How To Use The Tombow Blending Kit

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Tombow Dual Brush Pens are what got me interested in lettering. I kept seeing these beautiful colors filling my Instagram feed. Not just beautiful colors, but beautifully blended colors. I had to know how this was done! I ordered some pens and found out I needed a “blended palette”. The blending palette came in a kit that included the palette, a mini spray mister and a clear pen. I had no clue what to do with the spray mister or clear pen! So, if you’re wondering the same, I hope this post will answer your questions!

Here’s what you’ll need:

* Tombow Blending Kit – kit includes: blending palette, colorless blender pen, spray mister

* Tombow Dual Brush Pens

* Canson Marker Paper – using the right paper is so important with brush pens. To prevent fraying of the tips, use a smooth paper. This is my favorite.

Create Blended Lettering

Blending two colors together is so easy with the blending palette! Grab two different colors- one dark and one light. This is very important. You can choose two colors from the same color family or two colors that compliment, like I’ve used here.

Tombow brush pen colors no. 725 & 873

Rub the darker color onto the blending palette. Using the lighter color to write, pick up some of the darker color by rubbing the tip onto the blending palette.

Then, letter! You’ll see a beautiful blend appear! As the darker color starts to fade off the tip, you’ll notice the lighter color appear. I love the way it makes an ombre look- if you don’t, you can always pick up more color and keep lettering.

But what about the tips of my pens? Won’t this ruin them? 

Nope! Tombow brush pens are self cleaning. Just rub the tip on paper and watch it go right back to its original color.

And the blending palette can easily be cleaned too! Just use a little bit of water and a paper towel to wipe off and it’s ready to use again.

Try another one! Here I used Tombow brush pen colors no. 676 & 452.

Follow the same directions as before- darker color on the blending palette; use the lighter color to pick up th darker color and letter.

Blend Using the Colorless Blender Pen

The colorless blender pen creates a really fun effect and it’s so easy! You’ll need: the colorless blender pen, blending palette and paper. (See above materials list with links on where to buy)

Choose your colors and rub them out on to the blending palette. For this technique, it helps if the colors compliment and some are darker and lighter. Here I used brush pen colors no. 815, 725, 873, 946 & 055.

Using the colorless blender, pick up the colors from the blending palette and letter. Don’t be afraid to mix up the colors right on the pen! Remember, it’s self-cleaning, so no need to worry about ruining it.

*There are more uses for the colorless blender- I’ll share those in another blog post!*

Creating Watercolor

So what about that spray mister? Well, Tombow brush pens are kinda magical. They make beautiful watercolor!

Heres how: you’ll need the blending palette, spray mister, brush pens and paper. For this technique, I use Canson Mixed Media paper. It’s heavier than the Marker paper, so it can withstand the water. And grab a paper towel too!

Rub your color onto the blending palette in whatever pattern you’d like. Then gently spray with a little water. Doesn’t it look pretty already?

Place your paper right onto of the ink. Gently press down to absorb. This can get kinda messy!

Slowly pull off the paper and viola! A beautiful watercolor design! Use a paper towel and dab gently to dry.

The blending palette can be easily wiped off with water and a paper towel!

So pretty, right?! I used the Tombow Fudenosuke <soft tip> to letter right over the watercolor. The options are endless with this technique– use it to make greeting cards, place cards, journal cards, wall art, etc.

The Blending Kit offers so many different uses! Do you have one? What do you like to use it for? Have you tried these techniques? I’d love to know in the comments.

I hope you will try them out and if you do, please share on Instagram so I can take a look!

Follow me on Instagram and tag #tombowtiptuesday

Happy lettering,