Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool-with 2 Blending Foams

Really easy to use

if you do any kind of paper-crafting and enjoy using ink this is a tool for you! for those of you who don't know - it is a wooden block with handle that has some velcro(scratchy) attached to the bottom. the blending foams velcro(soft) to the handle so you can dab them into an ink pad and blend the color onto your paper.i have not yet used it on any ink other than distress but i am sure it would work just the same (only the ink may not rinse out as well ??) i had previously used cottonballs to ink edges, or would do it straight from the pad itself. while these techniques work i love this blending tool because it gives a lot more control and accuracy with the ink. did i mention that you can RINSE the pads out? to keep things clean and organized here is what i did: i got some small pieces of adhesive velcro (the scratchy side) and put a bit on the bottom of each of my distress ink pads. i got refill packs of the blending foams and keep one on the bottom of each of my distress ink pads. i rinse each one out when i am done and stick it to the bottom of the pad. this way i have one foam for each color (because they do not rinse completely) so i do not have to worry about contaminating my pads. this is also great for when i am working with a lot of colors because i know i have one for each and do not have to get up to rinse one so i can add another color to it.

Works with the blending foam pads. The tool has Velcro which is held on by staples so when you change the pads, I'm worried that the pad on the tool will tear off. I try to be gentle when changing the foam pads because I don't want to ruin the Velcro on it. Other than that, it works very well and I love to sponge on my cards and it is a necessary tool to achieve the best results.

I have used cosmetic sponges and daubers trying to get the look that Tim Holtz does on the edges of his paper, but never achieved it until I bought this tool. It makes the softest clouds of color on paper when using Distress Inks. It's well worth the purchase if you like to add dimension or an aged look to paper.

I love using these blending tools. They are perfect for adding the right patina to age the paper or picture.

i'm new to distressing, so very simple things like this are great fun for me. i've used the blending tool a number of times and always get great results. Tim Holtz has a good demo video on YouTube that shows you how to use the tool properly. the removable pads allow me to use multiple colors. i love this tool and will be using it regularly in my paper crafts.

I think this is a handy tool that is overpriced. It works like it should but getting a wood block and attaching some foam with velcro will accomplish the same thing. You are paying for the name.

I have been using these for awhile and they work great with many mediums and surfaces. Originally designed for use with Distress Inks, they are now being used with many inks as well as the new Distress Paints. For those of you who have had trouble with removing the foam from these in the past, they are now stapling the Velcro to the wood to make that process easier.