I Opened A $200 Art Advent By CRAFTAMO...overpriced??

[@ChloeRoseArt]

As always, leave a comment with a * and you’ll be entered to win the gift card. Winners for past videos have been selected, I’ll pick a winner from this video next week ✨

[@diannequan2624]

Check out on of her subscription boxes. I loved them. I saw this as an extension pack.

[@AnnaDavis-m4d]

where are you going to post the winners

[@ChloeRoseArt]

@@AnnaDavis-m4d I reply to the winners comments :) I dont post them anywhere but I have their names on my laptop - if people would prefer I post names too lol

[@chiawia69]

I think your wreath turned out really beautiful! The advent box is definitely targeted to people who have experience already in the arts, I appreciate the fact she included tutorials with her products. I feel people often forget the value of time, the most precious of all commodities, especially considering we never get our time back. I believe this adds considerable value to the advent calendar.*

[@r01ana]

Your wreath was awesome. Watercolor natural :)

[@DeluluIsTheSolulu]

To be honest, the idea is nice and as an artist myself, I completely understand all the hard work that went into this. That being said, the price point is too high for so few art supplies. We can get tutorials off of youtube for free, and for someone who already has all the art supplies they need, this set is not a good investment. If we can afford to buy 12 random items for $200, chances are we can afford high quality supplies that we're already familiar with and enjoy.

[@amandaterrio4823]

I have to disagree. I have bought craftamo paint brushes and they are really good quality and are really nice. The other stuff makes up for the high price in my opinion

[@diannequan2624]

You can’t get these videos for free. They are listed but are not for open use.

[@lm9327]

You make excellent points.

[@danaparsonsliquidcosmosart2669]

Not as good as Princeton or Windsor and newton etc.. ​@@amandaterrio4823

[@veystone2580]

@@DeluluIsTheSolulu Agree!

[@veystone2580]

Way overpriced. For that kind of money, I expect art supplies-not pins, keychains, and washi tape! It's $200! The tiny palette, while beautiful, is something I already own and only paid $4 for. As for the metallic watercolors, a set of at least three affordable cool primaries would have been so much better. Plus, the tutorials are readily available for free. This really feels like a rip-off. On a different note: I absolutely love your book!

[@Cath-ki9ec]

I. totally agree! If I buy an « art advent calendar « , I would expect to get more paint and not get pins, keychains or tote bags 😁

[@KarenKhen94]

As a non begginer artist in also don't find much personal value in the videos as they are targeted towards beginners they should have been more advanced levels so profecinal artist would have value in them. I know it sounds harsh and I love Emma I follow her I just think she needed to make it more advanced level

[@TwistyKitty]

The washi tape I'm not going to knock because I actually know several people who use it for barriers with various media to help keep sharp lined borders. So it still has it's usefulness as an art supply. But the rest? Definite no.

[@veystone2580]

@@TwistyKitty The washi tape is useful indeed, but I dont think it was an item worth having after spending 200 dollars. That's my opinion. Paying 200 dollars and to find washi tape! Nope!

[@sandyknight3910]

Are you are thinking of the free tutorials Emma has put on KZbin? Inside each box lid, there are specific tutorials for the box set only, that are only accessible by following the link. Therefore they are not all available for free. You HAVE to have paid for the calendar to get the code from the lid, and they are different to the you tube videos.

[@ThePreppingArtists]

Honestly I would be very very disappointed if I paid $200 for that calendar. Thank u Chloe for doing this video so we don’t have to spend our hard earned money on this! For $200 I could buy a ton of watercolor supplies and have exactly what I want and like!

[@youtubelibrary_10]

Correct! Here's what $200 can buy that will last a long time: 1) 24 set of professional half pan paints or select tubes of professional paints = $50 2) Sarah Renae Clark's colour cube vol1 & vol2 = $67 3) Arches large size 100% cotton paper - I can cut into smaller sizes = $20 4) Ohuhu fine liner pens 9pk = $10 (with coupon) 5) Meeden porcelain palette = $9 6) Artegria 10pk brushes = $20 Subtotal = $176 ... That leaves me with enough money to pay for taxes and pick up metallic paints or tote bags

[@marvelenia6702]

Exactly, this is way overpriced, its not funny anymore.

[@Plagski]

The fact that 25% of the products aren't art related and something that I personally would just "lose"/throw away/give away really ruins the value of the calendar for me

[@IMeraii]

I think $200 for two paint brushes, three pens, 2 paints, a small sketchbook, some washi tape, two pieces of card and ....tat. sorry, but the bag is just another typical canvas tote tote bag, the key ring and pin are pretty but realistically of no use, and the mini palette is gimicky. I think advent calendars as a whole are overpriced but this one is very much so.

[@artsyplantstudio]

👍🏼

[@HarjitBaryar]

Ur forgetting how long it took her to do the tut and she even said they were high quality

[@okane9417]

@@HarjitBaryar Why did she think her tutorials would be useful for non-beginner travel artists that she said she designed this calendar for? Maybe she meant it was for new artists interested in trying plein air, but not only her tutorials take place in a studio and have nothing to do with plein air as a whole, how could a pin and keychain be useful for plein air artists? I'm sorry, but her criteria is all over the place.

[@HarjitBaryar]

@@okane9417 I will say some of the items were pretty useless

[@suzt7076]

I think the artist’s choice to not include paints is odd. If her argument was that ‘most people would have their watercolours’, then to me, they would have brushes, even more so. And assuming good quality, then a brush is a brush, especially just a round. Whereas you can always have slightly different colours, or metallics etc. an average of $16 per day - that could get decent paint.

[@hawkeyescoffee6399]

Not only that, if they were looking for professional grades, then surely they wouldn't need the tutorials either?

[@SotaliaTucuxi]

I have loads of watercolor paints and I would love to sample others. Each brand is different, sometimes vastly, and I am always up for getting new paints. It's strange that an art calendar wouldn't take advantage of that.

[@gilded_lady]

​@@SotaliaTucuxi Plus for the the price point she could have leaned in metallics/multichromes or other speciality finishes and because they aren't every day colors no one would have minded half pans either.

[@HankHillspimphand]

100%. if everyone who gets this has paints....ok? wouldnt they have paper, brushes and more then? what about gouache artists or acrylics that a family meemeber buys them becasue they want to get into watercolour. i can bet that alot of people who get this will be confused about lack of paints. also watercolour you can get some decent paints for good price. you dont need top tier for everything

[@veystone2580]

@@hawkeyescoffee6399 VERY GOOD POINT!!!

[@Boxofcare666]

Not including paint but replace it with tote bag, key ring and pins?? Yeah…

[@AnkaaraEnor]

Agree.

[@Talathena]

Yeaaaaaaa

[@sandyknight3910]

feel the same here too...

[@TheNerdJournals]

Not only that but assuming watercolor artists already have paint but they don't assume watercolor artists have brushes? lol wtf, I'm commenting all over this video because I think this is one of the most delusional art advent calendars I've ever seen.

[@marvelenia6702]

@@TheNerdJournalsagreed

[@Bloomkyaaa]

For $200 I can hand pick my own art supplies for way less! Advent calendars have been increasing in price year after year, it's insane. 😤😤😤Anyways, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody! 🎄🎆 *

[@ZarasArtventures]

😂😂😂

[@jlphilp2403]

Challenge accepted. These art supplies for $200 USD. I'll start in January.

[@hospitalcakewalk]

And not watch some useless videos about some girl yapping about how much better she thinks she is than you. like WOMAN WTF. XD Chloe needs to touch grass.

[@lora9664]

To put this in perspective : For less than $200 I just purchased a 24 set of hand poured Daniel Smith paints with a bonus extra tin, an Arches 9 by 12 cold pressed watercolor block and a 48 page cold press sketchbook from Etchr. I will mention the DS paints were on sale for $93. I had money leftover so that partially paid for a new soft flat brush from Maria Racnasky brush line on Etsy. Also known as her Songbird line. My Mom had given me that much money to spend on art supplies for Christmas. No comparison to this advent calendar. I like Emma and watched her videos for many years. I don’t follow her anymore but wish her well. Compared to the $90 double decker Advent calendar you reviewed last week this was way over priced or I guess just not well put together. Each individual piece was good but mismatched I guess is how I would say it.

[@BananaTheNinja]

My god, the idea of going "We're want to send this to you! You're gonna do a video? Can we review it before it goes up?" DAMN RIGHT NO! *

[@eljay1980]

Not only that, Chloe said no to that request then got a message from Emma herself so added pressure to be nice from Emma praising Chloe's channel and content.

[@bobbysmith8095]

@@eljay1980 i DIDN'T KNOW THIS....KINDA make it worst and show how bad this item is then

[@Superfreaky2]

@@eljay1980wow thats so manipulative

[@hospitalcakewalk]

@@eljay1980 AND THEN SHE WAS!!! You notice how she said NOTHING negative about this absolute dumpster fire of a box???? She literally ate carpet. LIKE BRO WTF. Disgusting.

[@BelleMorte1979]

@@hospitalcakewalk She she took the bait. I had kinda stopped watching these kind of videos from her, but loved the pen calendar. This one though, wow. Chick fell for the con. How the heck do you praise tape?

[@FinnCrafts]

* I feel like "knowing" Emma made you a bit too kind 😅 so many of these products you can find on temu with similar quality

[@ChloeRoseArt]

Haha I was more gentle because it was an artist/person not just a company 🫶 I don’t know her she just sent me a kind email, that was our only correspondence ✨

[@pjpony1234]

I'm an artist, too and you were far kinder than I would have been. You're so nice.😂​@@ChloeRoseArt

[@SotaliaTucuxi]

I got that same mini wooden paint palette on Temu. I also have a similar one that I bought from a crafter in the Ukraine, but the quality is SO much better, with enameled wells, stronger magnets, and more magnet connections. It cost more but even at the $30 I paid vs the $2 at Temu, I would have much rather have seen the more expensive one in this advent calendar.

[@Superfreaky2]

@@ChloeRoseArtshe tried to manipulate you by sending that email

[@BelleMorte1979]

@@ChloeRoseArt While kindness is certainly important, now a days especially, objectivity is as well. You know all too well $200 is a lot of money. If folks are taking you on your word and this isn't worth 200. Understand you are trying to be nice and again kindness rules. This is just not worth the money and I wish you were forthright about that. Instead of recommending this box, maybe point folks to her channel and support with purchases or something to her website.

[@wildflower1397]

I would have provided a dot card of holiday colors with the sketchbook, and swapped for something other than the keyring. Perhaps a circle stencil, fine tipped white posca pen, or another brush. *

[@laurenb9479]

Ooh, a dot card is a great idea! *

[@SquirtleHK]

@@laurenb9479 What is a dot card? I Googled it and still can't tell🤔

[@jpapiiii]

First of all, your wreath turned out gorgeous! I know you don't do watercolor often, but that's even more impressive since it came out beautifully. Good job Chloe and Emma for her tutorial. Secondly, I unfortunately have to agree with the others that for what you get it not worth the price. If you're selling a $200 (ORIGINALLY $250!!!) luxury artist set I'd expect more art supplies, not a pin and keychain, or even the bag. All together those are probably worth about $25 and I'd expect those sorts of things in a cheaper kit where they're padding it out. They could have easily replaced those with more paint- maybe red and green, or primary colors so you could mix. Even if an artist already has watercolors you can always use more. You could keep the ones from this kit stored until you run out of the ones you already have. A keychain/pin/bag are just going to take up space- or be displayed if you're into that. From what I can figure, the value of the items in the box is about $135. Some of those figures come from items they sell on their own website and some are based off professional grade products you can buy on other websites. I was honestly shocked when you opened Day 5's big, thick box and it had two pieces of paper and two envelopes in it. I assume that's the same paper they sell on their website and if so, it's worth $5. They could've put more paper in there for the price of this box. Even just 2-3 more sheets so you could make 4-5 cards. There is something to be said about the tutorials and this being a collab box, and it having custom designed items which would've cost money to make instead of putting generic mass produced items in. Craftamo says they're a cruelty-free, eco-friendly art supply store as well so that could definitely be affecting the price, but I haven't looked into those claims, I'm just repeating what their website says. But the value simply isn't there. Like you said a lot of the value is in Emma's tutorials- which definitely are worth a lot of money- but she has similar tutorials on her KZbin (that are freely available to the public) that you could go off of. Not to mention other peoples' tutorials on KZbin, Skillshare, etc. I just hope she was fairly paid for all the time she spent picking out items, designing the products, and making her tutorials. That's a lot of work for a collab. Maybe part of the price of the box was making sure she was paid fairly. I hope so. *

[@LJG7654]

I feel like it was well curated except for the key chain, tote and pin. I would be pleased to have one non-art supply, but 3, one of which is a key chain, don't give the calendar more value, imo. The supplies you received seem to be nice quality which is better than most art calendars I've seen. The tutorials do add a fair amount of value as well but I still think $200 is expensive for what you received. Love your wreath that you created!

[@Myst_Eerie_Isle]

I wouldn't want the pins, brush bag, or tote. If I'm getting an art supply advent, I'd want the supplies. A little water bottle, small tubes of paint, a cool bag for it all (not tote).. everything for a small travel kit.

[@mooncow728]

I think at a $200 price point it is just too high. I understand that she didn't want to include garbage but a bag, a keychain, and a pin don't really belong in an art advent calendar. One of the items could be understandable but I really feel like more supplies should have been included instead. I feel like even a cheaper watercolor pallet could have been included. Maybe they wouldn't be the best quality and she could have said that in a video, but it would have felt like it was a complete product rather than random items. Maybe her options were limited, I'm not sure but I don't think it's worth it. *

[@KarenKhen94]

@@mooncow728 she could have put in cotteman or sennelier lapetit they are light fast good quality student grade paints or tried paul rubens. Even better team up with someone that does handmade watercolours and created a limited series just for this there are so many good options she could have done for paints

[@Superfreaky2]

Its really manipulative for Emma to have messaged you. She should have left you alone to review the item first instead of trying to manipulate you into saying nice things. Very, very sly. Also most if these items are easily found on aliexpress, like exactly the same items, pretty sure they just add their own labels. 8:51 The tutorials are available for free on her channel so she’s not exactly making them exclusive to the people who paid all that money for the advent calendar.

[@mmmpopfanatic]

That last point is probably my main issue with assessing the 'value', if they're already available for free then are they really adding any value at all?

[@fuzzydragons]

Way way too much money for what you get 😐

[@TheNerdJournals]

Thank you for including that the tutorial is free on her channel, I assumed it was exclusive content. Guess you can't even count the tutorials to the value of the box then huh? I agree that Emma was being manipulative and I have no time for that bs. Would not by this box for more reasons than just the value after watching this video.

[@lunabelletheinsane]

The tutorials are not free - they are exclusive to the box, ALTHOUGH she does have very similar tutorials on her channel that are free (she even has a series from 2023 that is titled advent calendar, but it's just her making Christmas themed artwork and doesn't have to do with this box), so really, do you need the ones that come with the box? She also doesn't even mention this box coming out ANYWHERE on her YT channel unless she mentions it in her videos, but it's not in her video titles anywhere, which I found weird. Most KZbinrs make a video about their collaborations on things like these, even if it's only a five minute video.

[@BelleMorte1979]

That was the point was to be manipulative. When Chloe said No on having Craftamo review the video, they told the artist to reach out. It was all a guilt trip. What a waste of money this is. The other ones she's done this year is really cool (especially the pens) but this one is a joke and way overpriced.

[@akane1412]

Imagine paying 200 for washi tape, a keychain, a brush, a carry bag, a tote, a pin... and it's only 12 days because 24 would be too many items and add to value... yet half of the art advent calendar is fillers, so what value? How much are those paints? $50 a piece? Those suplies are not handmade. There's nothing of 200 value in them imo. And the tutorials? Are they locked to the link provided on the calendar or avaliable to everyone? Are they free or monetized? Those questions make a huge difference here...!

[@pamelalarson3427]

It is my understanding from Emma that the tutorials are only available with the purchase of the box.

[@okane9417]

They're locked to the link provided on the calendar. Hence the price, I guess.

[@userbunny]

a lot people say it's free on her channel

[@Eevcraft]

* That would have been quite a disappointment for $200. Would love to see what kind of an advent calendar you would make for yourself for that same amount, especially as an artist! Absolutely love the honesty in these videos, really helps to have a look and see what’s actually worth it or not! *

[@Zennenem]

Can I be honest? I'd 100% prefer the Crayola advent calendar with all of the supplies and projects. To be fair, I'm more of a fiber arts girly and would feel fine about not having pro grade items. But after seeing what you accomplished, I definitely want to give that watercolor tutorial a try! Your wreath turned out so pretty! *

[@janelswatercolors]

I have followed Emma’s KZbin channel and tutorials for several years. She is an extremely talented artist and teacher. I purchased her brush set through Craftamo, but I felt the Advent kit was too expensive to purchase.

[@lifestartingnow]

Giving this as a gift to someone, I would really hope that you could at least create one full product at the end. It seems honestly pretty crazy that there was no paint. Even if I was giving this to someone I would feel disappointed that they couldn't actually make anything with the entire calendar. * The tutorials are super helpful, but not if you can't make any of them.

[@Luxinda]

I love the premise of this art box, but even though I do already have watercolors, brushes, and other art supplies, I’d still prefer to get more art supplies (especially unusual ones) rather than a pin, key chain, and tote bag. More pens, markers, water brushes, different papers, watercolor pencils, etc. I think getting to the last 3 or 4 boxes in this calendar would leave me feeling disappointed. Thanks for a fun video! *

[@sandyknight3910]

totally agree with this. I too would have been disappointed by the pins, keychain and tote bag. I'd have no use for any of them, and they would have just gathered dust, to eventually be donated to a charity shop. I cant see why primary paints could not have been added - a half pan by a quality maker would have been well under the $16 daily amount, especially if a co-collaberation/bulk purchase with a brand could have been achieved

[@15654lawol]

I do agree with nearly all the comments this advent calendar is overpriced, the quality is obviously excellent, but if you assume people already have paint, then surely its logical to assume they also have paintbrushes and a tote bag! The key ring and pin feel like they were fillers and should have been paint , those are my thoughts anyways. Thank you for the great video as usual.

[@kratze1738]

A keychain? A bag? A PIN? No. Just no for that price. Even the brush roll seems a little silly given how much the calendar cost. If it's an art calendar, it should be made of art supplies, period. And the tutorials being already free ruins the value even further.

[@sandyknight3910]

the tutorials are different to the you tube ones, and specifically made to be accessed by a link in the box lid of each day. They are not free, they are only accessible via the link - she effectively did two tutorials for each day... one for you tube, and another one for the box recipient.

[@kayenne221]

Imagine what supplies you could buy for £200.00. I grew up with advent calendars that revealed Christmas cartoon images behind each door counting down to Christmas 😊

[@eljay1980]

@Kayenne221 the paper calendars which could be reused year after year? I loved those when I was little too - so simple yet fun. Sadly everything has become so commercialised since my childhood that even the paper calendars like from when I was little in the 80's are now at least £10 each from what I have seen.

[@Danari7]

On good quality paper you can actually”erase” mistakes sometimes by going over the stain with a wet brush with clean water and soak the extra water with a tissue paper. It depends on how staining the colour is. Nice wreath!

[@eljay1980]

* Merry Christmas Chloe, hope you have a wonderful holiday period with your loved ones. Sad to say I would be very disappointed in this advent calendar for the price point, considering how many free tutorials are on Emma's channel which are undoubtedly monetised, I can't help feeling this is very overpriced for what it contained.

[@squirlle6]

I like the idea of the calendar, but not for $200. I know that the items were higher quality, but it still just feels overpriced. That's just my opinion though *

[@Eijimiji]

That's all stuff from aliexpress I can buy for less than 40... just so you know. Like literally the same products, same factory.

[@Superfreaky2]

Yep, easy way to know this is by using the image search function on aliexpress and taking a screenshot of the items in chloes video. Most of them show up on aliexpress identical.

[@amikireicraftstore]

I'm so stressed by end-of-the-year conventions and markets, I have to pull through and a video from you helps me relax so much ;-; ♡ That being said, 200$ with 4 days of 12 being Pins, a keychain, a bag and a brush roll? I would be upset to be perfectly honest, if a brand I know for selling good quality brushes has only 2 brushes!! The "You should aldeady have things", I mean, yes, but I would expect value, which I now fail to see. I love how you approach art! Till next week, deadest *

[@amakam230]

Congratulations on the book!! I like Emma but I'd personally be beyond disappointed if I paid £200 and the only things of value (bar the tutorial bonuses) were a sketchbook & 2 brushes. I really can't understand how a watercolour advent calendar has two half pans & a palette that is on sale on temu for £2.89. Though those receiving it may have watercolours already, no watercolour enthusiast buys an art advent calendar for a key chain. I know it is a difficult position as she obviously put time & effort and it is difficult to review that especially given that she got in touch but the calendar is truly the worst reviewed thus far. *

[@Addicted2Yarn1]

This calendar is way overpriced, for $200 I could pick out 10x what was included and access the tutorials for free, after all they have been published here on KZbin so they're not specifically for the calender. This is a Christmas cash grab for a load of tat that is $5 per item on drop ship/white label sites 🎄 Merry christmas everybody 🎄 *

[@jadedbelle4788]

Yeah. I've seen that little travel watercolour magnetic palate on temu.

[@mikahladorey]

I do appreciate that this box has the artist doing more hands-on and picking items, whereas Artiza doesn't. Though I agree with others, overpriced. Also, not including/supplying paints... 😕* Also, I like your hair in the video * I like the wreath too!

[@MyStarseedColoring]

* Definitely feels overpriced to me. As others have pointed out, most of the supplies are whitelabel and cheap on dropship/amazon and even if the metallic paints are 'high quality' they're just not enough to offset the rest. The tutorials are a nice extra, but again, they're not exclusive to the calendar, and there's so many tutorials online that it doesn't feel like it adds up to the final pricetag. I'd be sorely disappointed if I got this box.

[@okane9417]

This calendar seems for anyone in love with the idea of being an artist. As a casual watercolourist into plein air painting, I rather have paints, mini water pot, decent pencil, pencil case, bulldog/page clip, metal ruler or similar instead of a pin, keychain, tote and brush roll bag. What makes it funny is that Emma said she had the travelling artist in mind when she was designing this calendar and yet, her tutorials take place in her studio. Nice idea, but poorly thought out.

[@PrinAnie]

I don't like it having items that have nothing to do with actually making art. Even the paintbrush roll is too big for the paintbrushes given. Keyring is just a space taker where a professional grade art item would be more useful. I need more brushes. More paper. Or so many other options.

[@julianneaitch]

This is the worst yet and the word scam comes to mind. The value isn’t in the videos as they’re free for anyone to watch. Total and utter scam. The brush roll looks like someone’s great great aunt Emilia ran up in the kitchen. Chloe you were far too nice and it was unfair for Emma to message u and put u under pressure to say only nice things.

[@birdtutorialart]

Yeah I think Emma emailing made me feel weird. I do believe it played into how Chloe reviewed this, even if just subconsciously

[@Superfreaky2]

Emma messaging her was really manipulative

[@veystone2580]

@@birdtutorialart Totally agree!

[@veystone2580]

@@Superfreaky2 YES!

[@veystone2580]

@@julianneaitch 100 % YES!

[@barbborja1910]

I really think this advent calendar is geared towards her followers (like me) who are interested in learning her style of watercoloring. If you think of each one as a daily class, then maybe it’s worth the price. I do agree that the pin and keychain should be swapped out for something else. Maybe a small ceramic dish or an interesting color that she loves and works with several of the tutorials. It could work for a beginner if it was given with a small set of paints. That said, it’s out of my budget, so unless it goes on clearance after Christmas, I won’t be buying it myself. I do think Emma is incredibly talented and a good teacher. Thanks Chloe for your review. I think it was incredibly fair and your wreath is adorable. Just let the water sit for a bit longer on the metallic paints. They take a while to soften with every brand.

[@KD-nj9um]

You rightfully factor in the value of the videos, but with advent calendars like this Craftmo one, the packaging is going to be a significant chuck of the final production cost. All the little boxes are custom-printed (and if they're custom-sized the templates need to be created specially), the big box has custom graphics with what looks like spot lamination, matte coating, and foiling and is made of quality cardboard with the ribbon and doors. The sticker price is going to be higher because of the materials and labor to create the pretty packaging, much of which is going to get tossed (though it could and should be reused!). I personally appreciate looking at beautiful packaging but would rather spend the $200 on just supplies

[@hospitalcakewalk]

the videos are free on youtube so factor those back out.

[@jnl3564]

was the packing worth $100?

[@KD-nj9um]

@@jnl3564 Would I pay $100 for just the boxes? Hell no. Craftamo probably paid somewhere between $30-80 dollars per calendar to design and manufacture the packaging for the calendar, though. They want to maximize profits, so they drop money on the fancy box and influencer connection and then cut costs in the actual products. It's the main reason I don't buy expensive advent calendars from big brands; the packaging, brand recognition, and perceived value attract consumers, and by the time they open it the company already has your money and dgaf. Even if they get a bunch of bad reviews on social media, most of those companies aren't taking much of a hit to profits from a short period of bad press on a single item.

[@lapetitebeaute]

A bag, key ring and pin would disappoint me honestly.

[@mandy.austin]

Emma's tutorials are always amazing. i have been following her for years. I'm also not much of a watercolourist but i do love using them when I paint, and emma's tutorials always raise my standard lol.

[@SomethingQuickly]

A tricky one to call. It is a lovely collection of things, you can tell Emma put thought and care into the things she included, and of course the 4.5h of *personalised* tutorials is incredible. That said, you could find tutorials around on youtube that would work well, so I personally find it hard to include those as part of the cost of the calendar. My main question is who is the intended buyer? $200 for yourself is a big purchase right before xmas, and $200 /without paint/ as a gift is a risk. That's my take 💜🌈✨ Hope you have a wonderful xmas, thank you for all the amazing content you have brought us this year 💖 *

[@mariapierce638]

* I think this advent calendar is intended for a very specific customer. Past beginner, but still learning and most importantly, someone who is already familiar with Emma's work. It's not mass produced and you can only get it at Craftmo. Unless it's from a video like this one, you probably won't know this advent calendar exists unless you are the customer who would love it. The main value is in the exclusive contents and the products featuring Emma's artwork that can't be found anywhere else. Emma is also doing a KZbin series where you get another tutorial for each day. This second set of tutorials are not exclusive, but are still using the products from the calendar. The $200 is out of my price range, but I would buy it if I could. Thanks Chloe, I always love your videos!!!

[@kanamichelle7404]

As someone who collects watercolors (professional and handmade), I would have rather had 3 small tubes of quality paints instead of the pin, keychain and tote bag. I have many tote bags and never use them, I don’t wear pins, and the keychain is just for one holiday. The paints could have also been fun to put in the little palette. The perfect advent calendar for me would have been the sketchbook, the travel palette, and then a different color of paint every day. I have hundreds of brushes already too. I did like that she put so much time into the tutorials. That had to be so much work!

[@indesomniac]

the are supplies from the kit seem nice, but I feel like the last few days of the calendar were kind of disappointing for the price. the enamel pin was cute enough, and the brush roll makes sense, but the keychain and bag feel a little random for a professional-grade art advent calendar and i'd personally find them disappointing when they started off so strong with the products included in the earlier days

[@home-bodyz]

Such a pretty box (and such cute small boxes inside)!

[@AbeM.]

She probably would’ve been better off just selling the videos as a mini course or something. Because the selection of physical items being presented as an advent calendar mostly seem to take away from the value of her input.

[@lizzburch7205]

Honestly, it's so sweet how you've been so generous to your community. I'm not sure how many years I've been following you, but I do remember when you said "My channel is not going to turn into an unboxing channel" when you were unboxing scrawler boxes and whatnot. Now you're unboxing advent calendars :D

[@molybdomancer195]

I hate how companies are co-opting “12 days of Christmas” as a way of having half the things in an Advent calendar. 12 days of Xmas was the period between Christmas and Epiphany.

[@Elio_bellio]

* I love how you said no to the company to have them review it. It shows how you do care about us. Which you always have. You so sweat and since its almost chrismas and you wont post a video till after i hope you have a very nicr holiday. I love you videos!!!*

[@LizatHome]

Thanks for a great review, as a long time subscriber of both your and Emma’s channels, I was quite nervous to watch you unboxing this Advent calendar, since I have become very fond of Emma, and I was dreading that you would not like the box. I subscribed to her subscription boxes and LOVED them and learnt so much, so I can imagine the tutorials and how good they will be. I really appreciate so much that you painted one of the tutorials and gave credit ftge work entailed in creating something like this. I also wanted to suggest that when you use the gold and silver, that you activate them with either a spray of water, or a drop of water and leave for a few moments, this allows them to release their pigments more readily. I love how your wreath turned out and so enjoyed this video. Thanks so much for sharing. I personally can’t afford Advent Calendars, but I love watching the unboxings.

[@hannahgilson8606]

Got mine and loved it so much I left a rieview and purchased a second one to give as a gift. Hopefully you will do a video where you color some pages so we can color along. I told my husband I cant help but to hear your voice when I read the prompt so its like we are doing art together anyway. Congratulations on putting out something so unique and high quality you should be really proud of yourself.

[@eljay1980]

I was so shocked at the start of your comment as I thought you meant the advent calendar lol, then I realised you were talking about Chloe's book!! Great to hear such a positive review and look forward to receiving my copy when it releases in the UK :)

[@hannahgilson8606]

@eljay1980 I should have been more clear its a big difference lol

[@Forest.Ferret]

Honestly, I think this advent calendar is horrific value. I get her saying she didn't want to include paint because most artists would already have that, but then most artists would already have brushes too, so that is a feeble excuse to not include them. For ~$16 per day, both brushes should have been in the same window. And for 3 of the items, an entire QUARTER of the advent calendar to be useless to an artist tat, it's shocking. The videos have little monetary value because even if they are locked behind a private link on her channel, there are 1000 other identical tutorials available for free all over KZbin. If this calendar was $50 then fine, but $200 is an absolute ripoff.

[@AR463]

I liked the box, and your honest review of it! I think for me a hobby artist, I appreciate the tutorials with specific step by step instructions. It's the way I personally learn best. If you show me how to make that specific wreath, I can understand much better how to apply those techniques to my own art in the future. I find the value of this to be similar to say Skillshare classes. Which at that comparison, it's maybe a bit pricey. That said, I think people forget part of the pricing on an advent calendar is the novelty of opening a new 'gift' every day. I thought this one (with exception of the pin and keychain, totally agreed with you there) was well thought out and put together. Worth the $ imo.

[@puamaeole]

If you have money to spend like that Its nice, but like others commented I could probably buy the stuff myself for $200 or less. It definetly depends on where you are at skill and money-wise, It does seem like at least the art supplies are of good quality at least, maybe instead of the tote though they couldve tucked something else art related in there maybe ***

[@Linders3052]

This is one of the nicer advent calendars I have seen but it's too pricey. As others have pointed out, $200 could buy a nice selection of hand-picked art supplies that I'd actually use. I have bought some brushes from Craftamo and more recently splurged on Sarah Burns' subscription boxes- only after thinking about it for a long time.. That too was very expensive; I paid for the entire year upfront and am charged for shipping each month. I have been happy with the content of the boxes (which build on previous months and are related to detailed tutorials) I hope the artists are compensated accordingly. *

[@Buffy_Wuffy]

I feel like they should've had more paint - if I bought something for $200 and it didn't have the FIRST thing you need to, well, *paint,* I would not be happy. And having PINS in a $200 advent calendar is a massive rip-off. *

[@charlamckinney2109]

*Thank you for the comprehensive review. I couldn't justify paying so much on an advent calendar since I'm just a dabbler in art, but at that price point, I would prefer to have more products and I think the tutorials should be a bonus for purchasing such a high end, 12 day calendar.**

[@Truewhispers40]

As a non artist I feel like that box is a rip off, so i can only Imagine how actual artist feel😅 It looks like a temu starter kit

[@oliviaquinlan1754]

Happy Christmas! Love your advent calendar reviews every year and how honest you are about your reviews regardless of being gifted or not ❤️ *

[@Iwanttodrawachicken]

My thoughts. Emma makes great tutorials. There is a lot of value there. For me, if I bought a calendar, I would like to avoid screen time. Personal preference, nothing against their choice. Some 5ml tubes (not quite primary, but a red, a yellow, and a dark or blue) for painting winter would be lovely. Or a generous dot card with 6 larger dots. Lovely box, but not my style. *

[@dragonflydreams4u]

I think some water colour 1/2 pans or tubes of basic colours in place of the bag, pin and key ring which to me would have been very disappointing to see had I paid $200.00 . Love your video as usual👍 20:33

[@WarboysWitch]

Just because I already have art supplies doesn’t mean I don’t want/expect more from an advent calendar. I do think it’s over priced for the content *

[@gsagadin]

No, for 200.00 I wanna see some paint!! Something I can use, something expensive. A few things to create art with!!

[@NessaWolfeMuller]

*Excited about your book! Congratulations! Merry Christmas! *

[@Shayshaylex]

Your wreath came out so cute! Remember to be gentle with yourself and try not to compare yourself to others. Both her wreath and yours turned out lovely, each in their own ways. You had fun, and you made something creative, and that's something to celebrate (no matter how many times you smudge paint on the edge of the page.) Merry Christmas, Chloe, and congratulations on your book! I can't wait to order my copy. I can't wait to see what 2025 has in store for you. *

[@rebeccaclementz3756]

The packaging is gorgeous and I like the boxes. I'm not artist enough to have a bunch of supplies already though so it's too much money for me. That wreath you made was pretty. Some calendars like to put in a less practical item. For instance, some tool calendars put in a bottle opener or other item that doesn't actually fit the tool set. However, three keychain type items would be pushing it even for a 24 day calendar.*

[@sooziecougs5425]

I have never had an advent calendar of any kind. I’m a struggling water colour painter, as I love it but I find it is so hard. I get mesmerised watching painting vids that make it look easy. I have watched Emma for a long time and she just gets better and better. She has poured her heart and soul into this and many other projects. I really appreciate the time and effort put into making videos and am so grateful for them and everything we get for free. Yes I would have bought one, I got a huge mechanical bill for Christmas and also unfortunately being on the other side of the world, when I think of buying something in USA dollars it doubles. I think it’s so beautiful, and I would love to have something with Emmas art. Aren’t all Christmas things overpriced and gimmicky? Like Christmas crackers, what about perfumes and beauty products in expensive packaging.. We buy things all the time because they are pretty, and the real value in this one is in the tutorials. A two day weekend with an artist here costs around the same with no gifts lol. Merry Christmas everyone. And thank you Chloe … lovely review.

[@wendyhaas4914]

A good youtuber and artist that teaches is Lindsay Weirich , The Frugal Crafter. She is great.

[@KittyWolves]

merry christmas! i really like the style of this calendar with the nicer quality items and the tutorials to go along with each day, i do think the keychain and pins were cute but a little out of place almost? i'm not the biggest fan of the tote either tbh but it's cute for carrying the items cause she did say it was more travel focused? i also agree with some other comments saying a more beginner friendly calendar like this with tutorials would be really good !! *

[@temitopeoluwaseun]

The decision not to add paints is weird because what if someone wanted to purchase the box as a start of their art journey meaning they won’t have paints. I think that would be disappointing. Also don’t think the box items are worth $200

[@jend8156]

*I think having tutorials for each day is nice. Though for $200 I would want it to be all art supplies. Having a bag, brush roll, pin and key ring really brings down the value.

[@StrawberryTheArtist]

So exciting your books out!! The advent calendar videos are soooooooo fun to watch!! They are my favorite part of Thursday!!**

[@silverhoney6969]

5:05 only 1 box in and already: a $200 box and no paint to be included is nuts to me! That sketchbook is $10 tops retail - they could have put a $30 mini palette or something! In 2 days of value. To not get some neat watercolor paints is a travesty. I could go to blick today with $200 and get 12 really nice awesome items to try . Pick any medium and I could do my own 12 items for $200. The watercolor isle alone - I’d get metallics & jewel tones tubes, a set of water color dots, paper in 2 colors, and water color grounds , and aqua board, travel paint brushes for $35, etc. boom awesome upgrade for any level of water color painter

[@silverhoney6969]

I really want to like this, it is very beautiful and thoughtful and the tutorials are amazing ! But a big but: with it being about $16 ($10-20 per each item for a range) a mini book

[@wendy100909]

I really agree with the comments. It is overpriced for what u get. I feel like she could had added more art supplies people would use instead of a keychain and a pin? These things mostly people give away or never use. With more paint for example you can create even more and if you like it you can always buy it again. Chloe is way to sweet with her opinion. I can understand if someone send you an email it is harder to say things but i mean Emma just could had done more with it i think.

[@amyvansumeren9148]

Merry Christmas!!! I’m really happy that your book is out and we get to share in your creation that you made!!! I always look forward to your videos they give me so much inspiration to do a bunch of art!!! Well hope you and your family have a merry Christmas!!! *

[@GilluindilG]

I already saw this calendar on anoter channel, and I still think it's disappointing. The tutorials could represent a great value, but if I spend $200 on tutorials I will choose the ones that I actually want to do... Also the tutorials represent little value if there aren't any paints in the calendar to be used to do those tutorials. I'd love to receive a limited palette of like 6 half pans and then a bunch of videos showing me what can be done with those colours. That would be fun, interesting and useful for me, but as it is, it would only be a waste of money for me. At least 7 of the 12 days are just absolutely useless for me and I really don't understand why did she decide to put some really mediocre silver and gold paints into it. That's like rubbing salt into the wound. Anyways... Congratulations for your new book! :) And have a happy Christmas! :) *

[@jenniferbowie2773]

Also the tutorials are ok but you can watch her tutorials for free! And if the calendar is geared to ward an artist you wouldn’t need the tutorials?

[@hpswfan]

Love the wreath you painted at the end. Thanks for taking the time to do a thorough review. It’s fun to see you open all the advent calendars. I didn’t realize there were so many until I stumbled upon your videos.*

[@jessietunnicliffe9860]

I got Emma's advent calendar this year and absolutely loved it. So beautiful and the tutorials are so informative.

[@Azkademon]

I've really loved watching these videos!! I do however think this box was on the more expensive side, I wouldn't/couldn't afford this, but lovely all the same and your wreath is gorgeous!! :D Happy Xmas!!

[@louiseb6111]

'Craft' is in the brand name. So, imo, that doesn't include a pin and/or a keyring...!?!! 🤷🏼‍♀️ The tote? That's fine to carry these items BUT, I'm sure the buyers will already have something to carry them in. I'm not sure many ppl will pay the 200 BUT, as a skint/broke being like my wee self, i'm not the demographic. The ones that can afford such costs ARE the demographic. 😂 There's no denying how nice the calendar is though. The art on the boxes is really pretty. And the sticky tape and the wee gnome on box 5... just too adorable. I love robins! 😫🥰😂👏👌 EDIT: I'd paused the video to write my above comment and when I started it again, that's when you also mentioned the pin and keyring, lol. Anyway, your wreath was so pretty. Well done wee chicken. That really was so pretty. And using the gold as leaves...👌 Congratulations to Ms Emma Unpronounceable! Lol! I wish you luck in your future endeavours! 🥰👏👍

[@meganokamoto605]

* I love the art/designs on everything, it's so pretty! And I fully agree that this is not an advent calendar for beginners. It seems super well thought out and I can understand (especially after the email she sent you) not putting watercolor paints in the box to keep costs down. Great video as always! I love advent calendar season!

[@AmieeobaArt]

Im a bit shocked at the lack of value here :( That wooden watercolour pallete I can find on Temu from $5 to $15 nzd :(

[@helena-rosehouldcroft871]

I have to tell you that I received mine today!!! Your book that is. I also bought one to gift. I will absolutely leave a review. I also love the idea of an advent calendar with tutorials, and I would certainly buy yours! 🥰❤️🇨🇦 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@kerryenright1682]

I just recieved your book and cannot wait to start it. I love your videos which inspire me to give art a go. Merry Christmas from Australia 🥰

[@ChloeRoseArt]

Yay!! Thank you!! Merry Christmas to you too ✨

[@AchmelvichIsAce]

I get the rationale behind not including more paints, but I think it makes the target audience quite narrow - people who are into painting enough to already have good paints, but still want tutorials and don't know what other painting accessories would be useful. I do like the idea of it being for travelling, but only the book, brush roll, pallet and bag really reflect that *

[@amandadeprey4250]

Your wreath is so pretty!!! I definitely see the value in the tutorials and if it was an art style I was really into I think this would be a great calendars!!

[@amandinemiranda7730]

TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ?? This is crazy ! Understand the effort that went into it but this might be a little, uhhh, too much ^^" Thanks for showing it to us because I believe many of us wouldn't have had the budget to buy it lol... As always thanks for your amazing content and community ❤ *

[@amandinemiranda7730]

After watching the video in it's entirety, I can nuance my thoughts a bit more and say that's it's just not for me ! I personally like watercolors, but they're not my favorite medium, and unfortunately I don't have the budget to buy this, but I can totally think of people that would love this and I'd definitely try it out if I had the money ! I think the tutorials are great professionnal quality and definitely something that is worth a pretty penny ! It is on the higher end of an artist's budget but I think you pay more for the enjoyment and good experience of the calendar than the real value of the items, even though it looks like the items are really good quality !

[@bravezoom]

I'm doing a Advent but it a challenge Advent calendar That can doing any holiday and doing this week is a snowman but turn into a ice cream snowman nutcracker.

[@jacyevans]

I feel like they couldn't decide who their audience was. The fact that paints aren't included means it's not aimed at beginners, but the long in-depth tutorials make it seem more beginner-friendly. I think she could have included paints instead of the pins, keychain, and tote bag. I understand how much work goes into making videos, and that a lot of the value is in that vs the products. I just don't know if an advent calendar was the way to go for this sort of idea.

[@jessicafranke7455]

Loved this advent calendar. I agree that the last few items, minus the brush scroll, were a bit of a throw away. Overall, I would be very happy with this!

[@kensij1986]

I'm in the process of learning to watercolor and am slowly getting watercolor tools that I'm actually happy with. After all the money I've spent on low quality tools and supplies that give disappointing results I would pay $200 for this box. I love Emma's artwork on it. And having pretty things that are good quality would be a real boost to me. I'm finding that that for me good quality brushes and paper do make a difference. But figuring out what to get has been a slow tedious process. Having a few quality items together in a box that I didnt have to hunt down myself would be a real treat right now.

[@Ineffaquibble]

Sorry if this comes across as a bit of a blurge, but I honestly think you'd be far better served by a trip to an art shop, if that's at all possible for you. Especially if the staff know what they're doing and can make suggestions. Obviously the items you need are very dependent on your own developing style and preferences, but for $200 you could pick up some really decent kit. There's the potential to switch out the synthetic brush for a real one; switch out the two half pans for a small palette, or some dot cards if you want more colours to play with; grab a bunch of paper samples instead of a single sketchbook with one type (most of my residencies have involved teaching watercolour, and one thing I've learned is to let people play with different papers). I get what you're saying about convenience vs. hunting things down, but there would be so much more experimentation available (like, at my usual art haunt, the equivalent of $200 could bag two squirrel brushes; an Etchr brush roll; a Sennelier or Schminke travel palette; ten sample watercolour pads/blocks; and still have some left over for random interesting materials like raw pigments and powdered metals).

[@kensij1986]

@@Ineffaquibble Thanks for the advise. Part of my problem is that all I can find locally is basically craft quality so I'm getting things sight unseen from Amazon. But having some ideas for what to look for is very helpful! Thanks for being part of my watercoloring journey.

[@Ineffaquibble]

@@kensij1986 No worries! And yeah, being stuck with Amazon is a bummer, especially for brushes - I've ordered a couple of generic 'genuine squirrel' ones from there and, as expected, they were very much synthetic (the Isabey one was legit though). My biggest piece of advice would be to remember that when it comes to results-based tutorials, the tutor generally has a massive homefield advantage. To get that same finished piece you need to work to their strengths, not your own, so you should never be discouraged if you don't get there (at least, that's what I tell myself when branching out into unfamiliar crafts).

[@Ineffaquibble]

@@kensij1986 No worries! And yeah, being stuck with Amazon is a bummer, especially for brushes - I've ordered a couple of generic 'genuine squirrel' ones from there and, as expected, they were very much synthetic (the Isabey one was legit though). My biggest piece of advice would be to remember that when it comes to results-based tutorials, the tutor generally has a massive homefield advantage. To get that same finished piece you need to work to their strengths, not your own, so you should never be discouraged if you don't get there (at least, that's what I tell myself when branching out into unfamiliar crafts).

[@kensij1986]

@Ineffaquibble That's good advise, I will keep that in mind. And I'll check out the items you've suggested and see if maybe there are other options available to me other than Amazon.

[@ravendarkmoon1445]

0:10 Chloe I just got mine today and I love it!!! Thank you!!! ❤❤❤

[@SmazziamZiamice]

as someone who was trained with watercoulour for like 3 years of my life, it def a learning curve from any medium. the initial strokes are the most important due to how the water from the paint essentially creates the shapes and borders. overlap shapes and the colours and shapes will begin to mix. also going from light to dark is also jarring, especiallly that highlights can only be done via the paper. you cant layer with watercolour but you can continue to blend. finally, the amount of water in your brush is really important. watercolour is hard esp if you come from a charcoal or acrlic or oil.

[@jenniferarted3652]

I think this will appeal to Emma’s fans who want to support HER. I like the items with her designs on them but as others have mentioned, I can watch her tutorials for free. As much as I like Emma, I couldn’t justify spending $200 on this.

[@caitlyn9172]

I’d say the tutorials would be worth it if they weren’t accessible for free on KZbin, for £200 I would rather pick my own supplies and what I do with them. Advent calendars I believe should be affordable and accessible to people on any level *

[@sandyknight3910]

the tutorials are different to the you tube ones, and specifically made to be accessed by a link in the box lid of each day. They are not free, they are only accessible via the link - she effectively did two tutorials for each day... one for free, one for the box recipient.

[@NailsAndTowel]

No! We are so done with overpriced things that are not even worth half the price listed. If this is supposed to be an art supply calendar, why do I need a pin and a keychain? A tote bag.??. Have we not learned about that one influencer selling a totebag for $150… 2 brushes, 2 paints that can’t even work on their own and a watercolor notebook those are the supplies that worth 200 dollars?? You can find millions of tutorials on youtube for free. Girl I’m so sorry for the artist but this is not it. No. Just no.

[@edc9864]

I liked the calendar, but if it is an art calendar, I would rather not have the pin, the Keychain, and the bag. Exchange those for paints. But she does do lovely art! Congrats on your coloring book!!🎉❤ happy holidays! Ps..your wreath is gorgeous!