Book Review: Copic Coloring Guide

Hi everyone - I have something a little different for you today! When I was asked to review the new Copic Coloring Guide, published by Annie's Attic, a division of DRG (publishers of the super popular CardMaker mag) I jumped at the chance! If you've been reading my blog for awhile you'll know I only just took the plunge into buying and using Copic markers - and I love them! I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. Copics are an investment in time and money so I was hoping the book would help me get the most out of my investment.

Authored by Colleen Schaan and Marianne Walker, the Copic Coloring Guide features a fantastic information section - explaning the different types of markers available, and most helpful to me - the numbering system. I had a broad idea of how the numbering system worked, but the book helped me really "get it" for the first time. Just that fact alone is started to improve my colouring. The guide also discusses the types of ink and paper that work best for Copic colouring.

The technique section is wonderful and demonstrates the different methods of blending. Most helpful to newbies with a limited selection of markers will be the section on one-color shading. One of the things I get asked most is how to use the colourless blender. The book explains the blending pen and shows you some fantastic ways to use it - including how to fix your mistakes (something I have to do often!)

I loved that the projects featured are all by artists you already love, with stamps you may already own! All the projects have step-by-step instructions, and I LOVE the super huge photos and lists of markers used. I'm often asked what colours work well together - there are SO many great combos here, everytime I flick through the book I see something I love. There are also detailed supply lists if you would like to recreate the projects exactly. I was delighted to see cards from my team members at MFT, Michele and Sherry - their contributions are amazing!

I decided to sit down and try some of the techniques for myself, using the Little Loveosaurus stamp featured in the technique section. I combined a few different ideas from the book and love how it turned out.

I loved that I already had some of the stamps used in the book in my stash, it meant I could really follow some of the ideas in the book and check my results against the pros! Not only did the guide point me in the right direction, I also started to understand where some of my frustrations were coming from (hello, I'm Sarah and I'm an over-blender!) which gives me a tangible goal to work towards when trying to improve my colouring.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone already using Copics or thinking about taking the plunge. There are projects from beginner to advanced in the book, I'm sure there's something for everyone to learn and be inspired by. At the cost of just a couple of markers, it really is an invaluable guide - and now lives permanently on my craft desk as the ultimate Copic reference tool (it even has the color wheel!) You can purchase the book here - and it's even available as a digital download if you just HAVE to have the info right now!

Of course, I had to finish off Little Loveosaurus and use him on a card. I used this week's SCS sketch and went for a clean and simple look so the colouring would take center stage.

Inside I shadow stamped the image and added another cute sentiment.

I'd love to hear if you enjoy the Copic Coloring Guide as much as I do, yay for being able to use our expensive supplies in even better ways!

 Thanks for stopping by!
 

Copic Coloring Guide
Stamps: Little Loveosaurus (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Kraft, Almost Amethyst (SU) Paper: Pixielicious (Cosmo Cricket) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Almost Amethyst (SU) Dies: You Move Me, Solid Bracket Border, Tab Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Punches: Corner Rounder Other: Copic Markers, Hemp Twine, Button