Spectrum Noir Markers

Brought to you by Crafter’s Companion

Blend, shade and highlight your stamped images with alcohol markers created for crafting.

Highlights

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  • >Alcohol ink based markers

  • >Broad chisel nib on one end, fine bullet tip on other

  • >A range of 168 beautiful colors

  • >Ink refills and replacement nibs available

Product Description

Manufacturer Description:
Spectrum Noir is an alcohol based marker designed specifically for crafting. Each pen is double-ended and refillable, with a broad chisel nib for coloring large area fills and a fine bullet tip for detailed work.

The entire range of 168 alcohol marker colors is available in 16 different sets (twelve sets of 6 markers and four sets of 24 markers). There are no duplication of markers between any of the sets.

The twelve sets of 6 markers make up the core line of colors and are packed in tonally matched color combinations along with an essentials pack that includes true black, a blender and 4 other commonly used colors. The first three markers in each pack (lighter tones) and the remaining three colors (darker tones) were chosen to work well with each other to take the guesswork out of blending. The remaining four sets of 24 markers round out the color range and are sold in tonal packs; lights, brights, darks and pastels.

Spectrum Noir markers were created to be used long term. They are not disposable. Each marker can be refilled with the available 25ml refill bottles of ink, and the nibs can be replaced if they become dull or worn. This key feature makes our range of alcohol markers not only the lower cost alternative, but a wise investment in any crafters' arsenal of products.

Learn more about the basic blending and highlighting using Spectrum Noir markers in this video:

View the Product Sample Gallery

Reviews

  1. A Colorful Delight


    By Rose Ann Reynolds

    I was very excited when my package of Spectrum Noir markers arrived for review. I've been using other alcohol markers for a while, so it was nice to have an opportunity to try another type of alcohol markers to see how they perform.

    I received 12 of the six-piece marker sets, and that gave me a great deal of colors to work with. The markers have a square-shaped shaft which prevents them from rolling off your work space. I like having both a chisel and bullet tip option, and how the bullet tip end is marked.

    I didn't experiment with different card stock, or ink pads while trying these markers out for the first time, but I know there is a variety of ink and card stock brands that work well with alcohol markers. I used Neenah card stock, and Memento ink, which is what I've had success with in the past. You will also need a of scrap paper under your project while you're coloring, as you may get some ink bleed through. While coloring with Spectrum Noir markers, I noticed right away how nicely the colors flow onto the paper. They blended very well when shading and highlighting areas of my stamped images. The bullet tip is more rigid than the brush tip that I'm used to working with, but with a light touch, I was able to get into the smaller detailed areas of my stamp images just fine. As I was coloring, I realized I was over-saturating the paper a little, which caused some feathering of the ink. When I used a lighter hand, I had a much nicer result. The Blender pen worked great for fixing my little mistakes where I colored out of the lines.

    I'm a person who likes to have a lot of color choices, and there are other sets of Spectrum Noir markers that I don't have on the Crafter's Companion website. The prices are quite reasonable, so I will be adding some of those sets to my collection. I also found there are ink refills available, as well as replacement nibs for my markers. With these options available, I consider these markers a great investment for many more years of crafting fun.

  2. Love at First Color


    By Amanda Havon

    Do you love brilliant and vibrant colors on your stamped images? I do too! Do you ever wish you could get that, but don't know how? Me too! I struggled with my coloring until I tried the Spectrum Noir markers from Crafter's Companion. I used to drool over everyone's cards with shading, depth, and layers of colors in the Splitcoaststampers gallery, wishing I could color like that. Now I can get that effect with the Spectrum Noirs.

    I was skeptical at first, even though I had heard only great things about them. I just thought they would be like other alcohol markers because they are alcohol based, but really, there is no comparison to me. The color goes on like buttered silk and the blending is flawless. Before trying the Spectrum Noirs I wasn't very confident in my coloring applications, but after watching the instructional DVD, Leann Chivers took the mystery out of coloring. These Noirs are really meant for blending and shading, and it was insanely easy.

    The markers are organized with an easy numbering system. Each package is a color family of six markers for blending and shading and is very economical.

    This is truly my top product pick of this year. I think you really ought to give the Spectrum Noirs a try. You might fall in love and not be able to put them down.

  3. Every Shade of Happy


    By Bev Rousch

    I love coloring in images for my cards, so you can just imagine how thrilled I was to find out I was going to review the Spectrum Noir markers. In the past, while using other forms of alcohol based inks for coloring, I have found that choosing the right shades of colors to mix and blend can be a time-consuming bit of guess work. Right off the bat the smarties over at Spectrum Noir fixed that for me. The markers come in packaged sets of 6 markers perfectly suited for blending. Those people know what's up.

    I immediately set the markers up in to ROYGBIV (OCD crafting at it's finest), and this reminded me that I had thank you cards to make for my daughter's rainbow birthday party. So, I got down to work. I found that the colors are vibrant and they are all quite easy to blend within the packs of colors. I am so pleased.

    I really like the feel of the markers too. The caps have a nice curve to them that makes it comfortable to pop them off and on. There's a band of grey on one end that, at quick glance, tells you which end is the bullet tip. They store nicely in their zip-up travel bags for when you're crafting-on-the-go or at a friend's house. Spectrum Noir offers replacement nibs as well as re-inkers, so I know that I can use these markers for a very long time. And, I fully intend to.

    You want your projects to turn out pretty, and when you're having fun along the way because the products are easy to use, it makes everything worth it. Spectrum Noir can count me as a new fan and my Christmas list just got a bit longer. I can just imagine how happy Santa is going to be when he finds out they're priced so conservatively, too. Yippee!

  4. Color color color


    By Lori McAree

    One day a while back I received a surprise box full of lots of pretty markers. It was very exciting! I love to color so this was a fun review for me. The Spectrum Noir markers are a little different from what I am used to, but they are great. I found them easy to learn, and it didn’t take much time to do it.

    I really like the fine tip. I like how firm it is, very easy to get into very small areas without the color running. These markers only require a light touch for coloring large or small areas but for the smaller areas you barely need apply the marker to the paper. The color spreads so easily and whether you color in the circular motion or straight, you don’t really get lines. I also found blending was very easy. I did find I have to be careful with the blender pen (when I colored outside the lines), the ink from the stamped image seemed to change color a bit so I just need to watch how close I got the ink.

    I really enjoyed coloring with these pens and feel they are great, especially folks that are new to alcohol markers.

  5. Fun with Color!


    By Beate Johns

    I love to color, so when I received Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for this review I was excited.

    The markers have a square barrel which felt great when I held them. The caps of the markers have a color code, making it easy to identify colors and match them into blending families. As soon as I was ready to color images with markers, I printed out the color chart on the Spectrum Noir page and filled it out. It made picking colors to use so easy. I used Memento ink to stamp my images and Neenah Solar White cardstock, as well as Crafter's Companion's Premium cardstock. The markers worked well with the ink and on both papers.

    You do have to pull a bit to take the caps of the markers the first few times and in turn watch it, when you put the caps back on that they are all the way on. That gets easier the more you use them. I like the almost watercolor look you can achieve with these markers. I am amazed how affordable these markers are and love that you can refill them, as well as get new nibs.

    The markers come with a bullet tip on one end and a chisel tip on the other. I have been using only the bullet tip so far, and applying streak free coloring and blending is easy. The markers are well inked, so you do not need to apply much color to saturate the paper. You do have to be careful not to apply too much ink too fast, or the ink with feather outside the lines.

    I would definitely suggest these markers to anyone wanting to try out alcohol base markers. They are very affordable and fun to you. You don't have to play with them long too get the hang of them.

Product Gallery

See a gallery of creations made by our review team using products and materials from Crafter’s Companion.

View the Product Sample Gallery

Questions and Comments

What do you think? Leave your comments and questions.

These markers look wonderful, but as a beginner, it seems overwhelming.  What would you suggest to a beginner like me as far as set choices?

NancyJ   |  Wed Oct 3, 2012 at 12:57 PM

Nancy,
Check the 6packs and pick the colors you like for the images you color. They are very reasonably priced so you can get a few of them.

beate   |  Wed Oct 3, 2012 at 2:15 PM

I have these and love them, glad to see a video!!

Olga Jewell   |  Wed Oct 3, 2012 at 2:47 PM

Spectrum Noir has a terrific educational website with lots of great tutorials to help beginner-advanced learn to create beautiful projects!

http://www.spectrumnoir.com/blog/

Kristine Reynolds   |  Thu Oct 4, 2012 at 2:55 PM

I have these markers! I love ‘em…..they are much more affordable than the other well known alcohol markers….love, love the square barrel too. smile

Melina   |  Thu Oct 4, 2012 at 5:13 PM

Oh my….I love my Spectrum more than my other “C” alcohol markers…..I can’t believe I am saying that….
I recommend buying them ......and USING them…$$$$$ well spent…...

Deby   |  Thu Oct 4, 2012 at 6:49 PM

Wonderful video.I’m collecting the markers and need to watch this again to absorb the technique. Thanks .

Emilie Boyd   |  Fri Oct 5, 2012 at 4:11 AM

One thing I’ve not seen is a suggestion or recommendation for paper to use with these markers. I’m sure everyone has a favorite but is there one that’s better or is there one to avoid completely?
thanks!

Kathy Humphrey   |  Sat Oct 6, 2012 at 7:21 AM

they sell paper on Crafter’s Companion that is supposed to be good for these markers. I’ve used them a little on plain cardstock and it bleeds through. As a matter of fact, was watching a video on them last night that I ordered with my first set. Haven’t practiced enough with them to have an opinion.

Emilie Boyd   |  Sat Oct 6, 2012 at 7:31 AM

I saw them in an AC Moore flyer at 40% off so I picked up 3 packs!  I picked up 6 more packs each week with my 40% off coupons! What a great price!  I too have been in awe of some of the beautiful cards made with alcohol markers.  I took them for a test drive and use Stazon ink for the outline and it ran a little.  Anyone use another permanent ink?

Pat Jones   |  Sat Oct 6, 2012 at 4:55 PM

Darn! I get A.C, Moore coupons but they are an hour and a half from here.

Emilie Boyd   |  Sun Oct 7, 2012 at 5:11 AM

Pat,
Don’t use Stazon ink. It is alcohol based just like the markers, so it will interact and run.
I love to use Memento Ink when coloring with alcohol based Markers.

Kathy,
I posted in my review that I worked with Neenah Solar White cardstock and the Crafter’s Companion cardstock for my projects. They both worked great with the markers.

beate   |  Sun Oct 7, 2012 at 9:11 AM

I bought all the 6 packs of these when they were launched in the UK last summer. I am not much of an artist, but I am really pleased with the results that I am getting from these pens - I think it does take a bit of practice though! A good way to get a feel for the pens is (like Beate suggested) to print out the colour chart on your chosen cardstock and then fill it in.

I use Neenah cardstock (it came with the Pen offer from Crafter’s Companion) for printing out my digi images and stamping. On the rare occasions when I do stamp, I use Memento ink which was recommended by a Crafter’s Companion DT member.

I’ve since bought one of 24 packs and can’t wait to get the remaining 3 ... when funds allow :o)

Hope this helps!

Helen (Crafty Mamma Mia)   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 3:05 AM

I have most of the six packs except for grey and pink. Will ask for a 24 pack for Xmas.Haven’t done a lot with them yet but watched the video that came with my first sets and the one in this post.

Emilie Boyd   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 3:43 AM

Thanks for all the info on the Spectrum Noirs on here! I took the plunge and bought the whole set. Never colored with alcohol markers before, always been a watercolor user. People warned me against the bullet tip, but after watching the video, I think I am doing okay with them. With some more practice I am sure there will be improvement. So happy that there are affordable alcohol markers available now. Using Memento ink pads and the Neenah card-stock CC is suggesting.

Amanda   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 4:56 AM

the information here is so helpful. I’m glad I found you all.

Emilie Boyd   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 5:00 AM

You can also find the 6 packs at JoAnn Fabrics.

Patty   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 6:42 AM

Maybe in Fairfax or Louden county . They only have them on line here not in the store.

Emilie Boyd   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 6:53 AM

Have you seen the new pen racks they’ve just posted? These look great and I think you can stack them sideways or vertically to fit in just about any type of space. Has anyone ordered them yet? If so, can you recommend them. I don’t think they are available anywhere except for the Crafter’s Companion website. And they say it will fit just about any pen. I may need A LOT of those racks!
http://www.crafterscompanion.com/The-Ultimate-Pen-Storage_c_185.html

Jane Simpson   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 7:42 AM

I have a similar rack I got when an art shop closed. I think those racks Crafters Companion look great and they are inexpensive if you buy a couple at a time.

Emilie Boyd   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 7:58 AM

Emilie,

Just a heads up, there is a coupon code listed on the banner on the right column for Splitcoaststampers members if you don’t want to make a trip to the store to use your coupon. smile

Lori Craig   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 8:14 AM

Jane -
Thanks for the question about the new Ultimate Pen Storage System. We’ve just posted a video showing the racks in action. It can be viewed from the same category in which you’ve posted the link above. Don’t forget to use the coupon code for 15% off should you decide to order these.

Gary Barbee   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 8:32 AM

Thanks Gary! I’m off to buy them before the first batch has disappeared. Looks like they have a limited amount of stock. The coupon’s a good bonus, but I would have bought them anyway! Fantastic system!

Jane Simpson   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 9:05 AM

And so reasonable.

Emilie Boyd   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 9:24 AM

For Canadian shoppers, you can purchase the markers at http://www.canuckcrafts.com if your local scrapbooking store doesn’t carry them.

Joan   |  Wed Oct 10, 2012 at 9:44 AM

Thanks for the great video!  I am going to buy a set of these markers this weekend and try them out.

Maxine   |  Thu Oct 11, 2012 at 6:54 PM

Is there a color wheel available instead of the chart.

Faye   |  Thu Oct 11, 2012 at 9:14 PM

I just saw these markers at JoAnn’s Fabrics and Crafts and was excited to seeing an alternative to Copics but I was afraid to try them.  I will definately be buying them now! Thanks for the review!

Amy Johnson   |  Fri Oct 12, 2012 at 7:22 AM

I wish ours carried them. On line they have marked them up to 14.95 regular price and then posted a sale price of 11.95 which is the normal retail price.

Emilie Boyd   |  Fri Oct 12, 2012 at 7:43 AM

Really impressed! anything is very, very clear, open is a explanation of the problem. It contains the information.
I just could not go away your site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info an individual provide to your guests.

Following my visit to your site I now have an amazing idea what to make my husband birthday

I actually enjoyed the usual info, thanks a lot for that !

bracha gadot   |  Wed Oct 24, 2012 at 12:24 PM

I have Spectrum Noir markers. I am having troubles blending. the blender marker is not working the way it should. It just bleeds through the liquid. Can you tell me why it does that? could it be a bad marker?

Jill Tiedeman   |  Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 11:15 AM

I just recently bought the entire set of Spectrum Noir Markers and I have to say that i am very unhappy with them. At least 25 of the markers are dried out and i just took them out of the package.

Lorri McCoy   |  Thu Jun 13, 2013 at 1:58 PM

Hi Lorri - I am very sorry to hear your recent purchase included dry markers. This could be due to a variety of factors, but Crafter’s Companion is always willing to replace defective markers at no charge to you. Please contact Bindy Lambell in our customer service department and she’ll take care of you. Our contact information is on our website at http://www.crafterscompanion.com

Gary Barbee   |  Thu Jun 13, 2013 at 2:44 PM

I am sure Crafter’s Companion will help you out. their service is wonderful.

Emilie   |  Fri Jun 14, 2013 at 3:49 AM

Thank you Jill and Gary..I bought them at Joann Fabrics and they won’t do anything about it..I would have to bring the whole package back unopenned which is ridiculous because i wouldn’t know they were dry unless I openned them.

Lorri McCoy   |  Fri Jun 14, 2013 at 6:06 AM

Hello again Lorri - As mentioned on my other post, we are happy to get you replacement markers regardless of where you purchased them. It’s unfortunate that Joann Fabrics has such a strict policy, but rest assured we stand behind our product and will get you the replacements you need. Simply click on the “Contact Us” link at the top of our website (http://www.crafterscompanion.com) to email us so we can solve the problem. Or, you may call us toll free at 1-800-399-5035 and speak with Bindy Lambell; my customer service manager.

Gary Barbee   |  Fri Jun 14, 2013 at 7:59 AM

Told you the customer service there is wonderful.

Emilie Boyd   |  Fri Jun 14, 2013 at 11:46 AM

I was so excited to get these Spectrum Noir markers.  The company I purchased them from has replaced 6 because they were dried out.  I just tried to color some flesh tones and the FS1 and 2 are dry as a bone.  I haven’t tried all 72 of these markers but, gosh, how disappointing!  I’ve written to Spectrum Noir for the second time (no reply to my first contact) and hope they can help out.  Anyone else having this problem?

Sharon Lones   |  Sat Oct 26, 2013 at 8:08 AM

Hi Sharon Lones - I’ve just seen your post about dry markers. I’m afraid you must be trying to contact the wrong people to try and resolve your issue. Crafter’s Companion manufactures and distributes this product in North America and you need to contact us to resolve the issue. We handle all such requests very promptly. Please call my customer service manager; Bindy Lambell on Monday morning and we’ll take care of it right away. Our toll free number is 1-800-399-5035. If you are uncomfortable with calling you may also visit our website (http://www.crafterscompanion.com) and start a support ticket for a quick resolution.

Gary Barbee   |  Sat Oct 26, 2013 at 8:57 AM

I am so anxious to work on the practice sheets that come with the DVD, but I just can’t open them.  Please, someone tell me what I need to do after I navigate to the window where the menu is displayed and I can see “Practice Sheets.”  I’m so frustrated!!!
Thank you!!!

Beth Rosario   |  Sun Jul 6, 2014 at 10:57 PM

I recently purchased 72 of the spectrum noir markers.  Tried to watch video and learn from it.  When using the markers on white card stock, I found they did not blend like I’ve seen on tutorials.  Is there a secret to this?  Do you have to use special paper?  I’ve been looking forward to getting the markers but after trying them out, not sure I want to keep them.

Elaine   |  Sun Mar 26, 2017 at 12:19 PM
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What you'll pay

Use coupon code SCSSN to enjoy 15% off of your order thru 10/31/12.


6 Pen sets $11.95 each
24 Pen sets $49.95 each
Ink refills $5.95 each
Nib refills (12 pk) $3.95 each
Blender Pen $2.95

Where to buy

You may purchase Spectrum Noir directly from Crafter's Companion.

View our Product Gallery