I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for ICE CREAM

Oh, if only it were ice cream weather here in the UK!  After a few days of scorching heat earlier this month, we now have dull and grey with the occasional heavy shower - although this is to be expected because it's a bank holiday and we're off work for three whole days!  Roll on summer - please!

Next month is a heavy birthday month for us so I've got to make sure there are cards ready to go.  Thankfully, there's always a reason to make a card because of the many wonderful challenges available on the net and one of my favourites, 'Little Red Wagon', is having a birthday-themed challenge this week.  Also, they are celebrating their 30th challenge and (get this), temperatures are in the 30s! Mmmmm, they'll need ICE CREAM!

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Lacie with Ice Cream'

Papers: Scenic Route (who are no longer trading, much to my horror!)

When I first saw this delightful image, my reaction was 'oooo, pale pinks/blues/greens'.  But as I started to colour my hand reached for the yellows and before I knew it, she was all coloured up in strong colours.  Sometimes it just happens.  And I love how she turned out so that's okay. 

But I hadn't really given any thought to DPs, etc., (as usual) so I had to root through my stash looking for something appropriate.  I didn't even remember having this peice of paper, with it's beautiful colour combo and huge flowers.  But my eye was drawn to its summery floral explosion and I just had to use it.  Unfortunately, unless I can find someone who still has it in stock, this paper won't be available any more because Scenic Route have been forced into administration by the current economic downturn, which is the biggest shame. I was lucky enough to realise this in time to order some discounted papers directly from their site, where they have some real bargains.  A word to the wise for those in the UK, however - postage is very expensive! 

Anyway, back to the card.  I coloured her up with my Copics and shaded the background and grass with my Prismas. 

Many of you have asked how I colour my images with my Copics, and I'm flattered to know that you like the way I colour.  However, for me it was just a case of practice, practice, practice.  And you need to be very observant - look at everything in the light and see how the shadows fall. Make sure when you're colouring that you know where your light source is, i.e. which direction do you want the light to come from so that you can know where your shadows are?  I found it useful to put a pencil on the desk when colouring, pointing the pencil in the direction of the light I was using.  That way, you always have a reference. 

If there are specific difficulties, i.e. with hair or round objects, etc., then have a look at 'I Like Markers', which is one of (if not 'the') best sites around for Copic colouring hints and tips.  It's my first point of reference, always, if I'm having a hard time with something.  And YouTube is another brilliant source of info - and demonstration, of course.

And finally, don't strive for perfection.  I don't get it right a lot of the time, not if you look closely, but that's okay.  I'm doing this for pleasure, after all, and that's the most important thing. 

Anyway, lecture over, I shall now go and link up with LRW and then eat breakfast.  Yup, I know, but I was up late today (damn new tablets - yup they make me sleep and remove the pain but, hey, I've lost the concept of morning!).

Happy crafting
xx