What is a blending stump used for?

Softening and smoothing graphite, charcoal, pastel or colored pencil into even tone, without touching the paper with your fingers.

How do I clean a blending stump?

Rub the tip on a sanding block or fine sandpaper to remove the dirty outer 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 blending stumps the same as tortillons?

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

What size are the Creative Mark stumps?

All 12 stumps in this pack are size #8.

Best blending tool

Creative Mark

Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12)

A pack of 12 size #8 blending stumps made from tightly rolled felt paper, with a tapered tip at each end for smoothing graphite and charcoal.

Best for: Artists blending graphite, charcoal or pastel without using a finger

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

Check price on Amazon

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Buy it if

You shade in graphite or charcoal and want smooth, even transitions
You want to stop blending with your fingers and keep oils off the paper
You want 12 stumps with two working tips on each

Skip it if

You want a range of sizes. All 12 stumps in this pack are size #8
You mainly work in colored pencil and want a glossy finish. The KALOUR burnisher pencil lists that; this listing does not

What the Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12) is

The Creative Mark Blending Stumps pack gives you 12 size #8 stumps made from tightly rolled felt paper. A blending stump is a firm, pointed stick you rub over a drawing to soften graphite, charcoal or pastel into smooth tone, and each of these has a tapered tip at both ends.

Using a stump instead of your finger keeps skin oils off the paper, which the listing notes can dull tonal work over time. When a tip gets dirty, a few strokes on a sanding block reveal clean material underneath.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

Double-ended
Each stump has two tapered tips, which the listing says doubles the working life of every piece.
Rolled felt paper
Tightly rolled layers give what the listing calls a firm yet forgiving touch, for smooth transitions in graphite, charcoal and pastel.
Works across dry media
The listing names graphite, vine charcoal, carbon pencil, pan pastel and colored pencil.
Points and broad sides
Use the tapered point for tight corners and small details, and the broader part of the stump for wide gradients.
Easy tip refresh
Rub a dirty tip on a sanding block to strip away the soiled outer layer and expose fresh felt paper.
Keeps skin off the drawing
Blending with a stump avoids transferring hand oils, which the listing says helps keep highlights crisp.

Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12) specifications

Type: Blending stumps
Count: 12
Size: #8
Material: Rolled felt paper
Ends: Double, tapered
Works with: Graphite, vine charcoal, carbon pencil, pan pastel, colored pencil
Cleaning: Sand the tip on a sanding block
Part number: 13MMX155MM DZ
Warranty: 90 days

Who the Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12) suits

Graphite and charcoal shading. The listing pitches the stumps for softening edges and smoothing transitions in graphite and charcoal.
Pastel and colored pencil. The listing also names pan pastel, carbon pencil and colored pencil.
Anyone who blends with a finger. A stump keeps hand oils off the paper, which the listing says can dull tonal work over time.

Look elsewhere if: you blend colored pencil and want a glossy finish. The KALOUR burnisher pencil lists a rich, glossy finish.

Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12) vs similar picks

Spec	Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12)	KALOUR Blender and Burnisher Pencils	Faber-Castell Kneaded Erasers (4-Pack)
Count	12	5 blenders + 1 burnisher	4
Type	Felt paper stumps	Colorless wax pencils	Kneaded erasers
Size	#8	Not listed	Large
Works with	Graphite, charcoal, pastel, colored pencil	Wax and oil pencils	Graphite, charcoal, pastel
Choose it for	Smooth tone in dry media	Blending colored pencil	Lifting tone back out

Creative Mark Blending Stumps (12)
Count
12
Type
Felt paper stumps
Size
#8
Works with
Graphite, charcoal, pastel, colored pencil
Choose it for: Smooth tone in dry media
KALOUR Blender and Burnisher Pencils
Count
5 blenders + 1 burnisher
Type
Colorless wax pencils
Size
Not listed
Works with
Wax and oil pencils
Choose it for: Blending colored pencil
Faber-Castell Kneaded Erasers (4-Pack)
Count
4
Type
Kneaded erasers
Size
Large
Works with
Graphite, charcoal, pastel
Choose it for: Lifting tone back out

Before you buy

Keep a sanding block or fine sandpaper nearby to clean the tips.
Use one stump for dark values and another for light areas, so a dirty tip does not gray your highlights.
All 12 are the same #8 size. For very fine detail you may want a smaller stump as well.

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

What is a blending stump used for?: Softening and smoothing graphite, charcoal, pastel or colored pencil into even tone, without touching the paper with your fingers.
How do I clean a blending stump?: Rub the tip on a sanding block or fine sandpaper to remove the dirty outer 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 blending stumps the same as tortillons?: They are similar. Stumps are solid and pointed at both ends, while tortillons are hollow and rolled to one point.
What size are the Creative Mark stumps?: All 12 stumps in this pack are size #8.