This technique will help you to achieve lovely blended results in your rubber stamping projects without the need of lots of expensive materials or equipment. Blending pencil color is a great way to achieve graduated results or subtle shifts in color that is normally difficult with colored pencils. Mineral spirits are used to break down the color and a blending stump is used to distribute the color over the image. This technique is almost endlessly adaptable and can be used to give a professional finish to many rubber stamping projects.
The best types of rubber stamps to use with this technique are ones with plenty of space for adding color. Images that are too intricate or detailed may be fiddly to work with. Once an image has been stamped using a permanent ink (inks that do not smudge or run when wet are ideal for this technique), a few key supplies are all that is required to create lovely blended images.Types of Pencils
The colored pencils that work best with this technique are artist quality pencils. These are good quality colored pencils that have a high proportion of pigment which is held together in a binding agent. The mineral spirits break down the binding agent to release the pigments. I use Prisma Color pencils, although other artist quality pencils would work equally well.
Different colors give different results, so it is a good idea to try some sample pieces first to see how the end result looks.
Paper or Cardstock
This technique will work on a variety of different papers and cardstock. Papers with a smooth surface work best. As the technique involves rubbing the surface, papers such as watercolor paper may roughen as they are rubbed. Try different types and see what works best for you (in this example I used normal photocopy paper).Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits are used to break down the binding agent and to blend the pencil color. Odorless mineral spirits are ideal for this because, as the name suggests, they do not have the strong smell that is normally associated with mineral spirits. Do remember, however, that even odorless mineral spirits emit fumes and therefore this technique should be worked in a well ventilated area.Alternatives to Mineral Spirits
The Gamsol brand of odorless mineral spirits is popular with artists, however other brands are also fine to use. In addition to odorless mineral spirits, normal mineral spirits can also be used. The odor does evaporate after a while. Some people report using baby oil with this technique. I have not tried this, but I believe that excellent results can be achieved this way too.Blending Stump
A blending stump or tortillon is typically used by artists to blend and smudge charcoal, pastels and pencils. Blending stumps are tightly rolled pieces of paper that look similar to a pencil. These can be purchased from art or craft stores. Cotton buds also work well, and cotton buds with pointed tips give a high degree of control.Stamp Credit: Magenta Stamps
