You know what they say, right? Another day, another crafty tool to covet? Well I decided to splurge last week on a 48-count box of Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and holy paint balls, I am so glad that I did. The card I created above was the result of just playing around with the pens and I was so geeked by the results, I decided to record a video showing you how three markers can make an elegant card and also make it look like you actually know how to paint.
It may surprise you to know this but I do not technically paint. I do not draw. I’m a graphic designer who relies on computer tools to make stuff look good, but during the past year that I have been immersing myself in the world of card making, the creative discovery that I actually can do stuff I’d previously deemed off the table has been a really joyful experience for me.
And these pens are the shizzzzzz.
Here is a video showing you the basic process I used to create this card. Consider this a non-professional tutorial on using these markers.
All supplies shown in the video can be found at the bottom of this post!
If you want to splurge on your own set, I present this chart for your swatching pleasure. Just download the PDF and print it out on some watercolor cardstock. I used Tim Holtz’s brand, because it’s already cut to 8.5 x 11 and it worked beautifully on my ink jet printer. Just click on the image below to begin the download. Note: the file is zipped so if it doesn’t automatically unzip, be sure to unzip!
SUPPLIES:
Ruth says
Thanks for yet another really informative video Cathy! I started off card making in 2002 and no one has ever said to me warm your heat gun up first can you believe that?!
As for your card it is truly beautiful. I started looking for some water colour pens just before Christmas, watched reviews and was keen on the Ecoline brush pens but couldn’t find a friend review. So impressed with your Zigs I went direct to watch another review – they are so fine I didn’t appreciate they were brushes rather than felt that can fray! Thanks as I think I shall be needing your colour swatch!! Now to find a good price.
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Ruth, trust me: i have watched MANY hours of other really wonderful instructors and artists, especially Jennifer McGuire, Kristina Werner and Gina K. from Gina K. Designs. I watch. I learn. I know those markers can vary in price. I did buy mine from Amazon, because of the good price. Was a bit nervous that they might not be in good condition, based on some reviews, but they are great! 🙂
Brenda Brehm says
Hi Cathy,
Thank you so much for such an informative video. First, the card was beautiful. But second your information was so helpful. You answered a lot of my question about the brush markers. Still can’t decide if I want to make the jump but if I do I will be thinking of you! Brenda
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Brenda! Try one or two out! I just figured I’d do a box of 48 but I get to write this stuff off for my taxes! 🙂 I’m glad I did, but I feel like wow, you get so much color from just a few pens!
Ruth says
I’ve been looking around and here in the UK Amazon are by far the best price but I was being put off by some of the bad reviews about the condition they arrived in. Good to hear your take on it think I just need to be brave and order!
Cathy Zielske says
I know that in the US, amazon will return any product you are not happy with!
Kathy says
Oh, you! I wasn’t planning to buy these, but since I have the chart now…Yes, you’re that good!
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! I should have tagged this “enabler alert” : )
carol ann says
Ah-may-zing! Love your card and as always, your fun video! Gorgeous color indeed! I’ve been using Distress Ink on my teflon mat and a water brush to do watercolor. OK, I’m sold – I’ll make the switch. 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
They’re really fun markers!
Donna says
I’ve always liked Zig quality so I NEED these markers!
Thank you for the lesson. Perfect timing for me as I’m frustrated with multilayer stamping right now. I’ve been a fan of yours back to the Simple Scrapbook and CKU days. I was so happy to find you in the stamping community. Love your art and teaching style!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Donna! I am loving being part of this community!
kelli says
Cathy, Oh your card is beautiful! I love your cards because they are clean, elegant, and not so complicated that my stomach clenches up at the thought of me recreating one. AND I have both of these stamp sets, and the Zigs! I got them right after I first started cardmaking, one year ago….I’m off to copy your card! Thank you for your video!
Cathy Zielske says
YES! Do it, share it and tag me so I can see what you made!!!
P. Moses says
Thank you so much for the color chart. I received this set of markers as a birthday gift in April and I haven’t used them much. You have inspired me to get them out and start creating!
Cathy Zielske says
Yay! Enjoy!
Lori says
I bought my Zig markers on Amazon several months back and they arrived in great condition. Thanks for another fun and informative video. I love how approachable you make the techniques seem. I’ve been following you in digi and enjoying your classes for many years. Nice to see you in the “card space” now, too. I’ve been making cards for a couple of years now, but still enjoy your fresh take on all of it. You actually emphasize a lot of basics that I think some of the other online card makers (who I love!) sometimes overlook because they’ve been in the craft so long. Thanks for the inspiration and fun!
Cathy Zielske says
Glad you liked it, Lori! I’m trying to make videos that will inspire people to give it a whirl! Like I have said, I had NO idea this stuff was this much fun.
Leanne in Cali says
Your card is beautiful! Thanks for the awesome video on coloring with these pens. I need to use mine more!!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Leanne!
Eliza says
Thanks so much, Cathy, for another GREAT video! You never fail to inspire and your approach makes some daunting tasks seem so much more manageable. I have to admit that I’ve had these markers for a while but just couldn’t seem to achieve the beautiful results you did. Thanks to your video, I’m off to try them again. Thanks so much!
Cathy Zielske says
Yay! Enjoy the process. 🙂
Annet M says
Total enabler… now I need these, though I might not start with 48!
Marcie Lovett says
Love the look you got. I’ve got to try these markers!
val says
Oh this was a fabulous tutorial. I have just bought these pens but I got the 24 and will add slowly the other colours. Love how easy it looks. Going to give it a try. Thanks for a fab tut <3
Eunice B says
Thanks Cathy for a wonderful and informative video. I will have to try this technique. I have the Zig brushes but have not used them. You make it look very simple with great results.
pat smith says
Thanks for sharing your work. I have the set of 24 Zigs, and love them. I agree the Tim Holtz W/C paper is so nice to use. I usually use the smoother side, coward that I am. lol You do amazing work, especially for a newer stamper. Keep going, you are doing fantastic.
Nina says
Wow! Awesome tutorial and the results are just beautiful! <3
Because I loved it so much, I followed your instructions (love all your videos, btw 🙂 ) and made a lovely flowery card for Mother's Day: https://ninasays.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/mothers-day/
BTW I have been following your blog for many years now and think it's so cool you're branching out into cardmaking!! You are awesome and I am looking forward to your next creations 🙂
Dolores Good says
I am thrilled, I have four of these pins and did not know how to use them. Now I do thanks to you, I am very grateful and hope I can do as well as you. Thank you and I will buy more colors.
Dolores Good
Kathie Powell says
Thank you for all you do! Tutorials, templates, stamp and die design and most “being real”!
Just bought the 48 set. Can’t wait to play. Question, what do you use to store these in your space? Thank you.
Kathie
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Kathie, I use these adorable cuffed cloth bins that do not appear to be available any more! They are by Reisenthel… but I cannot find links to them anywhere online. They used to have them at the Container Store. I bought two. I wish I had purchased more!
Kathie Powell says
Thank you! I know the ones you have. Darn, should have bought back when!
Maggie M. says
Beautiful!! Quick question. On your video, you went ahead in laid the green in the centers of the leaves and then went back in to pull the color out. So did the initial ink dry between the first and last leaf before you had a chance to get to that last leaf? Heck, does this question even make sense? LOL I guess what I’m wondering is if the ink from the marker dries before it gets spread out, can you go back in and then spread it by adding the water? Hope this makes more sense than it did coming from my brain. 😝