I bet we have not talked about markers in eons. Well, I was thinking about them the other day as I’m using them to color images in a workshop Saturday. Thought it was time to dust off tidbits about our good old forgotten markers to remind us what a great resource they all are. I have this document from years ago from another demonstrator and though I’d love to give her credit, I have no idea who authored it. Kudos to her whoever it was! So here goes:

Many Marvelous Marker Tips

The markers are two sided. One side is a brush tip which is great for coloring in your image or
using it for the fun techniques below. The other tip is a fine point tip which is wonderful for writing in your
scrapbooks or matching your ink color for writing inside your card.


Brayers & Markers
You can use markers on the brayers to create fantastic backgrounds. Using a
marker, apply ink directly onto the brayer. You can draw stripes, dots,
zig-zags, or whatever you’re in the mood for. Repeat the design using different
color markers. When you are done creating the design on the brayer, roll the
brayer onto paper. The design will transfer to the paper. Use glossy card stock
for the brightest colors. Use matte paper for a softer look.

 

Colorbook
1. Ink up outline image in a solid color.
2. Color in design with markers, colored pencils, chalks, or watercolors.

 
Brush Marker
1. Using markers, apply ink directly to the stamp.
2. Breathe (huff) on stamp to re moisten ink, and then stamp on paper. Markers
allow you to create a personalized, multicolored image.

 
Water Mist
1. Instead of huffing your image before stamping, spray a very fine mist of
water (a little spritz will do from about 12" away) over your stamp, then
stamp image on card stock. This will give it a somewhat muted watercolor effect.
You can spray a few times, the ink lasts longer than you would expect. The
image will continue to get lighter, but combined with the original
"bright" stamped image; it adds depth to your project.
(Variation: Some people mist the paper & not the stamp. If there is too
much water lightly mop up with a paper towel.)

 
Omitting
1. Markers make it possible to omit parts of the stamp image. With a clean
stamp, color only the part of the stamp that you want to show.
2. Stamp on paper. The technique makes your stamp more versatile.

 
Watercolor – Grabbing Color
1. Stamp an image using a solid color
ink pad.

2. Use a marker or
two to color on a plastic surface, such as an AOL CD. A bit of the ink will pool up on the plastic.

3. Dip a blender pen
or aqua painter in the pooling of ink. Then color your image in using the blender pen or aqua painter.

Blender Pen & Markers
1. Stamp an image by coloring the rubber die of the stamp with waterbased
markers. Pull color from the outline to the center areas by stroking with the
blender pen.
2. Use a blender pen to apply marker ink which has been scribbled onto a
palette, blending colors just like you would blend watercolor paints with a
brush.
3. Use a blender pen to soften the stroke marks left behind when you have
colored an area with markers.

 
Brayers & Markers

You can use markers on the brayers to create fantastic backgrounds. Using a
marker, apply ink directly onto the brayer. You can draw stripes, dots,
zig-zags, or whatever you’re in the mood for. Repeat the design using different
color markers. When you are done creating the design on the brayer, roll the
brayer onto paper. The design will transfer to the paper. Use glossy card stock
for the brightest colors. Use matte paper for a softer look.

 
Thumping

1. Ink your stamp up with a light colored ink pad. The stamps that work best
are bold/solid.
2. For the next step use 2-3 colors of markers that you think would look pretty
against the ink pad.
3. Take the cap off the brush tip end of the marker…."tap" the side
of the brush tip on the bold inked image. Repeat with other colors.
Huff on the image & stamp. You now have a multicolored image (tie-dyed or
marbleized look)

 
Dirty Stamping (Variation of Thumping)
Ink your stamp up with a light colored ink pad. The stamps that work best are
bold/solid.
For the next step use 2-3 colors of markers that you think would look pretty
against the ink pad. Take the cap off the brush tip end of the marker….&
"tap" the side of the brush tip on the bold inked image. Repeat with
other colors.

*Variation: Take an
old watercolor paint brush & pounce over the colors to blend them.
Huff on the image & stamp. You now
have a multicolored image (tie-dyed or marbleized look).