A Big Fun Jackson's & Amazon Art Haul: Watercolour Paints, Brushes, Oil Pastels, Books, Sizzix etc.

[@racechick2033]

😮 Gets popcorn... 🍿

[@helencryer]

🤣 I'm making up for being stuck doing 3 minute or whatever, videos in France!!

[@racechick2033]

​@@helencryer😂

[@awatercolourist]

🎖️

[@suhart414]

I have the gold oil pastel and I love it. I love the greens as well. The lapis would make a beautiful moody sky.

[@helencryer]

Oh that's good to hear! I think you might be right!

[@marlbboro8091]

I just learnt from Jen Luvs video ( on Jacklyn Hill) that through Amazon affiliate links a creator earns a commission even if the person clicking through, orders a TV ! Excellent way to support the creator beyond art supplies. And I am a huge Amazon fan ( I know I know …Besos i… Anti Christ 🤣).

[@helencryer]

🤣 I definitely have to admit to an Amazon weakness myself! This is true, and also using a Jackson's Art affiliate link does the same, regardless of what items you buy. I'd never ask anyone to use my links, or even 'subscribe and like', but I'm always incredibly grateful when people do!

[@rosalynpowell3310]

Hi Helen. The Inktense blocks have their numbers printed on. I always use them from the opposite end to preserve their number. X

[@helencryer]

Very sensible! Thanks!

[@snowpony001]

Really enjoyed this. Some really lovely items.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@giespel68]

Watching your videos is so relaxing. And a great thank you for not playing music in the background:)

[@helencryer]

I'm happy to hear it thank you! I'm afraid I do play music when I'm swatching out lots, otherwise it seems a bit boring!

[@KatriannaNonDuality]

sakura and royal talens art creations are the same company that’s probably why :) what a cute little notebook and amazing haul all around 😍😍

[@helencryer]

I didn't know that! Not that the notebooks are identical though. Different paper and styling.

[@sueberry1727]

Welcome home Helen thankyou for taking us to France with you really enjoyed all the videos. This is a lovely haul and look forward to you using the products.

[@helencryer]

I'm so glad - thanks ever so much!

[@susanellis7780]

Wow....the color of those pastels just jump out the screen. Nice haul❤😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@scood2323]

Found your videos so relaxing I watch each night and sleep better. Thad so much. Your enthusiasm is infectous.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!!

[@sophiegervais2003]

Thank you to share ! 😊 for the gelatos if you primé with gesso first its not marking the paper...it desolve all ! 😉💛

[@helencryer]

Ah, that's interesting to know, thank you!

[@cellosubmarine]

I think also they become MUCH more transparent when blended out with water (forgive me, if you did this, and I somehow didn’t catch it; I was quite sleepy. At that point in the video, having just woken up).

[@PikaSkix]

This video calmed my anxiety by a lot. Hope to keep watching new videos, they’re so nice. Thank you. ❤

[@helencryer]

I'm sorry that's something you deal with... happy I could help in some way xx

[@axelusul]

​@@helencryer Was thinking the same, I have recommended your work as your work and personality make you feel engaged and relaxed, you should have a sub tag as ASMR, for all the positive reasons.

[@helencryer]

​@@axelusul That is so nice - thank you!

[@maxheadroom7687]

Just found your channel and really enjoyed this Helen, as a retired newbie to all things painting wise I am learning lots from your videos. I Love France, but am an Englishman presently living in Western Australia so it’s now such a long way away. Love your reviews of the hauls you are fortunate enough to purchase. Take Care. Stephen Aka Max.!😘👍🇦🇺🇬🇧🙏

[@helencryer]

I'm so glad, thank you! I hope you have wonderful time exploring this new hobby! All the best in Australia!

[@AdvocatefortheHomeless]

Nice supplies

[@debbievongrabler-crozier2646]

Oh wow Helen, what a haul! I am so inspired by it all- and off to look for books! Loving the vases too.💚

[@helencryer]

Haha! Thanks! Have fun!

[@valeriegehling4358]

I’m glad you get excited over your art hauls, I swatched my new Schmincke paints & enjoyed the results, with ohs & ahs! Lovely colours & I get so much pleasure watching & listening to another enjoying art hauls! My hauls are smaller but just as enjoyable! Thanks

[@helencryer]

Your new paints sound beautiful!! I'm glad these things bring such enjoyment!

[@jennyrose1274]

Welcome home, the time seemed to fly by. All those lovely goodies on your return made it worthwhile coming home. Not sure about the weather!!!

[@helencryer]

They certainly helped! Yes - but of a mixed bag!!

[@nisamorin2519]

You're already back in your "English"😉 home! 😮 Wow, time really flies ... Thank you for showing us all of these goodies that had been waiting for you in England! Enjoy creating new art with all these new materials! 💞🤗

[@helencryer]

Thanks!! It was a bit of an adventure getting back - my phone & back-uo charger died driving through France on my own (with the dog) and I got totally lost, and ended up sleeping in my car (I keep it set up as a car camper) in some random town somewhere!

[@nisamorin2519]

@@helencryer Oh no! I'm really sorry to hear that. But it had to be an interesting adventure. You found yourself in the past - no phone, no gps 🙃 ... But with a loyal friend😘 by your side! I'm glad everything turned out fine and you're both back home now. 💞💞

[@nancyloomis3046]

I absolutely love FC Gelatos. They blend better and are more workable than almost any "crayon" out there. I just wish they'd make them in artist 👩‍🎨 grade with lightfast pigments.

[@helencryer]

Yes to all of this!!

[@weekend_art]

When I first bought Lazurite from Roman Szmal I went ahead and bought a second one immediately: I scrape it from a pan and put in half pans in all my main palettes - it’s a perfect colour for Dutch sky most of the times 😅

[@helencryer]

Oooo - I hadn't considered it for a sky colour - thank you!!

[@WolfmanWoody]

Something a lot of people may not have noticed, but I have to say that you do have beautiful handwriting. And I am also glad to say that you haven't temped me to buy any more even though you seemed very pleased with your purchases. I am done now buying stuff; until the next time. 🤭

[@helencryer]

Thank you - that's very kind of you! It's definitely speed dependent - most the time it's an awful scrawl! You are very good. I too am now trying to be done buying stuff (except for the Pastelmat pad which came today 😂)

[@WolfmanWoody]

@@helencryer There's always something... 😂

[@racechick2033]

Welcome home! That was awesome! I loved everything but especially that cute vase die. I can see the cards you're going to make. 😊 I will look forward to more swatching videos and the books were lovely too. Great video, thank you as always. ❤

[@helencryer]

Hiya! Thank you! I liked the die even more than I thought! See you soon xx

[@joysmith6729]

I love the vases that is so cool

[@helencryer]

Fun aren't they?!

[@susanavenir]

Luscious start to finish! Thank you for taking us along to France - and thank you for planning so many more videos for us. I'm very glad P Rubens has acknowledged - in such a useful way - the fine work you do.

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!!

[@jkellyfamily9]

Great haul! I shy away from charcoal, chalks & pastels because I hate having to use a fixative after. But the Derwent blocks - I LOVE THAT PALETTE - and the books you shared - LOVELY!

[@kathysampson826]

Watching you unpack, I saw the quil and immediately thought you are going to love it. I learnt a lot about this with Japannese painting and if I ever had to choose one of brush it would be a quil!

[@helencryer]

It really is lovely!!

[@loriayres7410]

Those vases turned out great!

[@helencryer]

I was kind of surprised how cute they were!

[@RoxannePonds]

What a great haul!!! Hope your trip was wonderful ♥️

[@helencryer]

Thanks! It was great!

[@Flora-v6u]

Haha! I want to buy it all!! (even though I couldn't use most of it!) Glad you had such a lovely big unboxing session to soften the return from France. Those little die cut vases are gorgeous!

[@helencryer]

😁 I felt so lucky!! It definitely helped with the thought of coming back! I was surprised just how much I love the die cuts!!

[@teekierudite5108]

What a great video! I love it when you get packages in Helen. Looking foreward to the upcoming swatch videos! Keep up the wonderful work!

[@helencryer]

Haha, thanks! I love it too 😁

[@sharonsunshine2532]

The excitement in your voice. 😂 New art supplies... I get that same giddy feeling. 😂❤❤

[@helencryer]

Yeah - just can't be helped!

[@nottaholiday]

Dusk yellow is a wonderful paint!!

[@helencryer]

Yep - I love it!

[@thompson_jules0]

Yay another fab art haul🙏🏼 Really enjoyed seeing your new goodies and all those lovely colours😍 I picked up ‘Landscapes of Britain’ and ‘Trees’ after Natasha Newton recommended them on her channel and they really are beautiful and inspiring books, I’m sure you will enjoy them😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks! Yes, they're pretty cool aren't they?!

[@rhadastanfield8010]

These books you found are just perfect!

[@helencryer]

I think they're a rather random and fun assortment!

[@un_becoming]

Beautiful,inspiring work, thank you

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@hemjoo]

So much vicarious enjoyment!😊

[@helencryer]

I'm glad!!

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

I love that the Inktense are actual ink, they glow when used as an underpainting.

[@helencryer]

I haven't used them that much yet, but am looking forwards to it!

[@cellosubmarine]

Ooh, neat! What colors do you generally prefer, if you don’t mind sharing?

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

Great art haul, thanks for swatching out the paints in real-time for us to see! We love realtime swatching with pigment info included. Roman Szmals Vivianite is similar to the lapis you painted out in this video, in regards to its delicate looking nature but Vivianite is more granulating and beautiful in my opinion..it is also expensive but well worth it! Anyway, great video. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm excited to see that Paul Rubens set review. Much love, take care ❤

[@helencryer]

Thank you! But nooooo, I don't need to be convinced about other gorgeous paints!!!

[@sylvianblue]

So much colour! Colour fills me with joy; bright, moody, earthy, pale, jewel like, pretty, any sort, I just feed off of colour! The ‘texture techniques’ book could almost be a coffee table book, absolutely gorgeous. Oo, the inktense paints are beautiful and look really interesting. That Rembrandt dusk yellow could be a ‘murky sea’ colour. Lovely.

[@helencryer]

Yes!! First and foremost I love colour - even more than art materials and doing art - they are just the mediums for getting to play with colour!

[@teresawilson9530]

Oh dear, we art supply addicts are inspired 😊.

[@helencryer]

Apologies!!

[@teresawilson9530]

@@helencryer It’s a happy addiction 😉

[@melissamartinart]

Made it all the way to the end! Your joy at using the quill and 1-inch brushes was so genuine I could almost sense what they would be like to use! Also, Dinara Mirtalipova has a book called Imagine a Forest, which is kind of a “how to” for folk art. It’s so good! And those new green watercolours are 😘👌

[@helencryer]

They are definitely very happy tools to use!! I have her other book! That's when I first came across her - it's lovely isn't it?

[@impish22]

how fun, who can resist an art haul? not me

[@axelusul]

Love your work, hope you are fine. Off to see my Specialist today, so got up early and chilled to your great vids.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! I'm doing OK thanks - I hope all goes well for you, and that things are heading in the right direction!

[@apocalypse_frau]

Helen, I appreciate the consideration you take before you invest in art supplies; I do the same. When Jackson’s had their watercolour sale, I built an overseas order around the fact that Roman Szmal’s Autumn Green was finally back in stock in full pans. My cart was waiting on it for several months, but it wasn’t leaving without it. 😂 Recently, I found an excellent sale on the Holbein Irodori artist’s gouache sets; their open stock artist’s tubes I have were purchased a few years ago, and they lay down creamy, delicious opacity as if brand new, so I couldn’t resist. The Irodori arrived a week ago, and I need to wean off the late night Peaky Blinders binging and have a bit of a swatch fest. If you continue on with your love of landscape painting, I recommend having a look at American Journey watercolors. They have some beautiful, moody earth tones in their range that would suit Autumn and Winter woodland or seascape paintings beautifully. Thank you for sharing your new books as well; it’s always a joy to find inspiration and give a used book a new home!

[@helencryer]

Oooo - I have seen the Irodori sets and have been very tempted, but I should probably use the gouache I have a bit more first! Thank you - I will check out American Journey!

[@lightwavz]

What a lovely buffet of items! My favorite surprise was the Sizzix die. I quilt as well so I have been weighing out getting a machine and die for cutting paper pieces. The vases were just perfect! And I enjoyed the Autumn Green, Dusk Yellow, and Lazurite swatches. I have the Van Gogh Dusk tubes and the yellow is definitely my most used of them. Thanks so much for this long-form video. I enjoyed every bit of it!

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much! I'm (slowly) working on a hand quilt myself, where I use a Sizzix hexagon die to cut lightweight card to shape my fabric scraps. I love having a die cutting machine. I made cards for years, but use it for tags, mini books, and all sorts.

[@ChantelleArts]

I LOOOVVEEEE all those paintbrushes 😍

[@jaclynbaerart]

Okay, i loved all of this!! But really got me excited about those Rosemary & Co brushes! Wow that size 2 is so delicate and precise! Thank you so much for swatching and playing with your new goodies for us. ☺

[@helencryer]

I'm glad I can show things of interest! Thanks!

[@FayeWulf]

WELCOME HOME! As soon as you pulled out the die cut of the vases, I thought they were gorgeous and then you said the exact same thing! You've added so many new books to my wishlist too...

[@helencryer]

Thank you!! I thought they'd be nice, but they turned out even better than I was thinking! Haha, sorry about that! I have such a long list on Amazon.

[@Samantha_tookey197]

It’s been a joy to watch, your excitement was infectious ❤

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@ericakauffman5786]

What fun. I've been looking for a buff titanium in Sennelier and you've found it for me. I know a lot of people don't like Sennelier because of the transparency, but that is what I love about it for realistic florals. I love granulating paint but it just doesn't work for my style. I end up using it for backgrounds.

[@helencryer]

I love my Supergranulating paints, but I really like the Sennelier paints I have (about 25 now) - I'm appreciating transparency very much the more I go on.

[@annasartcorner]

❤

[@thefrostedblueberryart]

Curse you Helen, I’m sat here following along, adding things to my baskets I cannot afford!!!😮😂

[@helencryer]

I need to do lots of 'using what you've got' videos now!!

[@sueallen952]

Hi Helen do you have to spray a fixative over the oil pastels, ive got a few sennelier ones and a big set of Paul Rubens but havnt used them as I work in a sketch book. The gelatos move better if you gesso the paper first love them loved this video

[@helencryer]

I haven't used fixative on oil pastels yet. I just put some deli paper in-between the pages of my sketchbook. I hear that Sennelier fixative is good for the Senneliers, and Talens fixative is good for the rest. Thanks!

[@templemoore3799]

I saved this for my Sunday morning coffee & biscuit. Lol I’ve been waiting to see the arty loot you teased was waiting for you when you returned…Great thumbnail sneak peek 😎. Off I go to see whatchya got!

[@helencryer]

Haha! I'm flattered! Hope it wasn't too much of a let down!

[@templemoore3799]

@@helencryer no, not at all! big 👍 So many goodies. I especially loved the giggles using the new brushes. But not so fast…Since you now have a BIG sketchbook & a BIG new quill brush…I have a new recommendation. Have you tried Artgraf Tailor shapes? The earth set is on a really good sale at Jackson’s for their plein air sale this week. The colors are luscious, rich, lightfast, and somehow, they dry fast too. Highly recommend the black/white & graphite set on sale two while you’re at it. [they have a primary set I recommend, but I don’t think they’re on sale this time] After listening to you giggle with that new brush I think you would enjoy these too. The PR101 brown mixed w/a lil of the white is such mmmm great color. Great fun haul video Helen. Thanks again for sharing 👋💜👋

[@K.ART_vlog]

nice

[@Dawnasy]

I’m looking at buying a dye cut machine. I’m not familiar! Would you do a tutorial on this? With info on what to buy along with machine. I love how this turned out. Good idea on how to use up our scrap papers…I like the collage idea I getting with these…..thank you so much for you wonderful vids and most of all sharing your art making.

[@helencryer]

I've got less familiar with the market in past years, but you won't go wrong with a Sizzix Bigshot, or Cuttlebug machine. I'm happy to do a video, though it probably won't be for a couple of weeks. I can show the different kinds of dies and cutting mats etc. Thanks!

[@TerriChannel]

Welcome home, Helen! That’s a great art haul. The Autumn Green from Roman Szmal is probably my favorite green. I love how it separates into greens and oranges - just stunning. That Dusk Yellow from Rembrandt looks very nice for landscapes. I loved the cute vase die cuts. I don’t have one of those die cut machines but it looks like I might “need” to look into one - oh dear 😂. I also appreciated the side by side swatch of DS French Ultramarine vs Schminke. I definitely prefer the Schminke (which I don’t have - yet 😂). I loved hearing your excited giggles over the Princeton Quill brush - I get the same way over new and exciting art supplies! It looks like a beautiful brush. I have a number of quill brushes but not that one and I don’t have a mottler brush - yet 😂. I have used your affiliate links and will continue to do so - just a small way to say “thank you” for all your great content. I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful artwork using these wonderful supplies.

[@helencryer]

Yes, I have so many wonderful greens now, since doing my landscape greens video - all recommended by viewers (including the Autumn Green) that I probably have enough for a new video, and need to stop buying more! Die cutting us enormous fun! I was die cutting long before painting, and used to be on some American due cutting company design teams, making cards. Great fun! I've kept a core of dies, and occasionally add a new one here and there. Thank you so much for using my links - it's such a kind thing to do, and I really appreciate it!

[@cellosubmarine]

Ooh, I’m not quite at the quill brush yet and just asked another commenter about her recommendation… are my quill brush confident purchasing dreams about to come true?? Also… One day I will be reading through the comments for something like this, and not be reminded of how much basic stuff I still don’t know by things like the referencing of a type of brush I don’t really at all (the mottler in this case), or things I’ve been wanting to get but holding off on for so long that I’ve forgotten the reason why (mop brush)… like, even though I know, I can look it up, and I’m sure it will have the same reason it had originally, it is kind of embarrassing how much I managed to forget about types of brushes in between researching sessions, no matter how close together they are. And then I paint, and I’m so irritated that I’m not getting the results I want, and I *know* it’s because I’m just using a brush that is approximately the right sort of thing rather than the actual correct one… And then I forget again. Alas!

[@cellosubmarine]

P.S. to Helen - excuse the long comments, please! I will use your affiliate link. If the quill brush turns out to be one I can afford that fits the bill, at least. :)

[@nattyw495]

Enjoyed video, found it interesting and informative..

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@SN-sz7kw]

Thank you! The gelatos seem like a fancied up version of my beloved Japanese translucent crayons - which really are translucent. And cheaper - not sure about lightfastness or water solubility though. Will have to check it out. 😊

[@helencryer]

They sound interesting! We are thinking about a trip to Japan, and I'm looking forward to checking out some art shops!

[@sonja__k]

Such a lovely haul video again, Helen! I can see you having a lot of fun with all of your new supplies. Can't wait to see what you'll do with them. ☺Schminckes French Ultramarine btw isn't the most heavily granulating blue paint in their range. Their Cobalt Blue Deep granulates even more. Teoh Yi Chie uses it a lot in his urban sketches, I think. I love it for mixing a teeny tiny bit into a very diluted wash of raw sienna for creating wintery beach scenes.

[@helencryer]

I think I'm building up to getting a Schmincke dot card, and trying their whole range! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@sonja__k]

@@helencryer That's definitely a good idea. That's also the way I discovered the Cobalt Blue Deep for myself.

[@CastleMc]

It is always fun to see your new materials and travel paintings. I ordered the Rembrandt dusky yellow immediately and may go for the Sennelier umber! Brushes are my greatest joy so here is a recommendation for your future consideration: I love many Rosemary brushes, but my favorites may be their Red Dot range synthetic quills in small sizes like 10/0 and 5/0..they hold a nice point as well as ample water + pigment-very responsive and fun for tiny to medium sized paintings. Happy painting! And PS: I feel the same way about my Etchr sketchbook

[@helencryer]

Thank you for the recommendation! I find Rosemary and Co a bit of a maze, and now only buy things from there on recommendation, because I've bought a fair few in the past that I've not enjoyed that much.

[@cellosubmarine]

Thanks for the tip! Have you tried any of the larger quills in that line (if there are any)? I’ve been wanting to get at least one for a while, but they tend to be on the pricey side even given the general cost of high quality brushes, so I’m too wary to just go for something that sounds good and hoping for the best, and it feels like they aren’t talked about as much as other types of brushes on recommendation videos and things. :(

[@TheYellowsun76]

I was so excited for you when I saw you purchased the Neptune set. They are so nice, I love mine, Funny enough I took a visit to a local Blick store and was fortunate enough to find a set of 3 Princton snap brushes that I had not tried before, and I am happy I found them, and the bonus was they were on clearance for 7$. The books you shared are very beautiful, all the colors and little sketch book, and gifts to you so nice! Looking forward to upcoming videos!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I went and had a look at the Snap brushes after reading this, and wouldn't mind getting one to try out. It's on my Amazon wishlist at the moment, but wouldn't arrive for ages though, as they aren't available in England.

[@TheYellowsun76]

@@helencryer Oh that's a bummer..

[@ewao3489]

The books are super interesting. 🎉

[@helencryer]

I'm glad you liked them!

[@matraclm5422]

I think the gelatos have been discontinued recently, and they use to be much less expensive. You can set these with water, and they do wonders in backgrounds.

[@helencryer]

Yes, you're right!

[@simmikose6540]

What paper were you using when trying out the oil pastels? ❤

[@helencryer]

For my own splodges, I was using Canson XL watercolour paper, but I don't know what the swatch sheet which came in the box is.

[@jude6752]

Have loved your France trip, just lovely, I missed it all since 2020, six weeks to go until I do get back to the UK tho! Thanks for this enjoyable video catchup. Buying those faux squirrel brushes now 😇

[@helencryer]

Ohhh, I hope you have a brilliant time!! Thanks! Also hope you love the Neptune brushes!

[@kyliescolouringindownunder3098]

Beautiful haul.. I’m in Australia I do colouring in but would love to learn how to watercolour ect I was wondering if you do how to videos? Thank you lovely ❤❤❤😊😊😊xxxx

[@helencryer]

Hello! I haven't done any how to videos, sorry! I'm still trying to figure things out myself really!

[@sarabengtsson5353]

There is a number on the side facing up, that is the same as the name of the pencils. It should be on your invoice or on Jacksons where you can compare.

[@helencryer]

Thanks. Yes, I couldn't read them clearly on the sticks, and was being lazy not wanting to get my pencil box down!

[@alisonbell3475]

Just bought the book on ebay. X

[@helencryer]

Which one?!

[@martinanelsonartandpsychol6478]

Great video. Love the Princeton Brushes, but wanted to buy exactly those mixed brushes from Rosemary because of the water-hold. But there are so many additionally costs for shipping them to Austria, that it was nearly double the price ordering them from their own website. Do you know if there are any sellers of Rosemary brushes in Europe? Jackson only sells full sets.

[@helencryer]

That's a nuisance. I don't, sorry.

[@pesto12601]

CHACHING!!!!

[@helencryer]

Definitely would be if I'd paid full price for it all!

[@juliebromfield1865]

I have brush envy. The Princeton Neptune are a great brush and I want that short flat! Also loving the Schmincke Ultramarine and it's granulation. Are you glad to be back home? hope you manage to replace your laptop soon x

[@helencryer]

I'm enjoying the brushes so much!! Not particularly glad to be home! I love that little spot in France very much - after 14 years of going there, it's become special. I've dug up an old iPad of my husband's and think that'll do fine just for looking at reference photos!

[@nudynutsati1176]

What number of your old Princeton Neptune brush, which you like so much?

[@helencryer]

It's the half inch square wash brush.

[@veystone2580]

Those oil pastels could be creamy but can they be mixed to create a new color? Is their white, opaque? Are their greens good? Cause the old ones, dont mix well, and their greens are gummy.

[@helencryer]

Here's a video I made on them, answering all those questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZTRip6MmJaIpZo In short though, yes pretty well though not quite as well as Senneliers, yes very, and yes.

[@veystone2580]

@@helencryer Thank you for sharing the link!!!! I will watch it right now! 😊😊😊😊

[@sandjune2753]

I did but the gelatos but didn't like them. Shame. But I liked the shuttle art pastels for over watercolour. 🙂

[@helencryer]

That's a pity!

[@skyfall2430]

what a beautiful video! i wonder: how did you manage to recieve the 72 paul rubens oil pastels set? did they contact you or you had to contact them? i would like to do reviews on their products but i have no idea where to start. thanks for your help :)

[@helencryer]

Hi! They contacted me first a couple of times asking if I'd like to review other products, and then I asked if they'd like me to review these, seeing as I was looking into oil pastels, and they said yes.

[@skyfall2430]

@@helencryer that's wonderful!! thank you so much!! have a great day :)

[@jlhyndman]

I noticed in this video that you got packing peanuts… then I remembered a tip I saw on another video about using those packing peanuts to blend oil pastels or to use for mark making and I wanted to share! I haven’t tried it yet because I live in the US and I can’t remember the last time I saw a packing peanut. Let me know if it works!

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I think they are too soft for oil pastels, but haven't tried them with pastels yet! Mind you, these ones are biodegradable, and any moisture makes them break down, so they might not work so well!

[@joeclay4700]

4:49 I literally want this book! Do you have some recommendation for some book like this about watercolor?

[@helencryer]

I actually have hardly any watercolour books, and none like this really. Maybe you could just get this one? It's pretty inexpensive, and not many of the paintings rely on lighter colours over the top of darker ones, so I think it'd be pretty transferable to watercolour.

[@dianeandbrad529]

i was surprised how many nice watercolor books were available at my local library or orderable within the library system it gave me a chance to easily look through a few and try a few of the ideas before deciding if i like the book

[@helencryer]

Great idea, thanks!

[@FaithAnnNB]

Wow! What fun it must have been to open everything!! I have the same set of 4 Princeton Neptune brushes, but so far I’ve only used the round and flat brushes. I’ve been primarily painting in smaller sketchbooks and just haven’t needed the larger brushes yet 😊. I’ve wanted to try Rosemary & Co brushes for ages, they look lovely too! Excited to see your more detailed review videos after you’ve gotten settled at home again and have time for play. Also very exciting that Paul Rubens sent you some products 😊. Here’s my burning question about your trip… how much progress did you make on your quilt that you only work on when in France? 😅 Glad you made it home safe and sound!

[@helencryer]

It was totally lovely!! Didn't you even try the other two brushes out?!?! The problem I find with Rosemary and Co, is there is sooooo much choice. I've bought quite a few brushes from there, but don't always love them. Now I'll only go after specific ones on recommendation. Also though, I do really love some others that I have now, so probably won't look much further. Haha! I did about 10cm² on it!! BUT I did teach a young family friend how to do it, and she did some every day!

[@FaithAnnNB]

@@helencryer Ok, I’m going to try to explain why I haven’t tried the two larger brushes yet and see if it sounds logical when I type it out (probably doesn’t). At the same time I got that set of brushes, my sister-in-law gave me a beautiful piece of pottery she had made… I put the larger brushes in it and saw that the pottery (sort of a vase?) was PERFECT for brushes, so, then added some other larger brushes that I’m not currently using as a place to store/display them. They just look sooooo beautiful on top of my shelves where I store my painting supplies that I haven’t taken them down. That makes total sense, right? 😆 Happy to hear that some progress was made on your quilt and that you were able to pass on a new skill to someone else, hopefully it’s something she’ll do in the future as well!

[@helencryer]

It does make total sense!! 🤣 I like the image of a pretty pot of brushes anyway!

[@veronicawhite398]

😍👌👍

[@jessbutterfly1934]

Faber Castell will disagree with me, however, the Gelatery sticks feel and act exactly the same as the gel sticks you can buy in other brands and even their own brand that sells colours in the kids range. They claim they’re different, but they’re not.

[@helencryer]

That's interesting, thanks. I think I'd heard something similar elsewhere too. It was just this particular set of colours I wanted though, so I'm not too worried!

[@emotionalsupportpaintbrush]

You said you have pattern recognition on your phone now? What is that?

[@helencryer]

Plant recognition - identifying them from photos on my phone.

[@alisonbell3475]

Yeah xxx🎉

[@wilmakerstholt699]

Rich lady

[@helencryer]

Not when I spend it on art supplies!

[@sandraganadi7896]

Sorry but this sort of vids are grooming art supplies horders, and I'm at risk.

[@helencryer]

Sorry!

[@awatercolourist]

First 🥱

[@helencryer]

I'm so sorry to bore you... 🤣

[@racechick2033]

Ahem...

[@awatercolourist]

@@helencryer 😂😂

[@awatercolourist]

@@racechick2033 yes? 🤣

[@helencryer]

I think she is saying you jolly well weren't first 😁

[@lawsdraws]

Gonna need a brew for this lot… 🫖

[@helencryer]

🤣