Apples and Markers...What a Great Combination!

Doesn't this card (8" x 3.5") just make you want to go out and munch a fresh apple from the tree? It does me!  I love the beautiful shade and blend effect that I can get with the Close To My Heart alcohol markers on images like the apple on the tree featured on this card! The image and the sentiment are just 2 of the stamps in the the July Stamp of the Month (Sweet Life) set of  9.

July Stamp of the Month: Actual size of carrier sheet is 6" x 6"

Our alcohol marker sets come in sets of 2, and each marker has 2 tips: a fine tip and a larger tip. They are coordinating shades perfect for shading and blending.  I used the Olive Set on the leaves and the Smoothie, Sorbet and Ruby sets on the apple itself.  Here are a few fun tips for creating a great blend (this may not be 'scientifically' correct, but it works for me!):

• Start with your lighter color. Color the area you want colored.
• Go back and shade with the darker color.
• After that, color over the whole area with the lighter color again to blend.

Easy Peasy!

Also, a few other tips to help you enjoy your markers to their fullest:

• Always color with a scratch sheet beneath you. Alcohol markers are powerful little suckers and will bleed through to the back of your paper and maybe even a little bit to what's underneath.  
• When putting the lids back on your markers, make sure you hear the 'click' that lets you know it's really on good and tight.
• Store your markers on their sides, not their end.

Lastly, if you like the stamp set you see on this card you should note that it is ONLY available in July.  It's a $17.95 stamp set, but if you spend $50 (before shipping and tax) then it's yours for only $5.  If you are ordering from my website you'll be prompted to add it before you check out.