If you love cardmaking, stamping, or simply adding a soft, professional look to your colored images, using Gamsol with colored pencils is a game-changer. This technique blends colored pencils beautifully, giving your artwork a smooth, almost painterly effect. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to try something new, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started.
What You’ll Need:
- A stamped image on cardstock (preferably a smooth, heavy cardstock like Neenah Solar White or Cougar Smooth) I am using the Cougar White smooth cardstock in the 110 lb
- colored pencils. I am using the Ohuhu Halawa oil based colored pencil, but you can use any wax or oil based pencil that you have
- Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits)
- Blending stumps (tortillons or paper stumps)
- Sandpaper block or nail file (to clean stumps)
- Optional: Pencil sharpener, eraser, and a soft cloth
Step by step instructions :
1. Stamp Your Image
Choose a stamp with clear, bold outlines and use a waterproof ink (I am using Versafine Clair Nocturne). Allow it to dry completely or heat set it if you’re in a hurry.
2. Start Coloring
Begin by laying down a light layer of colored pencil. Don’t press too hard—you’ll be building up color slowly. Use small, circular motions for even coverage.
4. Add More Layers
Once the first layer is dry (which happens quickly), you can go back in with more color to add depth and shading. Repeat the blending process with Gamsol after each layer if needed.
5. Clean Your Blending Stump
Use a sandpaper block or nail file to gently sand off the tip of your stump between colors to avoid muddy blending.
6. Finishing Touches
Once your image is completely colored and dry, you can cut it out, mount it on a card, or use it in any paper craft project. Add highlights with a white gel pen or shadows with a grey pencil if desired.
I cut out my images with their coordinating die, and added them on to my card front. The panel was created using a soft floral patterned paper with a pink mat layer adhered to a heavyweight card base. I added a fun wavy frame and popped the images up with foam tape for added dimension .
The Final Card
Let me know in the comments below if you have ever used Gamsol before. And if not, would you consider trying this technique for coloring with colored pencils?
Until next time my friends…Keep making pretty things!