOWN, WOMAN -- this is amazing!! I don't know how many times I've thought about using my Copics on stamps but then had to stop. Never thought to reactivate them with alcohol . . . you rock!!
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THIS IS SO SASSY!! WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA!
Sorry - I yell when I get excited about Copics. TFS!!
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I'll have to try this -- Love the look.
Mary Kay
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Gina, This card is absolutely stunning! I haven't tried Copics yet, emphasis on YET. This card definitely has me thinking that I need to try this out! WOW!
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Holy Cow Gina! You just keep the great things coming! Thanks so much for this!
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Gina, leave it to you to find a new way to use Copics. This is fantastic! I can't wait to try it. Now to find a spritzer for my rubbing alcohol.
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holy macaroni.. that is AWESOME!!! I have wanted to use my Copics on my stamps, but never got any good images.. off to get me some alcohol in a spray bottle.. Gina ~ You Rock!!
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I love it BUT BUT BUT I've always been told never (never!) to use anything alcohol near my rubber stamps! Ummmm....????
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It won't hurt them at all, just use a little stamp cleaner afterwards.
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Holy Pajama's it's a Copic-miracle!!! Way to take a chance, Gina!
Kewllllllllllll!!
TFS!
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Forgot to ask: what does the stamp look like now?!?
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Perfectly clean. I cleaned it with Ultraclean and it looks like new.
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Absolutely gorgeous!!Fabulous card!
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so freaking cool. I definitely have to try this. Thanks for the tutorial!
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Amazing!!
Unbelievable!!
You're spankin' Gina!
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Oh Gina, you are so clever! I can't wait to try this, but am concerned that the alcohol may not be good for the rubber stamp?
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It won't hurt your rubber at all. Think about it, we even bleach with stamps. The alcohol is on the stamp for maybe a minute and then you clean it off with your stamp cleaner. Don't worry. (I actually have cleaned my rubber stamps in the past with alcohol before I found Ultraclean and they are still as good as new.
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Atta Girl, Gina! I love your tutorial - great job, as always! Glad your technique is finally officially known as a GinaK original...
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Wow, very cool, Gina! Thanks for sharing this.
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YOU ARE BRILLIANT (and possibly a bit evil)...I had been holding off on purchasing Copics b/c I couldn't use them on my stamps. There goes that excuse out the window! Love the effect you got with this.
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Amazing! You are amazing. I tried it with water once and of course it didn't work. Never in a million years would I have thought of this. Amazing! I am sitting here with my mouth open. Now I have to go gather up some supplies and try it. Thanks so much
Sheri
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Genius. How do you think up this stuff? I have the alcohol, now if I could only get those darn markers!
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Gina, your card is gorgeous and can't wait to give this technique a try! I've heard so much about not using baby wipes, or other products containing alcohol, to clean your rubber stamps because the alcohol will dry out the rubber. Glad to know this is a myth.
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Considering the small amount of alcohol you are using and the ability to clean and condition your stamp right away with a good stamp cleaner, I think you're safe.
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Gina- I had that same thought myself, but had not been brave enough to try it! Thanks for the idea. I will try it now!!!
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Gina, that card is beautiful! I've been resisting the copics... mainly because they are so darned expensive! But I think once SU's convention is over, I am going to start buying them a bit at a time! They really are gorgeous!
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When you do the math, the Copic Ciao markers (from oozak.com, least expensive site out there) work out to be right around the same price as the SU markers. I figured this on a set of 48 SU markers vs buying 48 Ciao markers. I would think the SU single marker price compared to Copic Ciao single price is pretty close even with the Copic increase. Something to think about, especially since the Copics are refillable, have replaceable nibs and there are suitable colors to compliment the SU color chart as well.
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Hi, there this website has the Sketch Markers for $4.25 and Ciao for $2.85! Not a bad deal!
www.carpediemstore.com
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Well now! Aren't you just the smart technique lady
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This is so brilliant! This is one of my favorite techniques with my SU markers, so excited to have a way to do it now with my Copics!! Thank you!
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Gina K, you're brilliant! When do you have time to think of these things?
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Well, DUH! *slaps forehead*! You da BOMB, Girl!
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I use unmounted rubber on my acrylic blocks. My concern is that the alcohol might craze my acrylic blocks. What do you think?
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Sarah, I'm not sure. I'll have to try it on an old block.
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you're...too sexy for your copics your copics...
TFS!
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Oh no, now I really want some copics! Thanks for sharing your beautiful card and wonderful technique. ~chris
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Gina....where do we buy Prism paper?
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It's available at many local scrapbook stores as well as online. I believe Cornish Heritage Farms carries it. You can also check their website at www.prismpapers.com to fnd retailer information.
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Gina -- If you use clear acrylic stamps, do you think the alcohol will damage them? I know that you have responded that it is OK with rubber stamps. Thanks.
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I haven't tried them with clear so I am not really sure. My best guess would be that it would be safe but I would have to try it to be 100% sure.
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Great looking card Gina and super idea! Thanks for sharing!
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So...when are YOU going to carry the PRISM paper? I'd much rather give you my profit margin than my irritating LSS! Love your technique, BTW!
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You have no idea how excited I am! I love my Copics and I have wanted to use them with my stamps too. You are brilliant Gina!
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Absolutely amazing! BRILLANT...YOU ARE BRILLANT!
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***Bowing deeply to your ingenuity!!***
Wow! I just said to a friend here 2 days ago that we can't color stamps with our Copics ... This is splendid news!! (I would think those misters will jump off the shelves now!) Wooohoooo!
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You're so shmart!!!!!!!!
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WOW!
Gina you will never cease to amaze me.
I am always learning something new.
I can't wait til morning to try this.
WOW! It's to funny cuz I got that set
out two dayz ago and haven't used it yet.
It's a keeper though, I so love it!
Good reminder to build up my stash of cards to have on hand.
I neeed Sympathy Card Ideas... sharing any some time soon??
ps Good Luck with your Baby Rina, it's wrong to be ill and not have an answer! Or help, Mommies are great comofrt though. I do hope they figure out her tummy troubles and fix her up.
What troopers your girls are though. How dedicated can they be? You must be goll darn proud of them. WOW! Great parents raise great kids! You and Hottie hubby go go go!!
oh,So where do we purchase the Prism paper....??
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This is good to know. Thanks for experimenting!
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Gina,
Thanks for posting another of yoru AWSOME tutorials! I just got into copics and am always looking for tips on using them!
((Hugs))
Monica
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Yay! A new technique! Thanks so much for posting this ~ I was really needing another tutorial on these markers. Thanks so much!!!
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Fantastic news - thanks for being so smart and so willing to share!
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oh wow I didn't know this would work I had always heard that they dry to fast awesome and another option thanks
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what a neat trick, thanks for the always excellent into
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Always creating and thinking of new ways to use products--that's Gina K! So glad gave you these awesome gifts.
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corrected to read--So glad God gave you these awesome gifts!
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You are seriously amazingly talented. Thanks for sharing this! :0) Mel
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Gina! You are amazing...another reason to get more Copics! This is super!!!
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Gina! I LOVE all of your tutorials...this one in particular ROCKS!! One question though....do you have to SET the card or does it dry pretty quickly without smearing? Thanks!!! I can be reached at jmariepursell@yahoo.com or http://bermudabluez.blogspot.com
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Oh wow!!! I just hopped on that Copic bandwagon and it's awesome to know there are so many ways to use them!!! Now I can look like I'm an artist!!! Thanks so much for a gorgeous technique and a very beautiful piece of artwork for the example!!
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Gina, you rock, my Copics are on the way and now I've got another great way to use them! Thanks so much for this!
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Thanks for a great tip and another way to get more bang for your buck with the Copics!
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I got a set of copics for valentines. I have not learned how to use them yet. I could so do this technique. It looks so easy. I wish I could shade easily with them. I keep using the excuse that my colors are to widely spread across the spectrum. I don't have enough that are close enough in color to shade well. I'm going to learn to use them even if I have to practice all day everyday. Sounds like torture doesn't it?!! Ha
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Gina, you are the WOMAN!! Thank you so much for all of your time and dedication to helping us become better stampers. I can now sew and watercolor with Copics! Thank you! Anne
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OMW - this is just amazing!!!! I've so often wished I cold color directly on my stamps with the Copics!!!! I will definitely be giving this a try!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!! You ROCK!!
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You are an amazing teacher Gina! I love all the valuable tips you share along with your creations. Another gorgeous card - we're all so fortunate that you blog!! TFS
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Gina, I've been meaning to try this. I had the same thoughts about the rubbing alcohol. You're brilliant for actually giving this a try. I love the look. Gotta get those markers out today! Thanks for the tutorial!
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Wow Gina, You really write a nice tutorial. How do you fit in all these things into one day?
Blessings, Lourin
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Gina what a great tutorial. I can't wait to get some of these markers and give all the great techniques that you have showed us a whirl.
Hope your girls are feeling better.
Have a good one
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Wow. I love it. You are so very clever. I've just started getting Copic markers and this gives me an excuse to get more! Thanks.
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LOL! I knew you would find a way to make me LOVE my Copics! Awesome!! Thank you again
Love the card, too!
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How very clever of you! I can't wait to get home from work to try this! I had tried this by spraying the paper, but why didn't I think to spray the stamp???
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How very clever of you! I can't wait to get home from work to try this! I had tried this by spraying the paper, but why didn't I think to spray the stamp???
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Oh Gina, I'm so glad my copic markers are on there way. What would we do without you
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OH WOW! This si so cool Gina - I want to go home and play now LOL - hmmm is it quitting time yet! ROFL
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Wow Gina. You are a genius. The watercolored flower looks amazing.
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You are a genius. It makes me even more desperate to get these markers into my mix.
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OM GOSH! That is just complete genius! I can't wait to try this! Thanks so much for being so brave.
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Excellent! You know I actually thought about this but never got around to trying it, thanks for the tutorial Gina!
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You are so smart! Thanks for sharing your bright ideas with us.
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Beautiful card! Good thinking on your part!
Now, I need some Copics, a Sew Mini and, and, and !
Thanks for always "thinking" ! You rock!
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WOW! You continue to amaze and impress me!! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful ideas. Hope the girls are better!!
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Gina,
I am LOL I was just thinking about this subject the last couple of days...looking at my copics and wondering about this very subject. Great minds think alike!!!
Thanks,
Tina Suzan
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Wow, wow, wow. I guess that is why you get the bigs bucks and I do not..
Blessings for a great day!!
Susan
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You are a geneous! What a brilliant idea! Thanks so much for sharing this...I can't wait to give it a try. Take care and have a wonderful day!
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what a gorgeous card and thanks so much for the new technique!
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Gina you are a genius!!
Thanks for that awesome tutorial on using your Copics for water...er I mean alcoholcoloring!! LOL!!
Kelly
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Oh this excites me beyond measure!!!
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This is great!! I wish my mind worked like your's. Can't wait to try this, I actually have everything here at home to try it this time.
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oh boy I have to try this now... can't wait to...
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WOW! That's so cool! I will definitely have to try that! Thank you so much for all of your tutorials, etc. Your blog is awesome!
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hey, do people think that you're a leftie, because you take the pic w/ur right hand? lol, jk. lalaaa.
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You are BRAZILLIANT woman!!!!!
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OMG!!!! You are brilliant!!!! I can't WAIT to try this out for myself! Thank you!!!!!!
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You are an absolute genius. I can't wait to try this.
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This is awesome! Thanks for the tip. I can't wait to try it
~ jess k
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What a beautiful technique! TFS
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Wow! Thanks so much. The first thing I wondered was how it effected the stamp -- great to know it's not a problem. I've got a new technique to try now! Thanks again!!
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Wow, Gina! What a great idea! You rock!
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Okay -- you have to change your name after this one to GINA-IUS!!! Thanks for the fabulous tip!!!
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Love this! Water color is my favorite look. I'm going to try this with my sharpies until I can get the Copics.
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I can't wait to try this! Do you ever worry that your head will just explode with all the clever creativity shoved inside?? You are amazing!
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What would happen when you spray rubbing alcohol on the stamp (over a long time?). What if you sprayed on the paper?
Think that would produce the same and protect your rubber stamp/block/adhesive?
DIna
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wow iam really learning alot.
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I really like what you did with the markers but I was wondering if these copic markers will stain acrylic stamps (ctmh).
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wow BEAUTIFUL! What is that you are spraying on? Rubbing alcohol? What is that? I am so glad I found your blog
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I just bought a whole bunch of copics last night & came searching for how to use them. Thanks so much for the tutorial with pictures!
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What ingredient is in Ultraclean that
cleans stamps so well?
Lisa
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Hi Gina, thanks for this great tutorial, you have the best ideas! I'm not entirely sure what rubbing alcohol is or what it's equivalent would be here in the UK where I live. I'd be so grateful if you could let me know what the product actually consists of so that I can try and find something similar. Chris
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really nice card I cant wait to buy the copic markers ....and the rubber Alcohol
I cant wait to try this .....Thank you
Mary R.
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I feel like I am way behind in my stamping. I have been at it for ten years but I am learning so much from your tutorials. Thank You!!
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Thank you for this great information. I'll try it. Is there a particular alcohol we need to use like a 97% or whatever they come in.
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I have only started to gather info on copic markers-which ones to get and if they are worth the cost. thanks for this info and what I have already found on your site!
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Copics and Copic Coloring are also something that react to bleach. You can remove areas of colering or mistakes with bleach just as you can on marker or watercolored images. The rubbing alcohol is much cheaper and safer than the alcohol in the clear blender too, good choice, might think about wearing a mask when using either though, they are not good to brethe when sprayed.
Thanks for the idea!
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Gina what cool find here. I definitely will have to give this a try.
thanks much
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I know I am bringing up the tail end on comments for this....
WOW! I have a nice selection of copics I am trying to master. (I still run back to my Lyras and Prismas) I am so thrilled to find a way I can use my copics while I am learning how to use them the basic way. Thanks Gina!
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Oh WOW Pam, Iam likew you i need to learn how to use my copic Markers , I dont know if I bough the right ones or not ...I got the (D) ones so GinaK would guide me, I would love it, As a begainer I was wondering if what one's I should have boughen.....
MaryRedford
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cool...
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I have seen this flower before But when I bough my copic markers I didnt know you was post to use them as a color to use on the rubber ,I through you used them as a marker I have a set of 36 (D)
set I dont know what the heck i was thinking...thank you
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Great ideas. Would the blender fluid work on the stamp?
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Amazing the way you can make beautiful things.
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Gina, I've been browsing your blog for quite sometime and I have noticed your creativity. I really admire your style. My kids will definitely benefit on this. Thanks!
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Why everyone has to choose COPIC?
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gina k u rock kraftykaz
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gina k u rock kraftykaz
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Well I'll be horn swoggled! I teach how to use Copic markers and didn't know this until now!! Wonderful!!! Also - remember - rubber and acrylic are both non porous so alcohol will not hurt them. Especially if you clean them right away as Gina explained. Can't wait to do this technique! Just found out about this site... I can see I'll be spending ALOT of time here! Thank you for all you do...
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wow that is an awesome tutorial! great new way to use my markers lol
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what is the name of that flower you are using in that demo I love this flower and I can't seem to fine it GinaK, I love that Look ......Mary R
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Quite inspiring,
this is a perfect turtorial. it looks great and something i have never thaufght of thanks for this solution,
Thanks for writing about it
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Well I'll be horn swoggled! I teach how to use Copic markers and didn't know this until now!! Wonderful!!! Also - remember - rubber and acrylic are both non porous so alcohol will not hurt them. Especially if you clean them right away as Gina explained. Can't wait to do this technique! Just found out about this site... I can see I'll be spending ALOT of time here! Thank you for all you do... MBA degree AND online Phd degree AND Online degree program
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Wow! Gina you bare amazing Great work!.
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