Stampin’ Blends – Two-Shade Blending Tips

Stampin’ Blends – Two-Shade Blending Tips

Previously I shared with you practice sheets and basic blending with your Stampin’ Blends, if you missed it you can read it HERE.  

Today, we’re utilising the Blending Basic technique of “Flicking” and creating a project using 2 colours.  I buy my markers in sets of two (a light & dark shade), which let me tell you makes blending process so much easier.  There is no need to think about which colours will be blend nicely just start with a light & dark shade of the same colour.

Here is my project for you today.  I am going to show you step-by-step how I coloured in these images from Falling Flowers stamp set to added two-shade blending.

First stamp your image onto cardstock.  Ink and cardstock choices are very important when using Stampin’ Blends,  I use Memento tuxedo Black Ink and Whisper White Cardstock.  I did a post recently on Stampin’ Blends and “Product Compatibility”  read it about it HERE

There are two ways you can do the two-shade blending technique,  and I will be sharing both in this example.

Two-Shade Blending technique #1 (starting with lightest colour)

1. Colour along the side of the image, working from top to bottom in a smooth stroke using the Brush end of the marker
2. Move the marker next ot the first line, and repeat Step 1 to create another line of colour that overlaps the first line.  work quickly to ensure that the first line is still wet when you fill in the line below – this will result in a smooth blend.
3. Fill in the entire image using this method
4. Using the darker shade, add colour along the bottom edge of the image using the “Flick/ Feather” technique.
5. Using the lighter shade, add colour along the top edge of the image using the “Flick/Feathering” technique.  blend into the feathered edge of the darker shade into the center of the image
6. Continue using the lighter shade, colour in vertical lines along the center o the image where both shades meet, flicking the marker in both directions (the “Pendulum” technique)
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 as needed to create a smooth blend with the shading along the bottom edge.  If needed, repeat Step 2 to enhance the shading

Two-Shade Blending technique #2 (starting with darkest colour)

1. Using the darker marker shade, add colour along the bottom of the image using the “Flick/Feather” technique
2. Using the lighter shade, add colour along the top edge of the image using the “Flick/Feather” technique.  Blend into the feathered edge of the darker shade in the center of the image
3. Using the lighter shade, colour in vertical lines along the center of the image where both shades meet, flicking themarker in both directions (the “Pendulum” technique)
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as needed to create a smooth blend with the shading along the bottom edge.  If needed repeat Step 1 to enhance the shading.

Tips & Tricks to Note

• If, by the time you’re nearing the end of your blending, the colours don’t seem to be blending as well as they did at the start, colour over the entire image using your lightest shade.  This will get the colours moving again and help smooth out the blend.
• Keep an eye on the edges of your images and the back of the cardstock, stop adding layers of colour before excessive colour bleeding occurs
• Go ahead and get creative on your practice sheets!  Doodle dots, circles, stripes, and other shapes on your practice images, just for fun.

Click HERE where I will be sharing with you how to colour an image and blend 3 colours.