RangerTim Holtz Mini Ink Blend Foam, White

I prefer to use a handled, makeup style brush for my Distress Oxide inks, but I am old school with my regular Distress inks and prefer the round, mini ink blending tool. I didn’t always feel that way because the flat foams can easily leave a harsh edge that can be difficult to impossible to blend, depending on the paper you’re using. Bristol smooth paper can be more forgiving, fyi.I was absolutely ecstatic when Scrapbook.com announced that they were releasing domed foams and their own round, mini ink blending tools and the domed foams could be used on the Ranger tools. I immediately ordered a few of their tools and their domed foams. I loved them, and they kept me from getting harsh lines on my paper from my regular distress inks. The only thing I wasn’t in love with was the texture. They were slightly rougher than the Ranger flat foams. It was nothing that was a deal breaker but it mattered and made me wish that SBC would meet the softness of the Ranger foams or that Ranger would release their own domed foams.Fast forward a few months and Ranger now had their own domed foams ready to hit the market. I tried them and they’re the texture I know and love. They make a HUGE difference when blending inks. I really can’t say enough good things about them. I actually prefer the mini, round ink blending tool that’s made by Scrapbook.com over the ones by Ranger. They’re the same size, but the handle of the SBC tools are grey, but the real difference is the way the hook and loop tape is fastened to the SBC tools vs the Ranger. The SBC tools have firmly glued hook and loop tape that doesn’t peel as easily while removing a foam pad. The Ranger ones are stapled on and have a smaller amount of glue and you have to hold the hook and loop tape to the tool while peeling the foam off. I wish that SBC sold their tools in bulk like Ranger and the off brands do. Then I could really have the best of both worlds!If you’re having trouble blending regular Distress inks (Distress Oxides blend like a dream all the time and with any tool), then try these. They’ll likely make a big difference for you. As always, start off the page, and blend in a circular motion. I’ve rediscovered my love for my regular Distress inks and have now bought re-inkers for every single color.Happy crafting!

I love the rounded (dome) of these. Wo8nrks very well with inks

I really like the dome shape for this. Blending ink and Tim Holtz crayon pencils work well using these foam pads!

Although it seems to be all the rage to use brushes for ink blending now I still think good old foam pads provide a richer result. This domed version performs well with less ‘edges’ left behind to buff out. I do enjoy using brushes to do some blending but my preferred method will always be with the foam.

Easy on-easy off. I really do like these replaceable and cleanable rounded foam blenders! The truth is: you really DON't need to clean after every use! But if you do, it's super-simple: water, and a little soap, if you want. They dry quickly. But I found you don't even need to do that. These are super simple to use. The only reason I am giving them 4 stars versus 5 is that it is hard to apply ink without some amount of circular evidence on your final product. It takes some practice. This is much less of an issue if you are using stencils. Still, with some video guidance, you can produce some amazing vintage looking paper with these attachments. I recommend. They work better than the flat round foams that come with the applicator.

These are great! They beat the old ones I had with a felt pad on the bottom. These pads slick over the paper like a dream and give even, smudgeless antiquing! Great product. Thanks Tim Holtz!

These dome shape foam caps are perfect for smooth ink blending.

I never mind trying alternatives to the name brand and generally more expensive versions, but there is no beating the quality of these domed distressing sponges. I use the flat version of these for some uses but I’m finding the domed version to be superior