You might have wondered just what are Inktense pencils – and you’re not alone!
I’m Sandy Allnock, so if we haven’t met – and these bloghops bring in a lot of new folks – so HI! So glad to meet you! I’m an artist who also loves to make cards, and I really really love to help others make art of all kinds. I teach on YouTube, IG, and on my own teaching site (more on that later)
This post contains both art chat (we’ll talk about the pencils and some techniques to make them work better) and craft chat, a new stamp release that you might just love.

Inktense pencils are categorized along with watercolor pencils in a lot of people’s minds, but…they’re a bit different. Even different than what Derwent tells us. (Watch the video to see the craziness happen!)
The giveaway from my blog is over–congrats to Naomi for being randomly selected as a winner!
CCC Links: Complete Bundle – Save 10% Stamps Only Bundle – Save 5%
Mermaid & Seahorses | Mermaid & Penguins | Mermaid & Whale | Seagulls | Walrus Mini
In the first portion of the video I’ll talk answer the question, what are inktense pencils. After I create the little graphic below (including the seal in inktense blocks!), we’ll jump into the CCC release, with even more technique chatting. Are you ready?

Tutorial: What are Inktense Pencils? (with CCC release!)
The CCC release portion starts at 9:40 if you want to skip to that for a shorter video time. 🙂 You’re welcome!
Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!
Look ma, a carousel.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to make carousels (sliding photos) in this blog, like, forEVer. I finally did it! Tell me in the comments if you had to tap or swipe through, I’m curious how this works on different devices!
Win this mermaid piece next month!
Join Artventure and share your own creativity, encourage others, and become a tighter community as we all grow together. This mermaid piece will be the prize in the February challenge there….sign up for free if you want a chance to join in the fun!
My full set of cards
In case the above carousel does NOT work for you…here’s that image all in one. With the walrus too. 🙂

That cute walrus
I’ve always had a thing for walruses. Walrii? Something about a chunky fella with funny teeth reminds me of being a chunky youngster badly in need of braces, maybe! But this little walrus has friends. I do too. 🙂

Crafting classes, anyone?
These bloghops bring in a lot of new folks – and you might not know I have a gajillion (ok exaggeration) coloring classes for you! SO many are perfect for cardmaking. So much so that I created a special CRAFTS page just for cardmakers to give you some suggested places to start!
Check out the brand new craft page HERE, or tap on the picture at the right to see the new Sunrise Sunset class while it’s still on its launch sale.
Go enter!
Remember to enter the CCC giveaways by 1) commenting on this post, and 2) using my links below to make your purchase–you could win one stamp set or the whole release! Here’s the list of blogs participating so go get inspired by their creations too:
Sandy Allnock <–that’s me!
Instagram Inspiration:
Adam Karle
Jasleen Kaur
Laura Inguz
Traci Jenkins
Supplies
Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art
- SEAL GRAPHIC SUPPLIES
- CARD SUPPLIES
- Colorado Craft Company:
- Other card supplies:
Amazing what you can do with color pencils!! Great job!!
Beautiful cards and colors using inktense pencils. That is the first I have heard about them. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely check out your video! Love the me walrus and the seagulls, and the Mermaids. Seahorses too!! Such fun stamps and can’t wait to get me some! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing your art work and your knowledge! Beautiful art work! Those inktense supplies are fascinating. Love how they blend and fade!
Wow! You got a lot of color and details with the Inktense pencils. Might need to get a set of those and practice!
Your coloring/vision amazes me. I love what you did with the backgrounds as well as the figures. You really made these your own. Thanks for the heads up on the picture slideshow, I had to use the arrows to see them both (laptop computer). Thank you for sharing your talent and knowledge with us.
Yes, I already bought the walrus…! He stole my heart. Each of your cards are gorgeous…and I really enjoyed your YouTube on Inktense… I learned a lot (thank you). Love. Peace. Create.
Yup – my favorite is the walrus. He had my heart from day 1! Thanks for sharing all your makes – they are stunning!! Can’t wait to see what you create next — love your work!
I love all of these designs—they’re magical and compelling. My favorite is the mermaid with seahorses because I love seahorses, but it’s also my favorite of the ones Sandy colored. I thought her decision to add overlapping circles in different colors inspiring. All her color choices show the mermaid off with great contrast. Gorgeous!
You sure know your color mediums. Love watching you create!
Thanks for the info on the pencils and for sharing your techniques on these fabulous projects.
gorgeous job on the coloring of these cards!
These are beautiful cards. The circle background is really interesting.
Fantastic collection of cards you expertly colored Sandy! My first learn of these types of writing utensils. I had to swipe with the arrows to view. Very enjoyable! Thank you!
Will definitely have to try inktense pencils on these stamps. Thanks so much for your inspiration.
Thank you for sharing. I love these designs using Inktense Pencils. I’m new to watercoloring and will definitely subscribe to your YouTube Channel to learn more.
Always learn something new from you and looking forward to giving the intense pencils a try! Thanks!
Thanks for the info about Inktense products. I will check them out when I get a minute. I love this release from AJ and CCC – such fancilful / whimsical images. Your mermaid panels are splendid and I also like the walrus a great deal. I love the gulls as well.
I’d love to win some/all of this release!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Lori S in PA
love these cards and the inktense pencils are so nice!
Seems kind I’ve been following you forever. You never disappoint. Beautiful carousel. You wanted to know if I could see the carousel you worked so hard on. I can see the cards but not as a carousel. Beautiful creations!
I appreciate the video. Good stuff!
I stumbled on your video, and I loved it! I’ve had Inktense pencils for years, and learned so much from this video. I didn’t know I could make pigment powder with a tea strainer!
I’m looking forward to trying items you demonstrate in your blogs, videos and classes. I am new to card making and don’t even know what half of the items you use. I am a doodler and I do a lot of Zen Tangle. I am excited to try new markers, pens, brushes, papers etc. This could be dangerous. LOVE your work.
Oh,I LOVE those cards! You really bring everything to life! I do watercolor and colored pencils but have not heard of the Inktence pencils! Thank you for a wonderful introduction and demonstration of them!!
Such intense gorgeous color–thank you for introducing us to these Inktense colors. Everything is beautiful