Have you ever drawn something and realized halfway through that you have nothing to mix colors with accurately? In this case, you need to try using a smudger. This is a cylinder-shaped tool that allows you to blend or shade sketches made with charcoal, crayons and pencils. Fortunately, it's very easy - and affordable - to make one.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Smudge
Step 1. Get the supplies
To create the smudge, you need a sheet of white paper (A4 is preferable), a ruler, a pencil and a pair of scissors. With one foil you can get two smudges.
The A4 sheet is 210mm wide and 297mm long
Step 2. Draw a straight line
To do this, measure 2.5 cm on one side of the paper and mark the spot with the pencil. Turn it over and measure 2.5 cm on the other side. Connect the ruler between the two points by drawing a straight line.
Step 3. Cut the sheet
Following the straight line you just drew, cut the paper in the center to divide it into two halves.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Smudge
Step 1. Roll up the paper
Take the shorter end of the paper and roll it evenly to the other edge. Be careful not to over-tighten, otherwise the smudge may be too pointed.
If you have trouble rolling the paper, try placing it on a flat surface and wrapping it like a rolling pin. Don't worry if the movement is a little complicated. Creating a smudge takes time and practice
Step 2. Get the pencil shape
To make it, you will need stiff metal wire, a knitting needle, or something similar in shape and size. Use the tool of your choice by pushing it into the center of the smudge cone until it takes the shape of a pencil.
Step 3. Close the smudge
Take a piece of masking tape and use it to reinforce the paper cone you got. Make sure you get rid of the leftover paper or ribbon at the top, otherwise it could blur the colors where you don't want them and ruin your work.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Smudge
Step 1. Clean it
The smudge is a tool that lasts a long time, as long as you take care of it. To clean it, rub it against a rough surface to scrape the outer layer. Medium grit sandpaper is ideal for this task.
When you want to blend lighter areas, use a clean smudge. For darker ones, use a used one
Step 2. Remove the used paper
With a pair of craft scissors, cut off the excess paper. Proceed slowly trying to recreate the rounded tip that you had initially obtained as soon as you made the smudge.
Step 3. Organize the smudges by color
If you clean them systematically, you will notice that they last less. To avoid this, try to divide them according to the color they have absorbed. If you keep using them depending on the shade in order to get the right shades, you won't have to clean them as often and they will last much longer.
