Big announcement! Long post!

  I’ve been keeping a BIG secret from you…I apologize.  So big it took up 5 HUGE boxes that weighed 45 pounds each.  They were delivered today so I can finally share the news.

IHP is now carrying the full line of Copic Sketch markers and full line of various refills!  Isn’t that exciting??  I’m thrilled beyond belief.  And, when I ordered them at CHA they were “blessed” by the Copic Queen herself, Marianne.  Yup, it’s the equivalent of a Papal Blessing in the Copic world.  She wrote up the order and was convinced that I’d have to place a reorder in 2 weeks.  I sure hope she’s right!  *grin*

So, I’m excited.  I’ve even started a new group over on PCP just for Copic chatter and tips and fun!  You can join by going to i {heart} copics.   My new friend, Jana, is helping me over there.  We’ll be doing challenges (there’s one going on right now!) and all sorts of fun things so you should check it out!

A word about Copics and why I chose Sketch instead of the other available markers.

First the oval body of the marker is roll resistant on working surfaces. Personally I hate when my supplies try to escape from my by rolling away or hiding.  I have a hard enough time keeping my craft space clean!   HAHA!

Sketch markers are available in the widest color spectrum - 334  colors and refillable with the standard COPIC Various Inks.   They have a solid polypropylene body, which is both smooth and comfortable, for a perfect, controllable grip.   The precise and positive colored capping system provides for instant color selection when crafting.  What you see is what you get!  And, body inscriptions and symbols are wear resistant  - etched into the marker - and easily cleaned with COPIC cleaner.

Why Copic?
Well, besides being all the rage, they are simply the best.  Copic was first designed over 25 years ago for professional designers and artists and they haven't changed their ink formula since.  They are low-odor, acid-free alcohol-based, environmentally friendly and have a 3 year shelf life.  The body markings are embossed onto the pen so they won't rub off. And, not only can you color with them but you can airbrush with them too!

Why is alcohol based different than water based?
When water-based markers are layered and blended they tear up the surface of most papers. Alcohol inks do not harm the paper surface. They can be layered and blended on surfaces other than paper as well. Alcohol inks are waterproof and will not wash away.  Copic markers are filled with a dye suspended in alcohol and they become acid-free as soon as the alcohol evaporates.

They're expensive.  Why don't you mark them down?
Well, first of all, you get what you pay for.  Yes, they are more than a SU! marker or even some other alcohol markers but they are an investment and are truly the best out there.  You wouldn't walk into a BMW dealer and expect to get a car for the price of a Kia.  Secondly, we are selling the markers and the refills at the minimum allowed price by Copic.  Copic has a policy in place to prevent retailers from trying to brutally outprice each other which mandates the lowest possible price allowed.  We are following their rules and are happy to do so.  If we didn't follow their rules we would lose our right to sell their products.  There may be retailers out there who don't follow the rules but they have been cut off from Copic's distribution channels and once their inventory is depleted then they're done.  Plus, unlike most other stores (even ones that sell Copic exclusively) we have much lower free shipping minimums - only $50...most other places are at least $75.  Plus, when you shop at IHP you can pick up Copics and all sorts of other goodies.

How are they environmentally friendly?
Mostly because you never throw them away.  They are an investment but they will last you a lifetime.  Copic markers are refillable, with replaceable tips and the refill ink bottles are recyclable. Markers are actually filled with Ethanol, a form of alcohol that can be manufactured from plants. No animal products of any kind are used in either Copic markers or inking pens. 

What do you mean by Shelf Life?
Copic Markers and inking pens will not dry out if they are not used and the caps are securely closed. This is guaranteed for at least 3 years from Copic.

Should I store my markers Horizontally or Vertically?
Copic markers will work fine when they are stored either direction.

What surfaces do they work on?
Alcohol inks are permanent on many surfaces: paper, leather, wood, fabrics, plastic, faux fur, and more. On glossy surfaces, such as glazed ceramic and glass the ink can be scratched off, so use a sealant to protect the surface. Make sure that the sealant does NOT contain alcohol, ethanol, or any other form of alcohol as these will ruin your coloring.

Can you use them on fabrics?
A lot of quilters use the markers on wallhangings with great response. We don't recommend wearables, since the markers are alcohol based dye, a drink spilled on them might interact with your pattern, and some colors will bleed when washed- Copic is still testing mordants to prevent the deep reds/browns from bleeding.

Can you cross-contaminate markers?
Copic marker inks will not ruin other Copic markers. You can color directly onto other Copic marker tips and it will not discolor or ruin your marker. This is actually a good way to produce a nice color blend.

How long does the ink in the marker last?
This depends on what surface you are coloring on. Softer, more absorbent papers will suck your marker dry sooner than dense, tightly woven papers. The more you layer a color in one spot, the denser the color gets in that area so it won't cover as many sheets.

I hope you’re as excited as I am!  I know that most of my DT is thrilled!!  Just so you know, Copic is out of stock on a few colors but they will be arriving very soon.  If you have any other questions please post them here and I’ll do another post with those answers.

I’ve got a lot of other deliveries scheduled to arrive later this week so be sure to keep checking the new section of the store!  Thanks for stopping and sharing my excitement!