Colouring tools help bring stamped images to life by adding depth, shading, and personality to your projects.
They allow you to add colour in different ways, whether you prefer simple colouring, soft blending, or more detailed techniques.
Stampinā Up! offers several colouring options that coordinate with the ink and cardstock collections, making it easy to create projects that work beautifully together.
You do not need every colouring tool to get started. Choose one method that appeals to you and build your collection over time as your confidence grows.
On this page, we will explore:
ā¢ Stampinā Blends
ā¢ Stampinā Write Markers
ā¢ Blender Pens
ā¢ Water Painters
ā¢ Watercolour Pencils
ā¢ Blending Brushes
ā¢ Sponge Daubers
What are Stampinā Blends?
Stampinā Blends are dual-tip alcohol markers designed to provide smooth, streak-free colouring.
Each marker features a brush tip for blending and colouring larger areas, and a bullet tip for finer details and smaller spaces.
Most Stampinā Blends colours are available in coordinating Light and Dark shades, making it easy to add depth and shading to stamped images.
š Best for: smooth blends, shading, and colouring stamped images.
Tip
Work quickly in small sectionsāalcohol ink dries fast.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
Start simpleāchoose one tool and practise with a stamped image.
Blends:
ā¢ Use the light colour first
ā¢ Add darker colour for shadows
ā¢ Blend using the lighter marker
ā¢ Use small circular motions rather than lines for a smoother finish
ā¢ Use grid paper underneath to protect your surface, as the ink can bleed through
š” Good to Know
Stampinā Blends coordinate with many Stampinā Up! ink and cardstock colours, making it easy to create matching projects.
Each colour usually includes a Light and Dark marker, helping you create shading and depth without needing advanced colouring skills.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ Alcohol markers may bleed through thinner paper.
š” Starting on a Budget
You donāt need lots of colours to begin.
š Start with:
ā¢ 1ā2 Stampinā Blends colour sets.
What are Stampinā Write Markers?
Stampinā Write Markers are dual-tip water-based markers designed for colouring, writing, and applying colour directly to stamps.
One end features a fine tip for details and writing, while the other has a brush tip for colouring larger areas.
š Best for: simple colouring, journalling, writing, and colouring directly onto stamps.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
ā¢ Colour directly onto stamped images.
ā¢ Use the brush tip for larger areas and the fine tip for smaller details.
ā¢ Apply colour directly to a stamp, then stamp the image onto cardstock.
ā¢ Use one colour or combine several colours on the same stamp.
š” Good to Know
Stampinā Write Markers are retiring from the Stampinā Up! range and are being moved to Last Chance Products while supplies last.
This means they may not always be available new from Stampinā Up!.
In New Zealand, you may still find them through:
ā¢ Last Chance Products
ā¢ Clearance items
ā¢ Trade Me
ā¢ Facebook craft destash groups
ā¢ Other crafters selling retired supplies
They remain useful for colouring, writing, and adding multiple colours directly to a stamp before stamping.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ Water-based markers do not blend in the same way as Stampinā Blends.
ā¢ Heavier colouring may leave visible marker lines.
ā¢ Allow ink to dry before adding additional layers of colour.
ā¢ Store markers flat where possible to help maintain ink flow.
š” Starting on a Budget
You do not need a large collection to begin.
Start with a few favourite colours or colours that coordinate with your ink pads.
As your collection grows, you can add more colours over time.
What are Blender Pens?
Blender Pens are clear pens designed to move and soften colour.
They allow you to pick up colour from an ink pad or watercolour pencil and gently blend it onto your project.
Unlike markers, Blender Pens do not contain colour of their own.
š Best for: soft blending, controlled colouring, and adding subtle shading.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
ā¢ Squeeze your ink pad closed before opening to place ink inside the lid.
ā¢ Pick up a small amount of colour from the ink in the lid using the Blender Pen.
ā¢ Apply the colour to your stamped image using light strokes.
ā¢ Build colour gradually in layers rather than adding too much at once.
ā¢ Clean the tip by scribbling on scrap paper until the colour disappears.
š” Good to Know
Blender Pens give you more control than a Water Painter because they use very little moisture.
They are a popular choice for beginners who would like to try blending without using lots of water.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ They work best with water-based inks and watercolour pencils.
ā¢ Using too much colour at once can make blending harder.
ā¢ Clean the tip between colours to avoid transferring colour.
š” Starting on a Budget
A small pack of Blender Pens can be used with many different ink colours.
Because the pens do not contain colour, you can use them across your entire ink collection, making them a budget-friendly colouring option.
What are Water Painters?
Water Painters are refillable brushes that hold water in the barrel, allowing you to create watercolour effects using ink, watercolour pencils, or other water-based colouring products.
They help create soft blends and flowing colour that can be difficult to achieve with markers alone.
š Best for: watercolour effects, soft backgrounds, and blending colour.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
ā¢ Fill the barrel with clean water.
ā¢ Squeeze your ink pad closed before opening to place a small amount of ink inside the lid.
ā¢ Pick up the ink with the brush tip.
ā¢ Apply colour using light strokes.
ā¢ Add more layers gradually to build colour.
ā¢ Clean the brush by wiping it on scrap paper until the colour disappears.
š” Good to Know
Water Painters are available in different brush sizes, allowing you to colour both large areas and smaller details.
Because the water is stored inside the brush, they are easy to use and portable for crafting on the go.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ Too much water can cause cardstock to warp.
ā¢ Build colour slowly rather than flooding the paper.
ā¢ Use water-friendly cardstock when possible for best results.
ā¢ Clean the brush between colours to keep colours clear.
š” Starting on a Budget
One pack of Water Painters can be used with your entire ink collection.
Simply pick up colour from your ink pad lids, making them an economical way to add watercolour effects without purchasing lots of additional colouring products.
What are Watercolour Pencils?
Watercolour Pencils allow you to add colour with the control of a pencil and the option of blending with water afterwards.
You can use them dry for colouring and shading, or add water using a Blender Pen or Water Painter to create soft watercolour effects.
š Best for: detailed colouring, shading, and beginner-friendly watercolour techniques.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
ā¢ Colour your image lightly with the pencil.
ā¢ Add more colour where you want darker areas or shadows.
ā¢ Leave some areas lighter for highlights.
ā¢ Use a Blender Pen or Water Painter to soften and blend the colour if desired.
ā¢ Build colour gradually until you achieve the look you want.
š” Good to Know
Watercolour Pencils give you more control than many other colouring methods because you can see exactly where you are placing the colour.
They are a popular choice for beginners who want to experiment with shading and watercolour techniques without needing lots of supplies.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ Heavy colouring can leave visible pencil lines.
ā¢ Too much water can damage or warp some papers.
ā¢ Use light layers and build colour gradually for the best results.
ā¢ Sharpen pencils regularly for finer details.
š” Starting on a Budget
A small set of Watercolour Pencils can create many different shades by using light and heavy pressure.
Adding a Blender Pen or Water Painter later can expand the techniques you can use without needing to buy more colours.
What are Blending Brushes?
Blending Brushes help you apply ink smoothly to cardstock, creating soft colour transitions, backgrounds, and shading.
They are designed to build colour gradually, making it easier to create smooth blends without harsh lines.
š Best for: backgrounds, ink blending, stencilling, and adding soft colour.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
ā¢ Tap the brush lightly into your ink pad.
ā¢ Remove excess ink on scrap paper if needed.
ā¢ Start off the edge of your cardstock.
ā¢ Use gentle circular motions to blend colour onto your project.
ā¢ Build colour slowly in layers until you achieve the desired effect.
š” Good to Know
Stampinā Up! offers both standard Blending Brushes and Mini Blending Brushes.
Standard brushes are ideal for larger areas and backgrounds.
Mini Blending Brushes provide more control for smaller areas, stencils, and detailed work.
Many crafters keep one brush for each colour family to help keep colours clean.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ Using too much pressure can create harsh lines.
ā¢ Start with a small amount of ink and build gradually.
ā¢ Dark colours often require a lighter touch than softer colours.
ā¢ Clean brushes regularly to maintain smooth blending.
š” Starting on a Budget
You do not need a brush for every colour.
Many beginners start with one pack of brushes and use them across similar colour families.
You can add more brushes over time as your collection grows and your techniques expand.
What are Sponge Daubers?
Sponge Daubers are small, finger-sized tools used to apply ink with precision.
They are ideal for adding colour to small areas, inking edges, highlighting embossed textures, and applying colour directly to stamps.
š Best for: detailed ink application, edge colouring, and adding highlights.
How to Use (Beginner Friendly)
ā¢ Place your finger inside the Sponge Dauber.
ā¢ Lightly tap it into your ink pad.
ā¢ Apply the colour using a gentle dabbing or circular motion.
ā¢ Build colour gradually until you achieve the look you want.
ā¢ Use separate daubers for different colour families where possible.
š” Good to Know
Sponge Daubers are useful for techniques that require more control than a larger blending brush.
They are often used to highlight embossed areas, add colour around card edges, or apply glue to detailed die cuts.
I found the standard finger grip difficult because of my limited hand function, so Sean added a small handle to mine. It is a good reminder that crafting tools can often be adapted to suit your needs.
ā ļø Things to Be Aware Of
ā¢ Too much ink can create dark spots.
ā¢ Build colour slowly for smoother results.
ā¢ Keep separate daubers for different colour families to avoid muddy colours.
ā¢ If using one for glue, keep it separate from your ink daubers.
š” Starting on a Budget
You only need a few Sponge Daubers to begin.
Start with a couple and use them across similar colour families.
You can add more over time as your collection grows and you discover the techniques you enjoy most.