| Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around | | | | directly on the cards stock or image, or you can mix |
| because there are so many different options that | | | | the colors on the applicator before applying to your |
| you can use to enhance even the most basic stamp. | | | | product, whichever you prefer. |
| When you look at some colored stamped images, | | | | Watercolors |
| you may be overwhelmed by how beautiful they are. | | | | Watercolor pencil crayons are one of the most |
| Some look like works of art that have been | | | | versatile coloring tools that you can find because |
| meticulously painted by tiny little brushes. For a | | | | there are so many different techniques that you can |
| beginner, or even intermediate stamper, they make | | | | create with them. If you want a strong colored |
| look overwhelming. The truth is however, that | | | | image, apply the pencil crayons directly to the image |
| coloring stamped images does not have to be | | | | just as you would with regular coloring crayons. |
| difficult, and it does not require any special artistic | | | | However, if you want water colored look, you can |
| skill. | | | | use a blender pen to create that effect. Simply color |
| Chances are if you are already involved with | | | | along the edge of the image with the pencil, and use |
| stamping, you have enough creativity to color in your | | | | the blender pen to "pull" the color into the desired |
| stamped images beautifully. There are a number of | | | | area. |
| different tools that you can use to color, and the | | | | Another way to apply color is by rubbing your pencil |
| most popular ones for stampers are pastels, or | | | | crayon on a piece of scrap and "dipping" the blender |
| chalks, watercolor pencils, markers or ink pads. | | | | pen into the color before applying. This will create a |
| Chalks | | | | softer effect. Another way to watercolor is by using |
| Chalks are a great way to color in stamped images | | | | your ink pad. With the lid shut, push in the middle of |
| because they are inexpensive and versatile. You do | | | | the pad to create a pool of ink on the lid. Then you |
| not have to spend too much money to get a full set | | | | simply dip your blender pen into the ink and paint into |
| of chalks that you can use for a very long time. Most | | | | the image. By doing this, you can create a stronger |
| chalk sets will come with an applicator or two. These | | | | coloring effect. |
| applicators look similar to eye shadow brushes. Other | | | | Markers |
| tools that work well to apply chalks are cotton | | | | Markers are also a popular choice for coloring in |
| swabs or cotton balls, small sponge brushes, or clean | | | | stamps because of how easy they are to use. Simply |
| eye make up brushes. It is always a good idea to | | | | color in the stamped image. If you have watercolor |
| practice on a scrap piece of cardstock before you | | | | markers you may be able to use a blender pen to |
| apply the color to your image. | | | | mix the colors, or create a softer look. Whatever |
| Practice blending shades of chalk together to achieve | | | | color method you choose, it is generally a good idea |
| the desired result. Press very lightly for a softer look, | | | | to use a spray fixative to secure the colors. Do not |
| and a little bit harder for a strong, sharper color. | | | | use hairspray for this job because over time it will |
| Shade with the applicator for effect, or hi light certain | | | | yellow the images and the paper. |
| areas of your image. You can mix chalk colors | | | | |