what do you use to COLOR your images?

[jazzgodezz]

Do you keep it simple? What pencils? Pens... copics or another brand? Prismacolor or what else?

I only have one set of pencils, and those are the plain, not watercolor. I would love to get more, but would like a little input as to what and where and how much!

[crafty1]

BICS!! I'm all about bright, solid and colourful.
I LOVE my bics. You don't get the shading you do with copics, but I can't afford to get all shades i would want.
I Still need to find the earths collection in the bics though...working on that!

[primpainter]

I use BICS alittle but usually use Prisma colored pencils and Goo Gone. You can read how I do it on my blog (under labels click on tutorials)

[mrsmac883]

I have been investing in Copic's a couple at a time and love the few I have....also picked up a set of Bic 'mark-it's' at Target. Like Tanis said they are bright and solid and I do like them!! I also would like to try the Prisma colored pensils and Goo Gone too!

[dmk104]

I like Koh-i-noor pencils with odorless mineral spirits. but my fave are Copics.

[peeps321]

I go through phases on what I use.....right now I've been using my Twinkling H2Os a lot. I used to use Primsacolors...sometimes use Tombow markers....I haven't used chalks in years it seems..remember when they were just it??

[jazzgodezz]

Oh THANK YOU!! I've been adoring all the shades and coloring on the images and I haven't done much in that area. Keep the ideas coming. I've got a tax refund that has some new pencils/pens earmarked.

[jpmayo]

I use a blender pen and my Stampin' Up! classic ink pads, using the highly advanced "lid smooshing" technique, lol.

That's pretty much it for me.

[AmberDawn]

COpics, Prismacolors and OMS, SU markers, Paper Piecing, I'll do just about anything, lol! It really depends on my mood and if I feel like coloring or not.

[cjbapp]

Originally Posted by jpmayo

I use a blender pen and my Stampin' Up! classic ink pads, using the highly advanced "lid smooshing" technique, lol.

That's pretty much it for me.

I love this! ...I use a waterbrush (like Aquapainter from SU only it's ZIG BrusH2o) and I have all the colors I need with the *lid smooshing*.

I use Copics most often. Another favorite is watercolor pencils....again with the brush or blender pens.

[ImAYoungin']

Jimmi you are too funny girl friend! I have a mix of markers that have been given to me. tombows, su! markers, I bought like 5 copics.. etc. I also ave prisma color pencils. I am going to probably buy a big pack of the big mark its though!

does anyone know if you can use the copics colorless blender with the bic mark its? because I have a copic colorless blender that I love!

[ltecler]

I mostly use Copics. I'm not particularly good at blending or shading, but I hope that after I go to one of the Copic certification classes in March, my coloring will improve . . .

[crafty1]

Originally Posted by ImAYoungin'

Jimmi you are too funny girl friend! I have a mix of markers that have been given to me. tombows, su! markers, I bought like 5 copics.. etc. I also ave prisma color pencils. I am going to probably buy a big pack of the big mark its though!

does anyone know if you can use the copics colorless blender with the bic mark its? because I have a copic colorless blender that I love!

I'm pretty sure I heard that the Bic's don't work with the colourless blender.

[stamphappy1650]

I have several things I use: Prisma pencils, chalk, H2Os, watercolor (pots, tubes, and Peerless papers), markers (marvy brush, tombows, a couple of copics,alcohol, & SU), radinant pearls, and mica powders. It just depends on my mood and with so many choices, I must be a bit moody..*snort*

[jessicaluvs2stamp]

I too use the bics if I want a vibrant look. Or I use many different waterbased markers, especially love zig and stampin' up. I also love colored pencils. I bought just the RoseArt brand and they work great for me. And they're REALLY affordable. I also like using watercolor pencils and chalks. What I use to color with really depends on the stamp I'm using and the style that it is. Some stamps work best with certain techniques but sometimes it just depends on what I feel like using. I really love coloring and like using many different techniques. It's just so much fun!

As far as the copic colorless blender with bics, it will take away color. I bought one, but haven't really done anything with it. I thought they were meant to blend, but they just take color away. So if that's what you want it for then it works.

[HeartHugsDesigns]

I have a Marvy markers from Joann's that I use. I have a couple Copics that I won in a giveaway which are awesome but I really don't have enough to blend colors. I used to use my pastels a lot but I hardly ever pull them out anymore.

[FibreJunky]

Prismacolor, Copics, Twinkling H2Os - so far.

[jazzgodezz]

Tell me more about the TwinklingH2O's. I just looked them up and I'm totally fascinated!!!!! I'll probably invest in a waterbrush and some watercolor pencils, since I'm stocking up on my CTMH inks (my friend sells and I have a TON already). But can you get the Twinkling at M's or HL, or will I need to order them...

I can get the Copics, but I'll only buy those on sale at HL.... but they are awesome.

[missiowa81]

I'm old-fashioned. I like my Prisma pencils and odorless mineral spirits. Copics just aren't in the budget for me, and I feel more like an artist using a pencil vs. a marker. LOL.

[jkminor]

subbing to learn more.

[wendychang]

i use mostly prismacolor with gamsol (OMS) - have some other brands of pencils that I mix in to get a wider color range - i just took the copic class so am hoping to do more with them now.

[snowchris]

I am a HUGE fan of watercolor pencils. I am certainly no expert, but I did post a tutorial on my blog on how to use them...SO EASY. Here it is if you are interested in seeing it... http://alteredambitions.blogspot.com...-for-poor.html

[JazzyScrapper]

I love copics markers and prismacolor pencils.

[jpmayo]

Originally Posted by snowchris

I am a HUGE fan of watercolor pencils. I am certainly no expert, but I did post a tutorial on my blog on how to use them...SO EASY. Here it is if you are interested in seeing it... http://alteredambitions.blogspot.com...-for-poor.html

Christi, you have just about inspired me to use my Prismacolor pencils that I think I still have sitting in a drawer somewhere. Your technique is not scary at all!! I am scared of the Mineral Spirits and stuff...

[snowchris]

Originally Posted by jpmayo

Christi, you have just about inspired me to use my Prismacolor pencils that I think I still have sitting in a drawer somewhere. Your technique is not scary at all!! I am scared of the Mineral Spirits and stuff...

LOL! You know me...I am a LAZY stamper...it has to be super fast and easy for me to do it!!! I love the effect that I can get with my watercolor pencils while doing nothing but scribbling. Whoever came up with those things was a GENIUS!

[nutsymuhl]

Originally Posted by snowchris

I am a HUGE fan of watercolor pencils. I am certainly no expert, but I did post a tutorial on my blog on how to use them...SO EASY. Here it is if you are interested in seeing it... http://alteredambitions.blogspot.com...-for-poor.html

You have inspired me to get my watercolor pencils out of hiding!!! I'm scared of watercoloring (cuz I stink at it) but I'm going to try the "Chris way".

Usually, I use my copics to color. Lately, I've been avoiding stamps that need to be colored but I'm feeling comfortable enough to do it, again.

[ImAYoungin']

thanks ladies! I went and picked up a 36 count pack! yippee!! I made an index of the colors! I love them! It was about $20 for them!

[jazzgodezz]

You gals have been amazing. I've been dying to know more about it, but this thread has been the BEST in learning about what's out there. THANK YOU! I'm going to pick up some watercolor pencils (I'm ashamed to say I had a set about 5 years ago but NEVER used them and GAVE THEM AWAY!)

[SherryLC05]

I have some old SU watercolor pencils...but I think I need more colors. I may try them out. I use several different methods to color including using SU markers on watercolor paper and blending with an aquabrush - I have one filled with water and one filled with alcohol. I can honestly say however that lately I have just been lazy and using only my markers or my inkpads to color. I still have trouble with the aquabrush gushing too much water at a time.....

[snowchris]

Originally Posted by SherryLC05

I have some old SU watercolor pencils...but I think I need more colors. I may try them out. I use several different methods to color including using SU markers on watercolor paper and blending with an aquabrush - I have one filled with water and one filled with alcohol. I can honestly say however that lately I have just been lazy and using only my markers or my inkpads to color. I still have trouble with the aquabrush gushing too much water at a time.....

I am constantly drying mine...between every coloring section, I pinch it between my fingers to dry it and remove the excess water.

[stamphappy1650]

Originally Posted by SherryLC05

I have some old SU watercolor pencils...but I think I need more colors. I may try them out. I use several different methods to color including using SU markers on watercolor paper and blending with an aquabrush - I have one filled with water and one filled with alcohol. I can honestly say however that lately I have just been lazy and using only my markers or my inkpads to color. I still have trouble with the aquabrush gushing too much water at a time.....

To get more colors, you can blend your pencils by taking a scrap of watercolor paper and put down a heavy layer of 2 or more colors. Then with a wet paint brush you can blend the colors. You can also do this with crayons and tubes. When you are finished, let the scrap dry and to use it again, just use a wet paint brush. It especially great when you blend that perfect color, you can look at your palette to see what you did the last time.

I don't use an aquabrush because I can't control the water. It's worth the money to invest in a couple of good quality paint brushes.

Also, I imagine you already do this, but if not, you can blot with a clean folded papertowel. If you get too much water or want to remove color (add more clear water) and then blot the area. Be sure to use a clean spot of the papertowel so you don't transfer color back to your image.

[primpainter]

Originally Posted by snowchris

I am a HUGE fan of watercolor pencils. I am certainly no expert, but I did post a tutorial on my blog on how to use them...SO EASY. Here it is if you are interested in seeing it... http://alteredambitions.blogspot.com...-for-poor.html

Thank you so much! I have never used watercolor pencils and have been wanting to try them.

[kittie747]

I have tried everything- Prismacolor Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, WAtercolor Crayons, etc...but I still always return to useing a good old-fashioned watercolor brush and reinkers. I use the lid of my pads to mix the reinker and water. I started out using SU reinkers but have turned almost exlusively to Ranger Adirondack and Distress reinkers. The ink is fabulous. The price can't be beat as the reinker will never, ever run out. Well that is not true. I did have to replace my Old Olive SU reinker after painting hundreds of grass and tree scenes over the last three years. Ranger Adirondack reinkers are only $4.50 for a bottle twice the size of SU. Distress Reinkers are $5.00 and is very, very concentrated. A little drop of either of these goes a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way.

PS....I own all the Copic markers and just don't enjoy them. The brush points are to fat for my kind of detail. They are great to color ribbon but it is an expensive way to go.

[SherryLC05]

Originally Posted by kittie747

I have tried everything- Prismacolor Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, WAtercolor Crayons, etc...but I still always return to useing a good old-fashioned watercolor brush and reinkers. I use the lid of my pads to mix the reinker and water. I started out using SU reinkers but have turned almost exlusively to Ranger Adirondack and Distress reinkers. The ink is fabulous. The price can't be beat as the reinker will never, ever run out. Well that is not true. I did have to replace my Old Olive SU reinker after painting hundreds of grass and tree scenes over the last three years. Ranger Adirondack reinkers are only $4.50 for a bottle twice the size of SU. Distress Reinkers are $5.00 and is very, very concentrated. A little drop of either of these goes a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way.

PS....I own all the Copic markers and just don't enjoy them. The brush points are to fat for my kind of detail. They are great to color ribbon but it is an expensive way to go.

Well there ya go.....the coloring "expert" uses the ink and brush technique too. Thanks, Kittie!! I LOVE your coloring!!!

[jkminor]

Kittie:

What kind of watercolor brush do you use? I am trying to figure out what coloring method I like best. I wasnt a big fan of the copics either.

Hugs
Jaunice

[buggainok]

Originally Posted by jazzgodezz

Tell me more about the TwinklingH2O's. I just looked them up and I'm totally fascinated!!!!! I'll probably invest in a waterbrush and some watercolor pencils, since I'm stocking up on my CTMH inks (my friend sells and I have a TON already). But can you get the Twinkling at M's or HL, or will I need to order them...

I can get the Copics, but I'll only buy those on sale at HL.... but they are awesome.

Here is a super bargain. These little pearlescent watercolors are similar to Twinkling H2O's but way cheaper, only $7.95 for a whole set of 21 colors:

http://www.mftstamps.com/catalog/pro...roducts_id=250

[jeanstamping2]

It depends on what I am coloring. But I mostly use my copic markers, Cause they are rich in color.

I also use Tombow Markers, Primsa color H20 pencils.

[kinglake]

I use Promarkers but i do struggle to get the shading right ! xx jo xx

[whoopsie daisy]

I love to color with my SU ink pads and aquapainters, Koh-i-noor pencils, and Copic markers.

[Silvermel]

I tend to get really hooked on one medium for a while and then move onto another. I use my Blender pen and SU inkpads a lot, but also use my blender pen with chalk inks & SU pastels. I will sometimes use colored pencils and watercolor pencils, though not too often ( haven't caught that bug yet and my pencils are very disorganized so I haven't been as keen on using them right now).
I also bought some Bics recently and love the bright colors. I'm still getting used to them and how they blend but its been very fun. I need to add to my set with some skin tones and pastels but I'm not sure if I can find these by Bic or if I need to start looking at Prismacolor and Copic.
I just play.