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.
Here you can see that you can use artist OR student grade pencils and get the same results!
And here’s a few pics of my finished card:
Stamp is from “Kite Buddies” from Inky Antics
Patterned paper from Martha Stewart.
Here are my take-aways from working with Gamsol:
- Gamsol is odorless and very easy to work with.
- Heed the cautions on the label, it’s flammable.
- Only for adults.
- You can color back over the areas you’ve used the Gamsol on to add more color and blend it in.
- I got my kit for $15.95 (affiliate link below) and it included everything I needed. But you can just get the Gamsol alone for less.
- It has renewed my love of colored pencils and makes me want to sell my markers!!!!
If you are on a budget- I have a post for you tomorrow where you can get similar results for about$3!
As always, questions and comments welcome and appreciated!
Disclosure: affiliate links below. This is not a sponsored review and I purchased this product with my own funds. All opinions are my own and are based on my first-hand experience with the product.
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Great technique! I have to try it!
I really love this technique, been using it for years. Your right about the markers, I’ve been slow to get them because I love the pencils so much. Although must have the Tim holtz markers different look altogether, I don’t think I’ll bother with alcohol markers to to expensive
I’ve been using Gamsol for years. First saw it and bought it at a rubber stamp convention in Cleveland. I’ve always wondered if “rubbing” alcohol would work. Silly that I’ve never tried it. I have a bottle right there with my various craft “liquids”. You said -not- to use Stazon. I’ve used Momento Tuxedo black. What happens with Stazon? Love your site and the videos. Keep the info coming. Thanks.
Thank you for the video. I am curious how the gamsol blends two colors together – does it depend on the pencil quality or does it just fail entirely?
Gamsol is a brand and an expensive one at that, since it is from the UK. Buy American and get the Mona Lisa brand of OMS from Michaels or Joann for about a third the price. I buy it and then pour enough into my small dauber bottle. I have refilled it dozens of times in the 8 years I learned this technique and still have loads left. As long as it’s artist grade OMS, you are good to go. Don’t use stuff from Lowe’s or Home Depot, which is caustic.
Susan- rubbing alcohol would not be able to “melt” or dissolve the wax. I don’t like Stazon for this because it has harmful vapors and fumes…and the Gamsol ALSO have harmful vapors and fumes (even though you can’t smell them!) So why use a more caustic stamp pad when a traditional waterproof dye-based pad will work just as well and is more inert? That’s my 2 cents! Best, J
I have used this technique for years but my compliments to you and your excellent presentation!
THANKS so much for this! I’ve seen the results of this technique everywhere and wondered (with envy) how it was achieved! I love how it makes a simple colored pencil outline look like a highly skilled creation done with a much more complex medium. Just awesome!
Hi,
I love your video and presentation manner. I’ll be giving this a try.
Thank you,
Corry
Does it leave an oily residue on the paper or soak through.
There is sometimes a bit of soak through- but no residue. And your results will be based on how much product you use. I don’t feel you need a lot- but you need to give it time to work it’s magic & dissolve the pigment.