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Meet Linda

We’d like to introduce you to Crafts By Linda – an expert crafter who we seek advice and craft tips from. Linda has been an avid crafter for over 15 years and loves inspiring creativity.

If you have any tips you would like to share or questions you would like to ask, we encourage you to do so…so that we can make your marking activities more colorful and fun!

How It Works

Welcome to the BIC Mark-It Ask a Crafter blog, where you can get tips and advice for all of your favorite crafts. Ask our crafting expert specific questions on how to enhance your crafts to give it that extra flair. Simply click here to submit a question and our crafter will post weekly answers to questions. Although we may not post answers to all questions we will do our best to read and respond to each one.

All posts will include the name you submit and, as such, we suggest designating only your first name.

All postings will be subject to the BIC MARK-IT.COM Terms and Conditions.

Questions about protecting your craft projects

by Crafter 23. November 2009 09:34

Q: Is there anything you recommend using to keep Bic markers from bleeding in water.

A: To protect your craft projects made with BIC Mark-it™ Permanent Markers, I recommend a tough water based polyurethane made for indoor/outdoor use that you brush on. The one that I use is one made by Delta Ceramcoat® called Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish™. It protects my indoor and outdoor projects made with BIC Mark-it™ Permanent Markers and prevents all 36 colors from “bleeding”. Should you decide to use a water based polyurethane, please be sure to follow the directions and heed any warnings provided by the manufacturer.

Q: When I use Bic markers for craft projects, what type of finish product can I put over them to protect them, whether indoor or outdoors. I have used both "brush on" and spray finishes and the color markers "bleed".

A: To protect your craft projects made with BIC Mark-it™ Permanent Markers, I recommend a tough water based polyurethane made for indoor/outdoor use that you brush on. The one that I use is one made by Delta Ceramcoat® called Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish™. It protects my indoor and outdoor projects made with BIC Mark-it™ Permanent Markers and prevents all 36 colors from “bleeding”. Should you decide to use a water based polyurethane, please be sure to follow the directions and heed any warnings provided by the manufacturer.

Q: Could I use BIC permanent markers on furniture? I'd like to draw and color a used and repainted chair. If so, what product should I use to coat the chair to protect the coloring?

A: BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers can be used on just about every surface including wood furniture. To protect your craft projects made with BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers, I recommend a tough water base polyurethane made for indoor/outdoor use that you brush on. The one that I use is one made by Delta Ceramcoat® called Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish™. Should you decide to use a water based polyurethane, please be sure to follow the directions and heed any warnings provided by the manufacturer.

Your Questions Answered

by Crafter 20. November 2009 07:34

Q: I have seen some of the crafts on this website. Is there a special website I would go to in order to get the templates to use. I can't do freehand designing; I need a diagram to go by. Thank you. Love your site.

A: Glad you love www.bicmarkit.com! I hope you have become inspired to try one of over 100 craft ideas that are available on the site. There are many websites that offer stencils to help you create designs with BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers. You can find many different stencils at your local craft store or retailers that carry craft supplies. Good luck with your crafting!

Q: I have used the BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers to draw on my daughter's shoes. Is there a way to seal them so that the design will not bleed when washed?

A: BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers can be used on just about everything including glass, metal, plastic, photos, foils, coated paper, oily and damp surfaces. However, BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers are not recommended for use on cloth. You can try fabric markers for this project which are available at any craft store.

Latest Answers to Your Questions!

by Crafter 6. November 2009 08:35

Q: Can you advise me what the best marker would be to use outside. I am going to write on a sunbrella type weatherproof fabric and I don't want my writing to fade.

A: BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers can be used on just about everything including glass, metal, plastic, photos, foils, coated paper, oily and damp surfaces. However, BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers are not recommended for use on cloth. You can try fabric markers for this project which are available at any craft store.

Q: LOOKING FOR SOMETHING VERY DIFF FOR A TEENS ROOM AGE 15 TO 17 LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. P,S SOMETHING VERY NICE ABOVE THE BED, OR THERE WALL.

A: There are several craft ideas available on www.bicmarkit.com that would be great for a teen’s room! How about using BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers to decorate initials or create a custom name sign to hang over a bed? A personalized message/picture cork board would not only look great above a desk, but would be functional as well. These are some of the many ideas that you can find using BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers at www.bicmarkit.com. Have fun crafting!

Q: I have played around with just using the pens to put a design on fabric. Will it stay after washing or do I need to iron it before washing? I would like to design a quilt so I need to know. Have lots of colors!

A: BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers can be used on just about everything including glass, metal, plastic, photos, foils, coated paper, oily and damp surfaces. However, BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers are not recommended for use on cloth. I would try fabric markers for this project which are available at any craft store.

Q: I'd like to build a large 5 point star (may be 10' diameter), cover with Christmas lights, then hang outside, above the garage door. What material would be best considering weight, angles, etc...

A: Home Improvement stores offer a lot of different materials that you can use to construct a large outdoor 5 point star. Since it will be hung outdoors and needs to be strong enough to hold Christmas lights, I would use pressure treated wood.

Q: I've heard that you can use these to blend colors, is that true? How do you blend these?

A: Due to the permanency of BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers, you will not be able to blend the colors. But with 36 bold and fashionable colors like Polynesian Purple and Margarita Green to choose from, you should be able to find the color you are looking for!

Q: I have been searching "EVERYWHERE" for a pattern to make birch tree shaving flowers(roses) , AND also where can you buy the colored birch tree shavings or do you need to color them yourself ? I would like as much information as I can get on this craft and where to purchase. I live in Indiana. Maybe a online site? anything...I cannot find any of these flowers except for ones already made and I want to make my own. Thank you so much for your time. Ms Kathy D.

A: I searched for information on making birch tree wooden flowers and could only find websites that sold these flowers already made. Although I did come across a site that sells wooden flower petals that you may want to look into. It is www.bergodesigns.com. My suggestion to you is to contact local florists or nurseries to see if they can supply the birch tree shavings. Then I would purchase an already made flower and take it apart to see how it is made.

Q: Can i use the BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers on a ceramic piggy bank that already is glazed or would i have to buy the markers that are made for ceramics? Thanks for your time

A: BIC Mark-It™ Permanent Markers decorate glass and ceramic beautifully. The colors are vibrant and plentiful with our 36 color assortment. Like all permanent markers, the mark will rub off when it comes in contact frequently with hot soapy water over time.