How do I clean a blending stump?

Rub the tip on a sanding block or fine sandpaper to remove the dirty layer.

Why not blend with my finger?

Skin oils can mark the paper and dull the drawing over time. A stump keeps skin off the surface.

Are stumps the same as tortillons?

Similar. Stumps are solid and pointed at both ends, and tortillons are hollow and rolled to one point.

Best blending tool

Creative Mark

Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12)

Twelve double-ended blending stumps made of tightly rolled felt paper. They soften graphite, charcoal, pastel and colored pencil without leaving skin oils on the paper.

Best for: Anyone shading in graphite or charcoal who wants smooth transitions

Count: 12
Size: #8
Material: Felt paper
Ends: Double

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What we like

Two tapered tips per stump
Works with graphite, charcoal, pastel and colored pencil
Keeps finger oils off the drawing

Keep in mind

All twelve are the same size
Tips need sanding to clean them

Key features

From the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

SOFT FELT PAPER CONSTRUCTION: Tightly rolled layers give each double-ended stump the firm yet forgiving touch needed for coaxing smooth transitions out of graphite, charcoal, and pastel work. Two tapered tips per piece mean twice...
SEAMLESS MEDIA BLENDING: From graphite and vine charcoal to carbon pencil, pan pastel, and colored pencil work, this stump glides across the page to soften edges and build believable depth. Tapered points slip into tight corners...
QUICK TIP REFRESH: A few strokes on any sanding block strip away soiled outer layers and reveal fresh material underneath, keeping the creative flow uninterrupted. No need to grab a replacement mid-session when the old tip still...
PROTECTS DELICATE ARTWORK: Smudging and shading with bare fingers risks transferring natural hand oils onto drawing paper, dulling tonal work over time. Wrapping keeps skin away from the surface, preserving crisp highlights and...
A SIZE FOR EVERY DETAIL: From fine-point tips built for tiny highlight accents to broad stumps made for sweeping background tones, this graduated range covers every task in the studio. Artists pick the right diameter instead of...

Frequently asked questions about the Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12)

How do I clean a blending stump?: Rub the tip on a sanding block or fine sandpaper to remove the dirty layer.
Why not blend with my finger?: Skin oils can mark the paper and dull the drawing over time. A stump keeps skin off the surface.
Are stumps the same as tortillons?: Similar. Stumps are solid and pointed at both ends, and tortillons are hollow and rolled to one point.