Depending on the style of COPIC marker you purchase (Original, Sketch, or Ciao), you get a wide variety of colors. The Originals come in 214 colors. The Sketch come in 322 colors. The Ciao come in 144 colors. How's that for a variety of colors. Why so many colors you ask? Well, it comes down to blending. The more colors you have, the more blending success you'll experience. Basically, to blend with COPIC markers, you take 3 markers of similar color value (a light shade, a mid shade, and a dark shade). You then begin to apply color to your project, starting with the lightest shade, and darkening with each subsequent shade. Once you apply your darkest shade, you go over the entire thing with your lightest shade to smooth out the color. So, the more colors you have, the smoother the blending. How's that for a quick overview?
My favorite of all the markers are the Sketch. They're similar to the Ciao markers, and a bit more expensive, but they also hold more refill ink. Which is the second reason I love these markers. They can be refilled. How's that for saving money. You buy the marker once, then you can refill it to your heart's content.
Of course another reason I like them, is that you can also replace the NIBS (tips) if they become worn. How's that for not wasting money? You can basically use this pen for as long as you'd like to own it and refill it. The color label/information on the barrel of the pen is burnished INTO the barrel, so it won't wear off either.
Finally, the markers are ALCOHOL based, so once the alcohol dissipates from your project, it is acid free!! YAY for scrapbookers!! Doesn't that just excite you! I know it does me!!
Now, still with me? Good. For the record, if you'd prefer not to have to deal with refilling your pens, you can always go with the COPIC Ciao markers. They have a smaller barrel, thus holding a little bit less ink, you can change the tips, and refill them if you'd like. However, if you'd rather not, they're the least expensive of the markers, so you can just throw them out. Or, if you're feeling generous, give them to a fellow scrapper/crafter who wouldn't mind dealing with refills. And there you have it.
So, how's that for a product endorsement? Bet you didn't think you'd be curious about these markers. If you are, I highly recommend going to their Blog (listed on the right of this space), and read up on them.
Final thought on these markers. If you like what you see/read, bear in mind that Remember When is planning on carrying these markers in the near future. From what I understand, they've been ordered, and should arrive soon. And in case you're wondering, they're stocking the CIAO markers. So, crafters rejoice!!
