Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

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Reported By Tracy Schultz

There's a reason every child loves to color- it's just plain fun! One of my favorite parts of stamping is when I get to color in an image. I can customize it to match my project perfectly. Prismacolor premier colored pencils are my pencil of choice because they're artist-grade pencils that work well for blending and shading. They really help give my cards that finished touch.

Prismacolor pencils can be purchased in sets ranging from 12 up to 132; they can also be purchased individually. While they are more expensive than your regular colored pencils, once you try them you will know why. These aren't your standard Crayolas!

The lead is soft, or what is considered artist-grade. This softer lead allows you to blend the pencils more easily than standard pencils. You can also use odorless mineral spirits (OMS), baby oil, or other products, to blend the pigment into a smoother, almost water-colored look.


Here's the run-down on these pencils.

Pros:

• Huge selection of colors
• High quality
• Soft lead allows for easy blending and shading
• Availability- most craft stores and art supply stores carry these, as well as many online vendors

Cons:

• More expensive than regular colored pencils
• Lead can be fragile
• Must use care when sharpening

One of my favorite things to do with my Prismacolor pencils is to use baby oil to create a water-colored look on my image. First, you want to start with your supplies: baby oil (you can use mineral spirits if you like), blending stumps, a nail file (or some other filing tool to remove color from the stump), and your stamped image.


You can color your image one of two ways: You can add the colors one at a time OR you can add them all at once. I've done it both ways and to me the difference is hardly noticeable.


Here, I have stamped my image on white cardstock. I like to use Palette Noir ink and allow it a few minutes to dry. I've never had a problem with my ink running because Palette inks are hybrid and dry more quickly than most other inks. Still, you should allow whatever ink you're using to dry before blending.


Then, using my Prismacolor pencils, I outline the inside edge of my image. You can lay down as much or as little color as you like. You'll have to experiment to see what amount you prefer. Then, dip the tip of your blending stump into the baby oil, allowing the end to soak up some of the oil. Make sure it's not dripping wet though- you don't want to damage your image. Using a circular motion, push the pigment around your image towards the center. This will create natural highlights.


To blend different colors of pencil you will want to clean your stump. That's what your nail file is for- simply file off the old color. Then dip your stump back in baby oil and continue with blending the second color. I find it easiest to work from lightest color to darkest when blending. But if you clean your stump well between colors you can blend in any order you choose.


[In the image above, the left bird was colored in with the pencils and not blended. The middle bird, the colors were added and blended one at a time. The right bird, all colors were added at once and blended all together.]

Once you try this a few times, you'll be hooked. I know I was! Your colored images will have a more finished appearance than if you had just colored them in and not blended. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give these pencils a 9. The only reason they won't receive a perfect score is because you do have to use more care with them to keep the lead from breaking.

Prismacolor premier colored pencils retail for $1.45 per pencil, but are usually sold for less when purchased in sets. You can find them in most craft and art supply stores, and online at Dick Blick, Utrecht, and Carpe Diem.

Do you own these pencils? We'd love to hear what you think of them or see some projects you've made with them.