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Post by Nikki on Jul 17, 2011 22:48:05 GMT -5
So are these the "it" pens? I have only used the Zig line my entire scrapping career. I've heard a little about these and saw them a few times in my LSS before it closed but I didn't buy any because I have so many Zigs.
In fact, when my parents sent me $100 for groceries in college one month, I spent it on the complete box of Zig Writers for $80 and ate off the meal plan like I should have anyways, lol. Most of those still work but I do like to doodle and color still on cards, lettering, pages, etc. and there are some colors that need replacing.
These sets are pricy since my momma isn't sending me grocery money anymore but what do you recommend for a good selection of colors? I'm having trouble deciding and the voice of experience is always a help!
Thanks in advance for your good input!!
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Post by Dani on Jul 17, 2011 23:23:00 GMT -5
How are those Zig? I have been hearing lots about those these days especially with the upcoming increase in the price of Copics.
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Post by Nikki on Jul 17, 2011 23:45:59 GMT -5
Well I've certainly enjoyed them enough to not consider anything else since 1999!  I usually stick to the Writers-the ones with a fine tip on one end and a broad tip on the other. I'm not much for Calligraphy. I like the colors and I have several books and booklets on different ways to blend and doodle and such, though I think Copic has similar books as well. They have always been my go-to. They sold very well in my shop and I had a hard time keeping especially the basic colors in stock. Great for journaling, doodling, coloring, etc. and not terribly expensive. I always found them to be a great quality product. The only time I ever had a problem with any of these marker pens is when I forgot to store them horizontally for a while. All the ink was at one end, like it would be with any double-ended marker. I turned the box on its side and let it rest for a couple days and they were back to perfect. They last nearly forever and are a good value. |
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Post by Basketlady on Jul 18, 2011 9:09:45 GMT -5
I still have my Zig's from 12-15 years ago. I did tons of hand lettered titles back in the day. They don't blend at all, so their use is completly different from a Copic.
Nikki, go over to the blog and look around there. Susan has done lots of tutorials, color lists, demos over the past year or so. It's a great resource to get all those answers. Most importantly, she explains how Copics work, the color families, and blending. All essential!
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Post by actos on Jul 18, 2011 9:22:06 GMT -5
My advice for copic buying is buy by season and project. That way you get what you will actually use. Start with a C-1. As I use that to go around my stamped image. Eventally you will use others but that is a start. Start with a simple stamp that takes only a few colors. Then pick two colors for say a flower and two colors for animal, etc. A copic image can be picked up at a later date and darkened. I love my copics. they are so fun and relaxing to color. I take copic classes at Polka Dots in Muckwonago WI and have learned alot from Susan also. Deborah
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Post by Susan on Jul 18, 2011 9:37:29 GMT -5
this is an APPLES and ORANGES conversation! Zigs are water based inks. So they are like our dye ink pads. Zig pens are also sold by Stampin' Up. Definitely used for doodling, journaling, accenting and things like that...but NOT anywhere close to what a Copic can do. Copics are alcohol inks - blending and blendable. Zigs you just end up with a muddy, paper-chewed up mess if you try and blend on a stamped image. I have a complete box set of Stampin' Up Zigs - and I've had them for probably 6-7 years. I use them mainly for writing now - or making doodles on envelopes and cards, or stitching marks...things like that. The colors match my inkpads, so I can coordinate them to a edged/distressed ink I've used. Other than that - it's all Copics all the time. Coloring stamped images takes on an entirely NEW meaning when you use Copics. The blendability of the inks is what makes them so different and so unique. Copics prices are justified when you know the pen is refillable, the tips are changeable/replaceable, and they will last you forever! {Zigs are refillable too}. Apples and oranges. Different uses, different methods, different purposes. Both have their spot in your craft arsenal!!  |
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Post by Nikki on Jul 18, 2011 15:24:08 GMT -5
So are Copics mainly for stamping then? I rarely use a stamp for anything. I don't really "color" a lot. Mainly doodles and dots and writing.
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Post by Susan on Jul 18, 2011 16:06:39 GMT -5
Nikki if that is what you do with markers then you a just fine with your Zigs. Love 'em and use 'em and treat them well! Copics are used for coloring. Coloring stamped images, coloring in patterns on paper, coloring brads and buttons, and embroidery twine from time to time - but mainly coloring. I never write with 'em - that'd be sac-religious I think! LOL! |
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Post by Cat on Jul 18, 2011 18:35:21 GMT -5
I love my Copics.......I color all my stamped images with them. They work the best for my projects.....I had tried everything and was using colored pencils before I discovered Copics. I'll pay more if I have to keep getting them.  Cat |
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Post by Basketlady on Jul 18, 2011 22:49:59 GMT -5
Nikki, I'm not much of a stamper, but I use Copics for shading dies. Love them! And coloring brads, twine, ribbon... perfect!
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Post by Nikki on Jul 19, 2011 2:34:29 GMT -5
Deborah, maybe I'll have to hop in the car and head to Muckwanago sometime!
I wouldn't mind learning some techniques-maybe then I would do more of the coloring. I'm always open to new "Adventures in Crafting".
Copics sound like the trendy new thing, so for a while I just waited it out to see what happened. Looks like they are here to stay and a pretty good product. I might have to pick up a few and see what I can accomplish.
I can see this leading down a long road of stamping eventually, lol. Poor, poor wallet (literally!).
Thank you everyone for the tips, answers, etc. as always!!
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Post by Susan on Jul 19, 2011 8:59:17 GMT -5
Nikki actually Copics have been around for EONS! They were/are the preferred method of illustrators and cartoonists to color their images {pre digital days}. I've heard from Copic company teachers that Disney used to be a HUGE consumer of Copics 25 years ago! Anyway - lots and lots and lots of Scrapy Land Divas have discovered that Cool and Warm Greys are wonderful "starter" pens to have around - C1 or C3...W1 and W3 - these colors are SO AWESOME for just lightly edging your cardstock die-cuts and font die-cuts for giving them a very slight shadow. It adds just a hint of dimension and some of think it really puts a nice finishing edge on everything we do. I also use my Copics a LOT for die-cutting shapes in all white - especially in assembly of images that have lots of pieces. Rather than taking a Scrapy Crafts Easter Bunny die-cut and cutting 2 pink paw pads, 2 black eyes, 1 orange carrot, 1 green carrot leaves...etc. I will just cut the image in ALL WHITE - one pass {maybe 2} and then grab my Coipcs and swipe over the cardstock pieces BEFORE I pop them out of the cardstock piece. Swipe with green, dot with pink, swipe with orange, etc. Custom colored die-cut with just white papers!!!! |
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Post by Basketlady on Jul 19, 2011 9:32:29 GMT -5
I also use my Copics a LOT for die-cutting shapes in all white - especially in assembly of images that have lots of pieces. Rather than taking a Scrapy Crafts Easter Bunny die-cut and cutting 2 pink paw pads, 2 black eyes, 1 orange carrot, 1 green carrot leaves...etc. I will just cut the image in ALL WHITE - one pass {maybe 2} and then grab my Coipcs and swipe over the cardstock pieces BEFORE I pop them out of the cardstock piece. Swipe with green, dot with pink, swipe with orange, etc. Custom colored die-cut with just white papers!!!! Yes! I'm glad you thought of mentioning this, Susan. I love this trick and use it lots and lots! |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Jul 19, 2011 9:42:17 GMT -5
Don't forget that Copics can be used to color/tint metal and plastic, too. I especially like to custom-color brads, but I've also colored clear push-pins! I also use Copics to shade or color die cuts and to edge die cuts for an "aged" look. There is also an air brush kit, that allows you to spray the color from the end of the marker for a softer look. AND, they're refillable - no need to buy a whole new marker when it starts to run dry! Can you tell I  my Copics? Sure they're a bit pricey, but they're a lifetime investment. Gail |
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Post by 1whoscraps on Jul 19, 2011 10:55:47 GMT -5
This is so true. I have been coloring just about everything. I love mine. It is so nice to be able to get an exact color match on pearls, brads, etc to your stamped image.
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Post by Steeler Girl on Jul 20, 2011 10:59:46 GMT -5
I have stayed away from these. I have seen 1whoscraps buy these and tried talking her into buying the entire line at one time LOL. But I love coloring (yes even at my age!). maybe I should try to get into this. I can see the need for cards but how many times do you use it for layouts? Also, what is the best ink for stamping background image to use copic markers?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2011 11:13:42 GMT -5
I'm not a huge cardmaker, but I also use Copics to color the edges of pictures and/or paper, either to get rid of a white "shadow" (as on photos) or to add "lift" to paper, especially when there's no enough room to add a mat. I have used contrast or coordinating colors, depending on the appearance that I'm after. And it's a wonderful excuse to own most, if not all, of the Copic markers!  |
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Post by 1whoscraps on Jul 20, 2011 11:35:20 GMT -5
I like Memento Ink
I am thinking of buying the can airbrush to try..anyone have this yet or the airbrush kit?
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Post by Susan on Jul 20, 2011 11:40:43 GMT -5
1whoscraps and buggirl have you watched the Copic videos I have done? I think I talk about/demo all of the techniques we've mentioned here... edge coloring, airbrushing, coloring specifically, white cardstock coloring, etc. Memento ink is the only ink to use when you're going to color with Copics. You can use others but they usually need to be heat embossed to lock the ink in place, OR at the very minimum heat-set. Memento is quick to dry and I can start coloring in seconds. Tuxedo black is the go-to-color...but lately I've been using brown. The little inner-tube-wearing girl on the Stampy Land challenge blog is stamped in brown - I like the look for summery images for some reason! |
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Post by 1whoscraps on Jul 20, 2011 13:42:58 GMT -5
I am watching the videos but so far no airbrushing..sniff sniff.
I loved all your great tips. Funny about the refill part, I just always pulled the broad side of the tip off and squeezed the refill in the end (it actually inserts into it) and gently squeezed the refill bottom. I get a lot in quickly and so far no mess.
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Post by Susan on Jul 20, 2011 14:35:56 GMT -5
I like doing the "drip method" over the individual tips so I don't have to wait for distribution AND I also don't like my pens really really juicy! So with drips I can control how much goes in and pay attention to when it's filled. I pull the nibs out every once in a while - with maybe a grey that I use all the time that I know is white-tipped-dry...but I still tend to ooze and don't like drips running down the pen. Luckily - there are several ways to do it. I say - use what works for the situation!  |
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Post by 1whoscraps on Jul 20, 2011 14:41:07 GMT -5
Wouldn't it be great if the pens had a little window so you could see how much ink was in them. Then you would know when it was low and also keep from overfilling them. I like the quick refill to the tip method for the have it now need. Like you said it's all good. ETA- You know these videos are really amping up my desire to go stamp and color..just so much great stuff/ideas in them. |
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Post by Susan on Jul 20, 2011 15:29:21 GMT -5
a window would be PERFECT! |
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