Brushes and daubers are some of the most versatile tools in your craft stash. Whether you are blending inks, creating backgrounds, or adding small details, the right tool can completely change your result.
In this post I’ll walk you through the different types of brushes and daubers, how I use them, and when to reach for each one in your projects.
Brushes:
Alcohol Ink blending tips
Blending tips are precision tools designed specifically for working with alcohol inks. These tips are used to apply and manipulate alcohol ink on various surfaces.
The alcohol ink blending tips that I use are from Couture Creations. These alcohol ink blending tips have a fine tip, measuring 88mm in length with 50 tips in each packet.
I have to say, I ordered them online and they were smaller than I expected, that is why I added the length and this size comparison photo!
Blending tips allow for precise and controlled application of alcohol ink. This is especially useful when you want to apply a small amount of ink to a specific area or create fine details in your artwork.
They can also be used to create subtle textures and patterns in your artwork. By gently dabbing or stippling the ink, you can achieve a variety of textured effects, adding depth and interest to your project.
Another use for blending tips is to correct mistakes or lift excess ink. Simply apply alcohol to the tip and gently lift the unwanted ink from your surface.
Alcohol ink blending tips can be re-used as they can easily be cleaned by rinsing them in a little isopropyl alcohol.
REMEMBER to always work in a well-ventilated area when using alcohol inks.
Blending brush
Blending brushes are used for ink blending and can create a beautiful gradient effect. It also works very well for stenciling.
What is a blending brush? A blending brush is a brush with soft, synthetic bristles that are specifically designed to blend ink on paper. As far as I am concerned, I think that they are exactly the same as the blending brushes used for make-up, but that is just my opinion. I have tried both and cannot see the difference.
They can be used with a variety of ink types, including dye, pigment, and hybrid inks.
Blending brushes come in a range of sizes, from small to large. Larger brushes are great for covering large areas quickly, while smaller brushes are better for adding detail and precision to your projects. Some blending brushes are also available in a variety of shapes, such as round or oval, to suit different crafting needs.
One of the benefits of using a blending brush for ink blending is the ability to create a smooth gradient effect. They can also be used very successfully for stenciling. This is particularly useful for card making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts.
I have found that a blending brush gives a smoother, but lighter blend than a blending tool.
It is very useful to have a blending brush per colour family. The ink can be brushed off on a cloth or piece of paper in between different colours.
Fan brush
A fan brush is a type of brush that has a flat, fan-shaped head made up of bristles that spread out in a fan-like pattern. It is available from most stationary and art shops. Artists will use it for various different painting techniques, but I use it exclusively to create the perfect splat.
Fantastix
The Fantastix tool can be used to create a variety of effects in crafting projects. For instance, crafters can use it to apply color to stamped images, create subtle shading, or add highlights to specific areas of their artwork.
The Fantastix tool is made by Tsukineko especially to work with their All-Purpose inks. It is made up of a thin, pointed stick with a soft, foam tip and core. The foam tip is designed to be absorbent, allowing it to hold and apply various crafting mediums such as ink, paint, and other colourants.
To use the Fantastix tool, crafters need to choose the desired colour medium and apply it to the foam tip of the tool. The tool can then be used to apply the colour to the surface, using light or heavy pressure, depending on the desired effect. The tool’s small size allows crafters to apply colour to even the tiniest of spaces, making it ideal for intricate designs and detailed work.
Another advantage of using the Fantastix tool is its ease of use. It is lightweight and easy to hold, making it comfortable to use for long periods.
The only problem I have with the Fantastix tool is that it is not easy to clean. You need to use the same one per colour family or one tool per colour.
Glitter brush pens
Glitter brush pens are like water brushes with a sparkling pigment added to the liquid in the brush pen. They are available in different brands and colours. It can add a slight shimmer or sparkle to highlight any project.
When applying the sparkle to your crafting projects, you use very little, and these pens will last a very long time.
I love adding a touch of sparkle especially to Christmas or fairy projects!
Paint brush
I mostly use paint brushes when creating backgrounds and when working with mixed media to apply gels or glues to large areas.
A large variety of paint brushes are available and which one you choose depends on the purpose that you want to use it for and personal preferences.
Silicone brush
In my crafting practice, I usually use silicone brushes for mixed media projects. Silicone brushes can be used with various mediums. I have found that it works very well to apply gels and pastes, like gesso and gel medium to various projects.
A silicone brush is basically a paint brush with a silicone tip instead of bristles. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. I prefer to use a flat tip silicone brush that is 2 to 3 centimetres wide.
Just remember to clean your brush before the medium dries on the brush. Once it is dry your brush might be ruined.
Splatter brush
The Tim Holtz splatter brush from Ranger was created to create fine splats with inks or paints.
It has hard long bristles that pick up and keeps the ink or fluid paint until you are ready to create the splats by pulling back the middle section of the bristles and slowly releasing them towards your project to create the splats.
It is easily cleaned by rinsing in water while medium is still wet.
Water brush
A water brush is very useful when doing watercolour painting.
It is a clever combination of a brush and a water reservoir. It features a hollow barrel that you can fill with water and a synthetic brush tip, which can be flat, round, or fine depending on the model. When squeezed gently, the water is released through the brush tip, allowing you to control the flow of moisture as you paint or craft.
With a water brush, there’s no need to carry around a water container or constantly dip your brush when doing watercolour painting. Just squeeze gently to release a controlled amount of water as you paint.
Achieving smooth gradients and blending colours seamlessly can be challenging with traditional brushes and water. Water brushes make blending effortless. Apply one colour, clean the brush tip by wiping it on a paper towel, and then use the same brush to blend or pick up a new colour.
It is also handy for hand lettering and calligraphy. The fine tip of some water brushes allows for precise control over line thickness and can create elegant lettering effects.
Water brushes are versatile tools in mixed media projects. You can use them to activate watercolour pencils, blend inks, or add a touch of water to various mediums like acrylics for unique effects.
Water brushes are compact and mess-free, making them perfect for crafting on the go or in tight spaces. They also reduce the need for water cups and cleanup.
I love using my water brushes to paint with my Distress inks and Distress Oxide inks. I just stamp a bit of ink on a craft sheet or clear stamping block and use the water brush to pick it up and paint with it like watercolour paints.
Daubers:
Blending tools
Blending tools are very versatile tools and can be used for ink blending, inking edges, applying inks, stenciling and even sanding!
The blending tools that I will be referring to will be the blending tools that use replaceable pads. There are many different brands and shapes of blending tools, but they can all be used in the same ways. The ones I use are the mini blending tool from Ranger (the round one). I also have the rectangular blending tool from Ranger, this was the original one.
The latest edition to the blending tool family is the tiny blending tool. This is used when the area to be worked on is small. At the moment they only come with domed foam pads.
For very small areas where a blending tool doesn’t really fit, I use eye-shadow applicators as tiny blending tools. This is used mainly for inking the edges of small letters or intricate die cuts.
There are different types of pads available for use with blending tools, including felt, foam, domed foam, and sanding pads (the rectangular blending tool only has foam and felt pads). Each of these pads has unique characteristics that make them ideal for specific applications.
Foam Pads:
Foam pads are suitable for blending or applying a variety of mediums, including inks, paints, and distress inks. The sponge-like texture of foam pads allows for a smooth and even application of the medium, which makes it ideal for creating gradients and blended effects. Foam pads are also great for stenciling and stamping. I use mine mostly when I am inking the edges of pages, cardstock or die-cuts. I have found that the plain foam pads sometimes make lines when blending with Distress inks and Distress Oxide inks.
Domed Foam Pads:
Domed foam pads are similar to regular foam pads, but they have a curved dome shape. This shape makes them perfect for blending smoothly.
Felt Pads:
Felt pads are perfect for blending and applying alcohol inks, especially on non-porous surfaces such as Yupo paper, glossy cardstock, acetate, glass, and plastic. The soft texture of felt allows the alcohol ink to move easily across the surface, creating a smooth and even finish. Felt pads are also great for blending dry mediums such as pastels and chalks.
Sanding Pads:
Sanding pads are abrasive pads that are ideal for sanding and distressing surfaces. They are perfect for creating a weathered or distressed look on paper, cardstock, and other surfaces. I love sanding the edges of my photos to give a white edge.
In conclusion, a blending tool is an excellent investment for crafters. The various pads available for use with these tools offer unique characteristics that make them ideal for specific applications. Whether you’re blending inks, paints, or distressing surfaces, there’s a pad that’s perfect for the job.
Finger daubers
Finger daubers can be used in various ways like ink blending, stenciling and inking edges.
A finger dauber is a small, handheld tool used in crafting to apply ink, paint, or other mediums to surfaces. It consists of a small foam pad attached to a handle that fits over your finger. Finger daubers are popular among scrapbookers, card makers, and other paper crafters for their ability to create smooth, blended effects.
They come in a couple of different sizes. I have normal finger daubers (fits one finger), jumbo daubers (fits 2 fingers), and a sweeper (fits 3 fingers) that is very effective in covering a larger area with ink.
Finger daubers can be used in a variety of ways.
By using multiple colours of ink or paint and blending them together with a finger dauber, you can create beautiful, gradient backgrounds on paper, cardstock, or other surfaces.
Finger daubers can be used to ink the edges of paper or cardstock, giving them a worn, vintage look. Simply apply ink or paint to the dauber and rub it along the edges of the paper to create a distressed effect.
They also work very well for stenciling.
I use my finger daubers for stenciling, blending backgrounds, and inking edges.
I have a set of clear finger daubers that I use exclusively for my Distress Oxide inks, a dauber for each ink. Each dauber is numbered with a sticker corresponding to a number on my ink pads. The clear dauber makes it easy to see the number inside.
Overall, finger daubers are a handy tool that can be used in a variety of ways to add colour, dimension, and texture to your crafting projects.
Which tool should you use?
The best tool to use is always the one you already have in your stash. But if you do have a few options, here are my recommendations:
- Use a blending brush for stenciling or soft ink blended backgrounds
- Use a finger dauber for edges and for stenciling smaller areas
- Use a fan brush or splatter brush for splatter and texture effects
- Use a water brush for painting with inks
- Use a blending tool with a domed foam pad for ink blending
- Use a silicone brush for gels & pastes
The best way to learn how these tools work is to use them in real projects. You can explore some of my scrapbook and journal projects where I use these tools, as well as more techniques and ideas in the Make in Wonder Library:
A Baby Girl
Create a soft vintage scrapbook layout using patterned papers, inks, and handmade embellishments to preserve meaningful baby memories.
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How to make SPLATS
I love using splats on crafting projects and scrapbook pages. They’re perfect for creating backgrounds or adding interest. Let me show you how easy it is to make the perfect splat.
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Mermaid Tails
A mermaid scrapbook page using stenciling and sparkle paste to create a custom background. The vellum jellyfish ads a touch of whimsy!
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