Last week I spent time reviewing Gamsol and then comparing which colored pencil brands worked best with it. Now I’m working in the other direction- what other ways can we blend colored pencils? For this round, I compared Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits), Turpenoid Natural (non-toxic version of turpentine) and Baby Oil (mineral oil.) I also used a higher-quality pencil (Prismacolor) and a lower-cost one (Crayola) so that you could see the difference in pencil, if any. Let’s take a look! […]
Lumi Sunfold Product Review
When I first heard of Lumi Sunfold dye, it made me think of the nature prints I made at scout camp using specially treated paper. We would place leaves, sticks, grass, and shells on specially-treated paper, then lay the paper in the sun. This would result in simple prints of our designs. That is the basic theory behind the product… here is what they say about their kit: An exciting new way to print elegant patterns on any natural fabric. […]
Gamsol Overview and Demonstration
I recently bought some new rubber stamps and they are perfect for coloring. However, using markers can be a bit challenging and I was ready to pull out my colored pencils again. Recently Jennifer McGuire mentioned Gamsol- a colorless, odorless mineral spirit used for blending pencils and I thought it would be fun to try out! I made this video, and there are some still photos too. And here’s a few pics of my finished card: Here are […]
PRODUCT REVIEW: irRESISTIble Pico Embellishers
I love painting and drawing, so seeing a product that I could both paint and draw with, intrigued me. I was sent 10 of the 29 colors of Tsukineko‘s irRESISTible Pico Embellishers, to test out and do a product review. These are a resist, designed to work with their Texture Spray. It can be used with watercolor paints, and likely water based inks and sprays. I’m not familiar enough with alcohol based products to test them with this too. Description from website: […]
Prima Comfort-Craft Tools Chalk Edgers
Stamping has been around forever, but using stamp pads as a form of paint is a relatively new trend. Now Prima is taking the direct-to-surface application of stamping ink VERY seriously with the Comfort-Craft Chalk Edgers. These little chalk-ink stamp pads feature an ergonomic molded grip handle and an unusual “iron” shape. The pad is a cross between foam and felt and the pad is SUPER juicy. It’s still a smaller size pad, comparable to a cat’s eye or […]
Video Review: Ranger Ink and Tim Holtz New Alcohol Inks
Howdy crafters! Today I wanted to show you the six new colors of alcohol inks that were debuted at this last CHA by Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink. If you are not already familiar with alcohol inks, I suggest you check out this review I did of them a while back for CTD. Check out the video below for more information on these fabulous new colors. So what do you think, crafters? As I mentioned these are […]
Craft Product Review: Ranger Ink and Tim Holtz Mini Distress Ink Blender
Hello crafters! For today’s video review I’m showing you the brand new Ranger Ink and Tim Holtz‘ Mini Distress Ink Blender Tool ! Don’t let the name fool you though, you can use all sorts of inks and paints with these! Check out the video below and let me know what you think of these snazzy little tools! Disclosure: Product provided for review purposes and links below may be affiliate links that support free content on our channel. Thank you! These […]
Blendabilities Markers from Stampin’ UP -DISCONTINUED
Update 3/20/15- This just in! Due to manufacturing issues, Stampin’ Up has made the decision to pull the plug on the Blendabilities Markers. If you received defective markers, you MUST seek a refund by June 2015. Here is the official announcement from Stampin Up: BLENDABILITIES PRODUCT LINE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED Many of you may already be aware that we have experienced a quality issue with our Blendabilities product line, and we thank you for your patience as we’ve worked through […]
Tim Holtz Mini Distress Ink Pads by Ranger Ink
This past CHA in Anaheim, Ranger Ink and Tim Holtz debuted Mini Distress Ink Pads! These little wonders are great for on-the-go crafters, teachers or anyone that is new to the distress ink world. After playing with these, I absolutely love the versatility they provide and are a great addition to Tim’s line of Distress products. Check out the video below for a quick run-down. As mentioned above, there are 24 colors available in packs of four at […]
Lindy’s Stamp Gang Sprays Review on Balzer Designs
Last week I was reading one of my favorite artist’s blogs- Balzer Designs– and Julie did a mini- review of the Lindy’s Stamp Gang Sprays. I saw this same product at CHA, but we didn’t get any to review. Lucky for us, Julie did, and she wrote up a great overview of the sprays and how she uses them. She even did a swatch test! I encourage you to clicky-click on over to read Julie’s full post and leave […]
FolkArt Multi-Surface Paint
Small bottles of craft paint are useful and versatile in just about any craft studio. The FolkArt Multi-Surface Paint can provide even more versatility because you can use them on any of the following surfaces: wood, glass, ceramic, metal, terra cotta, slate, paper, fabric, tin, canvas, tile, paper mache, clay, rigid plastic, concrete, resin (and I’m sure a few that aren’t mentioned). The manufactures website describes it this way: “FolkArt Multi-Surface works on almost any surface you can imagine. This means you […]
Chromatix Alcohol Markers from American Crafts
Alcohol markers are an essential for any stamper who loves to color OR any crafter who likes to color-coordinate their accessories. And if you think there is only brand of alcohol markers our there, think again! So today we are talking about Chromatixs Alcohol Markers from American Crafts. Here’s how they are described on the website: AMERICAN CRAFTS-Blending Markers. Add color, shading and detail to paper crafting projects with Chromatics alcohol-based blending markers with dual tip. Available in a variety […]
Radiant Neon Stamp Pad Review
Back in my high school days, a long long time ago, my mom and I were really into stamping. She was a representative for a direct sales stamp company so we were pretty faithful to a certain brand of ink. After a few years, I went off to college and became “too cool” for stamping anymore. The more involved I get with paper crafting and memory keeping now, the more interested I’m becoming in stamping again and I feel like […]
Copic Doodle Packs Review
Markers were all the rage at CHA- water-based, alcohol-based, and so many different accessories to go with them. Copic came out with a new line, too- Copic Doodle Packs. There are 8 different color ways in the 4-pack option. (It looks as though there are 7-pack options, too- but we weren’t asked to review those. Here is a sampling of the color packs I received. Don’t they just look like fun? Here’s how they are described on the website: Three-piece […]
Jacquard Pearl Ex – New Colors
Jacquard Pearl Ex pigment powders are extremely versatile supplies for any artist or crafter. They now come in over 30 colors. I’ll be testing some of the brand new Chromatic Colors: Citrine, Emerald, Magenta, Sapphire Blue, Scarlet and Dark Brown. This collection is a really gorgeous intense set of jewel tones with a deep lovely brown. Here’s a description from Jacquard’s website: “Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments are our most versatile product! Jacquard Pearl Ex is a safe, pearlescent, non-toxic, inert […]
CHA Show 2014 Product Update: Gelatos Double Scoops!
Remember how I shared some of the new/and or improved products of CHA show? Well, this is the first one I’ve gotten in my hot little hands- Gelatos Double Scoops! Look at ALL THE YUMMY COLORS. Yes, even the metallics have been “super sized.” Compared to the original version (bottom one) you can see that it’s about twice the size. And you get a LOT more product in the tube. So of course I had to play with them! (By […]
Tulip Fabric Spray Paint from iLoveToCreate
When I was recently sent the Tulip Fabric Spray Paint to review, I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. It sat on the corner of my work space for well over a month, staring me down, taunting me with it’s metallic-y goodness. I finally braved up enough to get to testing it out and I was surprised at some of the results. Curious at how it all turned out? Let’s kick this review off first with reading what […]
Video Review – Ranger Ink – Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks Review and Refresher
Hey there crafters! Today I wanted to re-energize your creative brains with Alcohol Inks by Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink. Alcohol Inks are one of my all-time favorite products by Ranger and seeing as how we haven’t reviewed them here at Craft Test Dummies, I wanted to give a quick run down of what they are and just how amazingly versatile they are! Alcohol Inks are available in, “big box,” stores like JoAnns, Hobby Lobby and Michaels and come […]
Letraset Metallic Twin Markers
I love a metallic or shimmery marker-and with the holidays coming up, what project couldn’t use a bit of sparkle and shine? So today I’m going to review the Letraset Metallic Twin Markers! Here’s how they are described by Amazon.com: Metallic Markers handle and perform like watercolor paints, only in the convenience of a twin-tipped marker. Colors provide rich and saturated hues and superior light fastness. Twin tips offer a medium nib for a softer art surface feel and the […]
Krylon Leafing Pens
Ever wish you could just gold-leaf something? Add a bit of metallic elegance? Today we are looking at Krylon Leafting Pens, and they will let you do just that! Let’s take a look! Here’s the description from the package: KrylonLeafing pens add a touch of elegance to your home accents. All you need is a little imagination! Leafing Pen dispenses a fast-drying, metallic paint for highlighting any art, craft, or home decor project. Special chisel point allows you to vary […]
