Absolutely the best blending medium for colored pencils and a perennial
Inky favorite! Gamsol is a brand of artist-grade odorless mineral
spirits, which we've packaged into a convenient, sponge-top dabber
bottle. This "magical" liquid results in a pretty, almost
watercolor-like look since it essentially melts the pencil lines and
erases their grainy appearance.
Simply color in your stamped image with
colored pencils, and apply Gamsol using the blending stumps sold
separately. (Note: This technique is made for regular colored pencils, not
watercolor pencils.) So easy to learn and really makes huge impact
in your artwork! Click
here to download a free
step-by-step technique sheet, or watch our video tutorial:
Assorted
Blending
Stumps
These compressed paper stumps act as the "applicator" for our Gamsol
liquid blending technique. Simply press the stump gently against the
sponge-top dabber bottle containing Gamsol (sold separately); you'll
see the stump darken with just the right amount of liquid. Using light
pressure with circular motions, blend the colored pencil lines of your
stamped image. Pull the color toward the center of the image with your
stump to achieve a shaded look. You'll receive one of each size #2, 4,
and 6. May be used over and over again; just file off excess color with
an emery board or sandpaper until stump is clean.
Multi-Pack
Stumps
Our Gamsol fans
have been asking for
more "stump options," and
now we're pleased to offer three additional choices in
blending stumps! Convenient multi-packs are available in Small (5
stumps, 1/4" diameter), Medium (4 stumps, 5/16" diameter),
and Large (3 stumps, 13/32" diameter). Stock up on your favorite sizes!
Made in Taiwan.
Sandpaper
Pad
It's sandpaper on a stick! Clean your blending stumps with ease using
our convenient little tool. Several mini sheets of sandpapery goodness
are attached to a wood board with handle. When you've
finished the top sheet, simply rip it off to reveal a new one
underneath. Sure, you can use an emery board or regular sandpaper on
your stumps...but this inexpensive gadget is the perfect size
for
popping into your tool bag, and it's a lot more fun to use!
Prismacolor
Pencils
Our favorite brand of colored pencils, for so many reasons! Prismacolor
pencils have thick, soft leads made from brilliant, light-resistant
pigments of the highest quality. The colors are butter smooth and easy
to
blend. Each round wooden pencil is lacquered to match
the core for quick color identification. If you're trying our Gamsol
blending technique, we strongly recommend pairing it with Prismacolors.
You'll love these fabulous pencils! (Note: These are regular colored
pencils, not
watercolor pencils.)
Chartpak
Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colored Pencils
For a great alternative to Prismacolor pencils but at nearly half the
cost, these pencils are an excellent value. They work
beautifully
with the Gamsol blending method and they're artist-quality, which we
definitely prefer over school supply brands...there's just no
comparison because these are so
much nicer. They're richly pigmented and since there isn't a
wood
barrel, they contain five times more lead than regular pencils.
If you're new to working with colored pencils or you've been "making
do" with your kids' Crayolas, give these a try and experience the real
difference of an artist brand. You'll be glad you did!
Prismacolor
Colorless Blender Pencil
For blending colored pencils, Gamsol is our preferred medium. However,
for those who are pregnant or nursing (or cannot use solvent-based
products for other reasons), the Prismacolor Colorless Blender Pencil
is a good alternative. Made to be used dry on top of colored pencils,
the Colorless Blender Pencil softens, polishes, and blends colors to
create a unique effect. This wax-based blender sharpens like a regular
pencil.
Faber Castell
Pencil Sharpener
When we're at home, we like to use an electric pencil
sharpener with our Prismacolor pencils. But sometimes portability is
important, and the Faber Castell pencil sharpener works great! With
three different holes, it's suitable for sharpening various
lead
and colored pencil sizes. The high-grade steel blade facilitates
getting a perfect point, and this sharpener is compact and
easy to
empty.
Pearlescent
Watercolor Set
These beautiful, shimmery watercolors look stunning on black
cardstock and vellum! Just dip a wet paintbrush or waterbrush into the
pan, swirl it around to pick up the color, and apply to your cardstock.
When you're ready to change colors, spritz the brush with UltraClean
and wipe into a tissue
until the water runs clear.
Comes in a portable hinged case with a plastic lid that can be used as
a mixing palette, and contains 21 vibrant shades.
Niji Waterbrush
The ultimate in portability and convenience for a paintbrush! Fill
the water compartment, which doubles as a handle, like a
turkey baster...unscrew the top and submerge the brush into a
cup of water while squeezing. Recap and you're ready to go! Synthetic
brush has a 9 mm tip and removable cap for storage.
Inkssentials™
White Opaque Pen
Draw,
write and scribble with the Inkssentials White Opaque Pen. It's filled
with a bright pigment ink that really stands out, especially when used
on dark cardstock. You'll enjoy accenting cards and
journaling on colored papers. Acid-free, non-toxic ink is safe for
archival use. Highlight small areas to make them pop!
Shimmer
Chalk Sets
Gorgeous, iridescent sparkly shimmers! Soft, beautiful colors (30
shades in each kit) are acid-free and presented in a secure 7" x 8"
metal case. Alligator-clip applicator and reusable pom poms included.
Choose either Pastel or Jeweltone shades, or collect them both!
Metallic
Cream Chalk Set
Precious metal colors from a creamy
chalk
formula! Pebbles Inc. brings you this versatile set of elegant metallic
chalks in 30 shimmering shades. Use them to accent the edges of a card,
highlight a word or phrase in a quote or journaling, or embellish a
stamped image. Pretty on silk flowers and fabric leaves, too! The
colors are bolder and richer than most other chalks, and they're easily
blendable. Plus they dry instantly and don't smear or wipe off.
Alligator-clip tool and reusable pom poms included in a 7" x 8" metal
case.
Prong
Pick-Up Tool
For applying chalks, we've used cotton swabs, sponge applicators, and
alligator-clip holders with pom poms. They all work just fine, but this
handy tool makes chalking a real pleasure! Depress the plunger, and
fine metal prongs will extend from the tip to pick up any size pom pom.
Release the plunger, and the prongs pull back to grab and hold the pom
pom securely. This allows you to hold the tool in your hand like a
pencil or pen…what could be simpler?
Small
& Medium Pom Pom Refills
These
fuzzy little pom poms are popular for general crafting, but they also
work
great when applying chalks. Must be used with an
alligator-clip holder (included in the Shimmer Chalk Sets) or the Prong
Pick-Up Tool
(sold
separately). Durable enough to use over and over again, but
inexpensive so you can also toss 'em when you're done! Available in
Small (5/32 in., 40 pcs.) and Medium (3/16 in., 30 pcs.) packages.
Large
Pom Pom Refills
Just
like the small and medium pom poms described above, but in a generous
1/4 in. size for applying chalks to larger areas.
Pebbles
Chalk & Craft Eraser
A nifty
mechanical eraser that advances with just a click! Its broad
surface is perfect for erasing large areas, while the narrow
edge works well for small,
hard-to-get-into areas. Works with shimmer or regular chalks,
as well as lead and colored pencils. (Although it won't
completely erase colored pencils, it's terrific for lightening areas or
cleaning up stray marks.) You
can also make
creative designs in chalk for a "resist" or batik look. Can be refilled.
Pebbles
Chalk & Craft Eraser Refills
Keep an
extra set or two on hand so you won't run out of refills
for your Pebbles Chalk & Craft Eraser.
Contains two erasers per package; eraser
applicator sold separately above.
Gamsol
Odorless Mineral
Spirits
Assorted
Blending
Stumps
Prismacolor
Colorless Blender Pencil
Faber Castell
Pencil Sharpener
Pebbles
Chalk & Craft Eraser Refills