Do you still use SU markers after getting on the copic bandwagon?

[jenjoy71]

I remember when I use to use my SU markers all the time, but after trying copics I haven't touched them. I'm thinking of getting rid of the majority of my SU ones.. Other then using them for coloring on a stamp I can't think of any other reason to keep them. So should I keep them or purge them?

[gregzgurl]

I've never - EVER - been successful at the coloring on a stamp with a marker thing, so I never - EVER - used the handful of SU markers that I own (In Colors from a few years back) because I prefer alcohol-based markers for their blendability and vibrant color, and - like you - couldn't think of anything else to do with them. I don't have a single Copic, but I do have Prismacolor, Bic and Spectrum Noir markers that I use often... I still have those few SU markers, but I should probably hand them off to someone who will actually use them!

[jenjoy71]

Thanks Sue! Yeah I can't think of any other reasons/techniques to keep them for. Any ideas ladies?

[picard76]

I actually really like water colouring with them. They blend really will with a watercolour brush on watercolour paper. I used several different colours for this card.

YIKES sorry the picture is so big not sure how to make it smaller

[gregzgurl]

Very pretty, Jenn! I've seen videos using markers to watercolor, but I like using "real" watercolors or reinkers, so I've never done it...

[NYstamper]

I like the copics but I tend to reach for my SU and distress markers more. Wouldn't get rid of any of them.

[Barbara Jay]

I never got good coloring with SU markers which is why I tried Copics. Of course I fell in love with Copics. They are a breeze to use and they make me look like I know what I am doing LOL

For some unknown reason I can do a passable coloring job with re-inkers and a brush, but not with water based markers . I only have a few SU markers and they are going to the Sunday School along with a stack of CS.

[Joan B]

all the time. I prefer to make one layer cards and use the SU markers to color in small areas. I wouldn't use them to color in a very large area but perfect for smaller areas. I also use them to color on the stamp itself in certain situations.

[stamphappy1650]

I still use mine but more for coloring direct to stamps and coloring small areas.

[Illinois Marge]

I use them for watercoloring, or to "repair" a missed spot or line in the stamped image. Aldo love using the fine tip side to sign my name inside in a coordinating color. The fine tip is also great for doodled borders, etc that coordinate.

[klh54]

Quote:

Originally Posted by picard76

I actually really like water colouring with them. They blend really will with a watercolour brush on watercolour paper. I used several different colours for this card.

YIKES sorry the picture is so big not sure how to make it smaller

Wow! Gorgeous coloring. But how in the world do you get the color to "move" from the SU markers? I just recently purchased two SU markers to try watercoloring and could not get that color to move and spread no matter what paper I used or what sort of brush...I expected the SU markers to be similar to the Tombows since everyone said they could watercolor with them...not so much for me!

[Illinois Marge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by klh54

Wow! Gorgeous coloring. But how in the world do you get the color to "move" from the SU markers? I just recently purchased two SU markers to try watercoloring and could not get that color to move and spread no matter what paper I used or what sort of brush...I expected the SU markers to be similar to the Tombows since everyone said they could watercolor with them...not so much for me!

The markers are water-based. So just wet the brush.

[klh54]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illinois Marge

The markers are water-based. So just wet the brush.

Seriously?! I didn't realize watercoloring meant you wet the brush...hahaha...yep I did use a waterbrush so that's not the problem. ;)

[SophieLaFontaine]

I never did have any SU! markers, but I used to use watercolours all the time. After Copics, I gave away most of the watercolours.
I can't stand doing direct-to-stamp colouring. I prefer to cut the stamp apart so I can ink up the different parts with different inks. Much easier for me. If too much cutting is necessary, I just don't buy the stamp.

[picard76]

When water colouring with the markets I make sure I use watercolour paper then I start by applying colour just inside the lines of the image. I don't colour the whole image in at once but rather apply some colour then pull it in with the watercolour brush. I then layer and add more colour for depth. Hope that makes sense. And thanks for kind words about my card.

[Cook22]

There's a great tutorial by Karen Barber on colouring with markers: Splitcoaststampers - Tutorials: Marker Layering
I'd need to practice a LOT to get results like that! But I do still use my Marvy Le Plume markers, even had to replace a few single colours recently.

[craftymomto2]

only SU markers here, I own only one Copic, which is a flesh color, but like my Blush Blossom for flesh tone.

[cbet]

Another way to watercolor with the markers - scribble on a non-porous surface and pick the color up with your brush. I've used a spare acrylic block, an old cd, a random piece of plastic packaging, it all works.

[mamaxsix]

I'm not much into coloring and when I do it is usually with watercolor crayons or a wet brush with ink from my ink pad lids, but I do still use my markers quite a bit:
Omitting with markers: when I want an image without a sentiment or vice versa or when I want only part of a sentiment
Thumping: to add extra color onto an image before I stamp it
When I want more than one color on an image or sentiment-either I use markers to ink each area, or ink up with one color from an ink pad and use a qtip to remove the color before adding another with a marker
I also watercolor with the scribble onto acetate technique and have also used this technique with water to add spatter.
I use my markers all the time and can't imagine getting rid of them! While the Sunday School will use the markers I'm sure, I shudder to think about the kids killing those awesome, expensive markers.

[ellesart]

I have the complete set of Stampin Up markers as well as about 20 copic markers. It's funny, I never got into using my copics. I have always preferred my stampin up markers maybe because I had them first. And I do like to watercolor with them.

[SophieLaFontaine]

I'd like to add that I waited a year (or at least quite a while) before I gave away the watercolours. It was just that I had bought Copics, and started using them, and then after a long while, I did one of my purges, and during the purge, I noted with surprise that I had not used the watercolours in a long time. I actually, during this purge, also gave away watercolour pencils, normal coloured pencils, and gamsol.

[gabalot]

I have a lot of SU markers and use them all the time. I color my stamp, scribble some of the ink on my non-stick Ranger craft mat or onto an acrylic block. spritz w/water and use a SU blender pen or aqua pen. I've tried to color direct to the image but haven't liked my results. THANKS Sabrina, for the link to Karen's tutorial. I'll be checking that out.

My opinion is, IF you haven't, don't or won't use them, may as well find a home for them so they don't dry out (and they will, especially the fine tips.) Want my address?

[francliff]

I think Copics are great but they do not take the place of all water cooler marker techniques. I have some SU markers but my preferred wc markers are Tombows. They are awesome for some water color projects. They work wonderfully for "inking up" stamps with multiple colors, but you need to HUFF on them before stamping. I would never give up one kind of marker for the other. I use both in personal work and in the classes I teach.

[lindsaymay]

I think the key to coloring with them is using watercolor paper

[stamprsue]

I'm not a big fan of any markers. I still have a container of Marvy/Leplume markers but am finding that they are dried out from lack of use. Still haven't gotten on that Copic band wagon. Guess I'm just a Prisma color pencil gal.
stamping sue
Stamping Sue

[snowowl]

I love my SUp markers and use them all the time. I do have copics that I also use a lot. Started with the Copics for the very pale colors and went on from there. I would never get rid of my SUp markers.
Sue

[Lelei]

I actually prefer the SU markers over the copics I own. When you use them as watercolors, they are much more forgiving when you make mistakes and you can get a greater range of shading from one marker than with the copics. The only downside is using the watercolor paper. Sometimes I'd rather have a very smooth background for my image and the copics are better for that.

I also use the SU markers for getting multiple colors on one stamp, or stamping in a color I don't have yet (pumpkin orange, I'm looking at YOU!).

[lesliewelfare]

I don't have SU, just inexpensive ones. I take an old CD and scribble a little of the marker in different colours on it like a pallet. Then I use a brush and a little water to "paint". It works very well on must paper but is difficult on some of the smooth coated papers. Hope this helps.

[stamphappy1650]

Quote:

Originally Posted by francliff

I think Copics are great but they do not take the place of all water cooler marker techniques. I have some SU markers but my preferred wc markers are Tombows. They are awesome for some water color projects. They work wonderfully for "inking up" stamps with multiple colors, but you need to HUFF on them before stamping. I would never give up one kind of marker for the other. I use both in personal work and in the classes I teach.

Agreed. I have several different kinds of markers and all have properties that others do not have. I think that too often the lines get blurred between coloring and water coloring.

Not to offend, but I don't think that coloring with Copics can give the same effect as true water coloring. I have a lot of Copics and I love them and there are amazing colorists with stunning work but it just doesn't look the same (to me) as water based mediums on water color paper.

I may have too many markers, but I use them all.

[jeanne3579]

The only markers I have are SU. I use them in all the ways mentioned so far. I don't color images all the time, but find I can watercolor or color in small solid areas very well with SU markers. Also, I'm really into the matching thing and use all the SU cardstock and ink.

[snowowl]

I have SUp and Copics and have always used SUp Whisper White or Gina K card stock. I have never used watercolor paper nor do I see a need to at this moment. Not giving up my SUp Markers!!
Sue

[binkiemonstermom]

As a demo, of course I use my SU markers but I do love my copics too! I go through phases where I use my copics and then don't touch them for a while. But my copics don't do direct coloring on stamps which is why I think SU rock!!! And I like to write on the inside of my cards with matching ink too- so I can't see myself ever getting rid of them!

[jkstampin]

I still use my SU markers when I am coloring smaller areas - I find that the copics tend to bleed on me in small areas.

[Grandma Big Bear]

Don't throw out your old SU! markers play with them first. I am a die hard copic gal but recently have used the SU's to watercolor and they are a lot of fun. As the others mentioned use wc paper, acrylic blocks, direct to stamp - just play. Because I like things manicured I heat emboss my stamped image before coloring. Direct to stamp and a spritz of water makes a great wc look.

[jenjoy71]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma Big Bear

Don't throw out your old SU! markers play with them first. I am a die hard copic gal but recently have used the SU's to watercolor and they are a lot of fun. As the others mentioned use wc paper, acrylic blocks, direct to stamp - just play. Because I like things manicured I heat emboss my stamped image before coloring. Direct to stamp and a spritz of water makes a great wc look.

Oh.. I have played with them. i was a demo for about 4 years and used markers all the time. But taste and style is changing so i purging and selling off things I haven't used in a long time. I've decided to keep a handful of SU markers of the colors I really like but others will be listed on my Bst. I'm an ink addict and just have way to much so need to downsize.

Thanks ladies for your input.

[susanbri]

Quote:

Originally Posted by francliff

I think Copics are great but they do not take the place of all water cooler marker techniques. I have some SU markers but my preferred wc markers are Tombows. They are awesome for some water color projects. They work wonderfully for "inking up" stamps with multiple colors, but you need to HUFF on them before stamping. I would never give up one kind of marker for the other. I use both in personal work and in the classes I teach.

I agree with this comment. I love Tombow markers (and the Distress markers) and find colouring with them so much easier and quicker than with alcohol based markers. I use all sorts of different things for colouring images - depends on the look I'm going for so I'm keeping everything!

[catpurl]

The Copics are just so expensive....can't justify the cost.

[thescrapmaster]

Not at all! I am obsessed with my Copics & never touched my SU markers after getting started with Copics. I sold mine a few years ago, and I don't regret it.

[lovetostamp3]

I am addicted to Copic markers; there I've said it!!! Once i tried them, took a few classes, I was hooked. I love the way they blend, you can mix, shade, I can go on. I felt like a real artist with those markers and love how my images look.

That being said, I love to color, always have, so I can't bear to part with my pencils, chalks, water based markers, etc. When the spirit moves me to use a different technique, I like the option of versatility and the look some of those options give me. I have to say, for me, nothing looks the same as a true watercolor. That's the great part about this hobby for me, creating cards with different looks, and they all work!!! I'm not a one dimensional person and when it comes to my coloring, I don't limit my choices either.....

[Saphyre333]

Personally, I cannot afford the Copics. Around here, both Micheal's and AC Moore charges $9.99 a marker and Joann's doesn't sell them at all in their store.
I only have a handful of SU markers (I should be ashamed, I am a demo) but I am still new and will eventually get all of their markers. I have 10 of SU's and 8 of Tim Holtz.
Personally, when I want to watercolor an image, I use my InkTense pencils. I drip a little water onto the point and let it drip onto a piece of acrylic die box waste then I use a brush to paint, or I use a aquabrush and pull the color right off of the pencil leads. I never color the images with the pencils directly and then brush them. They last forever plus, when I drip the color off onto the acrylic, I can add some iridescent medium for watercolor to the colors and give them a sparkly look. The iridescent medium is from Windsor & Newton, sold at Micheal's for $5.99 a 2.5oz bottle. I bought mine in 2010 and still have 2/3 of a bottle.
I love my InkTense pencils.