What's the Difference between Water-Based Markers and Alcohol Markers?

People often ask me what the difference is between Stampin' Write Markers and Stampin' Blends. The simple answer is that Stampin' Write Markers are water-based markers and Stampin' Blends are alcohol markers, but that doesn't really tell you what you want to know. So, today I'm comparing coloring with these two types of markers.

Plus, I'm hopping with the fabulous Pretty Cards & Papers International Design Team! Be sure to read all the way through my post to the list of designers at the bottom. Then, click through the list and see all of the gorgeous cards they have made. You definitely don't want to miss a thing!

So, on y go! Let's get stamping.

First, the Patterned Paper

All of my cards today, as well as all of the cards in the hop, use the new Pattern Party Host Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up! This amazing paper is rainbow colored on one side and black and white patterns on the other. You are absolutely going to want to add this paper to your stash. Since it is a hostess reward, you can only get it by submitting a $150 order or hosting your own workshop, party, or personalized class. It comes with 4 pieces each of 12 different fabulous designs for a total of 48 pieces of 12" x 12" patterned paper! AMAZING!

All of these cards uses the Butterfly Brilliance stamp. For this first sample, I colored the butterflies with Stampin' Blends alcohol markers in Pool Party, Granny Apple Green, and Pale Papaya.

Stampin' Blends Alcohol Markers

The Stampin' Blends are alcohol markers. This means they have an alcohol base and will dry out faster than traditional markers. For this reason, it is very important to always tightly cap the markers when not in use and store them horizontally (laying flat). 

Each color comes in a two-pack of a light and dark shade. When you color with the Stampin' Blends, they are more translucent. These two factors make them perfect for blending. By layering the colors you can create a beautiful blend from one color to another. 

When using Stampin' Blends, it is very important to stamp with a water-based ink like the Memento ink. A solvent ink, like Stazon, will run when colored with alcohol markers.

The butterfly in this first black and white card is colored with Daffodil Delight, Pale Papaya, and Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends.

Stampin' Write Markers

Stampin' Write Markers are water-based markers. They are sold in multi-packs by color family. Unlike Blends, there is only one marker per color. Because they are water-based, they can be used to color directly on your stamps. You can also color over them with a little water and they will run a little. 
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When you color with Stampin' Write Markers, the color tends to be more opaque. They don't have the translucent quality that Stampin' Blends do. You also have to be careful when coloring with them because you can get lines where you color over parts that you have already colored. Kind of like coloring with your Crayola markers when you were a kid. As you can see from the samples, the colors do not blend together like they do with the Stampin' Blends.
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You can use Stampin' Write markers with either Memento or Stazon ink, but you may find that the Stazon ink is a little darker. This is helpful so that the lines of your image show through the marker. With dark colors, you may lose the definition of the stamped image.
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Complete Supply List for these Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Cards

Want to recreate these cards?

If you'd like to make these fabulous butterfly cards, simply click the button above to see the complete supply list. If you need anything to create the cards, simply uncheck the items you don't need and click "Add to Cart." Be sure to use this month's Host Code on the next screen under the pink "Checkout" button to earn Frequent Shopper Points towards FREE stamps. 
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Thank you so much for stopping by to see my projects! I hope you will click through the rest of the blog hop as these amazing designers have created some fabulous cards for you using the Pattern Play patterned paper. You are going to love them!
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