Altenew Has New Artist Watercolors! Let's Check Them Out! (in-depth review & giveaway)

[@Dinky_Bunny]

I love these longer, in-depth reviews. I don't learn much from 10 minute unboxing videos which some youtubers call a review. I actually like to know as much about a product as possible before buying. No one likes to waste money on bad art supplies.

[@judyoger]

I save those plastic brush protectors and put them on the end of worn or damaged shoe strings, and use a heat gun to shrink the plastic down onto the shoe string and ta da good as new. I love when you show us new items and explain how you determine the value according a set of basic wants and needs of materials.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is a mind blowing hack, love it!

[@marlbboro8091]

Ge Ni Us 😱🙏🏽❤️

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Brilliant!

[@mewsli]

Makes a note to do that in future!

[@staceydailey6394]

That's genius! Truly!!!

[@sonyaoart]

I always enjoy these long, in depth reviews and I don’t find them boring at all. And I love seeing comparisons with other, potentially comparable paints. Thanks for all the work you put into these!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@mjpete27]

@@thefrugalcrafterhullo Lindsay, just another reason why you are so trusted and people truly believe that you are giving us the best information about the products that you review! Thank you.

[@Makachopping]

$8 for 8mL?! Who the heck do they think they are?! Absolutely wild

[@baldwinleatherworks]

The best review of product I’ve ever seen! Thank you for being honest and thorough. I have very limited funds and therefore, my art materials are very dear to me. I always look at your Channel to look for reviews of product before I make a purchase. I know you are one of the very few KZbinrs that will always tell the truth.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KevieG]

I sat through the whole video, and thoroughly loved it. I would watch anything you post! Just a huge fan! Love ❤️ from Texas

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow, thank you!

[@psychicstacy]

I went and looked at their website, the price they're asking (82 us$) is insane! It's for the set of paints but the colors in the set are just a strange choice. So many better options, I would 💯 buy van gogh watercolor over this those are great paints

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It seems high to me too.

[@wigglypaw]

Jeeze Louise!!!! $882. Yes, they are full of themselves. I agree that the Rubens would be a contender. I love the Rubens small watercolor paper journals. Unfortunately, they sent one with all the corners and the binding edges smushed and bent in unfortunately. 😊

[@sondrabrown442]

I love your art detective videos! The tin is cute 😊, but think I’ll pass on the tubes. Thanks Lindsay, I appreciate your in depth reviews!

[@sueallen1945]

Thanks for such an intensive review. I personally feel craft brands charge higher prices because of brand recognition. Crafters may not realize there are much less expensive options out there that perform so much better.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That could be but lso I think it's because their customer base is smaller so they need a higher margin to stay in business.

[@K_rye]

As always, another terrific review. I learn so much from these long reviews. Your in depth evaluation is wonderful. You give reasons for all of your opinions. At no point was I bored, I really enjoyed your trying to figure out "who done it". I also like that while you were not impressed with this product, you did not trash the company. You pointed out what they do well.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you very much!

[@valerielynch2042]

Hi Lindsay, you worked really hard on this review! It was fascinating to watch you evaluating each color and the manufacturer comparisons. They are pretty colors. I have a lot of paint right now so I am holding off on any paint purchases but I'm very glad to learn your thoughts about them. I usually like Altenew products so I was curious. Thanks for the post.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I do too, maybe my expectations were too high?

[@GingahSnapsArt]

I adore these in depth reviews! ❤ thank you Lindsay

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciaschoenberg1261]

I like the longer in depth reviews. I especially like when you compare a new product with different products. Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@smitachengappa]

This was a really interesting review. I like the longer, in-depth reviews, I really come away feeling like I know everything I need to about the product. Thanks for all the hard work, Lindsay.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BoGilmore]

Hi Lindsay. The Altenew box these supplies came in is so pretty. Thank you for your thorough and honest review of these watercolor paints. I appreciate you making a swatch chart of the colors. Your painting to test them out turned out beautifully❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@Liezzah]

OMG-You make me laugh out loud..."you guys are all sleeping' LOL I found this review wonderfully honest and I like how you compared all the brands and I watched with curiosity through it all-captivated...not bored!!!! always a fan, and thank-you : )

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrilyon6825]

This was an excellent review snd detective process, thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Thnaks for another super video

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@starshinesoldier]

Thank you for the super detailed review! It’s so interesting, I love all the detective work you did! Sad that these paints aren’t as high quality though

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@lisamiller8174]

Today, I got an email from Altenew announcing these paints. Went to their website, and was shocked at the price. So many deals out there for a better quality of paint.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The competition is steep!

[@peggydid]

I've been thoroughly fascinated by this review and all the comparisons! Daniel Smith is my fave, but I still like to watch swatching and reviews of other brands.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tinakloepfer1581]

I just received a notice from Altenew about these new tube paints. Guess who I looked up to see if they had a review? Lindsay, of course! Thank you for the in-depth review. You seriously help me to figure out the quality of a paint which helps me to grow as a painter and to know what I am really buying. Thank you again!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@MsTamp-qn4xw]

Always enjoy your reviews. Great to have comparisons especially at the price these are listed for.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@BeverlyJordanblog]

Am enthralled with your watercolor analysis and comparing the different shades and combinations!! So helpful and brilliant for all of us!! Always have a list of Altenew's newest products on my "want" list and will be adding your take! Thank you!! I really appreciate all that you went through and your guidance!! Color theory and all, it was wonderful!! And so agree with UP-cycling the packaging products but not so for the plastic pieces. I do use mine (put them back over the brushes) when I go out of town to ensure that the brushes don't get mangled due to me shoving so much together in a tiny bag! LOL!

[@gingerblue]

appreciate your honesty, always.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Always!

[@ChantelleArts]

I always appreciate your honesty in these reviews ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@gailthecrafter]

Thank you very much. I purchased years ago the Daniel smith five tub set and it has served me well. Learned from you that no matter your skill level to purchase the best water colors you can afford. Thank you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great to hear!

[@DeeRickard]

Love the review. First time watching. Not the last. Thank you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for watching!

[@rhondita95]

I think it’s important to have these kinds of reviews because a lot of people just go on the brand name and think oh it’s got to be good when paint is totally not their specialty. I’ve known friends to buy their other paints and been out a lot of money and been extremely disappointed because they didn’t perform well. And just because someone says artist grade doesn’t mean it is.

[@laurieblack9949]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MyVideosNow]

Thanks so much for this thorough review. I really like that you do all the sleuthing, providing comparisons and seeing if they might be from the same factory as another paint.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@Lisa_G3]

Appreciate your thorough and honest review. You know so much about watercolors that some of us did not even think to question. I really like that.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sueb1828]

TY for your review. I appreciate your honesty in this review. This was a TRUE review & not a YT pushing new products. TFS.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@ClarkFineArt]

So much great info! I really value hearing your honest clearly unbiased opinion of a product. Thanks for the review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ClarkFineArt]

@@thefrugalcrafter as you were going I was calling out brands, you would try them and be all “that’s not it..” it was like a game show 😂 who else makes this paint?! But I geek out over all that stuff and pigments too so I loved it!

[@rosali_ilovestamping]

Thank you for another great and helpful video, Lindsay! I love Altenew and was very intrigued with these new watercolors when I saw them this morning! Now I feel confident to decide which colors to try and start with! 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@TheGardenKitten]

truly enjoyed this video review. much appreciated. I stayed until the end :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I appreciate that!

[@janesimpson3462]

Wow! Thank you for all the time you dedicated to this review! So thorough! You definitely have "stick-to-it-ive-ness"!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@paint.paper.scissors]

Loved the in-depth review of the watercolors. I really appreciate the time you have taken to create this valuable resource.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@jeannerice5700]

Wow, alot of info. I love the comparisons and seeing all the swatching.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you liked it!!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Thank you so much for your really thoughtful and thorough reviews!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@deeearnshaw9551]

your review is awesome - love how detailed it is - the comparisons really helps with deciding which products to buy - thank you:)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mulanlovesmilo]

Would love to see a Michael Harding review! I’ve been so curious about them and would be interested in hearing your thoughts.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They would really have to knock my sock off for what they charge 😆 maybe I'll buy a couple of tubes and see what I think.

[@teresab1341]

Thank you Lindsay! Very interesting and I enjoyed spending the time with you! You are so delightful!! 😀 I really look forward to each video!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@marytesta3003]

Thank you Lindsay for investing so much into this review. I always appreciate your honest reviews. You are a pigment Sherlock❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@AditiMahajan]

This is such an in-depth review video! Thank you for showing it all in such detail and depth!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nancyloomis3046]

Agree with your take on these,Lindsay. I recall in a business communication class I took years ago, that a company should stick with their “core competency” to be profitable. Artist grade paints are not within the the “core” of Altenew’s bread & butter products (Love Altenew, but not for this.) There is NO WAY they can compete in the crafting market with this price point. And people looking for artist grade, who know artist grade, are not likely to consider a purchase. I hope they haven’t invested too much in this (😮). As we know, there’s a LOT of competition even with the established (for decades) big names in artist grade watercolor brands.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes, it's a saturated market!

[@debradrake1916]

Thanks so much for your in-depth review as well as list of pros and cons.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@gailwatson8423]

Thank you for your willingness and your “want “ to be the detective . I admire your knowledge and dedication to your art . I found this video so helpful and informative . Thanks for taking all the time to do this . Thanks thanks thanks.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I appreciate that

[@mariseladelgado7246]

I love little boxes, too. You could make like a scroll message for Valentine's and use the little box. Decorate the outside. Just thoughts. 😂😂😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!!

[@toffeesentiments3929]

Thank you for a great in-depth review, I also stayed right to the end :) I feel sorry for crafters thinking they have to buy these expensive craft alternatives, not knowing that the artist-grade, high quality supplies exist before these came out.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@heleenglazenburg1405]

Thank you for all the work for this exellent review.I use they Altenew 24 pan set amd enjoy them.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I really like that set too! I'd recommend it over the tubes.

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Panda Bear Hugs from a 70 yr old grandma in Texas, USA and by the way l'm subscribed and l hit Like. 🐼

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@vikibanaszak4881]

Thanks Lindsay. I always appreciate your honesty.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Always!

[@paulage1art]

Love this review and the comparisons with other manufacturers and really felt I understood so much about differences! Great detailed review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dawnmaree4685]

Always appreciate your reviews.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I appreciate that!

[@geris831]

Amazing review and comparison, thanks for all the work and thought involved. Probably would only buy colors I need.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good choice!

[@deborahbloom4624]

Lindsay, I didn't hear if you mentioned the paper you swatched out the colors on?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I used a cellulose paper, acuma crafts or bee inspired. It's what I usually swatch on. Sometimes I use the fabric no studio or fabric no fat pad because it is very similar as well.

[@lettiesgroi592]

Thank you for the indepth review. I learn so much from you.❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@denaheck1506]

I’d love to see you paint a couple of stamps, Altenew stamps if you have, using the tiny brushes & the bright clean paint. I couldnt zoom my Utube in enough to see the “spidering” effect & how do you accidently get it? To possibly avoid it. I have noticed some of my cute stamps I actually enjoy using pastel colors or the more Vibrant or the most glitter get the wow factor. I love how you know your paints.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good idea! The company aid they were marketing this launt to artists, not crafters and they aren't on the stamp website so I didn't use it with stamps.

[@shadohart]

Thank you for your honest review. I am sticking with my daniel smith and m grahams I think!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angyhughes2054]

Wow, great in depth review. Such an interesting process.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you liked it!

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

Lindsay, I think they are Phoenix white labeled because I have some craftamo sub box paints that I'm pretty certain are also Phoenix white labeled. I actually have the pans with the exact pigments you're missing, and it looks are if they would match perfectly and are pigment numbers match as well.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Craft amo does use phoenix. I had no exact matches with my phoenix tubes. It was my first thought tho.

[@sylviaclouse6010]

Thanks for an thoughtful, honest review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terrifloros7544]

Lindsay, what are your top two or three pan sets? Thanks

[@thefrugalcrafter]

For student grade I'd say meilang/pretty excellent 36 set. Professional grade I like Rembrandt 48 set, the mission gold 48 set is nice too. I usually use professional paint from tubes and get the ones I want and put them in a palette. It's subjective.

[@nadinekerl8408]

Thank you for your review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@starshinesoldier]

Oh, I would love to see you turn the little plastic caps into beads! I have a hand full of those and I never know what to do with them

[@wigglypaw]

Hi Lindsey what is your final thoughts about these expensive unknown Altenews vs. Rubens? Sometimes I get a little confused by all the comparisons.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I prefer Paul Rubens personally.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

I am a Prussian Blue person for my skies. Their Prussian Blue and their deep cyan are beautiful ❤️. Thank you for such an amazing review, it's very helpful to me.😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you too! Luckily they are on stock so if you like a color you can snag it!

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

@@thefrugalcrafter honestly there are four colors I like but I'm a little afraid to buy them at that price range because I do think that they are overpriced. I have always wished that I could get my three key watercolor colors in a half-pan from somebody so I could try m graham

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies there is a watercolor swap and buy group on Facebook. People sell half pans all the time.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

@@thefrugalcrafter thank you so much

[@missyleftrick5525]

You did such an awesome review!!! I really appreciate it!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dawnlee8175]

Thank you for the in-depth review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@deborahbloom4624]

Loved this review! Thank you so much, Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@robertslade1277]

Hello Lyndsay. Intriguing watercolors.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I've seen these but haven't been interested. Are you going to make me think that I have to have them? 😂 Doubtful, but I love a good review on a Friday night at home 😁

[@kelseythomas3365]

Could the little boxes be repurposed as lip balm holders? That cold be a cute project! :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!!

[@teresahedall]

It was so fun to listen to you nerding it out! ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@SwedePotato314]

Those prices are INSANE

[@starr-starr]

Nice review! I’ll watch pretty much any review you do.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much!

[@Jeannette.akaJnett]

A couple of my Paul Rubens (the Opera set) do look very similar, especially the Opera Yellow and the Altenew neonish yellow one.

[@theneedyelf8867]

I do love getting the in depth pigment information. I am sad there is no ultramarine blue. Its weird.

[@veryberry39]

Another idea for those plastic caps, which I saw on a video somewhere: make a cut down the length of them and glue them to the back of a decoration (cut side facing outward), and they apparently make a decent--though not long-lasting--clip! It would depend on the width of what you were clipping onto, of course. The video showed a woman making little butterflies, which she clipped onto fake plant stems. I thought it was cute!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bethcrane5780]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the thorough review. In the spirit of kind feedback, this video was maybe a half hour too long. For me, it was helpful to know about the fugitive colors (WHY if going for artist market!), quality/price analysis and most important, how they are to work with. I like the painting you made, but to me it was a little different from your usual work, less pigmented, more washy, which makes sense given your review. I always appreciate your candour, and when you have concerns you dive in to figure it out. If I'm gonna pay $10/tube, I want and need top quality in my watercolor paint. Thanks for all you do to help us be discerning consumers.

[@karenneill9109]

These remind me of Paul Reuben watercolours. They’ve got a neon set that are exactly those top 6 colours.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I compared them to Paul rubens and I don't think they are the same

[@crafteeLinda]

Thank you for this extensive and honest review. I was originally a cardmaker and got into watercolors that way. I only make cards now if my stash is low. I am very familiar with Altenew and if I was a getting into watercolor now, I would have bought these from them since I trust and love their brand. I really appreciate your video and hope someone like me sees this before buying these "professional" watercolors if they are just starting out in watercolors. Love your videos as always!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful! I still recommend their 24 pan set but I believe it to be made by superior and double the price than the equivalent palette on amazon.

[@AndreMmmm]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this release.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@marlbboro8091]

Yaaaay. I don’t all the stuff, but love product reviews from tfc ❤️ because I get so many ideas.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@Kricket.B]

Hi Lindsay ✌️ 😊 I'm curious if you have a video explaining the difference between watercolor pans and tubes and why you would choose one over the other if there's not much difference. I'm new to watercolor and bought the MeilLiang set before really looking into reviews and such. I'm not looking to purchase artist grade paints anytime soon and am just curious. I've watched review videos for varioys types of products, but this was the most thorough and informative one I've ever watched 😍😍 I'm really glad I found you through your Temu video 😃

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's only personal preference. A pan or tube from a professional art brand should be equivalent. Tubes and generally more economical and easier to find open stock. Pan sets are convenient and available in sets which allows you to try a line of paints for less per color vs buying a larger tube but when you run out it is more economical to buy a tube of paint to refill the pan vs buying a pan.

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I have every confidence in your reviews! I am very confused with the paint color selections too! I believe that you know about what a card maker is looking for in their paints. I am much more critical of “Professional Grade” paint! I imagine that those brushes are more for the mini painting hobby, I have so seldom used such tiny brushes in my watercolor paintings. If I want a thin or sharp line I pick up a liner brush or a deep belly brush with a fine tip, like a well made #12 Kolinsky or Kolinsky synthetic version. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge with your viewers. I was also taught with Prussian blue and I have switched to Indanthrene/Indanthrone blue(brands seem to change the spelling) and use modifying colors to go back to the beloved Prussian hue! Excellent review and it takes time to do a through job, I believe that Supervision has colors that you simply don’t have from your other “artist” grade paints! Like the neon yellow? Why? That’s just not a color a professional watercolorist is going to use. Oh! Not asleep, you got me interested and I am still watching, I simply don’t have an interest in these paints. Thanks again!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks! It's an interesting color selection for sure

[@debraschenz]

Video was interesting, and thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have watercolor paints, and I may add some of these to my collection. I love Altenew products that I have purchased.

[@melissaaldosari8024]

My initial reaction upon seeing the tubes, was oh, they look like Grumbacher Academy tubes, lol!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Lots of people said that! Grumbacher academy is made in the USA and altenew is made in china so I don't thinknthey are the same.

[@flychk1229]

Wow I'm surprised to hear the targeted market they are going for with this paint. And the price! Thank you Lindsay for putting the work into this review...it took significant effort. With so many choices in budget watercolor paint, I'm surprised they stepped into the market with this set, especially with professional paint prices. Altenew does have excellent products in the cardmaking realm. Perhaps their follow-on colors with be better suited for professionals.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I hope so too!

[@phyllismckenna3868]

Looks like the initial color offering was designed for their main stamp focus, which is flowers.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It could be but they are not selling this on there Stamping website yet and they told me they are marketing it to artists. I had a chance to ask them mid way between filming video clips.

[@phyllismckenna3868]

Interesting. I wasn't aware of a new website for artists.

[@phyllismckenna3868]

I just replied to this and then what pops up in my email notifications. An email for Altenew artistry. What timing.

[@BerinaRGA]

Thanks for the review ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure 😊

[@lynnephelps2370]

I appreciate the in depth reviews and detailed pigment analysis. I don't think they understand this new target market at all; they would do better sticking to their core market. And I'd love a video on making beads and other things with the brush tip protectors!!

[@wigglypaw]

Hi Lindsay. The Altenew colors are very pretty. If the pigment colors are the same across your supplies, what can influence the differences then? I just don’t get it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Pigment strength, mixabiloty, how it handles, how tjr art looks, lightfastness, price/value compared to others

[@melissaaldosari8024]

I really like the titanium white’s opacity!

[@brennagarciaasisabgelement7917]

Amazingly thorough! I appreciate all the work that you applied to this review. I also appreciate altenew and all of their products are super fun. But I just got some Van Gogh watercolors for $2.38 out of the clearance bins at Blick so I'm there with you as far as price point and I'm sure the van Gogh is decent to work with. I think the altenew chose those watercolors because of the bloom I feel like it is part of their style of products don't be afraid to let the watercolor do its thing, experiment, enjoy the process. They definitely look like they'd be fun to work with. Maybe they wanted it to be kind of like a granulating watercolor, who knows. But then again if you buy it at that price point you're going to feel like "oh I am only going to use these for something special and then they'll never get used LOL". Thank you for the color recommendations to try out the product as I'll be keeping an eye out for sales🙂 Although I have to say I just purchased a set of Paul Reubens 14 colors 5 ml tubes off Temu and every color says Opera from the yellow to the green I haven't swatched them yet but I just thought that was strange and they are super bright. They do seem like actual Paul Reubens from the packaging and the little inserts but I haven't swatched them like I said.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have that set, it's very bright but I haven't really used it as I know it will fade (it was in a gift box from Paul rubens company last year)

[@veronicadunn565]

I love these long, in depth ones.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@christinetrappenfortes7761]

I love watching your wheels turn. We think alike. Did you already try art whale?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yup, but not that similar. They both use the same company for pans so I thought maybe they would fit tubes. It's a stumper.

[@Joe_Maysky]

I completely overlooked this, maybe because I really do not need to even try new tube paint right now, but I'm glad for everyone that you reviewed these as a passionate stamper and watercolorist, which I don't know of many other reviewers who are both; many I'm sure will be one or the other and review accordingly. As far as the pigment choices, part of me wondered if the lack of mineral pigments (e.g earths, ultramarine) is either for high transparency as you guessed, or I might guess that they already have a batch of pigments they already order for their various inks and someone in the budget department said "let's work with what we have and not buy several pigments we won't use for anything else." The Opera Lemon & Toluidine Red lead me somewhat to that theory, but total conjecture. I agree that it's a disservice not to include a brown, as it is to mislabel the red's lightfastness and call Dioxazine Violet a Quin when Quin Violet is not only a separate CI number but a warmer, redder violet. It could be true carelessness or error, but I have a tendency toward cynicism I guess when they're clearly not careless in product development across the board. I bought a few Altenew things a while ago before I lost my stamping hoard in the house fire, and I bought what I did because they were unique enough (I think stencils and an embossing powder or 2), but I just feel like almost everything they make is overpriced for what it is, especially when discounts/sales are rare. I feel like they're one of the most guilty brands of targeting the trend-minded over the budget/versatility minded. Hope that's not too inflammatory; just my opinion.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's a totally valid opinion. I think the big reason the sales and coupons have gone away at nearly all arts and Craft stores is that the user market is shrinking. Many crafters are older and have most if what they need. Fewer younger people are getting into it due to the expense and storage (and time) requirements so the stamp companies are selling less so the prices increase or they have to add abuch of new products to hopefully get people to buy. I think the market will need a good thinning for the remaining companies to thrive. And there is also the huge counterfeit problem.

[@thethriftyapprentice]

Interesting set. I have never tried any products by this company. The color selection would be interesting to work with. Maybe they are releasing more colors.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They are planning to. I love their alcohol markers and watercolor brush pens that are like filled waterbrushes. They are high quality and refillable and Worth a buy.

[@Artishbylisa]

This was a master class!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@tribalstyle138]

I love that case you have your cotmans in!!