Blending Stumps

Jul '10 Cica

I read on a website that sells stamps that when colouring in your stamped image, you should use Blending Stumps dipped in turps to smooth the colour pencil out. Now I have never seen Blending Stumps sold in South Africa, anyone know of something else I could use? Or how to make homemade ones?
Jul '10 Seaexplore

RE: Cica: I read on a website that sells stamps that when colouring in your stamped image, you should use Blending Stumps dipped in turps to smooth the colour pencil out. Now I have never seen Blending Stumps sold in South Africa, anyone know of something else I could use? Or how to make homemade ones?

do you have a store that sells colored pencils and acrylic paints? I found mine at J's (you probably don't have one there right?) in the section with the charcoal and colored pencils. I don't know if you can make them since they seem to be SUPER tightly compressed layers of paper. Maybe a qtip if it doesn't get fuzz all over? Or a thin make-up applicator edge? I dunno.

I use blending stumps with turp (odorless mineral spirits) with my prisma color pencils all the time and it's a GREAT watercolor effect.
Jul '10 Samothrace

RE: Seaexplore: do you have a store that sells colored pencils and acrylic paints? I found mine at J's (you probably don't have one there right?) in the section with the charcoal and colored pencils. I don't know if you can make them since they seem to be SUPER tightly compressed layers of paper. Maybe a qtip if it doesn't get fuzz all over? Or a thin make-up applicator edge? I dunno. I use blending stu...

Any fine art department will have them. Basically they are just a really tightly woven paper used to blend various materials.
Jul '10 Inkiepinkies

RE: Samothrace: Any fine art department will have them. Basically they are just a really tightly woven paper used to blend various materials.

I use a blending pencil (My pencils are Prismacolors) sold individually but aren't in any of the sets.

Recently I tried a technique using pencils and non odor turpentine and the blending stump. I got some really smooth blending. I think that if I were to color in an image with watercolors I would get just about the same outcome.

Nancy
Jul '10 Dotfree

RE: Inkiepinkies: I use a blending pencil (My pencils are Prismacolors) sold individually but aren't in any of the sets. Recently I tried a technique using pencils and non odor turpentine and the blending stump. I got some really smooth blending. I think that if I were to color in an image with watercolors I would get just about the same outcome. Nancy

I got blenders at Michaels in the colored pencil section.
Jul '10 Bxr-Linda

RE: Dotfree: I got blenders at Michaels in the colored pencil section.

A tampon.

Or make your own:
http://share2.esd105.wednet.edu/sotelops/tortillion.htm
Jul '10 CommaHolly

RE: Bxr-Linda: A tampon. Or make your own: http://share2.esd105.wednet.edu/sotelops/tortillion.htm

a TAMPON??????????????????? ????????????
Jul '10 Cheball

RE: CommaHolly: a TAMPON??????????????????? ????????????

There was another thread discussing unusual tools used in scrapbooking, but I don't think I saw tampons listed. ha
Jul '10 Cica

RE: Cheball: There was another thread discussing unusual tools used in scrapbooking, but I don't think I saw tampons listed. ha

thanks guys, I found alot of info online to make your own and other options.
Jul '10 Obi

RE: Cica: thanks guys, I found alot of info online to make your own and other options.

I have always used the clean end of a paper lolly pop stick. It works every time and they are cheap and easy to clean.

I got that tip from my local art supply shop.
Jul '10 Manda_K

RE: Obi: I have always used the clean end of a paper lolly pop stick. It works every time and they are cheap and easy to clean. I got that tip from my local art supply shop.

Good tip Jude!!
Jul '10 Bxr-Linda

RE: CommaHolly: a TAMPON??????????????????? ????????????
CommaHolly Said:
a TAMPON??????????????????? ????????????

I can't take credit.
I actually saw this somewhere. Someone needed a blending tool. Used a tampon.

It would work--unscented, regular or slim sized.
Jul '10 NoirCat

RE: Bxr-Linda: CommaHolly Said: a TAMPON??????????????????? ???????????? I can't take credit. I actually saw this somewhere. Someone needed a blending tool. Used a tampon. It would work--unscented, regular or slim sized.

well that is a tool I have not tried.

However, I highly recommend the lollipop sticks. When the end gets too used up, I just cut them off at an angle with a pair of kitchen shears.
Jul '10 Bxr-Linda

RE: NoirCat: well that is a tool I have not tried. However, I highly recommend the lollipop sticks. When the end gets too used up, I just cut them off at an angle with a pair of kitchen shears.

I think the tampon was actually used for blending and applying chalk.... but it may work for this too.