I LOVE FAERY INK !!

Hey everyone!  Kind of a long post from me today, so please sit back, relax and hopefully enjoy what you are about to read

If you have followed my blog for any time at all, then you know that I used to be on a crazy number of design teams (DTs), and although I loved every minute of them and enjoyed all the artists I worked for over the past 7 years, last year, I decided to take a step back and cut down my DT commitments.  At present, I am an active creator on 4 DTs and I do administrative tasks for a few additional DTs.  I have really enjoyed my reduced number of commitments because it has given me the time and freedom to create what I want, how I want it without feeling rushed and also leaves me time to promote the artists that I currently DT for through my blog and other social media outlets of which I am a part: Facebook (as Audrey Ernst and Creations by Hippieaud page), Twitter (as Hippieaud), both Pinterest and Instagram (as Hippieaud Ernst).

Over the years, I have made a ton of friends and crafty connections through my DT work and crafting in general.  I love meeting new people and making new friends.  I have even been fortunate to meet with, in person, a great many of those who were initially online friends from crafting.  I think being a part of a DT is not only a fun way to be able to share an artists images and ideas with others, but that it also serves as an important tool to promote each artist and hope that your enthusiasm for their images and talent is shared by those who visit your blog, see your social media posts and participate in social media groups dedicated to a particular artist, eventually leading to purchases in their shop.  I also enjoy entering challenges to promote my various creations, and although I haven’t been as diligent about doing that in the past few months, I do intend to begin that again – one of several crafting New Year’s Resolutions.  I have always thought in my mind that the reason I have been chosen to the DTs that I am on is because I am serving the purpose of making an artist’s designs well known and well loved (or at least that’s what I been attempting to do)

Another resolution I have is to relax and color more.  I have been coloring with Copics for over 7 years, and I became Copic certified, both standard and intermediate, back in March 2012 – I can teach Copic classes as a result, but I am unable to certify others – that is only allowed by those employed by Copic International.  Copics are my very favorite coloring medium, although I have used other markers (Shin Han, Spectrum Noir, Prisma) and I do occasionally add some pencil to my coloring (Prisma, Lyra and Spectrum Noir).  I love to color, I find it very relaxing.  I also love to find new and different ways to use my Copics, be introduced to new techniques, try new color combos, etc.  As such, I always take whatever Copic classes I can find, either locally at a shop or online and am constantly looking for new tutorials and videos on coloring, which I find super helpful.  Every class I take has taught me many new and useful ideas on how to improve my coloring and push it further. 

Now, you are probably wondering about the title of this blog post – I love Faery Ink and how it relates to the above.  I have been part of the Faery Ink DT since it began several years back.  I own almost every Faery Ink image currently in Amanda’s shop (I am honestly probably only missing a few) and I think they are amazing.  I have definitely noticed over time and after being a part of many different DTs, that some artist’s images really suit my coloring style and I always am excited to color them, and other artist’s, although I love their work, just don’t mesh with my personal style.  Faery Ink images remain one of those that I am always thrilled when I get new images and I always have so much fun coloring them and experimenting on them with different styles, color combos, etc.  I am not sure I have a favorite Faery Ink image as I honestly love so many of them, but 2 that I find really breath-taking are Aja Autumn Leaves Fae

and Lady Lahla Anthea

Below you will find a project created with Lady Lahla Anthea.  Although I love all kinds of crafting – altered items, mixed media, 3D projects – my favorite craft to put together is a fancy fold card.  I don’t know what it is, just something about measuring, cutting, folding and the resulting project that just really makes me happy and makes me feel like I have accomplished something wonderful.  I have never sold any of my creations, but I have had many friends encourage me to sell them at local craft events – who knows, maybe some day.  For now, I just like to give them to my friends, my kid’s friends, my friend’s friends (I have had friends request cards to give for weddings, birthdays, etc.) in addition to charities and children in need when I have the opportunity to do so.

I was thrilled to have been asked to make a wedding card for my friend’s friend who got married this past summer.  I chose Lady Lahla Anthea for this creation and I colored her with very light pastels, a variation that I rarely use.  I am really proud of how this turned out.  I chose this really wonderful fold that I found from a tutorial on Beccy’s Place blog.  The papers are from an Echo Park set as well as the “Congratulations” banners.  The bride really loved the card and I was so excited that I was able to create something that she will be able to keep and cherish forever.

Copics used:
Hair:  E79, E47, E57, E23
Face/Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R21
Lips: RV34, E04
Gown: RV34, RV11, RV10 and lots of colorless blender
Flowers are various combos of RV66, RV55, RV53, RV34, RV32, RV11, Y08, Y11, Y13, B00, B02, YR23 and YR21.
Flower leaves are YG67, YG17, YG03

I have 2 more Faery Ink projects to show off today.  These are ones that I just made in the past couple of days for Thanksgiving and for a good friend whose husband has been hospitalized for over 2 weeks now with a foot infection.

This first card I made for my Mother-In-Laws sister, who lost her husband last month, and dealing with loss of a loved one is especially difficult during the holidays.  I chose Fairy Queen Bee image because I think she is stunning and felt that she sent the right message of beauty and positivity in the face of loss. 

I did something fun for my coloring for this image – I used Sepia tones with a very small hint of red (insides of some of her flowers) as well as some glitter with my Atyou Spica.  Otherwise, I used only the following colors in various combinations:

E04, E50, E51, E53, E55, E57 and E59.

I went with another fancy fold, a new one for me this time, tutorial also found on Beccy’s Place and called Gatefold Window.  I used Sizzix dies and Hot of the Press die for sentiment, which is a Jaded Blossom clear stamp.  My papers are Doodlebug Design.

I chose bling crystals from Prima, a Petaloo flowers and butterflies to round out my embellies and really put this gorgeous image in the spotlight.  Below is a close up of her colored.
My last creation I wish to share today is a card I made for one of my very best friends.  She has been going through a very tough time and I wanted to cheer her up especially since yesterday she had to spend time with her husband in the hospital and then come home and prepare a meal for her 4 children and her 2 parents.  I chose this fun image Snickerdoodle and Snail as it is cute and whimsical and to me it just brightens up my day.

I chose bright, happy colors to color this cutie.  Copics used:

Snail – V09, V17, V15 and V12

YG85, YG82, G43, G40 (also used for Snickerdoodles wings)

RV99, RV19, RV17, RV09, RV02 (also used for Snickerdoodles hair)

Skin/Lips - is E04, E11, E21, E00, E000, R21, RO4, R02

Outfit – BG78, BG75, BG49, BG45

I added fibers from my stash, sentiment from Reverse Confetti clear stamp cut with die from my stash, SU button and Zva Creative bling flourishes.  Fold is another new fancy one for me – the tutorial calls it a Centre Easel Step and I really think it was a great choice to show off this amazing image.  Btw, my friend really enjoyed it.

Well, it’s time to sign off now and I really hope you enjoyed my creations and story that I have shared with you today and hope you will come back soon.  Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving everyday!!
Audrey