Gamsol

[Barb Gault]

What is this product and how is it used? I see cards that use it mixed with ink. Where is it bought? I've been wondering about this for some time now, any ideas?
Thanks!

[angelladcrockett]

Hi Barb! I have never used it, but it's some sort of blending medium for colored pencil, watercolor crayons, etc. I'm sure your local hobby store will have it. You may have to call around. Or if someone here knows of an on-line source, that would be awesome! I have heard some talk about using baby oil with their pencils instead...helps to blend the colors without streaking.

[StampinCarol]

I use a blending stump (from Taiwan is the best) and dampen the end then use it to blend the colors of my Prismacolor pencils. I actually have purchased cheaper Odorless Mineral Spirits from Walmart and that works real well, too.

[Chelsea]

I love this technique! I use blending stumps and baby oil... I heard about the Gamsol technique too about a year or so ago and then read up on people who were using baby oil instead. I had some baby oil so I tried that first. It worked great for me. You just take the Prisma colored pencils (these work best because the pigment breaks down well) and outline the inside of your stamped image. Then you would dip the blending stump in the baby oil (or gamsol) and tap the excess on a scratch piece of paper (you don't need much at all). Then, you would take that stump and in a circular motion, "pull" the color inward into the stamp. I hope that makes sense. Have fun with whichever one you try. I am not sure where to purchase Gamsol, but I bet someone will chime in here soon that does.

[StampinCarol]

I think you can purchase Gamsol in the arts department of craft stores. I know Dick Blick carries it but the shipping is horrible!

[angelladcrockett]

I love this technique! I use blending stumps and baby oil... I heard about the Gamsol technique too about a year or so ago and then read up on people who were using baby oil instead. I had some baby oil so I tried that first. It worked great for me. You just take the Prisma colored pencils (these work best because the pigment breaks down well) and outline the inside of your stamped image. Then you would dip the blending stump in the baby oil (or gamsol) and tap the excess on a scratch piece of paper (you don't need much at all). Then, you would take that stump and in a circular motion, "pull" the color inward into the stamp. I hope that makes sense. Have fun with whichever one you try. I am not sure where to purchase Gamsol, but I bet someone will chime in here soon that does.

Thanks for the awesome tip, Chelsea!!! I will have to try it again with your expert advice!!!

[Jerusha]

I have a bottle of this that I purchased at a craft store for $3. A little goes a long way when it comes to this and it really looks beautiful as a finished project. The better quality pencil crayons that you use, the more dynamic your result - however, I just have some I bought at Walmart and I am very happy with the results. On this post on my blog, the first card with the House Mouse stamp was done with pencils and Gamsol (Odorless Mineral Spirits): http://ilovepapercrafting.blogspot.com/2009/07/christmas-in-july.html - I really like the look of them on animals because it just makes the fur look more real.

[Lil_Rosi]

Never heard if it... sounds like an interesting technique - I'll have to try it now! :D Does anyone have an example to share?

[konkon]

I, too, really enjoy this technique using Gamsol and Prismacolor pencils. I have ordered Gamsol on line from Gina Kay, www.ginakdesigns.com and Inky Antics, www.inkyantics.com. Inky Antics has a great tutorial on their site using this technique.
Konra

[Analyn Mattero]

Gamsol is used to blend colors using color pencils. I've tried this and it's pretty interesting. I love how smooth the colors look, there are a lot of tutorials on Youtube and you can use odorless mineral spirits from Wal-mart.

[Marcee]

I use an odorless paint thinner from Pro Art. Gamsol was not odorless to me and even with an open window it made me feel icky. Baby Oil does work well ( I used it for a while), but have found that OMS does provide quite a difference in blending and final look. Baby Oil can tend to grey down the color-but not incredibly noticeable unless your anal like me-LOL!
I would def. try the baby oil first with the blending stumps to see if you even like the technique.

[Barb Gault]

Thanks everyone for your input... I went with my husband to the local art supply store yesterday (not a hobby/craft store) so while he was getting what he needed, I looked for Gamsol. Found out it is mineral spirits used to clean brushes, so they sell it in large bottles....think I'll try the baby oil. Next question is "what is a 'blending stump'?" Can you sue blender pens or is this totally different? My pencils are SU does that make a difference? Thanks for all your comments...they do help!