This was a really interesting video. All products and books are personal preference so nothing wrong with stating yours esp when you give your reasons and you do have other videos showing us what you like and why. The only thing I would say is : Life is short, time flies by, so why waste a minute of it on books and products you don't enjoy? Would you make a point to wear shoes or a shirt you dont like just because you have it? I say sell or donate the books and products you don't enjoy and get out of your life the stress of feeling like you need to use them because they are there. Enjoy your hobby, enjoy your life as much as possible. I'm sure you have enough stresses and responsibilities without adding these to your list. OK, off my soapbox now☺️
Wonderful advice! I like it! It's true, life is short! I respect that and it really resonates with me. Some things just aren't worth the headspace. Thank you for your thoughts and advice! And thank you for watching 🤗
Thought I i was pretty alone with Johanna Basford. I don't understand why so many love her books. However, if we all liked the same things this world would be pretty boring!
I don't care for her books either, I just bought them because so many people were raving about them, but here they are gathering dust onmy shelf. To each her own I guess.
Yes...strange enough I want the new one but I'll probably pass. I think the leaves very much throw me off. I've seen them colored beautifully but just hasn't been one to stick in my collection.
I think the big thing with JB was that she’s kind of considered the first true adult coloring book artist. Her books kickstarted the movement. I started coloring after I left active duty, and hers were the first books I remember buying. I think for me personally, I’ve outgrown the style a bit. For the neocolor I’s, I agree with you. They’re not bad by any means, and I get the best results with the Derwent pencil blender. But…I played around and was able to do the same thing with a box of crayola crayons with pretty similar results.
Thank you for your service btw. I understand what you're saying about JB. It makes sense to me. Yes, I think that's why the Neocolor I's didn't win my favor. There's just other things I'd rather put on my page. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a lovely day! 😊
I’m sooooo glad I’m not the only one NOT on the Johanna basford books. I started with them and now they just sit on my shelf. Too many flowers/repeated leaves!!
Yes, I wanted to love them. Just didn't happen. Leaves and flowers are on so many pages. Looks like her new one seems better but I'm holding off. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
@@kristinasartcorner had to come back to vent my frustration that all of social media is filled with her stuff right now. We can’t escape it even if we tried!!!
Love this video! We're all different in what we like to color, and also what we like to use to color. I like seeing both perspectives, favorites and least favorites. One suggestion for the pastel pencils... I would tear my hair out if I tried to use them like pan pastels. Lol my favorite way to use them is shading over marker on a page if I'm too lazy to grab for my regular colored pencils and just want some light shading. Using a light touch in a q-tip to blend them out gets me great results. Of course I'm always looking for a way to limit how much I use colored pencils because of arm pain issues. Just a suggestion since you still plan to use them.
@@kristinasartcornerhave you tried the colorless blender on the pastel pencils… it probably wouldn’t do anything but I’d give that a try or try smudging things with a damp baby wipe Tim Holtz does that a lot with his stuff
The Pitt pastels are a good product, you are just using them in a way they are not intended. Pastels are actually designed to be used on textured paper.. but they are layered on rather thickly to fill the tooth, and then blended and set with fixative. I used the Pitts in particular quite a lot when I was painting in watercolor to add opaque pops of color and highlights on top of a finished painting as well. Sell them or give them away, unless you want to try learning pastel drawing. If you do get pastel paper, it's sanded and designed for them.
Personally have never seen what is so great about Basford’s books. They’re ok; but only just. Too repetitive. As are imho Hanna Karlzon’s: same woman with broken nose bony long flat-chested women(? What’s up with that??) same drawings over and over again (for example the space themed book; she just transplanted more of her sane old style houses onto a supposed alien planet. Yawn! I don’t buy either of their books anymore. I am preferring the Japanese ones nowadays. Great video, btw! Hey we all have a right to our own opinions and preferences! 😎👍🏻
Yea, very individual tastes. I do like the Basford Christmas one though because of the theme. Hannah Karlzon yes can be repetitive. I understand. Love Japanese Books too!! 😁
Ooo I just did a big declutter on all my colouring stuff,( shock horror) I got rid of most of my Klara Markova books kept one as I feel I got caught up in all the hype and bought them all as did with most things, now I am down to only the things I really love. Nice to hear your thoughts on all these products most of which I had and gave away to an artist friend and her daughter.🥺
It's nice you had an artist friend to give them too! I always have my granddaughter if content in books is appropriate, books that is. I always share my supplies with anyone that wants to dip into the hobby or draw. I do think we all get excited about our hobby and purchase more than is necessary. 😉
I bought my books and supplies after reviewing others hauls etc but you know everyone's coloring is unique so its totally dependent on what we feel comfortable with and what's worth $$ to one may not be to others. I just try to be transparent as much as possible since I do haul books and supplies. I feel I owe it to myself and others to share post haul thoughts and opinions. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for commenting and being a part of this community!! 😊
Absolutely agree with super dark grayscale. JB, I gave away the two you mentioned now I have 3 left. Agree with the business and wayyyy to many tiny flowers. I use the Nuvo drops which are awesome. I use them for card making. Have you tried the clear drops extra awesome as it mimics the colour of what’s beneath. Appreciate your honesty. Tysmfs Kristina 💜💜
No it’s hard to explain. Def not like glossy accent. It just inherits the colour beneath it ever so lightly a darker shadeI love Nuvo drops coz you can make whatever size dot/dome. So glad I found something useful to pass on to someone who has given me so much. 💜💜
Hi Kristina! What a Great Video. I agree with you on the Derwent Blender Markers, mine dried up quickly too. The Pastels Pencils, I have the (spendy) Derwent Pencils, the same Problems with the lines. I'm trying to use the up, but Ugh! And the Color-it Glitter Gel Pens, I kept the magnetic boxes and took the Pens to Goodwill. I have the Ranger Distressed Crayons and have had no problems with smooshing. Thank You for Sharing this Video!💜💜
Thank you, yes! I appreciate you watching and commenting! I know the pastel pencils are less likely a colorist supply, but rather a pastel artist. I can see the lines being good for fur on like pastel mat paper etc. Just doesn't measure up on coloring pages, but it is fun to try and I'll find a good way of using them more. Makes it a challenge. Now the Color It Gel Pens not so much lol. I know I can save them for my granddaughter 😁
I agree with you On the dark grayscale! I am with you on the Johanna Basford books as well! The ocean one was my first adult coloring book and I ended up with most of her books, but now they are just very tedious. I am like you and will color in them because I have them but they are not my favorite. The Maribu is much better!!! I don’t like the lines on the other ones.
Thanks for this video! New subscriber here🎉🎉.. Some very informative information and yes i feel like alot of ppl in regards to certain books just not being it plus the things of what i want to color changes from time to time as well...
I love this video, and that you weren't afraid to take on some of the big names for an unpopular opinion. My house if full of these products because I was swayed by videos of them when I first started coloring. I agree with you completely about Johanna Basford, StarJoy Gold, and ColorIt gel pens. Thank you for your honest opinion.
Thank you for giving your opinion too. I, too, was swayed in my early days of coloring, and feel I owe it to myself and those that spend time with me, to hear what I think about those items now that I am into my coloring journey over a year now. I'm sure everyone's tastes change in books and supplies. Some supplies just didn't wind up being worth the extra $$, and some less expensive items were accumulatively not worthwhile also. We live and learn! Thank you for being on this journey with me and giving your thoughts as well! 😁
Hi Kristina!! New subbie, here! Love your channel!! I totally agree with you about the L.R. books! I never bought any (although they are beautiful) b/c of the dark greyscale. Same opinion as you with J.B. books and the Star Joy pencils. I gave my Star Joy pencils to my daughter! And my Arteza pencils... (I really dislike those!) LOL!! What a great video!! Thanks for sharing! ☺
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for joining in! Yes all those things I gave away too. Never bought the arteza though lol. Thank you for commenting! I'm happy you are here to join the fun! Have a lovely week ahead!!! 💖
As a professional artist a suggestion for you with any wax medium including wax based pencils is if you wish to get them to go down into the tooth of the paper or to move on a page use alcohol. Such as an alcohol blending marker to a degree or use rubbing alcohol which is my preferred in a water brush. If you at some point would like to destash your neo 1s I would love it if you would contact me concerning them. I have a very artistic grandson that would so enjoy them.
Thank you for your advice! I'll sure take it! I have a granddaughter who is very artistic, so most anything I destash goes to her, but I'll also keep you in mind. Thank you again for the tips! 😊
OH the small things drive me batty! And I gotta be in the mood for flowers to color them. Zucchini Kitty does do amazing work! I also do not like the StarJoy. I have found pastel pencils are not enjoyable and I do love the pan pastels but man, they are expensive! I have used colorless alcohol markers and thought about the Tombow one. Might still try it. I have the full set of Irojiten and I do have a tough time using them but YES, I recommend putting them in a case or in the drawers as it did help with me choosing to use them more. Other than for sparkle, I am just not a gel pen lover. Once in a while, I will color a page with them. IDK. Maybe I'll try to use them more and see. I am so glad you did this video. There were supplies I've never even heard of! :)
Thank you so much for your response. Those Pan Pastels are expensive, but they do last a long time and are an easy background! But, definitely understand that the initial expense is a deterrent. You've confirmed my thoughts about Irojiten. Need a case not take up bookcase space. Ha it rhymes lol. Thank you so much for tuning in and I hope you have a great rest of your week!!!
I agree with you on so many points. I do not like the super dark grayscale. It's just not for me. I enjoy Basford's book in small doses. It's the leaves for me. SO MANY LEAVES. Her new book Small Victories is great though. Small doses! I bought the Star Joy Gold 120 and the Brutfuner Squares at the same time. My Star Joy set was missing pencil 100 and gave me an extra 101, and my Squares set has way too many off-center cores. I prefer the Squares. But I don't hate the Star Joy. I work in books and use products that I don't reach for often by putting them in a spinny wheel (like picker wheel) and letting it tell me which book and product to use next. It's actually pretty fun.
What a good video! My personal regret is the luminance pencils, they are beautiful but I wana cry every time I have to sharpen them 😂 really wish I hadn’t got them! My favourite go to pencils are castle art gold pencils which I use so much and Prismacolor! Xx
I have to say my list could grow to include Lumunance, but they're too new to say for sure. I do like the skin blends but I find other items to color a bit more difficult. I'm using my castle arts more, and Prismacolor definitely works in a lot of books. Like the smooth ability!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
You're not full of hogwash. 😊 I've bought quite a few of Johanna Basford's books, only to realize they are not my cup of tea. 🤦🏾♀️ I thought I was afraid to color in them, but that was not it. So, I won't buy them anymore. I have bought Small Victories, and well, let's just say I do not see myself reaching for that one much either. I think the illustrations are cute. I will likely sell the ones I do not like and give some as gifts. 🫣🤫 I am glad to learn that I am not alone. I like the Tombow pen and I love using it. The ink flows so well!! The micron feels scratchy to me, too. Thanks for sharing!!👍🏽
It's a little thin in consistency, but I'll sure try since you mentioned. I feel if it were mixed with a mixed media medium, it could be cool too. Thank you for commenting! 😊
I agree with you 80% and it would be 100, but I didn't have some of those products 😂 I dislike the Tombow pencils. I have one set and tried so hard to like them and I just don't. I find them hard and just not pleasant and I seem to like Johanna Basfords latest books, but I'm not a fan of the older- even though I have them and want to love them. And I'm still trying the Starjoy- again, thought I'd love them and I don't. But I'm still working that out 😂. Thanks for sharing!!! 🖍️
Yes the Micron didn't do well over time, I'd say. After having a while, they just didn't perform well. I know some illustrators swear by them, but maybe they buy replacements frequently lol 😆
Thank you for your honest opinion. I agree with you on all the books. I do love Johanna Basford but I never liked Secret Garden and it put me off buying her other books for a long time. I have the Satr Joys on my WL but I may take them off now, they are a budget pencil in the US but in Europe they aren't that cheap and the breakage you're getting is concerning.
I agree on Secret Garden, illustrations are way to small. But I have the Star Joy Gold, and I love them! Especially in the Eiry books, and Maria Trolle. I’ve never had problems with breakage. I use my Dahle 133 sharpener. And the really dark grayscale books I wouldn’t like either
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. I will give Star Joy's more time. I have a great sharpener. I'll try them in an Eriy or Trolle book and see if I can find a way I enjoy them. Thank you again 😁
Hi Kristina, I am also not a big fan of Johanna Basford as well. I have “world of flowers” and I color in it once in a while but it’s not my favorite. Same with Karolina Kubikowska. I love the Linda Ravenscroft books though. I ordered one and I had to pay more taxes then the books was worth so I sended it back 😞
What is the smudge powder you used? I a newbie & haven’t seen that before. Do you use it for gradient background color? Great video. Good to know what we can do without while acquiring our colored pencils when starting out. I’ve bought & returned all that weren’t lightfast. Sometimes it’s hard to find that out. Thanks for your insight. 🩵
The pan pastels? They're great to color in backgrounds yes but also can be a base for foregrounds. I use a fixative afterwards, and then you can color on top if you like for shadows and light. I enjoy them quite a bit. Thank you for watching and have a lovely weekend!!!
I disagreed on a few things but I totally get it because I hate castle art pencils both the regular and the gold and so many people love them. It does kinda stink that you have to buy things sometimes to see if they will work for you no matter how many reviews you watch. Great idea for a video 😊
Yes, that's true! Many items I purchased on others reviews (many). But, it's all good because it's still fun to figure out what the favorites are and also experimen with the unknown. I appreciate you watching and commenting!!! 😊
This is a great idea for a video. We all have different likes and dislikes and our own unique styles that work better with certain supplies. I agree that Zucchini Kitty is able to achieve some beautiful pages with the Linda Ravenscroft books. To lighten the lines, she uses her Afmat eraser. The way I use the Neo Color ones in my double sided Disney books and I blend with Gamsol, and I like the the end result, but you may like a different effect. For the other type of gel crayons like Distress Ink, Faber Castell Gelatos, etc. I like to use for softer backgrounds, so I put them on a palette and use a makeup brush to rub it on the page. It creates a lovely, soft effect, but I know your style is more bright and vibrant. Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts.
Thank you for commenting Stefanie! I'll have to try the Gamsol. Thank you for the advice. I too also use the crayons on a palette too as another way to get nice backgrounds. I think it's fun to challenge ourselves to use these materials and absolutely appreciate everyone's tastes and preferences. I do lean towards vibrant for sure lol 🤣
I love the artist Linda Ravenscroft, I've been looking all over the place for her coloring books (even on Etsy) and have only found them in a shop in England that doesn't deliver in the US. If you can give me a heads up on where to purchase these I would appreciate it, thank you!
Check her actual website. I believe she has them on there! Let me know if you find that as a solution!! I might be destashing mine but I'm not fully decided.
Thank you, I did finally find them on her website. I find that watercolor works beautifully in these books, the paper is very suited for it. Also I did the dark greyscale Rumplestilskin page with pencils by using an electric eraser on the dark areas that I wanted to be lighter, works great! Will be buying more of her books, definitely a favorite!😊
What a wonderful and enlightening video, Kristina. Took some courage on your part! I am a huge fan of pan pastels and have regretted any pastel pencils thinking I would improve my colouring. You have given me the courage to write something myself .... Not a fan of Johanna Basfords colouring books. Not one. I keep buying them thinking maybe THIS book will inspire. No! I think I just need to admit not liking to colour leaves and tiny flowers. The artist herself is a joy to watch and listen to. Her work is lovely but when I compare how I feel opening a Kerby book or a Johanna book, well miles apart. I am a little that way with Millie Marotta too. I try so hard to make myself like the books I have but why force myself? This is supposed to be fun after all. I keep trying to make the money I spent worth it. Thank you so much for your thoughts in this video. So easy to show favorites.
Thank you for responding with your thoughts! I also had the same feeling about Millie Marotta books. I tried so hard to like. I think we all develop a coloring style and preferences, and sometimes certain supplies and books just don't fit. Thankfully, there's plenty to go around and to choose from 😁 I think tastes change sometimes, too. It's definitely supposed to be a fun hobby, not a struggle, so I'm all for whatever works for everyone individually. I hope you have a lovely week! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!
I was wondering if you wanted to sell the Linda Ravencroft books? If so I would love to purchase them from you. I truly enjoy your videos. I have been having issues with TH-cam deleting my subscriptions. Is anyone else having trouble with this?? It’s maddening!!!❤❤
I'm not sure yet on whether I'm selling her books, but I'll keep you in mind! I actually haven't seen notifications for TH-camrs I watch every time.. wonder if it's a thing too. I haven't heard of anyone else say there were issues with mine but do tell me if it happens again. I'll contact youtube for creators. Hope you have a lovely week! 😁
Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts on both. But, even if they differed, I would 😉 Everyone has a style and a comfort level with their supplies. I appreciate them all 😁
Interesting. I learned a lot. I feel that way about Polychromos, I hate them and they sit,in great shape. The big set of coloring books you showed are too dark. Frankly, her illustrations are too dark for me in a spiritual sense. They look demonic. I would never have them in my house. I say sell the things you don’t love. Sure you’ll take a loss but you can bless others. Use the money to buy more of what you love. Just my opinions.
Art supplies, as a hobbyist, have one purpose.. to make us happy. If they are not doing that get them out of your life. It makes no difference that you paid money for them. Don't let things own you.. you own them. Give them away to someone who wants them. Enjoy other things instead. P.S. I don't like Bassford either for the most part. I do like Worlds of Wonder and Ivy.. I find the rest extremely repetitive, boring, and vastly overrated. I actually rehomed Circle of Life and that is an extremely popular book.. because it's so dark. It frustrated me and my supplies are simply not allowed to do that. I've rehomed a LOT of stuff over the years, and felt better for it every time. Now I know what I like to use and what I don't, and simply don't buy things I know aren't my cup of tea regardless of how popular they are. Two HUGE categories are double sided books and non open stock supplies. I do own a few double sided books with nice thick paper that I reserve for watercolor pencil which I enjoy using....but my favorite way to color is with an alcohol marker base so the vast majority of the time I'm going to reach for a single sided book. It drives me nuts to have to buy a whole set of something if I run out of a color, not to mention the insanity of buying another 100 pencils I don't need to get three I do... so open stock is a must.. and most of the time open stock supplies are higher quality anyway. I like full sets, but there are certain shades I go through like water through a net.. earth tones, natural greens, pastels, etc so I'm needing a replacement pretty darn quick.
You are absolutely right! Since this video, I did actually donate a bunch to the local mental health outpatient art therapy center. They were just beyond grateful! I felt such a weight lifted. We love what we love and that's what is important at the end of the day! Thank you sooo much for your comment. I appreciate you and I hope the New Year brings you joy and good health! 🫶
@@kristinasartcornerI highly recommend the SpectraFix fixative since it doesn't darken your pastels even pastel pencils after you are done using them unlike other fixatives.
@@brittanydaniels1102 It actually is a good idea. I can't use fixative as I don't have a space outside to spray. So whenever I use pastel for coloring, I just go over it with a damp brush (not wet) and it seals the colors perfectly. Just as effective as using fixative and no fumes!
This was a really interesting video. All products and books are personal preference so nothing wrong with stating yours esp when you give your reasons and you do have other videos showing us what you like and why.
The only thing I would say is : Life is short, time flies by, so why waste a minute of it on books and products you don't enjoy? Would you make a point to wear shoes or a shirt you dont like just because you have it? I say sell or donate the books and products you don't enjoy and get out of your life the stress of feeling like you need to use them because they are there. Enjoy your hobby, enjoy your life as much as possible. I'm sure you have enough stresses and responsibilities without adding these to your list. OK, off my soapbox now☺️
Wonderful advice! I like it! It's true, life is short! I respect that and it really resonates with me. Some things just aren't worth the headspace. Thank you for your thoughts and advice! And thank you for watching 🤗
Thought I i was pretty alone with Johanna Basford. I don't understand why so many love her books. However, if we all liked the same things this world would be pretty boring!
Right? LoL Glad there are plenty of books to choose from for everyone's tastes!
I don't care for her books either, I just bought them because so many people were raving about them, but here they are gathering dust onmy shelf. To each her own I guess.
Yes...strange enough I want the new one but I'll probably pass. I think the leaves very much throw me off. I've seen them colored beautifully but just hasn't been one to stick in my collection.
I think the big thing with JB was that she’s kind of considered the first true adult coloring book artist. Her books kickstarted the movement. I started coloring after I left active duty, and hers were the first books I remember buying. I think for me personally, I’ve outgrown the style a bit.
For the neocolor I’s, I agree with you. They’re not bad by any means, and I get the best results with the Derwent pencil blender. But…I played around and was able to do the same thing with a box of crayola crayons with pretty similar results.
Thank you for your service btw. I understand what you're saying about JB. It makes sense to me. Yes, I think that's why the Neocolor I's didn't win my favor. There's just other things I'd rather put on my page. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a lovely day! 😊
The first big adult colour Artist was actually Millie Missota but she was so zendoodle complicated that JB took over really quickly. 🥰
I’m sooooo glad I’m not the only one NOT on the Johanna basford books. I started with them and now they just sit on my shelf. Too many flowers/repeated leaves!!
Yes, I wanted to love them. Just didn't happen. Leaves and flowers are on so many pages. Looks like her new one seems better but I'm holding off. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
@@kristinasartcorner had to come back to vent my frustration that all of social media is filled with her stuff right now. We can’t escape it even if we tried!!!
That is true .. alot of Small Victories lol
Yes, I agree! I started with those, too. Haven't colored in one for the last 3 years!! Just sitting on my shelf....lol!! 😆
Yes I understand she was an OG. That's the allure. Cause truly those leaves are so hard to color for me, atleast 🤣🤣
Love this video! We're all different in what we like to color, and also what we like to use to color. I like seeing both perspectives, favorites and least favorites. One suggestion for the pastel pencils... I would tear my hair out if I tried to use them like pan pastels. Lol my favorite way to use them is shading over marker on a page if I'm too lazy to grab for my regular colored pencils and just want some light shading. Using a light touch in a q-tip to blend them out gets me great results. Of course I'm always looking for a way to limit how much I use colored pencils because of arm pain issues. Just a suggestion since you still plan to use them.
That's a great suggestion because I too have pain from pencils! Thank you so much!!!!
@@kristinasartcornerhave you tried the colorless blender on the pastel pencils… it probably wouldn’t do anything but I’d give that a try or try smudging things with a damp baby wipe Tim Holtz does that a lot with his stuff
Thank you for the suggestion. My best bet is using them on pastel mat surface I think, but we'll see.
The Pitt pastels are a good product, you are just using them in a way they are not intended. Pastels are actually designed to be used on textured paper.. but they are layered on rather thickly to fill the tooth, and then blended and set with fixative. I used the Pitts in particular quite a lot when I was painting in watercolor to add opaque pops of color and highlights on top of a finished painting as well. Sell them or give them away, unless you want to try learning pastel drawing. If you do get pastel paper, it's sanded and designed for them.
I have pastel mat textured paper and decided to use them for original art and not put them in books. Such a better use, you're right!!
Always interesting seeing what other colorists like and dislike. Thank you for sharing👍🏻
Thank you for watching and commenting!!!
Wow! Thank you for this helpful video.
Sure! Glad you found it to be helpful 😊
Personally have never seen what is so great about Basford’s books. They’re ok; but only just. Too repetitive. As are imho Hanna Karlzon’s: same woman with broken nose bony long flat-chested women(? What’s up with that??) same drawings over and over again (for example the space themed book; she just transplanted more of her sane old style houses onto a supposed alien planet. Yawn! I don’t buy either of their books anymore. I am preferring the Japanese ones nowadays. Great video, btw! Hey we all have a right to our own opinions and preferences! 😎👍🏻
Yea, very individual tastes. I do like the Basford Christmas one though because of the theme. Hannah Karlzon yes can be repetitive. I understand. Love Japanese Books too!! 😁
Ooo I just did a big declutter on all my colouring stuff,( shock horror) I got rid of most of my Klara Markova books kept one as I feel I got caught up in all the hype and bought them all as did with most things, now I am down to only the things I really love. Nice to hear your thoughts on all these products most of which I had and gave away to an artist friend and her daughter.🥺
It's nice you had an artist friend to give them too! I always have my granddaughter if content in books is appropriate, books that is. I always share my supplies with anyone that wants to dip into the hobby or draw. I do think we all get excited about our hobby and purchase more than is necessary. 😉
I love the Karla Markova books. I wish I could find them at goodwill or eBay at a good price…
💜💜💜💜💜
😁😁😁
Thank you. I really appreciate your perspective. I would rather have honest opinions over spending on things that are not a good fit.
I bought my books and supplies after reviewing others hauls etc but you know everyone's coloring is unique so its totally dependent on what we feel comfortable with and what's worth $$ to one may not be to others. I just try to be transparent as much as possible since I do haul books and supplies. I feel I owe it to myself and others to share post haul thoughts and opinions. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for commenting and being a part of this community!! 😊
Absolutely agree with super dark grayscale. JB, I gave away the two you mentioned now I have 3 left. Agree with the business and wayyyy to many tiny flowers. I use the Nuvo drops which are awesome. I use them for card making. Have you tried the clear drops extra awesome as it mimics the colour of what’s beneath. Appreciate your honesty. Tysmfs Kristina 💜💜
Oh wow, I'll have to check on the clear Nuvo. Is it like Glossy accents?
No it’s hard to explain. Def not like glossy accent. It just inherits the colour beneath it ever so lightly a darker shadeI love Nuvo drops coz you can make whatever size dot/dome. So glad I found something useful to pass on to someone who has given me so much. 💜💜
@lesleyritchie5085 thank you!!! 😁 I'm definitely checking out those drops!
Hi Kristina! What a Great Video.
I agree with you on the Derwent Blender Markers, mine dried up quickly too.
The Pastels Pencils, I have the (spendy) Derwent Pencils, the same Problems with the lines. I'm trying to use the up, but Ugh! And the Color-it Glitter Gel Pens, I kept the magnetic boxes and took the Pens to Goodwill. I have the Ranger Distressed Crayons and have had no problems with smooshing. Thank You for Sharing this Video!💜💜
Thank you, yes! I appreciate you watching and commenting! I know the pastel pencils are less likely a colorist supply, but rather a pastel artist. I can see the lines being good for fur on like pastel mat paper etc. Just doesn't measure up on coloring pages, but it is fun to try and I'll find a good way of using them more. Makes it a challenge. Now the Color It Gel Pens not so much lol. I know I can save them for my granddaughter 😁
I'm wondering if they will work in the Book we are Buddy Coloring in!🤔 Maybe I should try a tiny area!! The paper is not Amazon paper.🤞lol!
Let me know if you do! 😉
Ok!
I agree with you
On the dark grayscale! I am with you on the Johanna Basford books as well! The ocean one was my first adult coloring book and I ended up with most of her books, but now they are just very tedious. I am like you and will color in them because I have them but they are not my favorite. The Maribu is much better!!! I don’t like the lines on the other ones.
Yesss.. understand and thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
Thanks for this video! New subscriber here🎉🎉.. Some very informative information and yes i feel like alot of ppl in regards to certain books just not being it plus the things of what i want to color changes from time to time as well...
Welcome! Glad to have you here!!! Happy New Year! Glad you enjoyed the video. Happy Coloring 🎊
I love this video, and that you weren't afraid to take on some of the big names for an unpopular opinion. My house if full of these products because I was swayed by videos of them when I first started coloring. I agree with you completely about Johanna Basford, StarJoy Gold, and ColorIt gel pens. Thank you for your honest opinion.
Thank you for giving your opinion too. I, too, was swayed in my early days of coloring, and feel I owe it to myself and those that spend time with me, to hear what I think about those items now that I am into my coloring journey over a year now. I'm sure everyone's tastes change in books and supplies. Some supplies just didn't wind up being worth the extra $$, and some less expensive items were accumulatively not worthwhile also. We live and learn! Thank you for being on this journey with me and giving your thoughts as well! 😁
Hi Kristina!! New subbie, here! Love your channel!! I totally agree with you about the L.R. books! I never bought any (although they are beautiful) b/c of the dark greyscale. Same opinion as you with J.B. books and the Star Joy pencils. I gave my Star Joy pencils to my daughter! And my Arteza pencils... (I really dislike those!) LOL!! What a great video!! Thanks for sharing! ☺
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for joining in! Yes all those things I gave away too. Never bought the arteza though lol. Thank you for commenting! I'm happy you are here to join the fun! Have a lovely week ahead!!! 💖
@@kristinasartcorner Thanks, you too!! 🙏😊
🎄🎅❄️🤗
As a professional artist a suggestion for you with any wax medium including wax based pencils is if you wish to get them to go down into the tooth of the paper or to move on a page use alcohol. Such as an alcohol blending marker to a degree or use rubbing alcohol which is my preferred in a water brush. If you at some point would like to destash your neo 1s I would love it if you would contact me concerning them. I have a very artistic grandson that would so enjoy them.
Thank you for your advice! I'll sure take it! I have a granddaughter who is very artistic, so most anything I destash goes to her, but I'll also keep you in mind. Thank you again for the tips! 😊
OH the small things drive me batty! And I gotta be in the mood for flowers to color them. Zucchini Kitty does do amazing work! I also do not like the StarJoy. I have found pastel pencils are not enjoyable and I do love the pan pastels but man, they are expensive! I have used colorless alcohol markers and thought about the Tombow one. Might still try it. I have the full set of Irojiten and I do have a tough time using them but YES, I recommend putting them in a case or in the drawers as it did help with me choosing to use them more. Other than for sparkle, I am just not a gel pen lover. Once in a while, I will color a page with them. IDK. Maybe I'll try to use them more and see. I am so glad you did this video. There were supplies I've never even heard of! :)
Thank you so much for your response. Those Pan Pastels are expensive, but they do last a long time and are an easy background! But, definitely understand that the initial expense is a deterrent. You've confirmed my thoughts about Irojiten. Need a case not take up bookcase space. Ha it rhymes lol. Thank you so much for tuning in and I hope you have a great rest of your week!!!
It did rhyme! hahaha. Oh my. I hope you have a great rest of the week too!
I agree with you on so many points.
I do not like the super dark grayscale. It's just not for me.
I enjoy Basford's book in small doses. It's the leaves for me. SO MANY LEAVES. Her new book Small Victories is great though. Small doses!
I bought the Star Joy Gold 120 and the Brutfuner Squares at the same time. My Star Joy set was missing pencil 100 and gave me an extra 101, and my Squares set has way too many off-center cores. I prefer the Squares. But I don't hate the Star Joy.
I work in books and use products that I don't reach for often by putting them in a spinny wheel (like picker wheel) and letting it tell me which book and product to use next. It's actually pretty fun.
That sounds like a great way to use all your supplies, great suggestion! 😁
What a good video! My personal regret is the luminance pencils, they are beautiful but I wana cry every time I have to sharpen them 😂 really wish I hadn’t got them! My favourite go to pencils are castle art gold pencils which I use so much and Prismacolor! Xx
I have to say my list could grow to include Lumunance, but they're too new to say for sure. I do like the skin blends but I find other items to color a bit more difficult. I'm using my castle arts more, and Prismacolor definitely works in a lot of books. Like the smooth ability!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for sharing your opinions! Refreshing!
Thank you! Appreciate you watching and commenting!!!
You're not full of hogwash. 😊
I've bought quite a few of Johanna Basford's books, only to realize they are not my cup of tea. 🤦🏾♀️
I thought I was afraid to color in them, but that was not it. So, I won't buy them anymore. I have bought Small Victories, and well, let's just say I do not see myself reaching for that one much either. I think the illustrations are cute.
I will likely sell the ones I do not like and give some as gifts. 🫣🤫 I am glad to learn that I am not alone.
I like the Tombow pen and I love using it. The ink flows so well!! The micron feels scratchy to me, too.
Thanks for sharing!!👍🏽
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Gifting your books is a good idea. 😊
On that glitter paste, maybe try putting it through a stencil with a palette knife. No brush strokes that way.
It's a little thin in consistency, but I'll sure try since you mentioned. I feel if it were mixed with a mixed media medium, it could be cool too. Thank you for commenting! 😊
I agree with you 80% and it would be 100, but I didn't have some of those products 😂 I dislike the Tombow pencils. I have one set and tried so hard to like them and I just don't. I find them hard and just not pleasant and I seem to like Johanna Basfords latest books, but I'm not a fan of the older- even though I have them and want to love them. And I'm still trying the Starjoy- again, thought I'd love them and I don't. But I'm still working that out 😂. Thanks for sharing!!! 🖍️
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts! Did you get Small Victories by JB?
I find the neocolor 1s very enjoyable with the Derwent blender pen. I like them for more saturated backgrounds (or larger elements on the page) .
Yes they're good for that! 💙🫶💜
Great video, I agree with you about micron pens, I guess I ruin them over and over, I love the Fudenosuke too!
Yes the Micron didn't do well over time, I'd say. After having a while, they just didn't perform well. I know some illustrators swear by them, but maybe they buy replacements frequently lol 😆
Thank you for your honest opinion. I agree with you on all the books. I do love Johanna Basford but I never liked Secret Garden and it put me off buying her other books for a long time. I have the Satr Joys on my WL but I may take them off now, they are a budget pencil in the US but in Europe they aren't that cheap and the breakage you're getting is concerning.
Yes, understand that totally.
I agree on Secret Garden, illustrations are way to small. But I have the Star Joy Gold, and I love them! Especially in the Eiry books, and Maria Trolle. I’ve never had problems with breakage. I use my Dahle 133 sharpener. And the really dark grayscale books I wouldn’t like either
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. I will give Star Joy's more time. I have a great sharpener. I'll try them in an Eriy or Trolle book and see if I can find a way I enjoy them. Thank you again 😁
Hi Kristina, I am also not a big fan of Johanna Basford as well. I have “world of flowers” and I color in it once in a while but it’s not my favorite. Same with Karolina Kubikowska. I love the Linda Ravenscroft books though. I ordered one and I had to pay more taxes then the books was worth so I sended it back 😞
Yes the shipping is horrendous. I understand you sending it back. 😒
@@kristinasartcorner I payed €10 for the book and I had to pay €15 for taxes 😒
😯
What is the smudge powder you used? I a newbie & haven’t seen that before. Do you use it for gradient background color?
Great video. Good to know what we can do without while acquiring our colored pencils when starting out. I’ve bought & returned all that weren’t lightfast. Sometimes it’s hard to find that out. Thanks for your insight. 🩵
The pan pastels? They're great to color in backgrounds yes but also can be a base for foregrounds. I use a fixative afterwards, and then you can color on top if you like for shadows and light. I enjoy them quite a bit. Thank you for watching and have a lovely weekend!!!
I disagreed on a few things but I totally get it because I hate castle art pencils both the regular and the gold and so many people love them. It does kinda stink that you have to buy things sometimes to see if they will work for you no matter how many reviews you watch. Great idea for a video 😊
Yes, that's true! Many items I purchased on others reviews (many). But, it's all good because it's still fun to figure out what the favorites are and also experimen with the unknown. I appreciate you watching and commenting!!! 😊
This is a great idea for a video. We all have different likes and dislikes and our own unique styles that work better with certain supplies. I agree that Zucchini Kitty is able to achieve some beautiful pages with the Linda Ravenscroft books. To lighten the lines, she uses her Afmat eraser. The way I use the Neo Color ones in my double sided Disney books and I blend with Gamsol, and I like the the end result, but you may like a different effect. For the other type of gel crayons like Distress Ink, Faber Castell Gelatos, etc. I like to use for softer backgrounds, so I put them on a palette and use a makeup brush to rub it on the page. It creates a lovely, soft effect, but I know your style is more bright and vibrant. Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts.
Thank you for commenting Stefanie! I'll have to try the Gamsol. Thank you for the advice. I too also use the crayons on a palette too as another way to get nice backgrounds. I think it's fun to challenge ourselves to use these materials and absolutely appreciate everyone's tastes and preferences. I do lean towards vibrant for sure lol 🤣
I use gamsol to blend the Neo 1 they are not the same as the maribu sticks which are more like a gelato.
Correct, they're not apples to apples but one I prefer instead. Thank you for your thoughts 😊 I appreciate them!
I love the artist Linda Ravenscroft, I've been looking all over the place for her coloring books (even on Etsy) and have only found them in a shop in England that doesn't deliver in the US. If you can give me a heads up on where to purchase these I would appreciate it, thank you!
Check her actual website. I believe she has them on there! Let me know if you find that as a solution!! I might be destashing mine but I'm not fully decided.
Thank you, I did finally find them on her website. I find that watercolor works beautifully in these books, the paper is very suited for it. Also I did the dark greyscale Rumplestilskin page with pencils by using an electric eraser on the dark areas that I wanted to be lighter, works great! Will be buying more of her books, definitely a favorite!😊
I'm glad you found them and are enjoying them!! 💖
What a wonderful and enlightening video, Kristina. Took some courage on your part! I am a huge fan of pan pastels and have regretted any pastel pencils thinking I would improve my colouring. You have given me the courage to write something myself .... Not a fan of Johanna Basfords colouring books. Not one. I keep buying them thinking maybe THIS book will inspire. No! I think I just need to admit not liking to colour leaves and tiny flowers. The artist herself is a joy to watch and listen to. Her work is lovely but when I compare how I feel opening a Kerby book or a Johanna book, well miles apart. I am a little that way with Millie Marotta too. I try so hard to make myself like the books I have but why force myself? This is supposed to be fun after all. I keep trying to make the money I spent worth it. Thank you so much for your thoughts in this video. So easy to show favorites.
Thank you for responding with your thoughts! I also had the same feeling about Millie Marotta books. I tried so hard to like. I think we all develop a coloring style and preferences, and sometimes certain supplies and books just don't fit. Thankfully, there's plenty to go around and to choose from 😁 I think tastes change sometimes, too. It's definitely supposed to be a fun hobby, not a struggle, so I'm all for whatever works for everyone individually. I hope you have a lovely week! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks - I would be happy to purchase the Linda Ravenscrofts books if you want to destatsh
I will probably hold on to them a bit longer and see if I want to experiment in them again, but I'll keep you mind for sure!!!
I would love to purchase your Linda Ravenscroft books! Hit me up if you ever plan on selling them, thanks.
Okay I'll let you know soon!
The Pitt Pastels are good if you paint over them with water to seal them.
Interesting, thank you for the tip! 😊
I was wondering if you wanted to sell the Linda Ravencroft books? If so I would love to purchase them from you. I truly enjoy your videos. I have been having issues with TH-cam deleting my subscriptions. Is anyone else having trouble with this?? It’s maddening!!!❤❤
I'm not sure yet on whether I'm selling her books, but I'll keep you in mind! I actually haven't seen notifications for TH-camrs I watch every time.. wonder if it's a thing too. I haven't heard of anyone else say there were issues with mine but do tell me if it happens again. I'll contact youtube for creators. Hope you have a lovely week! 😁
I like your honesty. I am not a fan of secret garden or star joy gold either.
Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts on both. But, even if they differed, I would 😉 Everyone has a style and a comfort level with their supplies. I appreciate them all 😁
Interesting. I learned a lot. I feel that way about Polychromos, I hate them and they sit,in great shape. The big set of coloring books you showed are too dark. Frankly, her illustrations are too dark for me in a spiritual sense. They look demonic. I would never have them in my house. I say sell the things you don’t love. Sure you’ll take a loss but you can bless others. Use the money to buy more of what you love. Just my opinions.
Definitely better to keep what we love. Find new homes for tge rest which is what I did after filming. Found a great home!!!
Art supplies, as a hobbyist, have one purpose.. to make us happy. If they are not doing that get them out of your life. It makes no difference that you paid money for them. Don't let things own you.. you own them. Give them away to someone who wants them. Enjoy other things instead. P.S. I don't like Bassford either for the most part. I do like Worlds of Wonder and Ivy.. I find the rest extremely repetitive, boring, and vastly overrated. I actually rehomed Circle of Life and that is an extremely popular book.. because it's so dark. It frustrated me and my supplies are simply not allowed to do that. I've rehomed a LOT of stuff over the years, and felt better for it every time. Now I know what I like to use and what I don't, and simply don't buy things I know aren't my cup of tea regardless of how popular they are. Two HUGE categories are double sided books and non open stock supplies. I do own a few double sided books with nice thick paper that I reserve for watercolor pencil which I enjoy using....but my favorite way to color is with an alcohol marker base so the vast majority of the time I'm going to reach for a single sided book. It drives me nuts to have to buy a whole set of something if I run out of a color, not to mention the insanity of buying another 100 pencils I don't need to get three I do... so open stock is a must.. and most of the time open stock supplies are higher quality anyway. I like full sets, but there are certain shades I go through like water through a net.. earth tones, natural greens, pastels, etc so I'm needing a replacement pretty darn quick.
You are absolutely right! Since this video, I did actually donate a bunch to the local mental health outpatient art therapy center. They were just beyond grateful! I felt such a weight lifted. We love what we love and that's what is important at the end of the day! Thank you sooo much for your comment. I appreciate you and I hope the New Year brings you joy and good health! 🫶
@@kristinasartcorner Wonderful! A win-win for you and them.
@waymire01 it sure was!!
The ones with heavy grayscale/black...they look like finished pieces, and adding color is too much.
Agree!!!
The Pitt Pastels are good if you paint water over them to seal them.
Or a fixative maybe too? I do use fixative for pastels.
@ah40 I don't believe water is good to use over any pastel pencils especially the Faber Castell Pitt Pastel pencils as a way to seal them at all.
@@kristinasartcornerI highly recommend the SpectraFix fixative since it doesn't darken your pastels even pastel pencils after you are done using them unlike other fixatives.
@@brittanydaniels1102 It actually is a good idea. I can't use fixative as I don't have a space outside to spray. So whenever I use pastel for coloring, I just go over it with a damp brush (not wet) and it seals the colors perfectly. Just as effective as using fixative and no fumes!
I use fixative but never heard of water either