Coloring Techniques for Stampers

UPDATE (Fri 7/17) & GIVEAWAY WINNERS:  So the tally for coloring preferences is as follows (note that some of you mentioned two preferences):  Copics (9), Other Markers (4), Watercolor Pencils (13), Colored Pencils (12), Chalk (3) and Craft Ink (1).  Many of you mentioned that you would like to try Copics, but the cost was a bit high.  I do think that the quality of these pens really does justify the cost, so it is definitely something worth saving for and/or purchasing slowly with a few colors at a time.  For cost savings, so many of you mentioned Watercolor pencils.  I am inspired to find some watercolor tutorials and will share if I find something good! 

And now for the GIVEAWAY:  Put all the names in a hat (actually a box, but hat sounds better) and drew these names:  Jennifer L., Maxine, and Samantha S.  I will send an email to each of you so that you can send your mailing address for a little surprise package! 

Thanks for all the comments!

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This post has a giveaway at the end, so keep reading!!....

Judi is so accomplished at coloring with Copic Markers, but I have not been able to master them, so I thought I would look up some tutorials.  I found a lot of resources on the web for several coloring techniques:

StampARTic Magazine - Copic Markers Tutorial
We are heading over to Finland where this tutorial with Copics was found.  It's in both Finish and English, so keep reading! The info on blending and shading for skin tones is really helpful. 

Card Creme with Sherrie Siemens - Copic Marker Tutorial
This is a short video on using Copic markers to create some nice blending.  Sherrie has a neat hint that uses a piece of acetate as a pallet for picking up color. 

Carolyn King's Blog - Copic Marker Tutorial
A good step by step on shading along with some basic info about Copics.  She is also a certified Copic Instructor.

Hero Arts YouTube Video - Using Colored Pencils with Mineral Spirits

Carolyn King's Blog - Prismacolor Pencils Tutorial (with Mineral Spirits)
Another great one from Carolyn (she calls herself Cammie).  This time it's a step-by-step shading and blending with Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits.  

I hope that some of this info helps you learn some new techniques (I know I did).  If you know of any other good tutorials or references about coloring tools and materials, please share in the comments.

(Thanks to the above blog owners for allowing us to share their posts and videos with our readers)

WIN A STAMP SET:  Comment on this post about what your favorite coloring materials are (markers, pencils, etc.) and why you prefer that type of material.  Then we'll draw a few random names on Friday July 17th at 8am to receive some of the new stamp sets! 

Comments

[Linda C]

I love using my Copic markers!

[Tina Mayo]

I am just learning to use copics...and I sooooooooo love them..

[Sharon in NE]

I love Copics, BUT, my all time favorite is my watercolor pencils.

[chrisd]

No copics yet..I use my Prismacolor pencils with mineral spirits .

[Maya]

No copics for me... yet :)
I use color pencils and I like to add details with Suffle markers

[Cassi]

I like how Prismas are blendable, I also like watercolor pencils b/c they're easy. I just picked up a few copics, but I haven't realy learned how to use them yet.

[christina d]

I love my prisma pencils! I have copics and I'm just learning how to use them. Thanks for all the links on learning.

[2amscrapper]

I am comfortable with my water color pencils, but I love the rich color of Copics and Prismas. I've recently bought a few of each and am so happy to see your list of tutorials. Thanks.

[Samantha S]

I am a little shy about coloring, but when I do I use watercolor pencils or crayola crayons...just kidding...I have never tried the copics , but I am thinking about it. Thanks for a chance to win!

[Anita A.]

My favorite coloring is Twinkling H2O's from Luminarte. I love how the color can be many shades depending how much water you use and how many layers you put on the object.

[Debbie Frost]

I've used Prisma colored pencils and have just started using Copic markers. I love the bright colors I've seen with the Copics, so I've been inspired to learn how to use them.

[Maxine]

I LOVE my markers. There are just so many things you can do with them! I love that I can use so many different colors on a stamp and have the colors the way I want them instead of having an outline in black or a color I don't want.

[Jenn]

Thanks for all the great links! I love my copic markers.

[cherry]

I have never used Copic markers.....but interested! I use colored pencils. Thanks for the tutorials! cherry

[Sharon]

I am just learning how to use watercolor pencils and a little water pen to smooth the color out. I've also used too much water and damaged my paper.

[la grande cupcake]

I like using chalk 'cause I can blend it with my finger...but I should get with the times and start using some copics!!!

[Marcee]

I absolutely LOVE to color stamps. Right now I'm doing mostly Prismas with Mineral oil. This technique is easy and I like the results. I also like to watercolor. Getting Copics is definitely next on my wishlist. The results are incredible!

[Jennifer Priest]

Definitely Copics for me. I hated stamping and coloring and then I got some Copics and love them! I now seek out stamps that I can color in just so I can use my copics.

[Michelle Menser]

My favourite colouring medium at the moment is my Derwent watercolour pencils which I adore. I would love to use the Copic markers but cannot find somewhere in Australia to purchase them wholesale if I can. But I do see some beautiful colouring done with them.
Regards
Michelle

[Darcy]

This one was sent to me via email by Nancy E:

My favorite coloring technique is chalk. It is easy and very forgiving. The shades are subtle and can be adjusted to light or darker, according to the depth of color desired. I use them to color in a lot. I have used the Glimmer chalks also. They add shimmer to the design, especially the Pearlescent shade. I’m from the South, and they make a beautiful magnolia blossom. Thanks for the opportunity, and I enjoy your postings. Nancy E

Thanks Nancy! - Darcy

[Christina]

My favorite right now is watercolor pencils. I love blending it!

[Jingle]

I love my Primsacolor markers! They work great and they were more affordable for me.

[kathy marie]

no copic markers for me, i just use markers from inque boutique or watercolor pencils is how i first started. :-)

[Karolyn Loncon]

All of these tutorials and stampers are wonderful examples of exceptional coloring technique! Thanks for sharing those with us, Darcy. I have two favorites. My first favorite are my Copics - and I was lucky enough to take the Copic Certification Class from THE Marianne Walker (with Sherrie Siemens). Still haven't perfected my technique, but still love to pull those colorful markers out and use them. Such great therapy. My second favorite coloring medium are my Lyras and Gamsol. It takes so much more time and effort than the Copics, but I love, love, love the end result. Thanks for the chance to win some of your beautiful stamps!!

[Jennifer R]

I like colouring with Copics bc I find it really fast compared to other media. However I also enjoy using pencils (Kohinoor or Prismacolor) with baby oil/Gamesol. You can achieve the same look at a much cheaper price which means more money to buy stamps :)