shading:some people use shaders, but have you ever tried q-tips???

I've used q-tips before, and paintbrushes and rolled-up tissues. One time in class I was pressed for time and I used the edge of my shirt! ;-)

I didn't even realize there was such a thing as those shaders until I got into the art classes at school, and I don't really like them much.

Do NOT use Q-Tips or rolled up tissue because both of these leave tiny, lintlike substances , and they can ruin your work. The dry paint brushes suggested by the other answerers or the matte corners are terrific sugestions. There are so many pastel tools and brushes on the market that are much safer bets than Q-Tips or tissue.. The makeup tools are excellent, as mentioned. If the area to be shaded is large enough, a latex glove is good because the natural greases on your skin leave residue.

Creating the effect you want is important, and experimenting is part of the inventive process, but while experimenting be mindful of the consequences. One of my best pieces was made using a twig because an idea came to me when all I had with me was some ink. The main thing ( second to the intrinsic beauty of the art) is: you want your work to be of archival quality.

Finding out what other artists are doing and using in the Answer archive is a great source of info on what to use and how to's. There is a huge variety of art related websites on the internet where you can investigate some

tools and ideas you may wish to include in your supplies.

Stomps (or stumps, or "shaders", or tortillons) are the best thing to get into tight corners. You can clean them off with sandpaper when they get dirty and don't lose their shape as quickly as Q-tips do.

Try also a tightly-wound kleenex or T-paper, a chamois (shammy), shirt-sleeve as the last person suggested, or a kneaded eraser. A strip or corner of matboard is great (and cheap). You can buy sponge make-up applicators in bulk (at the dollar store) and they work great as well as being washable & reusable.

Have fun. Use everything within reach.

I like to use dry paintbrushes. You can get very specific about the placement and value of shades with an angled filbert, or use an old bushy brush for broad shading.

This winter I found another fun use for paintbrushes....

While I'm waiting in the car for *whatever* and the windows fog over inside, I use a paintbrush to sketch on the window.

You might try a paint brush.