Copic vs Stampin’ Blends
Copic vs Stampin’ Blends
I love the look of coloured images with seamless blends of colour and shading, previously the only way to achieve this was using Copic Alcohol Markers. I’ve always wanted to learn the art of using copic markers, but honestly the thought of actually colouring using copic scared me.
It scared me because there are over 300 different colours, WOW!!! let’s just take that in for a moment, 358 different colours. Each marker costs $8.19AUD and if I was to purchase all colours that would set me back almost $3,000AUD, plus the cost of classes, and tutorials to help learn how to use them and understand the copic colouring system.
So, when Stampin’ Up! introduced Stampin’ Blends I decided to give alcohol markers a try. Stampin’ Up! currently have 60 colours total (a light and dark shade of these colours) Balmy Blue, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze, Call Me Clover, Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo, Granny Green Apple, Highland Heather, Lovely Lipstick, Mango Melody, Mint Macaron, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Petal Pink, Pineapple Punch, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Shaded Spruce, Smoky Slate, Soft Sea Foam, Soft Suede) as well as 3 single colours: Bronze, Ivory and a clear color lifter marker. Plus Stampn’ Up! are continually introducing new colours
Markers can be purchased individually $7.75AUD or in a combo pack of 2 (light & dark shade). nb there is no discount for purchasing Stampin’ Blends in a combo pack. If I was to purchase the whole set (all 63 current markers) the cost would be less than $500AUD, a big difference from purchasing Copic Markers.
Why Stampin’ Blends
Pros:
- The colours, as the name suggests, blend beautifully, mainly because the colours are picked out and designed to blend with each other. If you have never coloured with alcohol markers before this will take out the guesswork and lessen the learning curve.
- Dual-tip marker includes brush and bullet nib.
- Markers are rectangular so they don’t roll around on the table.
- This set has a great range of colours with nothing superfluous. I like how they picked a limited palette with plenty of colour options to get you started.
- Since all of the markers are available individually you can replace a colour as you use it up or build your collection a couple of markers at a time (and it is the same price per marker whether you buy in a set or singles.)
- Colours are easy to erase with the color lifter.
Cons:
- The nib is a felt/fiber type nib and not foam like copics so it is less springy and flexible.
- You can’t refill the marker or replace the nib, so when ink runs out you will need to replace it by purchasing another marker
- The caps might be a bit tough to snap on and off but they do stay on securely!
Let’s Recap
- Top-quality project designed to a life-long art tool
- Alcohol ink can be layered and blended without harming paper surface
- Waterproof and acid free
- Ink formulas and colours consistent with Stampin’ Up! colour families
- Low odor, nontoxic and environmentally friendly
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Purchase individually or in a combo pack
Bottom line: I think these markers are priced fairly for the quality. If you are just getting started and you want to take the guesswork out of colouring these are sure to please.
My next post I will be sharing how to get the best results from your Stampin’ Blends. Read it HERE