This Was My Fastest Amazon Purchase Decision Ever! Reviewing Shuttle Art Tempera Pastel Paint Sticks

[@helencryer]

Shuttle Art Tempera Pastel Paint Sticks, on Amazon UK: amzn.to/4en5wXs

[@debbiecrowther7647]

it says currently unavailable :(

[@helencryer]

😢

[@nancyloomis3046]

I'm in the U.S. and these Shuttle Art gel crayons are in stock so I got them. I love gel sticks, esp pastel colors and even though these are called "tempera," I figure they're a gel-like media, too. I also just got a large set of gel colors sticks from King Art...they're more like Faber Castell Gelatos...a long time fave. But Gelatos are more expensive and aren't always readily available. On Amazon US, they sell a set of 28 Gelatos , water brush, 2 smudge sticks, 2 foam brushes for $52...not cheap. Maribu also makes a gel-like crayon they call "Art Crayons." They're the most expensive, but I think they may have a bit more pigment than the others. Thanks for this review!

[@helencryer]

I looked up the KingArt ones, and they look nice, though are quite expensive over here. Do they dry on the paper though, or do they stay permanently smudgeable?

[@colourfab]

I love that these are semi-opaque. The effects when you layer them is wonderful.

[@janecameron6689]

Thanks for the wonderful demo. I'm going to order a set of both regular and pastels.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy them!

[@teekierudite5108]

Always love seeing you add on layers of details, really makes the paintings feel complete. Enjoyed the swatch part of the video too, it's fun seeing the colors and how they look layered on other colors. Keep up the wonderful work!!

[@helencryer]

Thanks as always!!

[@Carol-ny2pp]

Thanks for this. I have a set, but haven’t known how to use them, I will now be a bit more adventurous

[@helencryer]

That's lovely!

[@TheYellowsun76]

Very fun! It's nice they dry and don't transfer onto other pages. and also, interesting that a wet brush can soften edges or be used to lift a bit if wanted. The colors are really nice! Thanks, for the review Helen!

[@helencryer]

Yes, I think them drying out completely is such a bonus!

[@emilyerdbeere9210]

A wonderful artwork! I love the look of pastels without the dusty surface!

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@VisualMind]

What is this wizardry? It's like if Gouache and oil pastels had a baby... I need them 😍

[@helencryer]

Perfect description!!

[@sheilacym]

🤩🤩💕💕🥳🥳🤪🤪😂😂. Oooooo….how fab !!!!!!🎉🎉

[@moonchaserstudio]

Love this! I struggle using the paint sticks. Thanks for the ideas! And inspiration!

[@helencryer]

Thank you! Good luck!

[@Anonymoi]

Wow, you make such good use of these! I also highly recommend the Kwik Stix brand if you can find it. They have a pastel set, plus an earth tones set (and also a global skin tones set but that may duplicate the colors in the other sets.) I have purchased the set of 30 a few times for my kids, and was really wowed by how well they work and the fact that they are water-soluble when first laid down, although they do not say that in the description. That set does have the metallics and fluorescents but it also has some really beautiful muted colors. I believe it includes all the pastels and earth tones but if I were buying it for myself I would just buy those small sets and skip the bright colors and metallics. They also make thinner sticks but those might not come in any of the more muted colors.

[@helencryer]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@TheCommanda13]

Love Kwix too! I’ll have to look up their pastels!

[@sandjune2753]

I love the idea of these for the books. Not for main works, but they do look fun

[@helencryer]

Yes, spot on.

[@helencryer]

Yes, spot on.

[@AlliListArt]

I can hear the joy and excitement in your voice dear Helen...now I know they dry down i will be getting some to play with too. Thank u so much for sharing....I love all your videos, especially the paint and splodge but don't comment on many, just due to time and I need to get painting as u and other a few other u tubers always inspire me. Love Alli XXX

[@helencryer]

That's really kind, thank you! I appreciate you commenting!

[@AlliListArt]

@@helencryer I loved your painting Helen and the fact that they were a bit more opaque as I though it gave so much more depth....I know u just wanted to play with new pastel set just on this piece but I bet when u put your classic and pastel set together with your watercolour blocking layer it will be fabulous and u will b happier that they r more opaque. looking forward to seeing a painting when u use them all together Helen x enjoy your day x love Alli XXX

[@Samantha_tookey197]

You’ve got some beautiful results with those paint sticks, I’m very tempted for using in my sketch book x

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@reneeugrin7037]

Thank you, this is so helpful. Sometimes I need a semitransparent pigment, these seem to be suitable for a nice smudgy application 😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks, but just be aware that they aren't too smudgy unless you're using them with water - they're a different consistency to Faber-Castell Gelatos or oil pastels in that regard, because they dry so quickly.

[@reneeugrin7037]

@@helencryer thank you 😊, and thanks for sharing that wonderful hike along the heather-coated hillside and coastline. 🌻

[@floralheart]

I love your loose landscape painting style. The tempera looks much opaque in compare with King art gel, which is more translucent, like Gelatos. I want to try that pastel colors set. Thanks Helen! 💞

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I'd say the classic colour Tempera Sticks are opaque, the pastel ones are semi-opaque, and the KingArt are semi-transparent.

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

Love these colors. Reminds me of Vermont sunsets over Lake Champlain 😊🌇 lots of pinks, blues, oranges, yellows. I may have to treat myself.

[@helencryer]

Lovely!!!

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

Hi Helen, Well, what can I say? Yes, straight down the rabbit hole ag ( my bank manager will be wanting words with you soon I think 🤣🤣🤣🙄) I’ve ordered them on your link, in fact I’ve ordered the darker set too and must say I’m looking forward to playing with them when they arrive tomorrow! Thankyou for sharing, even though my future messages may come from the workhouse!!🤣🤣🤣 Take care lovely lady ❤❤

[@helencryer]

Haha!!! Sorry to cause problems - please warn me when to hide!! Enjoy!

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

@@helencryer 🤣🤣🤣

[@annferguson3581]

Such a lovely painting at the end, Helen!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!!

[@Reesispiecis]

I looove these. Just got some last month. ❤❤❤

[@catheyboocat-design7175]

So good❤❤ Your super quick would equate to my masterpiece 😁

[@helencryer]

Haha, thanks!

[@diamondcloudstudio]

I have them too and love them! Thank you so much for showing how you use them in the beautiful sea drawing!

[@helencryer]

That's great to hear, thanks!

[@FaithAnnNB]

Lovely colours!! I think I’d like these since they have the case so your fingers don’t get dirty and they don’t make a scratchy sound when you use them… I have my quirks when it comes to supplies 😅

[@helencryer]

🤣

[@MixedMediaArtByTrina]

I love how you used the tempura stick to add highlights and marks! Really beautiful. Thanks for sharing! 😍

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@deirdreryan7402]

I got the larger set, but it’s a no name brand. LOVE them!

[@helencryer]

They're just such a low stress medium to use!

[@deirdreryan7402]

@@helencryer they are!

[@epoelker]

Thanks! I had to have these pastel colors, too. I have a set of KingArt pastel sticks. But like most sets they're the deeps & brights. Nice, of course. But you need pastel colors, for sure.

[@helencryer]

I don't know why more companies haven't tapped into the idea that so many people want subtle/pastel colours. Holbein have, and Derwent with their Drawing pencils, but that's about it!

[@epoelker]

@@helencryer I think that these tempera sticks are manufactured with young children in mind. Kids like the bright, rich colors. I quickly bought a set of these pastels in case they won't be worth it for Shuttle Art to keep making them. I'm so glad I watched your video. ❤

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Helen, I have not used tempura out of grade school K-8th here in the US States. I remember when I did use tempura paint it was with finger painting!so looooong ago! I am glad that you are finding a very good way to use them! I have some Marabu crayons and a larger set of similar crayons from KingArts. I still prefer to use the Neocolor II’s, but that’s is why there are so many different mediums and people who love them or can just as well leave them as well! Thank you for sharing this lovely painting with us.

[@helencryer]

Cool! We never had anything like this at school - I only heard of them this year! A cheap, cheerful and fun product, and good for helping me not take myself or art too seriously!

[@mjpete27]

@@helencryer Hullo Helen, I am sorry to mislead you, the Tempura paints I used as a youngster was in jars, the teacher poured the paint out onto the paper and we squished it about with our hands or fingers, thus finger painting! I have enjoyed watching your landscape creations and I am looking forward to seeing more of your ideas and artworks.

[@helencryer]

Oh I see - sorry for misunderstanding! Still sounds like wonderful fun though! Thanks!

[@Purpleladybirdart]

These paint lipsticks look like great fun and all sold out. 😄 Lovely artwork as always - the colours used are lovely. 🙏💜

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! Yes, I think we cleared the shelves 😬

[@lawsdraws]

Lol, out of stock already - look what you’ve done! 🤣 I love the work you do with these, your landscapes are just so lovely and expressive!

[@helencryer]

😬 Thank you!

[@charlottesmom]

They are back in stock! 👍🏻🎨

[@lawsdraws]

@@charlottesmom woo hoo! 🥰

[@cslattfri]

I love Tempera sticks! I have the Shuttle Art classic set with metallics. I didn't know they came in pastels. I may have to purchase them. The colors are great!

[@helencryer]

They are gorgeous colours! Be aware that these are semi- transparent, like the metallics and neons.

[@colourfulsouls]

I have some boxes of these (6 colors in each box- red yellow blue green brown black), I got a few boxes on clearance I had no idea they made all of these other colors! We liked making plaids with them, it’s a cool translucent effect you get when you layer them as a plaid *I also had no idea you can use these techniques with them, I used them w young kids so never thought more ways to use them

[@helencryer]

Oh cool! The plaid is a great idea!

[@janemcgrath9615]

I have the other set (with the metallics in) and have enjoyed using them,but I didn’t realise you could wet them to blend with. Really enjoyed watching your sketch come together,it turned out great ,some great tips too 🙏 .

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!

[@patriciasalem3606]

I just added these to my Amazon cart here in the US. The only way I could get them was packaged with a set of gel crayons, which I've never used before. I have no idea how blendable or water soluble the crayons are, but they could be fun when I want a less blunt tip to add details to watercolors. I can always use them for journaling if they don't pan out for landscapes. Thanks for the review! Really enjoying your work and sooooo envious of your location in Cornwall -- so beautiful and so walkable!

[@helencryer]

I hope you enjoy them! Thanks!

[@michep.169]

it looks so much fun to use

[@beedee4427]

I'd already pressed the link before you ended the video 😆. As always though, they're too new to be available to get from here in Australia 👎🏻, so, I shall have to be patient 🤔😕. I love my current sticks (purchased at your recommendation 😉) and use them from bed when I'm stuck here, as they're no mess art materials. Also, my niece stayed this weekend and she discovered them in my studio and made some cards for her friends with them. So, I'll def be putting an order in for another packet to send to her. Anyhoo, cheers for another fun video. All the best from Newcastle NSW!

[@helencryer]

Patience - oh no!!! My worst thing 🤣 They are definitely fun though, and yes, bed usable, which is also a good job for me, as I just ripped a calf muscle and am supposed to be keeping my leg higher than my heart for a few days!

[@beedee4427]

@@helencryer Nooooo! Not again. First your hip and now your calf! That's totally crap. Speaking as a naturally super active person, I know what it's like to be stripped of the ability to just "do". So, I know how you must be feeling and I say, get those gorgeous Neocolour IIs, Luminance and Tempera Sticks and go nuts! 😆. Sending best wishes from sunny Newy 😎

[@debsllewelyn230]

Oh, this is exactly what I need xx

[@cheesegoddess1]

Timely. I’ve been looking at these or guanche sticks. Thank you.

[@helencryer]

Great!

[@CianneDoodles]

Just purchased the pastel set to try with portraits. Never seen these before so excited to give them a go. Thanks for sharing them with us. I’m in Canada, btw. Bought them on Amazon Canada.

[@helencryer]

I really hope you enjoy them too!

[@CianneDoodles]

@@helencryer I’m sure I will. 🙂

[@angelag9346]

Lovely painting and what a fun paint stick❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@angelag9346]

@@helencryer I put a pack in my amazon cart!!

[@deeaustin6479]

Just gone on to Amazon to buy these. Out of stock and don’t know when, or if, they will be back in stock.😢

[@helencryer]

Already - that is so annoying!! They had plenty in stock when I checked earlier today! Sorry x

[@helencryer]

Just check again - I looked now, and there are only two more on Amazon UK.

[@UJB123]

Back to school time ... certain kid friendly labeled items go like hotcakes

[@helencryer]

Not in the UK yet!

[@lindyashford7744]

Interesting product.

[@gardenplotsandplans]

Thank you for sharing these! I ended up getting them too and I love the colors. After I got them, I realized a few of the colors were identical to the ones in my Kwik Stix 30 set, which includes some pastels, earth tones, and jewel colors. They’re so similar, so I can’t help but wonder if they’re the same thing with different brand names.

[@helencryer]

That's good to know, thanks! I've not used the Kwik Stix.

[@gardenplotsandplans]

@ You may like their skin tone set and their earth tone set. Both are good for landscapes in my opinion.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@brittabeningfield3472]

Oooooo perfect! I haven't used my classic set in ages, and it's exactly what I've been looking for to add detail to my daily dog-walkies sketchbook. Of course I just ordered the pastels. The colors are gorgeous 😍. I'm wondering if they might become more opaque over time once they've evapoated a bit due to use. I'm also going to try making some smaller details by applying with one of those silicone tipped color shaper tools... might work for little grasses or leaves. Totally impressed and inspired by your work . Thank you!

[@helencryer]

Thank you! The transparent ones in my first set haven't noticeably changed - just my white one seems a little bit thicker. Let me know how your experiment goes! I don't know how well the coloured will stick to silicone!

[@pantalonious3984]

I found it really surprising that the pastel colors were far less opaque than the regular colors. In my experience, using most mediums, pastel colors are typically on the more opaque side in comparison.

[@helencryer]

Yes, it's true, and I was a little disappointed in that, but still really enjoyed them.

[@moridach1884]

Love the colors✨

[@__unwavering]

If you like these you will like the king art gel sticks, they're similar. More glidy, good for big swaths of color.

[@helencryer]

Thank you for the recommendation - I might have to try them too!

[@__unwavering]

@@helencryer you're very welcome!

[@helencryer]

(I might have put a little order through 😁)

[@karenbruce9251]

Wanted to try them but unfortunately Amazon has sold out and they're not available anywhere else in the UK.

[@helencryer]

Hopefully they'll get some more back in stock!

[@rebecca_lane_]

I've had these in my basket for about a week now, of course now I go to buy them, they're gone 😢 Lovely work Helen!

[@helencryer]

Oh no, I'm so sorry!

[@rebecca_lane_]

@@helencryer ah, no worries. Fingers crossed they'll get a restock, and if not it's a lesson learned! I'll buy faster next time 😆

[@davejohnson5365]

Thanks for the demo. Will be trying these. Have you tried adding watercolour to them, or painting over the dried stick colour with watercolour? Would the watercolour struggle like it would over acrylic?

[@helencryer]

Hi, just tried it out - if you paint lightly over a thick area of Tempera stick, it resists a little bit, but if you agitate the Tempera at all, it begins to dissolve into the water, because it's water soluble.

[@davejohnson5365]

@@helencryer thanks so much, can tell you are enthusiastic about these sticks. I quite like the fact that the two partially mix together (creating a third colour)

[@helencryer]

I mean, don't get me wrong - these are a cheap and cheerful kids' art material, but definitely fun!

[@davejohnson5365]

If it looks useful and looks a joy to work with… I prefer to go with that. and watching demos like yours helps to cut through big brand marketing and the known logos

[@ladyflimflam]

So what do you prefer about these over a watercolor crayon like Mungyo Gallery or Caran d’Ache Neocolor 2?

[@helencryer]

I had the water soluble Mungyo oil pastels, and disliked them enormously - got rid of them. Mine were too hard, and made crumbs. The Tempera sticks by comparison are soft and creamy, but also dry completely. I really like Neocolor II's, but they are just different. The Neocolor II's don't cover as big an area as quickly, and they are much firmer. The Neocolor II white is less opaque too.

[@alisonlyons4691]

Hi Helen, l love your sketch. The sticks look fun but I'm not keen on the plastic cases, praps it's because they are aimed at children. lf they were wrapped in paper l would deffinately have a go. Thank you for your hints and tips ❤

[@helencryer]

I was thinking that it's a shame about all the plastic, but then they'd dry out, because they're not like oil pastels or Gelatos which never really dry out.

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

Hi there. I really enjoyed this video as I am on the fence to purchase paint sticks. Not sure if I want another paint supply?!?!?! Any advise would be welcomed!

[@helencryer]

I'd just take a realistic look at your current art practice, and ask yourself if this is something you'd genuinely use much.

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

@@helencryer that's one of the problems, I like it all😜

[@helencryer]

I sympathise, because I'm the same!! So what else I'd add is that these are not artist quality supplies - no lightfast or longevity information, just a simple fun blunt tool for adding splodges of colour!

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

@@helencryer thanks Helen!

[@triciabennetts6578]

Tempted to try these now - Thankyou Helen 😊 A bit off topic, could you recommend a pencil sharpener for luminance, Derwent drawing pencils etc please? I don’t seem to have had much luck finding a decent one that gives a nice point 🤷

[@helencryer]

Hiya, sorry, I took a few days, but I did reply to your other message! I'm out and about at the moment and can't remember the name of the one I like most - if you can try and find my other reply it's in there!

[@triciabennetts6578]

@@helencryerSorry Helen, thought because the post was a year old, you may not see recent comments - I’ll check it out - Thankyou 😊

[@mayuloves858]

I saw them a couple of weeks ago on amazon and have them on my wishlist now because on my amazon location they are still out of stock 😅 . I hope they actually can get some in so i can try the finally. The colours just speak to me so much more than the regular Set.

[@helencryer]

Oh, fingers crossed. I know exactly what you mean about the colours!

[@tdelphia1]

These are interesting! Clearly, from the classic sticks, they COULD have made the pastel sticks more opaque so I wonder why they chose not to do that.

[@helencryer]

I guess not everyone prefers opaque!

Have you tried blending them using a cotton tip with a tiny bit of some type of oil like baby oil or mineral oil and if so, did that work?

[@helencryer]

I haven't, no, but they blend with water.

[@zenlife1200]

If you could only have either tempera paint sticks or gelatos which would you pick?

[@helencryer]

If I could get all of my favourite Gelato colours as Tempera sticks, then probably Tempera sticks, but they don't do all the lovely moody colours of the Gelato Translucents, so I need both!!

[@raelynnreffruschinni8802]

Lovely!

[@K.ART_vlog]

beautiful 😍

[@emmawickman1196]

Do you prefer these over neocolor? ☺️

[@helencryer]

They're just very different, so I prefer both of them in different situations. The Neocolors are more concentrated and pointed, so you get a less soft effect.

[@arro6592]

So you get some soft very cheap pastels that can dry (a hybrid between a sennelier type pastel I suppose and a neocolor 2) and each one is in a huge chunk of indestructible plastic. And you can’t get refills. I mean I can understand plastic like that around marker pens where they need to have the alcohol ink within a container. But what exactly is the purpose of this plastic if not just consumerism and something that looks nice? I am curious. Edit: spelling mistake correction.

[@helencryer]

It's a good point, and I was thinking about this, and why they couldn't just have a simple paper wrapper on them, but I guess it's because they dry out in contact with air. Once they've sat on paper a few minutes, they are dry, so they'd become unusable very quickly.

[@charlottesmom]

How is this any different from the myriad of other art supply packaging that is either plastic or otherwise non recyclable…acrylic paints in plastic tubes jumps to mind, plus acrylic paint is basically plastic with color added. In general I try to use as little useless plastic as humanly possible but I really want to try these, I’ll not be guilted for it (well maybe a little) 😔.

[@NewmNetwork]

So these activate with water also and then dry?

[@helencryer]

Yes, plus they can be activated with water to a lesser extent after drying too.

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

I have these they are soooo nice

[@helencryer]

How do you like to use them?

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

@@helencryer I use them as an under layer then coloured pencils and neo colours 2 on top.

[@helencryer]

Oh, that's interesting! I couldn't get my pencils to stick very well!

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

@@helencryer I use arrtx pencils, i find polychromes don’t work well.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I might experiment with my different pencils then.

[@judyaznm820]

How do these compare to/differ from Gelatos?

[@helencryer]

They feel similar in application, though the Tempera sticks are broader, so even less detail is possible. Where the Gelatos stay blendable and don't really dry, the Tempera sticks dry very quickly, and once dried can't be dry blended like the Gelatos can. They can be blended with water in a similar way to the Gelatos though.

[@Everywhere2]

@@helencryer - Gelatos aren't as opaque either, are they? I wonder how the two play together. And with Neocolor IIs. Hmmm...Certainly the tempera sticks win on price! Thank you for telling us about them, Helen. I was taken with them in your latest aperture card video.

[@helencryer]

Gelatos vary in opacity. My Pastel Gelatos set is very opaque, but less so in my Translucent set. I've been using Gelatos, Tempera Paint sticks and Neocolor II's all together a lot recently in my sketchbook.

[@somepinkflowers]

Lovely seascape. 💕 Never would have thought you had used those paint sticks ‼️ Thank you.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@jlm517rocks]

gottem...ty for sharing.

[@helencryer]

Great!

[@AndreaVanKleef-qs8gn]

How do they compare with gelatos?

[@helencryer]

Copied from another reply: They feel similar in application, though the Tempera sticks are broader, so even less detail is possible. Where the Gelatos stay blendable and don't really dry, the Tempera sticks dry very quickly, and once dried can't be dry blended like the Gelatos can. They can be blended with water in a similar way to the Gelatos though.

[@sirmascopchanova4657]

I need to stop watching art videos, my wallet would not be so happy with my wishlist. :D

[@helencryer]

Or pick the videos using supplies you already have 😁

[@sirmascopchanova4657]

@@helencryer 🤣

[@helencryer]

(I say that as much to myself as anyone else, of course!!)

[@sirmascopchanova4657]

@@helencryer yes, of course 😉

[@valeriegehling4358]

Aha! Thought I detected very slight disappointment in your voice! But, all your videos & sketches are so colourful & encourage me to pick up my art things, & consider my next „buy“, naughty me! But, are we all mad that we enjoy new art things so…. much. Hi,hi…Thanks

[@helencryer]

Well, I'd prefer they were completely opaque because I use these sticks as the very last things to go on my sketches, but I'm still happy to have them! If it is mad, I'm happy being mad!

[@valeriegehling4358]

@@helencryer Me too..!hi,hi. ( Like children in Sweet Shops! )

[@nataschapicart1948]

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

[@christinaps]

I just saw the price, OMG. They'll have to stay far away I think

[@helencryer]

Mine were just under £12, which I thought was reasonable.

[@paulinewhite3273]

You may not like this suggestion, but most stuff is China in origin. Temu sell these at rock bottom prices.

[@vally9394]

This kinda reminds me of a glue stick but with color... Hope the ingredients are safe though...

[@helencryer]

They are advertised as suitable for children and non toxic/no harmful chemicals, so you would hope so. They are a different consistency than glue, but I think most glue sticks are also non toxic anyway. Plenty of artist's pigments are toxic though!