Best used on a slightly rough surface. Experiment by putting a number of colors on the paper and blend them with your finger or a stump. Sharpen with a hand held sharpener and sandpaper pencil pointer. Can be used to transfer designs directly to fabrics, for firm lines and detail on soft pastel drawings, or by themselves. Use extra soft vinyl eraser for erasing. Each set includes a sharpener. 24 count set comes with 2 sponge applicators.