#TGIFC204 — Stampin’ Blends

Hello and Happy Friday! This week, TGIF Challenges has a product spotlight featuring Stampin’ Blends Markers! I was so excited to see this challenge, because these alcohol-based markers are one of my very favorite coloring tools.

I had a hard time deciding which stamp set to choose for this challenge. (There are so many!!!) In the end, I settled on the Lovely Lattice stamp set. It’s one of my favorite Sale-A-Bration stamp sets, and since Sale-A-Bration is almost over, I wanted to play with it at least one more time. You can earn this stamp set for free with a $50 purchase before March 31, 2019 (available while supplies last.)

Stampin’ Blends are great! They are easy to use and provide gorgeous results.

For Best Results, Use These Tips:

1. Store markers horizontally for even ink flow.
2. Use with images stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink on Whisper White cardstock.
3. Replace caps quickly, as the alcohol-based markers can dry out.
4. Use fine-tip to color smaller areas and brush tip for larger ones.
5. I prefer to start with the darker shade. Color a small section, and then go over that section again with the lighter shade to reactivate the ink and blend out to the lighter color.
6. Color in small sections. That way, the ink will reactivate easily and you’ll get better blending.
7. Use the Color Lifter Marker to blend out to white or add highlights.
8. Use the Color Lifter Marker to correct mistakes by “pushing” the ink back into place.
9. Ink continues to blend, even after you’re finished coloring, so I advise not coloring too close to the lines.
10. The more ink you add, the more it will blend outward!
11. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

Now I know I just got finished saying you should use Stampin’ Blends Markers with Tuxedo Black Memento ink and Whisper White Cardstock. But, there are other options that may not work quite as well, but are still acceptable! For example, on my card I used Crumb Cake ink to stamp the Lovely Lattice image. For the most part, it worked perfectly; however, when I used the Color Lifter, I noticed a little smearing. So just use with caution.

Each “color” of Stampin’ Blends Markers is available in a light and dark marker (sold individually or in combo packs.) They are made to work together to provide beautiful blending, but you can also mix colors together! For example, on the biggest flower, I used both Poppy Parade and both Flirty Flamingo markers. On the smallest flowers, I used the two Mango Melody markers and colored the center with Pumpkin Pie. For the leaves, I used both Call Me Clover Markers and the Light Granny Apple Green.

I even used Stampin’ Blends to color my Share What You Love Artisan Embellishment Kit label! I used the brush end of the two Pool Party markers to color it with an ombre design. (This kit is a new Sale-A-Bration product that you can earn for free with a $50 purchase by March 31, 2019.) Afterwards, I embossed the greeting in white using a sentiment from the Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set.

For the background, I CASED a card designed by Manuela Geiswinkler. Her background was so pretty, I wanted to give it a try. I embossed the Crackle Paint background stamp in white on Glossy Cardstock, and then used an Aqua Painter to add both Coastal Cabana and Balmy Blue ink on top.

I also used the Share What You Love Embellishment Kit to add small details and create a delicate bow.

Be sure to click over to the TGIF Challenge Blog and be inspired by all the designers this week. I would love to see your projects colored with Stampin’ Blends!!!

Have a wonderful and creative day!

Supplies used on my card: