If you have invested in Stampin' Blends alcohol markers but consider yourself a beginner when it comes to blending and shading then this is a tutorial for you! Here's a quick look at the difference between very basic coloring and the flicking technique with alcohol markers (Stampin' Blends) Easter Friends Stamp Set Colors: Gray Granite, Smoky Slate Blends, Fresh Freesia, Basic White Pampered Pets Stamp Set Colors: Stampin' Blends in 400, 600, 800 Color Combination: Poppy Parade, Basic Black and Basic White I personally am a "beginner" when it comes to alcohol markers and blending and I wanted to step up my skills so I'm taking a course and I learned a technique when coloring animals that I had to share with you! After all, Easter is coming soon and don't we just want to have fun coloring furry chicks and bunnies? I also wanted to demonstrate with Pampered Pets because it shows two different types of stamp art (one is just line art, very simple with no shading or detail) and the other - Easter Friends - is that Distinktive style stamp that already incorporates shadow and highlight in the stamped images. In my opinion, as a beginner, its nice to work with images that already show you where the shadow and light will go. Easter Friends is perfect for this. Many people who enjoy coloring stamped images prefer line art because its a clean slate and you can add the highlight and shadow from whichever direction you like. Before we get into the tutorial here are is the information if you'd like to shop with me and also really important - - - SALE-A-BRATION ends tomorrow! 2-28-2022! You still have time to earn free products with a $50 or more purchase! You still have time to take advantage of the Join special as well! SHOP ANYTIME LINK: https://www.stampinup.com?demoid=2212777 HOST CODE SHOP LINK (Good until 2/28/2022): https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=9UAERDJQ JOIN SPECIAL (2 Free Stamp Sets in Addition to Your Customizable Kit for $99): https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777 Stampin' Blends Shades for the Dog: Stampin' Blend 400 Stampin' Blend 600 Stampin' Blend 800 Smoky Slate Dark Basic Black Light Poppy Parade Dark Stampin' Blends Shades for the Rabbit: Gray Granite Light & Dark Smoky Slate Light & Dark Basic Black Light (for the eyes) IMPORTANT TIPS FOR THIS FLICKING TECHNIQUE I recommend three shades, a light, medium and dark alcohol marker in the same color family (in this case Browns/ Grays) Start with the lightest shade, build with medium and finish with darkest shade "Flick" small strokes in the same direction with each color When flicking with the lightest color you can make the longer strokes When flicking with the medium tone build in the color with slightly smaller strokes When flicking in the darkest tone keep this shorter and in the place where we'd have shadow Start with one section at a time, for example, start with dogs legs each time Stroke upward - do not recommend - stroking downward (this gives a consistent, natural look) Rotate your image to stay consistent as you build your flicking strokes and colors Hold your marker close to the tip and try to stay vertical for this flicking technique (when you hold marker angled to the side it could create thicker strokes and you could lose that detail stroke appearance of hairs) Practice makes perfect! Remember, I'm also learning and consider myself in the beginner phase. If you deviate from any of the tips it's totally ok. The great thing about alcohol markers is that ability to blend and if you go too dark in one spot you can go over it with a lighter color and lighten it back down. CARD MEASUREMENTS Cut and 8-1/2 x 11 cardstock sheet in half and score at 5-1/2" (you will get two card bases from each sheet) Pampered Pets has a 4 x 5-1/4" layer of Basic White and then a DSP layer in 4 x 5-1/4" as well. Easter Friends as a Fresh Freesia DSP layer in Stitched Rectangle Size 3 x 4-1/4 and a Basic White Layer in Stitched Rectangle size 3-3/8 x 4-3/4" Both cards have Tasteful Label Dies as layers as well. See images for the die shapes needed I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial! REMEMBER - - - SALE-A-BRATION ENDS tomorrow! 2-28-2022!!!! You still have time to earn free rewards with $50 purchase (before tax)! You also still have time to join with the Starter Kit special! Normally, the deal is a customizable kit worth $125 and you pay $99. During Sale-a-Bration you get that deal PLUS TWO FREE ADDITIONAL STAMP SETS! Your choice! And you'll also get free shipping on the kit and 20% savings each purchase as a demonstrator. If you want to go back to being a customer you can do that. This is a fantastic savings! One more day for this opportunity! Ready to get your starter kit? Click here: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777 Thank you and happy crafting!