A Muse News

Copic Markers

I am amazed to see the flurry of interest in Copic markers since I originally posted about them 18 months ago. We get lots of questions about them at our retail shop and I thought it might be helpful if I shared some of this information here.

Q) There are several types of COPIC markers available - how do I decide which one is right for me?
A) There are THREE different options in Copic markers - The Original (square barrel), Sketch (oval shape barrel) and Ciao (round barrel).

All styles come with two different nibs. The Ciao and Sketch markers have a Super Brush nib and the Medium Broad nib. Our designers prefer the Original markers because they come with a Fine nib and a Broad chisel nib. The Fine nib makes it easy to color in tight spots - which is essential for working with smaller images, like A Muse. The fine nib is also a sturdy nib that doesn't splay with pressure. The other reason I prefer the Fine nib is because it is smaller than the Super Brush making it easier to see my work. .

Added bonus:  The square shape of the ORIGINAL markers means they won't roll off your work space.

Q) Why are these markers so expensive?
A) These are professional-grade art markers.  I grew my collection one marker at a time. In the 4 years that I've been using COPIC markers, I have never had one of my pens dry out and I have not refilled any either (although they are refillable). I can't say that about any other markers I've used. Initially, these markers are an expensive purchase, however, in terms of value, over the long haul, these pens really deliver!

For your reference, the COPIC Original markers and Sketch markers have a suggested retail price of $5.95 and the Ciao has a suggested retail price of $4.95.

Q) There are so many colors, how do I choose?
A) The main reason why I love COPIC markers so much are the colors! I have quite a large collection of COPIC markers now. I started my collection with colors that I felt were missing from my other marker sets. COPIC has a fabulous range of "natural" colors that are essential for coloring people and natural objects. Here are my top FIVE colors:

• E33 Sand
• YG23 New Leaf
• BG10 Cool Shadow
• R00 Pinkish white
• R35 Coral

Q) How do you store COPIC markers?
A) Copic markers can be stored flat or upright.  I store mine upright in a cutlery container that I purchased a few summers ago. 

Remember, Spica Glitter pens must be stored FLAT!

Q) I've heard these markers bleed through the paper.  Is this true?
A) Yes, it's true.  If you like to stamp and color directly on your card, this may bother you.  It doesn't bother me because I spend most of my time looking at the front of the card, not inside.  However, I do know this bothers some folks and I can understand it - especially those of you that sell your cards.  I think the only solution for this is to use stamp on a separate piece of cardstock and adhere it to the card.

Q) Can you do more than just color stamped images with COPICs?
A) Yes. There are lots of uses for COPIC markers in your craft projects.  Some other fun uses we like are "dying" ribbon (coloring with COPICs) and creating custom color brads and flowers.  I also like to use my COPICS to "ink" the edges of a card or punched piece. This is much easier with a COPIC than an ink pad because the COPIC ink dries immediately - no inky fingers.

Exciting news!  I have created a custom assortment that includes my most commonly used colors.  It is now available for purchase here. 

We do carry a 52-color assortment of the COPIC Original markers.  They will be added to our shopping pages soon.

Stock update

As I mentioned, we received a box of goodies at the shop yesterday.  Mostly re-stocking things that we were out of.  For those of you waiting for Copic markers we rec'd just a few of the ones we're out of:

• Cool Shadow
• Pinkish White
• Colorless blender
• Baby Skin Pink
• Skin white

We also received my favorite writing markers - Triplus Fineliners.  My set was given to me by my good friend, Beth and I just *love* them!  My set is over two years old and it all of the markers work great.  I mainly use these markers for writing inside my cards {they don't bleed}, addressing envelopes and doodling on my cards.  Sometimes I use them to color in teeny tiny spots - like the wand that the princess is holding in our halloween Parade stamp. 

We carry the set of 10 and they sell for $11.  You can find them in the future in My Favorite Things album (look over on the left). 

To get your very own set, simply add one to your next A Muse order. 

[BTW, I updated our Order info page on the main A Muse website last night.  I'm pretty happy that I was able to figure out how to do this at LONG last!]

Scalloped Gift "bags"

I found these adorable little scallop gift bags at the Stationery Show last month.  The company I purchased them from thought it was very strange that I just wanted the bags.  You see, they sell primarily to stationery stores & bridal shops and it's a whole package deal.  I actually had to *convince* the owner to sell them to me! LOL!

Clearly they don't understand the minds of stampers! <wink> 

We have them for sale in our retail shop but our online friends are welcome to purchase them as well.  The cardstock they are made from is scrumptious - slightly textured and the colors are gorgeous.  They come flat so you have to assembe (very easy!) and add your own ribbon.  I have a fun sample made that I just need to photograph so I can post.  These would be cute to put a gift card in for teacher gifts, wedding gifts,etc.  They'd also make great "goody" bags for a party.  They also look cute just sitting on my desk!

The dimensions are 3"W x 5"H x 2"D.  Price - $1.50 each or 10 for $12.50.  Mix & match colors.  Add them to your next A Muse order.

You will find these and other fun stuff in the Linda's Favorite Things Album over in the left column.

OMG!

I just got back from a short business trip and, much to my delight, found BOXES and BOXES of the new Marvy scallop punches awaiting us.  Everyone knows how much we *love* these scallop punches. <smile>

Here is a list of the new scallop punches we received!  The Giga Scallop Rectangle was my favorite of the scallops which was discontinued when Marvy released their clever lever punches.  I am soooo happy to have it back!  And, I have been most eagerly anticipating the Super Jumbo Scallop square! 

• Giga Scallop rectangle
• Mega Scallop rectangle
• Super Jumbo Scallop square
• Super jumbo scallop circle
• Super jumbo scallop oval

I will post the specs on these punches soon but if you would like to be one of the first to get your hands on these, please complete our order form and fax or email to us.  We are only able to accept punch orders that use the form linked above.  All orders must be faxed or emailed.

{Here's an XL version for those of you that would like to fill it in and email it to us.}

Please email all orders to [email protected].

Woohoo! Happy dance time!

New Copic colors at the shop!

Oh my!  We received a large shipment of both Copic & Prismacolor markers last week and I finally had a moment to "receive" them - unpack, count and enter into our POS system at the shop.

I decided to order some new colors (new to me!) this time and my, my they are lovely!  My new favorites COPIC markers for summer are:

• Salad {this is a fun, bright green}
• Tahitian blue {need I say more?}
• Salmon red {will be great for flowers and summery things}
• Robin's egg blue {about 1/2 the intensity of Tahitian blue - great for water}
• Begonia Pink {a bright pink that just says "hello summer!"}
• Grass {exactly what my DHs *perfect* grass looks like!}
• Light Suntan {perfect for beach scenes and if I don't get a chance to catch some rays, I may just use my Copic for color <grin>}

These markers seem to disappear quickly.  So, if you would like to add any to your order ($5.39 each), jump right on it!

My new favorite Prismacolor marker is "Lilac". It is the perfect purple!  ($3.99 ea)

We are still well stocked on the Marvy scalloped punches.  See post below with ordering procedure.

Stay tuned for more lovely creations from Amy Rysavy, our guest designer for May 2007.

Stock update

We have received HUGE shipments in the past 2 days.  Of interest:

We now have 120 Essential Glue pads.  Woohoo!

We have also received lots of Marvy punches!  At this moment we have stock on all the punches we carry.  To minimize the punch craziness, we have tried to simplify the ordering process and ask that you please follow these instructions if you wish to order any punches.

1) Please print our punches order form.  We will only accept punch orders that use this form.

ETA - Here is a link to an XL file that you can fill in on your computer if you have XL, save and email to us.

2) Fax or email us a copy of your PUNCHES order form. Please do not call; we can respond to you much faster by email!

3) If we are out of stock on one the punches you have ordered, we will email you (please be sure to include your email address on your order form).

4) All orders will be shipped in the order received.

There is a limit of 5 punches per customer so that we can spread the punch joy to as many folks as possible.

Yes, we do ship internationally.  Please email us and we can let you know the shipping rates.

Quick Reminder

Our glue pad special (20% off your glue pad when you purchase at least one A Muse stamp) expires tonight at midnight.  Basically, if you get your order to us before Heidi gets in tomorrow morning, you can qualify for the discount.

We expect to have more of these gluepads in later this week and will ship just as soon as they arrive.

Glue pads out of stock again!

I'm sorry to say that we are out of stock on the Glue pads again.  Sorry about that... they are a *hot* little item.  We expect to have more later next week. 

Any orders placed through April 30th will still receive our glue pad special price of $7.40 (when your order includes at least one A Muse stamp). 

Thank you for your business!

Glue pad & punch update

Good news
The glue pads have arrived and we have a good supply on hand.  So, if you'd like to take advantage of our April Essential glue pad special (20% off the glue pad when you order at least one A Muse stamp), please fax your order to us at 1-888-605-6474 or email [email protected].

Bad news
I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to those of you that were unable to reach us by phone on Monday and Tuesday to order punches.  Apparently news of our punch shipment spread far & wide.  There were over 20 links from other blogs to my post and it created a frenzy!  We simply could not keep up with the phone and are truly sorry if you were unable to reach us.

It appears that the only scallop punches we have left at the moment are:

• Giga Scallop square (this one is approx. 2 1/8" wide)
• Mega Scallop oval
• Mega scallop square

We have most all of the other non-scallop punches in stock.  If you would like to order any Marvy Punches from us, please fax your order to 1-888-605-6474.  Please note that we cannot accept returns on punches (unless defective).

Good news, however!!  I spoke with our rep at Marvy and there are supposed to be more coming the first week of May. Hallelujah!  Also, I have ordered a boatload of the new scallop punches that will be available at the end of May.  I will have more details and we will be taking pre-orders for these punches very soon so stay tuned!

A card - finally!

Here's a card that I made using the Marvy Mega Scallop oval and the Super Jumbo oval punches (my favorite pairing!) 

I sat down to create a Mother's Day card and this is the result. If my grandmother were still alive, it would be for her.  She always had a full cookie jar - which was no easy task having 12 children and 38 grandchildren that lived nearby!  Dang, I miss her!!

And, a recipe!

=================================================

Nanny Miller's Special 'K Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 bup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup Special 'K
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix all ingredients.  Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet.  Bake @375F for 10 mins.  Let cool for 2 minutes before removing.

*when doubling recipe add more Special 'K and rolled oats.

=====================================================

Enjoy!

Punch update

OK - here's a rundown of the scallop punches we have available:

• 12 Giga Scallop oval
• 16 Giga scallop circle
• 20 Giga scallop square
• 24 Mega scallop oval (my favorite punch!)
• 14 Mega scallop circle

We have a good supply now of all the other Marvy punches too!

If you would like any of these punches, the best thing to do is give us a call on Monday (toll free 1-877-783-4882).  These will go fast!  Here's the deets on the various punches. 

ETA: We are located in Seattle {Pacific time} and begin answering the phones at 8:30 a.m.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Linda

New Copic in store!

As promised, here is a photo of the new Copic marker colors we just got in at the shop.  These are some of my favorite colors - especially all the skin tones. 

Yes, they are expensive but oh so worth it!  Have your bought yourself a valentine's day treat yet?

For those of you that are new to the amusenews blog, the items that are found in My Favorite Things photo album are items that we carry in the A Muse Shop.  These items can be added to your next A Muse order.  The details on placing an order with A Muse are found here on our website. 

Lovin' my mini-guillotine!

I have quite a few paper trimmers - I guess it goes with the job. LOL!  Here's the lowdown on what I use:

• Fiskars 12" rotary trimmer - old & reliable
• Fiskards anvil guillotine - heavy duty for BIG jobs
• Carl cutter - 18"
• Carl cutter - 12"

My new love, however, is the new Tonic mini-guillotine cutter.  I am normally not a fan of guillotine cutters but this one is sweet!  The cuts are crisp and straight. I also really like that is has rule marks at the top where you put the paper so it easy to measure your cuts.  I do wish that they had smaller increments on the ruler though - they are 1/4" apart and I prefer 1/8".  I know -  picky! picky! The best part about this cutter is that it is teeny tiny and I can take it with me. 

The price is great too - $14.95.  We have a few in the shop, in case you feel that you might need one too!

Now, did you see that cutie new Rock Star dude (2-6095D) that I am cutting?  He is part of our new Spring 2007 release. You rock is also a new image (9-8408B).

Our newest images will be posted on our website on February 14th... our little valentine to you! <grin> 

Happy day!

More favorite things!

More fabulous things have arrived at the shop! 

I have added Prismacolor markers (see the Group 1 & Group 2 photos in My Favorite Things album - scroll down and this photo album is on the left) as a complement to the fabulous Copic markers .  The Prismacolor palette is quite different and these markers are a steal at only $3.99 each. I know, I know... they are still expensive as far as markers go but they are so worth it.  Once you've tried them, you will be hooked (ok, addicted!) like me.  I cannot live without my Warm Grey 20% prismacolor marker!

I have also added White Liquid Applique to My Favorite Things.  This stuff is so much fun!  The fine applicator tip allows you to use just a dab for a perfect finishing touch.  I used Liquid Applique to create the whipped cream on this card.

If you *need* any of these items, just add them onto your next A Muse stamp order and Heidi will take care of you!

New pencil crayons

I have never been a huge pencil crayon lover.  I prefer markers.  However, I recently found a new type of pencil crayon (new to me anyways!) and I really like them.

They are called Pitt Pastels by Faber-Castell.  I picked up a few colors to try them out. 

The reasons I like them:

• even coloring
• chalk-like finish
• can be smoothed with finger-tip or blender

I'm sure there are lots more tricks with these wonder-pencils!  I will post some pics soon to show you a few of the things I've come up with.

Post a comment here if you've worked with these pencils and have any tricks to share!!

Have a great weekend!

prismacolor markers

I am so excited!  Prismacolor has added some new colors to their already gorgeous palette of markers!

I picked up these new colors last night:

• cold stone
• avocado
• sky blue light
• cinnamon toast
• muted turquoise

I love these markers for coloring in our stamped images.  The colors are great.  They leave NO "lines". And, they do not pull the ink from my stamped image into the area that I am coloring (CB Fluid Chalk, Brilliance & Versafine inks anyways).

I'm guessing they are not "acid-free" but I don't really care.  I don't expect that my card creations are going to be around for 20 years!  <smile>

These markers have two tips, I only ever use the skinny tip.  They have recently changed the tips and the new skinny tip is much fatter than the old ones.  It drives my mom crazy but I don't seem to mind.

I will post soon about my other favorite brand of markers.

Have a great LONG weekend!