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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Posts: 3,540I've been limping along with Sharpies (and now I read that they can bleed or turn purple 
) and an artist brand of marker that was supposed to be great for blending. Well, it is if I apply it to a piece of muslin first, and then use it as a 'dry wash' to my fur.
I want to be able to shade my toes, paws and noses, but I don't want the blunt clown type colouring. I want to be able to blend the colours so it looks more natural. What do you recommend?
Posts: 8,574You know, Deb, I wouldn't use a marker on UltraSuede. I think I would go with the oil paint technique that Shelli promoates.....which is great by the way.
The key for her technique is to brush first on paper towels prior to applying to your fabric.....use an almost dry brush-----and in your case, with ultrasuede I would practice on scraps first, so that you are comfortable with what you are doing.
I like the paint routine because I can mix colors to get the shyade I want....also it is inexpensive, in the long run, because it takes so very little.
also I have pens that dry up, even through they were lying flat durring storage....
dilu
Apple Dumpling DesignsI completely agree with Dilu...the oil painting technique is wonderful. You can do the same thing with acrylics like Judi except with a regular brush not an air brush. I've done both.
The key is an stiff bristled brush...with barely any paint on it so you can control the color (practice)...you can remove some of the paint with a CLEAN brush if you get carried away like I do sometimes... 
Posts: 3,540Oh good! I was going to ask if I could use acrylics, as I have a whole boxload of them....
Righto! So its off to practice dry brushing on scraps....
Kim-Bee BearsI guess if you wanted to use a marker you could use Prisma Colored markers... I love my prisma and use it all the time especially when shading around eyes They are expensive though...
Apple Dumpling DesignsDebbie,
Here's a link to LOTS of information regarding shading, etc. If you get a chance read through some of the posts and you'll probably find more than you ever wanted to know.
Have fun...shading is one of my favorite things to do...although I'm still not as good at it as I'd like to be.
http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=2242
Shantell
Estelles canal bears and Tod TeddiesI have used acrylics succesfuly and they dry fast 
Judi will tell you to be sure to heat set acrylics for permanence.
And I will tell you to go easy on the oil paints and be sure to allow adequate drying time. If you use more than a smidge it takes a goodly long while for them to dry. Tiny amounts, though, dry overnight.
Have fun!
Kim-Bee BearsGood point Shelli, I forgot that I ALWAYS heat set my acrylics ALWAYS
Delartful BearsAhh I tried acrilycs, and did't like them, because they would come off the mohair or fabric very easily (even with heat setting). So, I added fabric medium and that was OK.
I use mostly Copic markers though - they are great and very easy to use!
Danni
Cleathero CreationsCopic markers, I am addicted to them. Don't use them enough but still addicted.
Kiprie BearsI Deb !
I've used Copic markers which is very easy and clean result !:D
But now, after Shelli taught us about Oil paint, I'm hook to Oil paint.
I have only basic color White, Black, Blue, Red, Yellow and able to make
allot of color from these basic paints. 
Good Luck ! 
Hugs/Marie
I am now an avid advocate of oil paints since Shelli promoted it so eloquently on TT...I do still use Copic and Marvi markers though where I want a definite line which is often with the look I try to achieve. I've use Copic pens on ultrasuede..but found you need to build up the shading from the palest colour first, overlaying with more intense colours to create a shaded look...often using tiny dots or wiggles or hatching to achieve the effect.
Markers do work but you need a light , deft touch and less is more...but I am in heaven since I used the oils ...along with a combination of the markers ....it works for me anyway..
LuxembearsI agree wit Jenny. If you use markers use a very very light touch. USe the sid eof the marker and "feather" it as you work layering your colors.
Danni, I am sorry to hear acrylics did not work for you. I have never had acrylics ever come off. It does not peel or flake. I have been working with acrylics for 22 years. In fact you cannot even feel the areas that are pianted with the acrylic sI use. You need to use a really good high quality acrylic paint. I would never recommend craft paint but rather artist acrylics, like Golden Brand, Liqutex, or Createx. These have beautiful coverage. Are totally permanent and remain flexible.
Posts: 3,540Hmmmm...so there are acrylics, and then there are acrylics 
How do you heat set? Do you use a hair dryer??
I can see lots of practice in my future 
MerBear OriginalsI like the copic and the prismacolours. I was fortunate to be able to purchase a goodly number of both off Ebay.
Marion
Posts: 8,574I'M SURPRISED ABOUT THE ACRYLICS (oops) coming off.....I can tell yu that nce the colors dried in my daDS clothing there was nothing mom could do to get the colors out. His boxers looked funny on the clothes line.....flying in the breeze----with bright colored splotches here and there. He would use his butt as a towel when he was out in the real world painting....
Hmmmmmm hey Dad, you were tie-dying before it was the fashionable thing to do! ( He liked the beatles too- go figure)
dilu
One thing about using either acrylics or oil paints is that you can mix your own shades....which I find difficult to do with the markers, and I would rather buy fabric than every single color marker.
Paint is so much more inexpensive.
Oh welll
dilu
Flying Fur StudiosI use copic markers on my ultra-suede. Works like a charm and blends easy with your finger even!
Thanks why I love ultra-suede.
Back Road BearsI just started doing some shading on my feet and have used my copic markers. They seemed to be ok but I don't get a smooth or soft enough blend for my liking. Hadn't dawned on me to try oils.... DUH!!! I use nothing but oils when shading on mohair!
I'm starting to be convinced, although the thought petrifies me as I know I'd have a huge mess and paint everywhere, that air brushing is the way to go. I'd have to have an in person lesson though. Judi, can I come over??
Flying Fur StudiosDaphine, we can learn together....
I got an airbrush for xmas, and learning is a bit daunting that's for sure. Not a quick thing to pick up, but soo much fun!
Thanks Judi for showing us the way......
Starlite BearsI got an airbrush kit - but could not get the hang of it so gave it up 
I got marvie markers - but used them so rarely they dried up
I got fabric pens and tried to brush of the color when it turned out to heavy - I wrote of those feet
I now use Karisma artist pencils - I recently discovered that if I wet the end I can vary the colour - but should I be setting the color somehow - does anyone know??
Oh yes and I bought myself a set of oil paints about a month ago and will be trying them at some point in the future using the excellent tips posted in TT
Hope you find what you are looking for :hug: :hug:
Anne
Kim-Bee BearsI use a hair dryer to set my acrylics.. I also use a hair dryer to set my prisma colored pencils too... I want to try airbrushing..
I have never had a problem with acrylics and I just use the craft kind... I will have to invest in some more expensive ones... I only use certain ones (turquoise blue, gold, bronze, purple, black and browns - and white of course) I like the metallic ones which are what all of the ones I listed are.. except for the browns and white)....
Judi, do they have metallics in the brands that you listed?
Posts: 3,540Well I found some Liqutex paints today, and a whole set in metallic!!! They were at Jo Ann's. However, I now have more questions than I started with ....
Judi~ help! When I looked, there were the basic Liqutex, then there was flat matte Liqutex, some medium viscosity, and a high professional 
I had no idea what viscosity, or any of the rest of it, so I thought I'd best keep my mitts off this trip, and ask. Which would be most suitable for the ultrasuede/mohair? Or should I just take a stab and hope for the best? 
Oh, and you don't want me going near oil paints ....don't ask... it wasn't pretty 
right up there with watercolours
