I got a set of Prismacolor colored pencils for Christmas. I have been wanting to try them for awhile using the Gamsol technique. I usually use watercolor pencils but wanted to switch because I like the effect and vibrancy more. Anyway, I am sooooo upset with them right now. They will not sharpen for anything! I have even purchased the Prismacolor pencil sharpener which was supposed to practically guarantee a sharp point without "chewing" the pencil. Not a chance. I have a several pencils that are chewed down and keep breaking when I sharpen them. One of my reds is already halfway used thanks to this!
These are not cheap pencils as y'all know and I do not want to ruin them this way. I was soooo mad awhile ago while trying to work on a project that I got up and emailed the company. I am waiting to hear from them but thought in the meantime I would see if anyone has any suggestions. I know some of you use this method too. How do you sharpen your colored pencils? Do you have a certain brand of sharpener that just rocks? If so, please let me know. I appreciate any help that anyone can give me! Hugs!
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7 comments:
Crystal, I have a ton of Prismacolor pencils and did have that problem initially..but hen again I was just using a run of the mill pencil sharpener from Wal Mart..I didn't really know the use a proper one...ooops, anyway, I use one made by Faber Castell and it has 3 sharpeners in it...one for colored pencils, then one regular one and one a smidge bigger, 2 are in the bottom part and the colored pencil one is in the top part. Here is a link for the one that I have! I hope that helps a bit anyway!
Hugs, Kelly
Come to me with all these problems girl! I have been an artist for over 25 years and have used it all. Fine art school even. Email me. Prismacolors are fabulous because they are so soft the vibrancy can't be beat. Unfortunately this is the sacrifice for that. I can give you tips on papers everything.
EMAIL ME
I had the same issue with these pencils. They are now safely tucked into a drawer and have been replaced by Koh-i-Noor solid color pencils that I use with oms and blender stumps. I love the vibrant colors of these pencils as much as I did the others, but these don't have leads to break! They are not cheap either - $19.95 at Mike's for a full set, but their durability and variety of color makes them the BEST in my book. I have a Faber Castell sharpener too - one that has a suction lever so that you can move it anywhere and it stays put - and it is really worth it too. Good luck! ~chris
Hi Crystal, I love my Prismacolor pencils and had problems with the lead breaking too until I purchased the electric pencil sharpener, Panasonic KP-410. I got mine from Office Max. It sharpens my pencils perfectly and now I have little to no breakage.
I also wanted to pass on what I personally like to blend with. I much prefer baby oil to the gamsol and instead of paper stumps I used the Ranger Cut 'n Dry Nibs that you can get at Mike's. I love how these nibs don't break down and come to a very sharp point so you have a lot of control. I just have one nib per color family. And the baby oil smells nice:) Hope that helps! Can't wait to see you color!
thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has been leaving me such awesome suggestions. i appreciate every single one of them and am going to try them to see what is the best for me. and keep them rolling if you would like! you can never have too much good advice! hugs to all!
Hey, lady!
I was on the Cricut MB and found your blog. Good for you! I have Prismacolor pencils and I hate to say it, I've not run into that problem. I have the little black Prismacolor sharpener. Looks a little like a pointy bullet.
PS I left you a message on the MB with my contact info.
I'd love to hear from you!
Love ya! Cara
You're not going to like this but I sharpened mine with a pencil which was in a pack 12 for a dollar in the dollar store. They all sharpened fine, except for the red one which ended up as a stub by the time I finished. Good luck with it.
big hugs
En xx
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