Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Thumbs Down for Blendy Pens

by

d_5491

I went to a Kids’ Crafts Workshop (see – I told you I see a lot of kids’ crafts 🙂 with my kids this weekend.  It was held at a craft store here, and it featured several different stations with a different product/activity at each station so the kids could get some hands-on experience.  One of the stations featured Blendy Pens, and I have to admit that I’m baffled by the entire product.  The basic premise is that you twist a double-tipped marker so that the two felt ends meet in the middle chamber, thus creating a marker that is now two colors instead of just one.  Supposedly, twirls and swirls of color ensue when the marker is used on the paper.

Wrong.

It was difficult for little hands (and even my much bigger hands) to twist the pens to the point where the tips actually touched and blended the colors.  Plus, what’s all the fuss about “blended” colors, anyway?  Couldn’t kids get a similar effect just by using two different markers on the page? When you were in school, did you not try specifically to avoid letting your marker tips touch one another so that the pristine tips wouldn’t be sullied by a different color ink? (or was that just me?  is that just one of my quirks?  say it isn’t so…)  I was completely unimpressed by the Blendy Pens.  I’m betting they’re one of those ideas that sounded good on paper, but once they passed from theory into reality, it just didn’t hold up. Most importantly, my kids were unimpressed as well, so they get thumbs down from both mom and her child testers, who were bored and just looking out for the next activity.

I remember my daughter wanting to buy a generic brand of these pens at a local fair,  we didn’t buy any but I did buy some online from ebay for 1/2 the price. She used them one or twice but then decided that blending pens didn’t actually do all those wonderful things, it was the lady who drew all those wonderful things.

Personally, I think these are better suited to older kids such as teens who need to work on creative titles for school projects etc.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building

Sometimes clay tools feel more like magic than equipment, and this Moth Pottery Template definitely falls into that category. One moment you’re working with a flat slab, and the next you’re holding a detailed, sculptural moth that looks like it could flutter right off your table.

Why This Template Caught My Eye

This design stands out because it combines structure with artistry. The template gives you the clean, symmetrical base of the moth form, but once you have that shape cut, the real fun begins—adding textures, underglazes, or even metallic accents to bring the wings to life.

It’s ideal for slab-builders who want to go beyond mugs and bowls and dive into more decorative or sculptural projects.

What Makes It Special

  • Unique Subject: How often do you see a pottery moth? It’s an instant conversation starter.

  • Sculptural Yet Simple: The template does the tricky work, leaving you free to decorate.

  • Wall Art or Table Décor: Finished moths look stunning hung on a wall, framed, or displayed on a shelf.

  • Room for Creativity: Paint with bright colors, earthy neutrals, or even metallics for different vibes.

Ideas for Makers

  • Use glossy glazes with shimmering metallic accents for a celestial-style moth.

  • Keep it natural and muted for a woodland-inspired look.

  • Make a series of moths in different colors and sizes for a gallery wall effect.

  • Turn smaller versions into pendants or ornaments.

Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are inspiring because they bridge the gap between functional pottery and decorative art. It’s not just about making something useful—it’s about making something memorable. And let’s be honest, it’s the kind of piece guests will immediately comment on when they spot it in your home.

You can grab it here: Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building on Etsy.

This spotlight is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates and tools that push creativity beyond the basics. If you’re ready for a project that feels both bold and whimsical, this moth template will absolutely deliver.

Crochet Pattern – Adorable Fluttering Moth Sprite Doll [Crochet]

DIY Moth Embroidery Pattern And Kit [Needle Work]