I love alcohol!

Ha!  That got your attention didn't it?  ;)

I am a huge fan of Tim Holtzs' Adirondack Alcohol inks.  I have discovered that anyone who has taken my classes, also finds the alcohol ink portion the most fun - they never want to move on and keeping begging for more time to play!  *giggle*  I understand, I truly do.  There is something about them and how they work, that is just plain old addicting.

When Copic Markers were introduced to the rubber stamp market, I was also excited to have a tool that would color with such intensity in pen form.  The ink in these markers is also alcohol based. 

Now, most of you know that I love to experiment.  I make a mess more than I actually create anything worth sharing.  BUT every once in a while, there is a spark, a light bulb moment to try something - and it actually WORKS.

Let me share my spark with you...Adirondack Markers.

Yes my friends, we now have our favorite Adirondack colors in marker form!  *faints*  Copic sells a blank marker.  Sketch is always my recommendation because it is the one that is compatible with the air brush system...more on air brushing in a minute.

How to fill an empty marker:

1. Pull out one nib with a pair of tweezers.

It comes out very easily.

2.  Add the Adirondack ink to the open end of the marker in short, gentle bursts.  If you squeeze too hard you will end up with ink on your hands and marker!  Don't fret if this happens, I did it on the first one.  ;)  Just pull out your Blending Solution and a paper towel to clean the ink off your marker.  I filled the marker with about 1/4 of an almost full bottle.

3.  Replace the nib back into the marker - it sort of "snaps" back in, you will feel it.  I found it helpful at this point to lay your marker flat and allow the ink to evenly distribute to both ends.  You can see it bleeding into the clean nib here.

So, how did the Adirondack ink perform compared to the Copic ink?  Like a dream.  Mona is a happy girl.  Not that I ever doubted...I just wanted it to work SO bad!!

Here is my coloring test:

Perfection.  They are so rich and beautiful.  You might ask me why I care about this when there are over 300 Copic colors?  1.  A girl can always have 24 more!  2.  I work in the Ranger color palette most of the time.  I use coordinating inks, card stock, etc.  These markers will take away guess work and ensure a perfect match.  3.  I have really been getting back to basics lately.  I buy most embellishments in white, cream clear, black and brown.  If I need something in a color, I use my ink or paint in the Ranger lines to alter the piece.  There is no bigger creativity killer than searching for flowers or a brad to match my project.  Does that ever happen to you?  It makes me want to punch myself in the face!  Arg.

Alright, back to airbrushing.  Hmmmmm, how did I make these pretty buttons you ask?  Yup, Copic Marker + Adirondack Alcohol Ink + airbrush system = even more options for altering projects!

These are 7 Gypsies clear buttons.  I stamped them with my Tulle Backgrounder stamp and then airbrushed on the stamped side of the button with Stream, Lettuce and Latte inks respectively.

   

How delicious is this May Arts ribbon?  Airbrushed with Latte.

Next I played with a jumbo Heidi Swapp flower.  First I stamped it with my Large Polka Dot backgrounder stamp and then airbrushed with Latte.  It turned out so pretty!

Now you know I have saved the best for last right?  When I was planning this project last week and I needed to source the empty markers, I went to the Copic Queen herself, Ellen.  She of course asked me what I was up to and was just as excited as I was!  Next she asked what type of project I was planning on doing, to showcase this new fun toy.  When I told her that I had planned on airbrushing Easter eggs she literally laughed out loud.  You see, Ellen and I have this strange ability to come up with the same idea around the same time!  She shared that she had planned to airbrush some Easter eggs this week too.  Head on over to check her adorable creation out - but not yet!  ;)

I was feeling in an edgy mood tonight, so get ready for an unusual egg.  You can see the Copic Air Compressor in the background of this next picture.  Also notice the way I used pins to keep my egg up off the work surface, so that I could airbrush without having to ever touch it.

   

I decided that I really wanted to use this Heidi Swapp mask, but it was hard to get it to bend to the shape of the egg.  My solution was to trace it onto Judikins Eclipse Masking Paper and cut it out.

You can see that I airbrushed the egg with my Lettuce marker.  I picked Lettuce just for Tim, it's his favorite.  :)  I placed the mask in the first position I wanted to airbrush and just used a small piece of paper to protect the rest of the egg while I was working.  I used Pitch Black to airbrush over the mask.

   

I wanted to incorporate some beading and fibres into the design, here is the finished project.

There is also a found silver button from my mom's old stash on the top of the egg.

So what do you think?  Are you as excited about this as I am?!?!  Ellen has placed an order for a bunch of empty markers so you Adirondack fans can have markers to match your inks!

This has just opened up a whole new world for me!  Thanks for sharing my joy, friends.  :)

EDITED TO ADD:

A few tips & questions answered!

1.  Ellen reminded me that you are supposed to remove the CHISEL tip when refilling with ink as they are a little sturdier!  It's possible to stretch that precious brush tip if you are not careful.

2.  I am experimenting with other inks right now.  I tested several combinations today and will have something new to share tomorrow!  ;)

3.  The compressor that I use is one sold by Copic especially for this purpose.  I am afraid that I can not give advice on whether a system that you might have at home will be compatible.  If in doubt, contact Copic for more details.

Thanks again for all of the wonderful feedback.  I will also share a finished project tomorrow that includes the airbrushed mesh ribbon from this post.  Have a relaxing Sunday peeps!

Comments

[Sally Lynn MacDonaldl]

I'm going to call Ranger today to check, but I *think* that Ranger Alcohol Inks have resins in them. Please avoid spraying them using the airbrush system until further notice. Resins, once airborne, can get in your lungs and harden. This is why Ranger specifies that you not spray their brand of Alcohol Blending Solution. For some reason I think the same is true of the ink itself. I'll lyk.

[Mel McCarthy]

Absolutely brilliant. I can't wait to try this out. What gorgeous projects you made with it! Hope it's ok if I link you up? Thank you so much for the constant & amazing inspiration! :O)

[Beth Silaika]

TWO THUMBS UP LISA!

Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful ideas, techniques and all of your work. You have been very busy!

Mary

[Rose Ann]

Wow...that is just fabulous!! Thanks for sharing all of these details!!

[Debbie Olson]

How utterly COOL, Lisa! Great pix, and loved the egg too!

[ginnycartersmallenburg]

Wow! I love your instructions, your photos and most of all the techniques and ideas. Your marker idea is brilliant and I love the finished egg. All I can say is wow.

[broni]

Oh you brilliant, brilliant girl! Keep those wonderful ideas coming!!

[Sharon Harnist]

Brilliant about the markers, girl! Looks like a few of us had that airbrushed egg dream about the same time! ;)

http://paperfections.typepad.com/paperfections/2008/03/copic-easter-eg.html

[Laurie Hunt]

Your egg is fabulous! But I think your Adirondack idea is even better. Can't wait to try it myself!

[pegg]

I wondered how to color w/ those inks!! Fabulous ideas here - thanks for sharing!!

[Alli Miles]

Okay that is SOOO cool! And yes, I loved that sneak peak at the air compressor too *smiles*

[Keri Sereika]

Holy Smokes that is totally coolio!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!! You go girl!

[Julie Campbell]

SO cool, Lisa! I think you're going to start a craze!

[Lesley]

WOWSA Lis! You're a genious! The colours are so rich and look amazing on paper! Great tutorial - as always!

[Dawn]

OMGOSH Woman!!! total GENIUS!!!! I need empties NOW!!!
FAB egg....wowzers!!!

[Sherrie]

"That's gold, Lisa, gold!" (in my Seinfeld (Eddy Banya) voice). Can't wait to give this a whirl! Sheer Brilliance!

[Lori Craig]

Very cool...very cool...Great ideas. :)

[Julia Stainton]

Gasp! Now how cool is that?!!!! I feel another Ellen order coming on! You are brilliant Lisa!

[Rebecca]

Hey, were your ears burning? Robin and I were just drooling over your air compressor. We've decided we're coming to your house to play!
Seriously, awesome technique! Call me, I have a cool masking technique that will go perfectly with it.

[Holly]

Totally AWESOME, Lisa! Now ya make me wanna buy all the inks and a ton of empty markers! :-)

[Bethany Paull]

Quite cool. Love the buttons and your wild and crazy egg.

[Mary Duffek]

All I can say it genius! I mean really....who woulda thunk it! You Rock!!!
I lovey your projects that you showcased too....the egg is too cute.
My favorite Adirondack color is lettece.....what an awesome green...I end up incorporating that color in all my cards, without fully realizing it. It's one of the first colors I reach for...LOL!
Thanks again for a ultra cool tip!!