Stampin’ Up! Blends are alcohol-based markers that became available on November 1st, 2017. Based on your questions, I’ve compiled a few answers below. The most popular questions were Question 1 and Question 8.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 . How are these markers different from the previous alcohol markers that came out a while ago?
A1. The new Stampin’ Blends markers have been extensively tested for evaporation issues. The lids have a press-fit seal that are designed to seal the marker by preventing air entering the barrel and causing evaporation (which was an issue with some of the previous markers). The new markers are different also that come in a combination light and dark duos (rather than a 3 pack).
Q2. Why are there two tips?
A2. Each marker has a fine tip/bullet tip for smaller images and a brush tip for larger areas. There are little icons showing the different types of tips on the marker barrel. Also, the thicker line near the marker caps indicates the brush tip/larger tip.
Q3. Can the markers be purchased individually?
A3. No, they are only sold in combinations, except for the Color Lifter.
Q4. Are the markers refillable?
A4. No. Stampin’ Up! made the decision to provide a low-cost, high-quality marker that could easily and economically be replaced without having to worry about purchasing ink refills or nib replacements.
Q5. What is the colour lifter?
A5. The colour lifter has no colour in it and it is used to erase, highlight, blend and add texture. To erase colour, gently go over the mistake to “push” the colour back inside the lines. You may have to go over it a few times. Use it to highlight by removing colour you’ve blended (like on a balloon or jar). Use it to soften up or blend any harsh lines. Use it sparingly when softening lines or you will create a lighter stripe. To create texture, swirl the lifter in one place over the colour and the alcohol will pool a little. This gives a cool watercolour effect and adds texture and background to your image.
Q6. How do I make skin colour?
A6. With the Ivory and Bronze Blends (which are each sold as a combo), you can create a wide range of skin tones by using them independently, layering them together, or with other colours. Try adding a pink or a brown tone for skin variations.
Q7. I want to start with a couple of colours, what do you recommend?
A7. Gasp, you don’t want them all? I get that you might want to try them out first or space out your purchases. But start with at least 3 colour combos (light and dark) so that you get a true feel for how they look and blend. And so that you have enough colours to colour an image. And don’t forget the colour lifter, a Black Memento ink pad and some Whisper White cardstock. Pick what colours you like the best (see the charts on this page).
If I HAD to pick though, and I was colouring a floral image (see details and a video on how I did the one below HERE) I’d pick these colours (3 Combinations and the colour lifter):
- a colour for the flowers (a Pink, a Coral or a Purple?)
- Granny Apple Green Combo
- Pool Party Combo
- Colour Lifter
It is super hard to pick and in the end, I love and have used them all, and want even more colours! The beautiful thing is that you can blend colours together to create your own custom colours.
Q8. How are these markers different from the Stampin’ Write Markers currently in the catalogue?
A8. Here’s a comparison chart of the two types of markers Stampin’ Up! has.
Comparison of Stampin' Write Markers and Stampin' Blends
| Feature | Stampin' Write Markers | Stampin' Blends |
|---|---|---|
| The Look | Will give bright, true to name colour. But streaks and lines are visible. Great for very small images or inking up stamps. | The colours blend easily so you don’t get funny overlap lines when you colour. Gives artist like look. Colours do not fade. |
| Uses |
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| Base Material | Water Based Markers | Alcohol markers means that the ink inside is suspended in alcohol instead of water, so they are NOT water soluble. |
| Design |
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| Storage | Store horizontally to maintain the life of each marker. |
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| Colours | Available in Stampin’ Up’s exclusive 48 colours. | Available in 37 exclusive Stampin’ Up! Colours including a light and dark tone for each colour. There are also 2 skin tones (Ivory and Bronze) and a Colour Lifter for a total of 40 markers. Colours can be blended to create other colours. |
Prices | Stampin' Write Markers are sold by Colour Collection:
| Stampin' Blends are sold as Duo Combo Packs for $12. |
If you have a question about Stampin’ Up! blends please let me know at fun@stampwithjenn.com.
To purchase any of these markers please go to my Online Store here.
Also, be sure to check out more general information about the Blends Markers HERE.