Almost as soon as we shared the Scribble Sticks video from Creativation/CHA 2017, the questions started pouring in. Folks wondered if they were lightfast, water- resistant, were they like Neo Color II? Well, sometimes the best way to discover what a product IS is to compare it to similar/familiar items to draw comparisons and contrast the differences. So this post is comparing/contrasting Scribble Sticks from Ranger, Neo Color II from Caran D’Ache, and Inketense Blocks (sticks) from Derwent.

Let’s GO!

Disclosure: I paid for the Neo Colors with my own funds; the Scribble Sticks were given to me for review purposes; the Derwents were also given for review a few years ago. This post was not sponsored nor do any of the companies I mention have any say in my reviews. My opinions are honest and my own.

So first- a quick explanation of the three products:

• Derwent Inktense Blocks are versatile, watersoluble, chunky blocks of vibrant ink-like color that bring a fresh perspective to your work. Use them to apply color directly to wet or dry paper or fabric and turn them on their side to cover larger areas. Dry, they deliver pure, vibrant color. Washed out, they become transparent, ink-like paint that can be worked over when dry. Inktense Blocks can also be used for rubber stamping and decoupage and are ideal for loose, expressive landscapes and colorful still lifes. They also can be used with fabric to create stunning silk paintings and quilts.
• Neo Color II by Caran D’Ache are artists’ wax pastels. Use these soft, water-soluble pastels to create beautiful watercolor effects. Simply make a sketch with Neocolor II pastels, then sprinkle it with water and allow the colors to dilute. Use a brush to pick up colors and paint as though with watercolors. You can also draw on moistened paper for a wash and varnish effect. Neocolor II Artists’ Pastels have a high pigment concentration that results in bright, opaque colors, suitable for many techniques on dry or wet paper.
• Scribble Sticks by Ranger  are versatile, high quality pigment sticks that sketch like crayons but are water-soluble like watercolor pencils. Create backgrounds and blend color to a transparent shade using water or create bold, opaque designs on top of paint & other mediums.

Now let’s go to the video. Before we do- a few things.

YES I KNOW I SAID THE WRONG DESIGNER. My bad.

I use the Dutch pronunciation of Caran D’ache. I’ll work on that.

So really, while Inktense are INK and the others are wax-based, they actually behave very similarly. If you like a more translucent coverage or want to work on fabric, use Inktense. If you like opacity, try the NeoColors. If you are on a budget and are OK with a limited palette, the Scribble Sticks are great!

Let’s take one more look at the break down:

And of course, you can get Neo Colors and Inktense in sets (and don’t forget there are Inktense PENCILS, too!) and thereby save even more of your hard- earned and saved crafty cash!

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About Jenny

Chief Craft Test Dummy, Craft Evangelist, Founder, Editor, bottle-washer, trouble-maker, and creative whirlwind.

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