#3 Blending

I use various tools to blend with also. Each creates a different texture and spreads each medium differently. Using the right blending tool can mean the difference between using a few quick swipes to create the exact look you want, or, re-working an area for hours (or until you rub a hole in the paper) and giving up in frustration. These are some of my blending tools. They are all included in my Creating Contrast and Texture Drawing Kit

• Blending Stump: These are tightly wound paper sticks with points on both ends. They are available in several diameters. Use them to blend large areas of the medium and also to apply the medium directly to the paper for softer effects.
  

• Tortillon: These are generally smaller and not wrapped as tightly as blending stumps. They are not as solid as blending stomps  and they create a slightly different texture. 
  

• Felt pad: Purchase 1' x 1' white squares at a craft store. Creates random textural effects for a variety of natural looking textures.
  

• Paper Towels: Each kind of paper towel will create a different texture. Rough towel make rough textures and smooth towels create smooth textures. I usually prefer smooth paper towels for most things and switch to the felt pad if I want rougher textures. The brand I currently use is Viva. They can easily be torn into half sheets and  package reads "stays strong when wet". These soft paper towels are great for smooth skin textures when the texture a chamois creates is too smooth
  

• Facial Tissue: Good for blurring the edge of shadows and softening unwanted pencil strokes. Soft paper towels are better in my opinion because they don't break apart as much and leave "stuff" all over your paper. Paper towels are another choice if you don't want to lighten the area as much.
  

• Paper: Blending with paper brings out the texture of the drawing paper. The paper you use to blend with makes a big difference in the texture created. Try wrapping notebook paper around you finger to start with. Good for separating two objects that have similar values by using only textures.
  

• Chamois: To imitate extremely smooth textures  like wrinkled paper and reflective surfaces like glass. I also use it like an eraser to lighten large masses of dark charcoal or graphite.

• Bamboo Blending Cloth: This is a new material I've found recently that creates a rougher texture than a chamois but smoother than the felt pad. I've found it really helpful for creating realistic skin textures. It is what was used to create the skin texture for this eye:

  
  
  To see a step-by-step video of me drawing this eye click
  Realistic Eye Tutorial

The Bamboo Blender is also included in my
Bonus Pack

• NOT FINGERS: I know some people don't have a problem with it but it can be a nightmare. I suggest you even be careful touching important areas of the paper with your bare hands. Your fingertips can transfer oil to the paper. This oil becomes apparent if it is in light areas of blended charcoal or graphite. Graphite and charcoal work exactly like finger print dusting powder, leaving the incriminating imprints of the person responsible for groping your paper. (Probably you, but you can yell at the kids if it makes you feel better.) It is impossible to make a smooth, even tone with charcoal or graphite powder in areas with fingerprints.
  

• Experiment: Put those creative thinking caps on! You never know when you might come across something that will produce the perfect texture you are looking for. Try different fabrics - smooth and rough. Just make sure the materials are clean and the color from dyes won't rub off on your paper.
  

• One Last Tip: These are some of the materials and techniques I use. I offer these methods as a starting point, to help you achieve a style all your own.  I believe there are as many techniques on how to draw as there are people. Never let any instructor or book make you believe that their way  is the ONLY way. My theory is - if it works, use it. We all need to keep growing and experiment but keep true to your own vision