After purchasing my basic 24-pc Ohuhu alcohol marker set, I realized the colours were too dark for some of my other projects. I purchased Stampin’ Blends to fill in the colour gap. I bought 4 sets in Ivory/Bronze, Pool Party, Fresh Freesia and Gray Granite. Each set of 2 markers costs CAD$12.00 at the time of purchase. Read on for my honest Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers review.
Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers
Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers are made by Stampin’ Up. Each has a lighter and darker shade of the same colour, which is handy for gradient shading. I used Strathmore 400 Series Marker Paper and stamped the image (Gnome Pile from Stamping Bella) with Tsukineko Memento Dew Drop in Tuxedo Black. For the skin tone of the top and bottom gnome, I used Couture Creations markers in 489 and 155.
Blending
While the colour saturates well on the marker paper, I find that blending has some issues. The two shades–one lighter and one darker–almost blend to non-distinguishable level, and dry somewhat splotchy. I tried using mixed media paper and the effects were the same. These are close to pastel shades, which, just like in cosmetics, are a bit harder to formulate. However, the Ivory and Bronze Stampin’ Blends come out almost the same way too–splotchy when dried, as evident in the middle gnome.
On the other hand, Gray Granite fared better, but I did not blend the lighter shade with the darker shade. If you don’t blend, the colours come out nicely. It’s the blending part that seems to be having issues.
I used the same Stampin’ Blends on another stamped image (Gnome Bouquet by Stamping Bella). The darker flowers were coloured with Ohuhu markers, which blended better and showed more gradient; the Fresh Freesia Stampin’ Blends are more subtle. Nice, but subtle. In this image, I used Couture Creations alcohol markers for the flesh, which did not dry blotchy like the Ivory and Bronze Stampin’ Blends did.
The Good
Blending issues aside, Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers are low odor and juicy. The colour laydown is smooth. I also love the fact that each colour has a corresponding cardstock, stamp pad/reinker and some have ribbons in the same shades. These are great for subtle gradient shading and colouring.
As for the nibs, I do love the brush and bullet tips. If I have to compare the two, I prefer Ohuhu alcohol markers, though the colours do come out darker than expected.
Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers Review:
Colour Selection: 3.5/5
Pigment/Vibrancy: 3.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Blending: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
