March Tip – 20 Ways to Use Your Water-Based Markers

The word “marker” suggests, well, marking things. And you may certainly choose to use your markers to mark all sorts of things! Here at Finders Keepers, we love markers of all kinds and have come to embrace many, many uses for them other than the traditional “marking up paper” use. Please note: these techniques are for water based markers. Check our site out later for some cool ways to use your alcohol-based (or permanent) markers.

Coloring Book … color your stamped outline images. Tip: use watercolor paper to avoid lines when coloring (the paper absorbs the color more quickly for a smooth look)
Coloring on Dark Cardstock … stamp an image in white craft ink and heat set then color the image with markers for a striking look.
Color on B&W photos … light colors and matte photo paper work best for adding a bit of color to your pictures
Watercoloring … create a palette for watercoloring
Shading … pick up a slightly darker shade of ink thanks to a re-inker on the tip of your marker.
Omitting … color just the part of the image you want to stamp.
Embossing … stamp your image in Versamark, color with your markers & emboss with clear embossing powder.
Marker to Stamp/Shading … similar to the earlier shading but this time using 3 marker colors.
Water Misting … aka the faux-water color technique
Color Spritzer on Backgrounds … add a spritz of color to your backgrounds
Color Spritzer on Stamps: The Sequel … spritz on your inked rubber image for a bit more splash
Thumping … Ink your stamp in a neutral color and then “thump” the marker on the stamp to create some color
Backgrounds … use markers, plastic sheets & water to create a background swirl
Dying Ribbon … have white ribbon & markers? Create any color ribbon you choose!
Dying Paper or Fabric Flowers … spritz a bit of water and start coloring.
Dying Pearls or Rhinestones … color the gem & emboss to seal in the color.
Dying Your Hair … really. If you have light hair, give yourself a festive color streak for Halloween or other special event.
Color in a Template … with the template as your guide, create all sorts of cool images.
Color with a Water Brush Marker … Stamp an image and use the brush marker to blend out the image.
Doodle & Journal … of course! write & doodle with your marker.