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Fun With Markers

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-627 -- More Projects »
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Create unique and beautiful greeting cards with blender markers and colored chalk.
Crafts expert Jan Forbes provides a lesson on creating a greeting card with blender markers.

  • A blender pen is simply a colorless marker. It can be dipped in chalk or used with a colored marker to create many shades of the color.

  • Dip the blender pen in some colored chalk and begin drawing the petals of a flower on a card. Don't be afraid to mix colors. Use the blender pen to gradually blend colors.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • Start by making the center of the flower, using a darker color (figure A). Rub some color off the blender pen using the scratch paper, and make the petals lighter around the edges using the same color (figure B).

  • Clean the blender pen by rubbing it on scratch paper before changing colors.

  • Next clean the marker, dip in green chalk and make the stem (figure C). Blend two different shades of green if desired.

  • Another way to add delicate shading is by creating a pool of color on a non-porous surface, such as the plastic top of the chalk tray. Get a heavy load of chalk color on a pen, and rub the pen in a circular motion on the top. Now dip a clean pen into the edge of the pool of color and create delicate highlights on the card.
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    Figure D
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    Figure E
  • Another tool is the chalk pad. Use it to add a light color over the design on the card (figure D). It also brings out the texture of the paper.

  • Paper punches that cut creative shapes are available at craft stores. Use the scrap paper you've been cleaning the marker pens on to punch out a highlight, like this dragonfly (figure E). Attach to the card with some double-sided sticky foam.
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    Figure F
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    Figure G
  • Using a gold marker, make an attractive border by tracing along the edge of the card (figure F).

  • Finally, paste the card on a background (figure G). Use a background that complements the colors in the design.
    • Guests
    Jan Forbes
    Owner, Gallery 3 Stamp Inn
    7971 Southtown Center
    Bloomington, MN 55431
    Phone: 952-948-1710
    Toll-free: 800-803-2184
    Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-627
    •German Cuisine
    •Jazzing Up Lamps
    •Fun With Markers
    •Tip of the Day
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