If you’ve been following my creative journey for a while, you know that coloring is one of my favorite ways to express my artistic side. I’m not a professional by any means, but give me a brush tip marker and a floral stamp set, and I’m in my happy place!
Over the past 10 years, I’ve dabbled with several alcohol markers. I began with a budget-friendly set when I was just testing the waters. About five years ago, I upgraded to Spectrum TriBlends, and they’ve been a trusted tool in my stash ever since. But recently, thanks to Scrapbook.com, I was gifted a set of OLO Premium Alcohol Markers, and let me tell you… it might be time for another upgrade!
When I first opened the box, I was a little confused by the size and layout of the markers. Inside were eight individual half-markers and four connector rings. At first glance, it seemed a bit odd, but I realized it was actually a really smart design.
It reminded me of the Tri-Blend markers I’ve used for years, where multiple shades are combined into a single pen. With OLO markers, you get even more flexibility. Each half-marker contains a single color, and you can mix and match them using the connectors to build a system that works best for you.
This build-your-own-marker concept not only saves space, but also allows you to create a personalized coloring system that grows with you. Create dual-ended markers with two different colors, or pair your favorite shade saturations. Plus, having the option to replace or swap colors individually makes this a much more sustainable and budget-friendly solution.
The set I was gifted is exclusive to Scrapbook.com. Not only did I received the eight curated colors, the ZERO marker, and Blending Paper pack. This was perfect for getting started without being overwhelmed by choices.
Of course, I had to try these right away. We were on our way to a missions trip, so I bought a zipper bag full of stamped images and OLOs.
For my first test, I chose a simple Rose Blossom image that I had stamped ahead of time using Amalgam Obsidian – my go-to inks for all coloring mediums. Even with this simple setup, I was immediately impressed by how easily the colors blended and how smooth the strokes felt. It’s soft, responsive, and gives me that familiar, painterly feel I’ve been missing in other markers.
I created two cards using the same set of OLO markers, but with different techniques and ink layering. My goal was to highlight the versatility of this small set.
On the “smile” card, I kept the coloring light and delicate, layering softly to give the flower a cheerful, sun-kissed glow. For the “friends” card, I went bold, laying down deeper tones and using the ZERO marker to soften transitions and add highlights.
It’s amazing how just a few adjustments in layering and pressure can change the entire feel of a floral image!
If you’re new to alcohol markers (or looking to build confidence), here are a few tips that helped me along the way:
- Start small: You don’t need 100 markers. Try a curated set and focus on learning how to layer and blend.
- Use quality paper: Marker-friendly paper like OLO’s Blending Paper or a smooth cardstock makes all the difference.
- The ZERO marker is your friend! It’s not just for mistakes! Use it to soften edges, create highlights, or even lighten saturated areas.
- Practice pressure: A light hand gives you better control and more room to build up rich color.
Now that I’ve had a chance to play with these a bit, I’ll be sharing some simple tutorials and marker tips over the coming weeks. I want to make sure I’m fully comfortable before diving into techniques with you.
If you’re curious about OLO markers, I highly recommend checking out this beginner-friendly set from Scrapbook.com. It’s a great starting point and gives you everything you need to experiment with layering, shading, and blending.
If you’ve tried OLO markers, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re just getting started with alcohol markers, welcome to a colorful new adventure!
PAGE AD