Tombow Markers : how do you blend

[josh's mommy]

I have a brand new set of Tombow markers that I recieved for my birthday. I love them , but the problem is how do you blend correctly with them. Do you outline then blend in the colour going inwards or do you wait until the paper is completely dry then blend. Please help.

[Joan B]

I think blending with markers is hard because they tend to dry so quickly. Here are a few tips.

The type of paper matters. There is a special coated paper that works particularly well with markers. Unfortunately, I can't think of the name of it but www.cornishheritagefarms.com sells it. There is a stamp company that makes incredible art with markers and the paper it sells but I'm having a hard time remembering it. I'll go search and come back if I find it!!

Always start with the lightest shade first.

Also, watercolor paper helps. Stamp the image with waterproof ink and wait a while until it is really dry. experiment to see how long it takes. Then brush the entire image with water and then use the markers onto the wet paper. If you wait until a color dries and then use the marker again, you won't get a gradual blend, but more contrast.

Try making a palette with the markers instead of using them directly on paper. Wax paper, a plastic plate, etc. will work. Rub the marker on the palette and use a blender pen or watercolor brush to pick up the "paint" made by the marker and paint onto the image.

[Joan B]

Ok, I found it!! K T Designs specializes in using tombow markers to color in their designs. I saw their display board at a convention and died!!! However, I've never been able to achieve their amazing results. here is a link

http://www.ktdesignsonline.com/booksandpaper.htm

[ruby869]

I second Joan's recommendation of KT Design. The special paper used for watercoloring with Tombow markers is called Marl paper. Bonnie at KT has a little booklet that tells you how to achieve the amazing watercolor effects of the cards on their display. They are amazing. Take a look at their website.

I have that little book. I'll have to read it to remember how to watercolor with the markers and write tomorrow. I do remember that the marker colors have to be wet and you use a wet brush (not too wet and not too dry) to blend in a circular pattern from color to no color to achieve a gradation of color.

Stella