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good to hear the comments on these markers, I am looking to try some when they are available in Australia shortly. Although I have not seen any reference to the 25 pen sets. only the 6 pen sets.
I'm kind of disappointed to say that I agree with Suplayingwithpaper's experience here - not because I don't want to agree with her but because I wanted to like the markers! I found blending really difficult and it seemed to me that if you go over with the light marker in an attempt to improve the blending, it shifts the pigment around and leaves a speckled finish. There's definitely too big of a gap between some of the colours in this turquoise set and I'm guessing the fact that the colours in the sets of 24 markers don't contain any repeats of the small set might go some way to explaining that and might well mean it applies to all the six marker sets.
My other dislike is one I really should have anticipated - I have always preferred the feel of the Ciao or Sketch markers to the square barrel of the Original and I like the brush nib better than the firmer bullet one. No different with the Spectrum Noir, I just didn't like the nibs as much.
If you're looking for an up side, they do fit into the Copic Air Grip (it's a slightly tight fit but it does go in and the nib is in the right position for the air stream) so if you want a cheaper marker for airbrushing these might fit the bill.
I bought the whole set and when trying to color with them I found them to be too wet and that they feathered out too much. And, blending made things look blotchy. I did get better results with doing the dark first and then going over that with another color in the same group and gradually going lighter, but to go back in later on and blend it was a disaster. Oh, well, I definitely like the Copics and Bics I own better for the feathering. The tip on these Spectrum Noir are nice but since I got them from Crafter's Companion I will maybe email them ask them for some pointers on how best to use them since I am not getting the results I was expecting. Or perhaps there are some videos showing how to use them. I might be going about it the same way I do with the Copics and maybe that is my problem. So although right now disappointed, I will try to give them a good try again.
I just tried different paper and used them on that. It was Gina K.'s Pure Luxury cardstock in white and it made a world of difference. No more bleeding and the colors blended much better. I think the key is that you need different paper. I do know that Gina K.'s work well and I wonder if the brand that Crafter's Companion sells isn't a good quality as well for the markers. Before you judge too much, maybe you should try replacing the paper you are using. Just a thought.
I have heard that the X-press paper works great with them as well, but I don't have any to try it on myself. I used them the other day and with the right paper they are awesome. I find that they blend well too.
works great light first or dark first.. this is how i prefer to color
1. color image area with lightest color not coloring right up to the edge where you are going to add your dark (it would just cover it up anyways and add more fluid to bleed).
2. then add in your darkest color
3. Now softly blend the two together with your middle color you just need to work the joint where the colors meet to softly blend them together.
easy! just don't use too much ink and don't color over your darker color too much with a lighter marker.
__________________ Jennie Eger Black
Alcohol Marker Specialist & Education instructor for Spectrum Noir
JennieBstampin.blogspot.com
I just realized a few minutes ago that I grabbed the wrong cardstock when I first tried these markers. They do work fairly well with the Neenah Crest after all. I am so sorry. I will have to make sure I don't make that mistake again. This puts a whole new spin on things with this discovery. So please ignore that first post I did about the bleeding. They did not bleed at all on the Neenah..but again I prefer the Gina K type of paper. Wish I knew how to delete that post now.
I purchased all of the sets of six from Custom Crops online, and am working on the 24 sets, which I had to order from the UK.
I LOVE to color. I have never taken any lessons or gotten any certifications, it is just "fun" for me the way it is, and I put my shadows wherever I feel like it, as I never was good at deciding on where my "light source" was. I am sure my coloring is not as good as many of you, but I enjoy what I do and that is what is important to me at this stage of the game. ;) I have used the Letraset Tria markers since the 1990's with great luck. However, they changed the pen style and they have become more expensive over the years (I used to pay about three bucks for them). The pens now have new "barrels" rather than bottles of ink, and I have found they tend to dry out after a short time, which I never had a problem with before. Also, the local art supply no longer carries them.:-(
I tried Copics but was not impressed. They tend to stain my fingers (friends also complained about that), didn't last as long as the Trias had, and the expense is ridiculous (I have also read the price is about to go up). They just are NOT worth the price IMO.
I have really enjoyed my Spectrum Noir markers. I use them to color, and then I do all my "blending" with Prismacolor pencils, gamsol and stubs. I had a little feathering problem at first, but now that I have used them a while, that has ended for me. That can also be avoided by embossing your images, as the embossed lines "hold" the ink where it is supposed to be. The gaps in the colors of the 6 marker sets are filled in with the 24 marker sets that are labeled--"lights" "darks" "pastels" "brights."
I am a "crafter" not an "artist." My son in law can take a plain old pencil and draw a picture that will look like a photo. HE's an artist! There is certainly nothing wrong with being a crafter IMO. I don't know where the Spectrum Noir markers are made or if they have "copied" someone else's design. (Why would I need to be concerned about that?) To me, that is kinda like Fiskars telling Singer "You can't make a pinking shears because we have one in our line." I did see some other markers that looked just like the Spectrum but they were not the ones others have mentioned in this discussion. Must be a popular design. They don't have a heavy smell, but I wouldn't let children play with ANY markers that will stain the carpets in the first place, so that isn't a big issue for me.
So my likes are: colors (I wouldn't buy ANY pen that had colors I didn't like), price, pen style. Dislikes: none of the stores carry them locally, so I have to order off the internet and wait for them.:mad:
Bottom line--the ONLY way to know if you are going to like something is to try it for yourself. My best friend can do wonders with the Stampin' Up markers and when I try to use them--BAD news!! Everyone is different. The more I have used these, the more I have come to enjoy using them.
So will these markers be released in the US? I just went to the UK site and they're offering a great deal on all 12 sets. If they sell them here for the same amount it is a smoking deal!
Stamp A Mania has the new markers available here in the States. The link is below:
Here is the link where I purchased my 72 piece set and I thought it was a good deal too.
And, they have more sets soon available as well which are bigger. Spectrum Noir
I just spent two days playing with these markers, and liked most of what they did. I found that they blend fine, on the neenah paper, at least. I will admit that I do not have much experience with Copics, so I cannot compare the brands.
However, the reason I do NOT have experience with Copics is the cost...so I feel that these markers fill a void in the marketplace. $2 per pen puts alcohol marker coloring within reach of more people. It's much easier to build your collection a set or two at a time with the $12/pack cost level.
I have the 6-marker packs, and I agree that the gaps in shades is frustrating. It will be nice to have the completer sets (the 24-marker packs), though it would also be nice to see these offered in Open Stock instead of $50 sets.
Still, I am enjoying these so far and would recommend them, in spite of a bit of a problem I have had with the fit of some of the caps being too tight.
I am reading everything dated July and August on these SN markers....Now, it is March 2012; and, I purchased these markers from Consumers Crafts.....when I called them with a problem they referred me to the mfg. of the pens.....They told me that all of the above has been resolved.....not so.....I had so much trouble getting the caps off of some of the markers I had to get a pair of pliers.....their YOU TUBE explanation said they do not BLEED...YES THEY DO! It does not matter what type of paper you use they bleed.
I know the caps are hard to get off and one has to be sure to push them on good too, but I think in the long run this might be a feature I can handle as it seems that it might prevent the pens from drying out so fast if they are on extra tight. But if one has problems with arthritis in their hands I am sure it is hard to remove the caps. I had no problems with mine bleeding on X-Press paper at all so I am fully satisfied with them. My Copics will bleed on inferior papers too and the cost for them is not within my budget range. I also use my Bic alcohol markers but they don't have the color line that these other brands do.
I am going to like the SN markers no matter what because of the cost for one thing.
I have contacted the mfg of the pens, they are being more than helpful! I have purchased expensive paper to use them on and have read tons of information on the internet.....So as soon as I receive the instructional DVD, I will let everyone know how I am doing with these markers....Everyone sees things differently, I am really not that fussy about coloring, I just want it to stay in the lines......
I haven't had a problem myself, but I believe I read somewhere that one should not color with them right to the edge of the lines of your stamp image. I am not sure if this was a Copic or a SPectrum Noir video but still no matter what it might be a way to prevent the feathering out so far. And, sometimes a lighter edge looks great too. Good luck and hope it works out for you so that you can make them work for you. I do know that I had to practice using them before I finally decided that I did like them. It seems I am always using them more often then my small set of Copics now. I hope you report back too. And, like you said..each one has to decide for themselves if they like them or not. I am always interested in what others think of products too. I read several reviews as well before I took the jump to order mine.
I just broke one of mine trying to open it.....it keep pulling the insides out not the nib part and while trying to open the correct area the entire marker cracked! ;-(
I emailed the mfg. to tell them that YES, they need a tight fit but their fit is entirely too tight and it certainly needs to be reworked by the mfg.
I do not have the time or patience for this!
I just broke one of mine trying to open it.....it keep pulling the insides out not the nib part and while trying to open the correct area the entire marker cracked! ;-(
I emailed the mfg. to tell them that YES, they need a tight fit but their fit is entirely too tight and it certainly needs to be reworked by the mfg.
I do not have the time or patience for this!
So sorry one broke on you. I hope the manufacturer will respond with a new pen for you at least. And, let us know what their response was to your complaint. So far, I have been okay but then again, I haven't used all of my markers yet either. Some colors don't get picked up quite as often by me. I still like the price over the Copics and will stick with these right now. But if you find you cannot afford either, then try the larger sets of Bic alcohol markers. I have a set of those too, and although the colors are not quite as nice, they will work as well.
Subbing. I just bought a few sets of these hoping to overcome my Copic-envy. I have been playing around with them a little and so far I like them. I don't have Copics and never used them so I can't give a comparison. I have colored with Sharpies and Bic markers and I can say that I like the SN much better.
__________________ Elizabeth
Please check out my little gallery and blog!
Fan Club Member
I just looked and yup - they changed the way they code the colors - when I bought mine - which was just back in November - my colors were numbers and names (i.e. 82 Light Violet) - now I look at them and they are letter and number codes (i.e. PL2). I think it is time to start investing in the Copics - at least I'll know what refill to purchase.
I did some more digging and researching - Spectrum has changed their color numbering system, but I looked on their website and they have a color chart which lists the new number codes along with the old number codes - now I have a way to know which I have. YAY!!!!!! Whew.
I checked at Crafter's Companion site and they have a chart showing the coloring system which might help the name change dilemma. Mine never came with a name at all on them. I am not sure I can show the chart here or not by doing a copy and paste but I can try. http://www.crafterscompanion.com/***...or%20Chart.pdf
Hi Ladies,
I have read all the post about the SN compared to the Copics, Shinhan, Bic and Sharpie. I, too, believe the Copics are way overpriced and only have purchased 6 (1 blender, 3 skin tones, 2 grey tones) and use my bics and sharpies. Yes, I am limited in the shading but with the Neenah paper and get a pretty decent quality. I am no artist by any means but I have taken the time to read (devour) anything I can about shading/coloring/tips on using alcohol markers. I have improved greatly since the onslaught of the copic age in cardmaking and scrapbooking. HA
My question is, since I use several different tips with what I do color with, has anyone with Copics and Spectrum Noirs markers with replaceable nibs tried replacing the SN bullet tip with the Copic brush tip?
I do like a brush tip for blending and have become adept at it...now thinking about purchasing the SN with a bullet tip will mean additional practice once again with blending.
So glad we have free-market system where several manufacturers can offer their markers and we, the consumer, can make the choice as to what works best in our individual situations, be they economic, artistic, etc.
If anyone is able to answer my question about switching out nibs - one way or the other....it may sway my opinion about investing in the newest "johnny come lately" marker.
Thanks --- sorry such a long post.
Easter Blessings SCS friends!
Suzanne
The mfg. has not responded to the broken SN marker.....
I am glad that those of you that have them are not having issues with pulling the caps off...I guess I received a bad run! Enjoy what you have!
I got the pastel set to try out I'm otherwise using ProMarker, and i was a little disappointed....I think that they do not blend well with the PM, they seam more "watery" and when I use them with PM they dissolve the PM color...maybe they are good if you just use them by them self....
Very interesting post, I tried some last week from a friend and had some reservations but for me they worked perfectly. Okay I need to practice some more because of the hard tip instead of the brush tip but I was convinced, ordered some and made a little blogpost about them. For those who are interested: Patterned Paper: Spectrum Noir Markers
It's in dutch but there's a translate widget on the right side of my blog;)
@Suzanne from what I understood it's not possible to switch nibs but in the future there will be Spectrum Noir Markers with brush tips available, they are working on that.
I have a set and find them to hard for me to open. Once I did get them open they do not compare to Copic, so if anyone is interested in a set of yellows will sell them for what I paid for them. Guess I got to spoiled with the copics.
I want to buy some good markers that blend well enough, butg after reading all your comments I am still confused on which should I get the Promarkers or Spectrum Noir?....somebody help me decide please!!
I bought th SN Markers because of the cost......
BUT....in the long run,if you have a 40 percent coupon you can purchase
The Copcs one at a time or buy a small set and fill it up as you get into coloring.
THERE IS NO COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO as far as I have seen. I really wanted to like them.....but cheap is cheap and as the old saying goes "you get what you pay for"! They do not blend well with other markers - they are very watery - and the caps do not come off without help!
My daughter sent me back the ones I sent her....she has the neenah paper and they bleed....
So.......buy a small set of each and compare them for your own sanity....
I started off with Promarkers a few years ago, then someone gave me some Copics and I got much better results. I prefer the brush tip over the bullet tip. Copics have increased in price so I invested in a few Copic Sketch in the basic colours I use and bought spare ink. I then tried the Spectrum Noir markers .. I don't like them at all, could be ' a bad workman always blames his tools' but I just can't seem to get the same results, the tip seems scratchy and the colours so wet they go splotchy, even using specialist colouring card. I tried Flex markers and like them very much so for me : Copics definitely, Flexmarkers OK, Promarkers so-so, Spectrum Noir no thanks. Now to try the Touch markers with brush tip! Oh and you need the strength of Mister Universe to get the tops off the SN, even the newer ones!
