Sharpie Coloring Secrets: Part 1 - Properties, Storage & Paper

[@NanetteMT]

I'm glad to know that I have been storing my Sharpies properly! :)

[@ColoringBliss]

+NanetteMT, glad to let you know! 😊

[@capyboppy]

May I give my usual warning for those with lung conditions? My foray into colouring was rather over ambitious. I bought a Johanna Basford Canvas, plus the recommended alcohol pens as well as some Sharpies. What I did not realise at the time was how they would affect my lungs. Even with the windows open I was gasping. In the end I had to give all my alcohol markers away (with a warning). There may be some newbies to colouring who are watching this video who don't realise this, and I wouldn't like them to go through the same mistakes as myself; it is expensive and detrimental to your health. Even if you don't have lung conditions you should make sure there is adequate ventilation. I would personally recommend non-alcoholic markers such as the Faber-Castell PITT pens made with Indian ink. They may be more expensive, but a lot safer for the lungs; or even water-based markers. But I totally accept it is a matter of choice 😀.

[@ColoringBliss]

+capyboppy, thanks for the health warning. 👍

[@ForeverLumoz]

capyboppy I absolutely agree with you. They make me really really sick. Maybe it's the smell, I'm not sure. I find the smell very uncomfortable. I also have a problem with then bleeding through and destroying textured paper. Sad, since they (where I'm from) are being sold as good for e.g Joanne Basford coloring books. Makes loads of people unhappy and some are so sad they stop coloring. Exclusively because they feel like a failure for being unable to make pretty what the shops told them was the best. So so sad. I have to admit I'm not using those markers. I've tried a lot of different things and simply moved on.

[@capyboppy]

Line Boje Hansen totally agree with you. That smell you mention is the actual fumes that are not good for anyone let alone those of us with lung problems. There is not enough warnings in my opinion for any alcohol markers; particularly regarding ventilation. I am sure many people especially in colder climates use them at home with the windows shut not knowing the dangers of inhalation. This is one article I found; although based for children, I would say it is still applicable for adults too. www.healthyschools.org/documents/Markers-2011.pdf Sharpies amongst other markers are supposed to be safe and non-toxic. However there is a trend known as 'bagging' where abusers use them to get high. While I am sure the wonderful colouring community wouldn't dream of doing anything like this; it does give you an idea of what the fumes can do. I sure learned the expensive way due to no warnings anywhere. I did let the folk at Johana Basford know what happened. Whether they will put a warning on their markers remains to be seen!

[@ForeverLumoz]

capyboppy exactly! And since I'm from a country up North, Denmark, I can totally understand your point. Here they are used by adults and children alike, inside, sitting at a desk. No ventilation or anything. Just sitting there, hours after hour coloring, doing homework, enjoying the colors and a relaxing time to themselves. I did the same and I became very sick several times. My health is not good, but still. And here the actual shops are recommending them as the best of choise for coloring. But as a child and adult. They recommend them for kids just beginning to draw, kids being a bit more controlled, teens for having fun and making their calender (or whatever they use) unique,adults for coloring in both textured coloring books, untextured paper, rocks and scrapbooking. I mean really?? I have refused to sell mine, even though they are pretty expensive.

[@cance7984]

+capyboppy Thank you for the heads-up. I greatly appreciate it.

[@danineuenschwander2819]

Thank you for this informative video. I never thought about Sharpies being alcohol base and therefore I have been storing them incorrectly. Now to go fix that issue!!! Thanks again.

[@ColoringBliss]

+Dani Neuenschwander, so much to learn about all of our art tools. I'm glad I could help pass on some new information. 😊

[@saffirechanning7286]

I just bought myself a box of Sharpie markers. It's a variety pack of fine and ultra-fine pointed markers. I LOVE to write with the ultra-fine pointed Sharpies! I use the fine-pointed ones to mark appointments and notes on my wall calendar. I don't really do any drawing. I just LOVE the variety of those rainbow colors!

[@KoffiBossoMath]

I see, thanks for sharing

[@sharonstegeman2379]

Love all the information and techniques you are sharing with us! Thanks so much, Jennifer!

[@ColoringBliss]

+Sharon Stegeman you're welcome!

[@chasitywilliams7834]

Lake

[@chasitywilliams7834]

Laney Grace Rainey Grace Williams

[@shauna9747]

I'm so glad to have found you for all things that draw, color, and write! Thank you and on to #2. ✏️🖍🖊🖋🖌🖍✏️

[@pamelastephens4388]

I love you Jennifer! I just found out how to follow, thumbs up, down, from my son coming over. I have watched so many videos so many times, and have been so inspired, motivated, and "Feel the fear and do it anyway".......You are my mentor and kindred spirit plus my second therapist! You are so amazing! May all the best come your way!

[@loricooper2151]

Great tips! Looking forward to watching the rest of the series.

[@margotmorpeth3220]

Ready to head out to get some new Sharpies!

[@ColoringBliss]

+Margot Morpeth, oh fun! Shopping for new coloring supplies!! 😊😊😊

[@cheryls_creative7048]

Brilliant and helpful. I actually didn’t know sharpie were alcohol markers, and I’ve had mine for ages but I’m only just getting round to using them!

[@lyllydd]

Revisiting this video. Since the first time I viewed it, hubby has bought me a couple of really nice big sets of sharpies, and I love them. I get frustrated watching crafty KZbinrs basically advertising for more expensive brands, but these work great and you don't have to pay $$ for each marker. I've also discovered they work beautifully on Yupo, so I can use the ultra fines for doing zentangle designs and fill them in with color. I've already played around with sharpies and rubbing alcohol, but I'm also going to try them with Tim Holtz's blending solution.

[@heatherb6043]

Thank you for this :) I have a load of SN markers and have been collecting Sharpie and Bic ones too - so this is so helpful :) Cant wait to watch all of the series

[@KoffiBossoMath]

Agree.

[@tamaraj4200]

I keep a few pointed upright and they work perfectly. Although my main sets are laying sideways.

[@ColoringBliss]

+Tamara - Mini Xstitcher, I have wondered if the "flat" storage or the "tip-down" storage makes a bigger difference as the ink starts to be used up.

[@sadmac356]

What I like about Sharpies is they're relatively cheap where I live, and they come in a wide variety of colors and tip sizes. However, they have a VERY strong smell that bothers me compared to, say, my Copics. Those still have a smell, but it's not nearly as strong (read: headache-inducing) as the Sharpies, at least for me. If you're sensitive to smells and/or have lung problems, make sure you're in a well-ventilated room and take breaks.

[@KoffiBossoMath]

Well said

[@monn3t440]

Thanks so very much for this video!

[@KoffiBossoMath]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@monicawells573]

Oh my goodness you are my sharpie hero. I love love sharpies. I wish you would use sharpies in an adult coloring book. I love to color! I work retail with that I deal with a lot of nonsense and coloring helps with my anxiety as well. So could you please use the sharpies with adult coloring books. Thanks a bunch monica

[@margiebrewer9857]

Love Sharpies!

[@dorismanzanares1879]

WOW! I am hookrd those Sharpie markers.are great I love how they dry right away. thank you for your great tutoriols

[@ColoringBliss]

+Doris Manzanares, you're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@carolynmaves503]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, I love learning new things.

[@ColoringBliss]

+Carolyn Maves, one of the best things about art...always something new and fun to learn! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I have a full set of spectrum noir alcohol markers and several sets of water based markers that are dual tipped markers.

[@msdeedee1808]

Ok..love the nail color, too!

[@marciamullings3787]

Enjoyed the video thank you have a great weekend😘🌹❤️☺️

[@stopmotionvideos9554]

Thanks for making these videos! They are really helping me with my colouring! You have some great tips and tricks which have helped me improve my art

[@mcuz2164]

I have always colored with pencils. And I still love them. But it takes me forever to finish a single page. So here I am researching how to color with markers. In particular, Sharpies. Because of course I can’t just start coloring with markers and figure it out as I go. 😂

[@hjenny]

I both enjoy and learn from your videos. Thanks for making them. (And on a totally unrelated topic, you have lovely hands 😊)

[@luciagaravano4417]

i'm planning on buying some sharpies bc in where I live is not that easy to get anything else so this is very helpfull, thanks! ✨

[@ColoringBliss]

+chim chim, your welcome, and thanks for watching.

[@krysbo1]

I am going to buy some Ohuhu markers that are supposed to be alcohol-based and when I saw the quality of your paper, I am def gonna buy that same paper w/ the markers! Thanks for the info ...and of course the tutorials!

[@ColoringBliss]

+Krystal Boren you’re welcome and have fun with your new markers and paper. 👍

[@drixy7205]

Question when you've drawn a picture with sharpies say if you have drawed the picture in Black sharpie if you're going to color in something black when there's detail how do you make sure the detail is visible?

[@brandonsmith4361]

Part 1 of this video is awesome thanks for the technique I want to buy double the paper with the paper down below the other also the Sharpies won't blade flu

[@merrideepavlenko5326]

Thank you for the informative video. I use several pencils, water color pencils, gels etc to color pages. I had never thought of using sharpies as they do bleed. I make many signs and hate the way they were coming out, now after watching this looking forward to using the sharpies I have on hand, if I succeed I will be purchasing more. I also have a couple of copic pens from my card making days but found them to be expensive, and now having limited income just using what I have, but do get tired of keeping my colored pencils sharpened . Most pencils I have color is not centered in pencil and therefore does not sharpen very well. I use hand or electric sharpener for them, still they break. Looking forward to more coloring without the frustration of pencils brakeage. Thanks for you input and videos on coloring. Had never thought of purchasing color copy digital paper, will be looking for this when I get a chance . Merridee

[@stacydavis4569]

I'm happy to know how best to store them. How do you buy a full set of sharpies? I like the fine point.

[@JMHaleSeattle]

Ty for this series abt Sharpies.

[@tan-un9ye]

I dont know whether to get sharpies or double ended staedlter watercolour brush pens Its for school and i dont know which one would be better for colours and if if you use the watercolour brush pens without water and if it would soak through,, or for sharpies bleed through Which one would you recommend???

[@plstuart1965]

I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. I've always loved sharpie markers. As usual your fingernails look great. What color & brand polish are you wearing?

[@ColoringBliss]

+Phyllis Stuart, I'm glad you like the video so much! There will be one coming out every day until all 7 are released!! So much fun! My nails are totally fake! I love them because I can't grow my nails anymore due to my chronic illnesses. They are Kiss Everlasting nails. I am going to do a little video about them soon because I love them so much!

[@plstuart1965]

+Coloring Pages Bliss I know what you mean about growing your nails. When I was a teenager I could grow nails a foot long & they were as strong as steel. I could've opened canned vegetables with them lol. Not anymore. I guess it's all the medicine I have to take. I have had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since I was a baby & now I'm unable to get around without a power chair or wheelchair so I can sympathize with some chronic problems & pain. I certainly hope you're doing well. You have such a bright cheery manner with which you share your bliss. Thank you.

[@ColoringBliss]

+Phyllis Stuart, ❤️ I hope you are having a good day today too.

[@zoeartz8084]

I have a very unhealthy addiction to sharpies, I have waaayyy more than I need. Anyone else?

[@mysummertouch]

Ty for making those videos! Are they waterproof? Do they write over glossy magazine pages? Are the light colors covering the writing when you write over printed area ( could I draw over writings on the glossy magazine pages?) thank you for answering!

[@ColoringBliss]

+mysummertouch, Sharpies are alcohol based so they are considered permanent, but not necessarily waterproof. They will work on magazines, but they may intereract with the inks on the pages...I'm not sure, I'd give it a try. Sharpie has a great website with lots of information about all their different products...for instance, they have a waterproof line of markers. Go check it out to see if you can learn more there. Thanks for watching

[@kai-gm9re]

Sharpie is supposed to be able to write on anything, really, but I suggest you experiment!

[@knoxvillehermitfreemoviesm3625]

Very helpful video. BTW, for marker mistakes, do you know if there's an eraser type thing? I have a tendency to make mistakes now and then.

[@catherineplunkett7241]

I have used exacto knife very carefully to scratch out tiny mistakes, but you may find white out works well for small mistakes. I have seen some recommendation for using cotton swab and aceton, ie nail polish remover, lightly and slowly. Try sending message to sharpie for recommendations

[@starpointsuperstar]

Thank you for the great tip how to use and take care of my ultra fine point sharpies I am using your your great tip how to take care of my permanent markers

[@janadean1646]

Great video!!! Thank you 😊

[@ColoringBliss]

+Jana Dean, glad you liked it!!

[@craftycrafter1960]

I do enjoy sharpies, my only issue is they aren't archival so they will fade over time. they're supposed to be permanent but I have them smear underneath varnish.

[@ColoringBliss]

+Crafty Crafter, yes...they aren't ideal in every situation. I have found them to be very non-permanent in a lot of situations. They aren't my favorite alcohol marker but they are fun to play with.

[@angelafuller961]

Thanks for the video

[@janetteaguirre-terry2986]

They have acrylic markers as well as India Ink marker/pens. TFS! 🌺

[@micaelasmit1]

Can I use Typek paper?

[@yusra2307]

I have a sharpie markers I just tried to color with them in my coloring book it bleeds through in the back of the page I don't know why but they have nice colors 😔😔☹️

[@basicallybriley9325]

Yusra Al Qassab i tear the pages out or get a piece of cardstock paper and seperate them. It is like Jennifer said, it is a wet medium. It tends to go through the paper.

[@mariehalsey8892]

Yusra Al Qassab the markers sink thru the paper....the page absorbs the water...they're permanent. sometimes they're a pain in the butt. I'm new to the tutorials so I can't wait to learn more.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

Sharpies are totally a learning experience, and are not for kiddies, obviously. They often stink (well, some of you probably enjoy that heady, boozy, chemical scent ... you know who you are, LOL) but they are so convenient, and accessible (you find them everywhere, from the drug store to the market to the art supply shop). I do wish the fine point tip would last longer and retain its sharp point but it is felt so I must accept that it will eventually become stubby, and lose its shape. I always keep a thick sheet of paper or a piece of cardboard under the page I am drawing on, otherwise the Sharpie ink will bleed through and mark the table or whatever surface I work on. You learn this early. You can't use these markers on coloring book pages, they'd seep through and ruin the other side's image (but you could photocopy the picture onto smooth/glossy printer paper and then color it with Sharpies, though.) I'm glad this video addresses marker bleed, so people that are starting out won't ruin a dining room table or whatever. I don't use Sharpies on anything that's not totally smooth. In fact, I've found that brochure paper is wonderful, or any smooth/glossy printer paper. Regular, run of the mill copy paper is too thirsty (for lack of a better word) and seems to suck the ink rapidly out of a Sharpie, making it difficult for coloring and sketching and doodling. Give me smooth paper so the Sharpie point glides across it effortlessly. That Bienfang rag paper you showed us is delightful-- I know it's really thin but you can do layers of marker color on it and it doesn't bleed. Of course, people need to experiment, try different papers and pads. There are also videos about how to rejuvenate a dried up Sharpie; you may even have done one. Personally I think these pens are cheap enough to chuck in the trash when they seem out of juice. I'm not keen on removing the felt thingy with pliers and fooling around with rubbing alcohol and latex gloves-- can't be bothered. I know that some people draw images on coffee mugs with a Sharpie, and then bake it to keep the image safe for washing. I've never attempted that. Wonder what _that_ smells like in the oven. Oh, my. Anyhoo, awesome video here. Always fun to see what other artsy folks do and enjoy.

[@amanmughal7145]

Are these markers are available in Pakistan ???

[@ItsMisterBluray]

Is bristol paper any good, I have tried some years ago. I have so much of it, I know there are so many stocks of paper that is smooth and rough...

[@ColoringBliss]

+Matt Thomas, give it a try. Have you watched my video about paper? It might help you understand paper a little more.

[@ItsMisterBluray]

Yes I have, I seen all of your sharpie videos. They were all great!

[@rjonesartist]

As for storage, when it comes to COPIC and other true alcohol markers (like: Spectrum Noir, Chameleon, Prismacolor etc) these are airtight markers and can be stored vertically or horizontally without any problem. On another note, COPIC alcohol markers (and the others listed above) and Sharpie are not the same. Sharpies can be manipulated with alcohol (blended) however they are not designed to blend like COPICs (and others) and will not produce the same smooth and brilliant blends.

[@ColoringBliss]

+R Jones Artist, thanks for you thoughts. The purpose of this series is to introduce some of the techniques that alcohol marker artists use to those who color with sharpie markers. It is exciting for colorist to begin to understand why professional art looks so amazing. I think it's empowering to show what they can accomplish with even the simplest tools.

[@rjonesartist]

Coloring pages...I agree it is empowering...however never underestimate the skill set and interest of your students..they can handle more info and if you are teaching alcohol markers...teach about or at least make a point to explain the difference between the markers available. In any artist world, SHARPIES are not alcohol markers that blend with each other and are not made to do so.

[@ColoringBliss]

+R Jones Artist, no need to worry...this is just the beginning of many marker tutorials I intend to teach. I think we can agree to disagree about what tools can be used by artists.

[@yusra2307]

I have bought them before from a place called Wilko in Liver Pool / UK 🇬🇧

[@laughinglaughing1416]

Does it bleed on the other page?

[@thepooh7737]

Thank you very much lovely lady

[@dorisjeanpallares9343]

Do they bleed through

[@stephaniecavin1219]

awesome

[@lisabromley8924]

Do they leak though the paper,,?

[@fireblastfilms6785]

Yes,sadly

[@ashleighgrady2889]

1st love ur youtube chanel pls reply ❤❤

[@ColoringBliss]

+Ashleigh grady !, so glad you like my channel! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@ashleighgrady2889]

Coloring Pages Bliss thank you for replying, watching sk many of your vids x

[@eternalsquanch8445]

I learned that a coat of Gesso cross the page and 10 minutes for drying and it don't seep threw the paper!!

[@whatfoodsmenu]

Thanks

[@DebbyLong777]

Your paper link isn’t working.

[@canaldaali8017]

Ameiii já queroo

[@NadineAnimation]

Ok I just got a pack of 18 colourful sharpie markers that I never used before now here iam

[@kennethschuler3062]

👍

[@stanTrX]

Bristol paper is very expensive :/

[@michellenash6802]

What??? _ sharpies are water based which is why Blending them is so difficult and why you have to move fast when attempting to blend. Wtheck??!

[@glendaskipper4692]

N

[@DD-d6d3]

I know the Grammar Nazis lost the war, but the singular of 'media' is 'medium'. E. G., "an alcohol marker is a dry medium."

[@ColoringBliss]

+Dee Dee, lol...I know I make that error from time to time. Does my "there are no mistakes in coloring" rule apply to grammar during tutorials? 😉 thanks for watching. ❤️

[@CobyHerford]

Dee Dee, if you're keen on being so precise, an alcohol marker is a wet medium.

[@chasitywilliams7834]

Lp o e

[@bunnielexi]

Oof