Melanie B's Favorite Tools For Paint by Numbers May 2020 - PBNs UPDATE LIST VIDEO FOR 2021

[@becominghumanagain]

You are so damn charming! I picked up PBN as a quarantine hobby and really wish I had found your vids before I started my first one (I foolishly thought that it would be straightforward but hahahaha no). Thanks for sharing advice and your zen therapy philosophy.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

🥰Thank you!! I did the same thing when I first started PBNs...I jumped right in and then struggled with cheap brushes and crappy paints. That’s what led me to do these videos. I didn’t want everyone else having to spend months trying to figure out all the little ins and outs. You would think it is straightforward, but those little tips helped me paint better. I hope they will help you too!

[@JolieVoyager]

Thank you for this. I'm about to try my first PBN in quarantine. I feel a little more confidence now🌞🦋

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That’s what I’m here for...hoping I can help other people feel prepared and less intimidated! 😊

[@kumudinifernando8505]

Thanks. Well explained for a new painters.

[@julietannehill8622]

I love your videos and all the great hints. Thank you!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You’re welcome!! Thank you so much for watching 🥰.

[@knitfrau]

There's a few things you recommended that I will definitely have to get! Good advice as always , thanks!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@karenspanyer2421]

Thank you Melanie for your helpful tips! I just began this hobby recently and wished I had viewed your videos first. I learned so much from you and I adore your attitude about this hobby being fun and relaxing.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for that wonderful feedback!! I hope you’ll continue to watch, and be sure to join my Facebook group, because you can share your progress and ask questions there, and more! It’s for paint by numbers & diamond painting enthusiasts. That link is in the description under the video, but if you have trouble finding it, lmk and I will get it for you. 😊

[@lovetheoc7145]

Thank for the tips and especially for the links. Your expertise is very much appreciated!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much!!

[@cheryl-friendc2024]

New to paint by numbers. New follow! 💙🧡

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Hi! Welcome to paint by numbers and my channel! Be sure to join my Facebook group (the link is in the description below the video), because I have a wonderful group of members who are super helpful for newbies! ❤️

[@pryscilathomas]

Thanks for sharing your tools. I had ordered white gesso at first and after seeing your video, I will definitely order the clear one because it indeed ended up covering some of my numbers and lines. Thanks again. I subscribed and will be watching more of your videos. 😊

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much! Yes, the clear gesso definitely makes a big difference in the texture of the canvas and thankfully it is easy to see through! Keep that white gesso handy, because it it can be nice to use over dark numbers similar to what I do with the sharpie water-based paint pen.

[@cynthiaschwind9501]

So very helpful!!

[@juliel-h2376]

thanks Melanie

[@norajohnson7103]

Thx for sharing

[@belgianfox1710]

Waiting impatiently for my masterpieces by numbers to arrive ! Your videos are really helpful 😍 much love from Belgium !

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, thank you 🥰!! I’m so happy they will ship to Belgium. You’ll love their quality.

[@Phatrinh87]

about to do my "paint by numbers" and your tips are perfect! thanks for the video

[@pamelashoberg7982]

I have been enjoying your videos and discussion on Facebook. After seeing this one about your tools and some of the ways you store them, I would love to see a video tour of your studio. Pretty please:)

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Ohhhh, that is coming. It is taking much longer to get it finalized, since I’m still recording or editing every day and being a “housewife”. I assure you though...that is coming soon!

[@restless4400]

You are amazing! Thanks for all the tips and videos. I have been watching them all and just ordered some items from your links. Appreciate all the great info.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much for watching!! I’m glad you find my videos helpful. 🥰

[@piermontadvisors5397]

Another very useful video. Thank you so much for what you do. I've got ALL my supplies and plenty of paintings for the winter ...I'll private message you where I've purchased some amazing pbns. Thanks Melanie!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Ohhhh, I’m super excited for you!! I can’t wait for you to get started!

[@christyblackwell4614]

i love your videos .. thank you .. i have learned so much.. now i want the foam paint pod holder thingy lol i cant find a link here or on the blog.. ive seen it slip by on a few videos.. can you please help..keep the videos coming

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’m sold out of those foam holders right now, but I’m expecting a shipment soon. You can keep checking my website: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn and hopefully soon I’ll have them.

[@rinkygiri8968]

Would you mind doing a tutorial on using floating medium? Thanks again for a wonderful video

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I will put that on my to-do list! 😊

[@moonprincess25]

Thanks for this, do you have any replacement of Liquitex Clear Gesso as Surface prep? Just in case it’s not available in the paint store. Thanks in advance.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

No, I don’t, but I’ve heard you can make your own. I have not tried this, but here is a recipe. This might make for a good future video for me demonstrates if it works. 2-3 parts water, 3 parts cornstarch, 3parts baking soda. Please lmk if it works and you like it!

[@maryblanchejared8478]

Do you ever turn your canvass and work with what Should be the top of the picture At the bottom making it easer to reach.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

ALL THE TIME! In fact I was recording a video today where I just paint and play pretty music, and that’s exactly how I was painting. 😂

[@thebanjodiva]

Hi Melanie. I just discovered your channel so haven’t gone through all your videos yet, but do you have instruction on how to mix our own acrylic colors so that they can be used as a replacement to the kit color if necessary? I am just about to start my first PBN and it will be the very first thing I have done with paint in my life - I know absolutely nothing about how to mix things together to get a certain color.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes, I do! The good news is that unless you order a Dimensions Paint by Number, you won’t have to mix colors...unless the paints you receive are crap. 😂 But here you go...this may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3-5qIxparifj5I I have others too, but I definitely don’t want to overwhelm you.

[@michaelclapperton3598]

Can you please help me with what site you get your brushes flow aid and clear gesso from

[@michaelclapperton3598]

Can you please help me with where you get your paint brushes flow aid and clear gesso and also make of your brushes any help i will be grateful for

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Hi! I always put everything in the description below each video. Here is where you can find that information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk In addition, I have a blog post for a complete list (that I add to periodically) here: www.melaniegilstrap.com/blog 😊

[@michaelclapperton3598]

Hi thank you for your reply I am trying to find out what to get for my lovely wife could you please tell what would be the best 5 brushes you would get to start off 😊

[@michaelclapperton3598]

I would like to thank you for all your help i don't want to buy to many brushes till my wife gets used to use in them so if you could advise me on the best 5 brushes to get first i would be very grateful

[@michaelclapperton3598]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio hi can you tell me the 5 best sizes brushes to first get to start please

[@yingx4139]

Thanks for the video! I've started venturing into painting by numbers very recently and all of your videos have been very helpful! Can't wait for my parcel to arrive tomorrow! Some of the PBN comes on a board instead of canvas, have you tried the ones that come with the board and do you prefer working in canvas? Also, just curious but how many PBN do you have that's currently in progress right now? :)

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

yingers x I have 7 in progress but 62 in my stash. I have only worked on canvases and not the ones with the board. A lot of members of my group have tried those though. They may be able to offer you some insights!

[@yingx4139]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Haha that's amazing, you're spoilt for choices! The one that came today is on a board but I also bought some from masterpiecebynumbers which is canvas that's on the way, will be interesting to see what the differences are!

[@angelinasoto6939]

where can i find the links for these items? I truly love your videos; they're so detailed.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I type all of the information in the description box below the videos. Here is where that is on the app: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk

[@pepsi097]

Hi I order from Max as a rule. I have to buy a varnish to finish my PBN. I am not sure if teir paints are acrylic or water so what varnish would I buy. I like glossy look. Thank you

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

PBNs are always acrylics (even though some companies advertise that they are oil). This is the one I have currently purchased and am going to do a video on: amzn.to/324f9qj ☺️

[@rinkygiri8968]

Also where and how do you store your paint? How long would something like the arteza paint last in the tubes?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

As long as the tubes stay sealed, I would imagine those Arteza paints would last for years. I have some Windsor Newton’s from 2008, and they are still creamy. I know the Arteza’s aren’t exactly as high-end as those, but I would still think they’d last a minimum of a few years.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

As far as how I store my paints from my kits, once I put them in that clear bag with the picture, I put them in one of my fabric cube bins and slide it into my cube shelf. I wish I could post a pic. That could be another video once I finish getting moved.

[@shawndere7358]

I can't seem to find what type of paint brushes you recommend. Thanks

[@mariozambrano5743]

Melanie, if the canvas is on a frame already can I use the gesso still?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes...you can!

[@ragazzo3215]

Do you mind sending me the link of you’re video regarding what paint brushes to buy. Thx u

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Sure! Here is an updated list that I typed on my blog. The orange, bold letters are all links. www.melaniegilstrap.com/post/product-links-for-my-paint-by-number-must-have-tools

[@fidgetfeet5515]

What size sketch board do you recommend for 16x20 PBNs? So far I’ve only painted the ones that come pre-framed, but since the frame option isn’t always available, I need a sketch board. I paint on my lap with my knees pulled up to support the canvas, so I want a smaller sketch board that will still fit a rolled canvas. (Apologies if you said the size in the video and I missed it; I watched a couple times and didn’t catch it!) BTW, your recommendations have been EXCELLENT and have made my PBN experience fantastic! I’m hooked! Everyone’s getting a painting for Christmas!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I love this comment sooo much! 🥰🥰🥰 I usually recommend the sketch board that is a 23x26”, because they don’t have an 18x24”. Although I love to use this, it is a little awkward because of the size. My other suggestion for you would be to attach your canvas to a piece of lightweight foam board. You can either dry mount it (at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby) or use an adhesive to mount it. You can even use frog tape to tape it down. It is very lightweight and easy to handle this way! I have product links on my blog, and the sketch board I use is on that list. www.melaniegilstrap.com/blog I hope this helps! 😊

[@sashawells]

Where are your links for brushes? I am a beginner PBN

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I did a video explaining where the links are, because it’s hard to find that on the KZbin app. Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk

[@ertfgghhhh]

Plz provide the link for one swipe blending

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I thought I did...🥴. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppjLgWx5n6uketU

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHOYYmSbipWGfK8

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Here is the link for my entire paint by number playlist of videos. ☺️ kzbin.info/aero/PL-QwHEM8yi2x7s-14zCeyzAvmnAIHm4gk

[@sherriobrien1683]

what is website where i can get supplies?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Sherri Obrien all of that information is below the video in the description. You have to hit the triangle beside the title to see the information. Here is my video to show you how to find that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk

[@juliebarta2805]

Where can I find the Amazon link for paint brushes? Thanks

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Julie Barta here you go...kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk

[@juliebarta2805]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Thank you

[@knockeledup]

Where did you buy the Arteza 60 pc set for $40? It’s currently listed on Amazon for $60 😩

[@cgagnaux]

Lynnsey Knockel if you click the little downward facing triangle (quasi arrow) it will expand her page and show all the links to the products she’s recommended. Depending on where you live don’t forget to take into account currency exchange. It’s coming up close to $60.00 for me too.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I got it from Arteza.com. I put the link for it in the description, but here it is: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1114447&u=2376314&m=72563&urllink=&afftrack=

[@knockeledup]

cgagnaux I’m in the US as well so the currency isn’t a problem. I’ve clicked those links and that’s where I got the $60. I’m bummed, $40 is a steal.

[@knockeledup]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio Arteza has it listed for $59.99 ☹️

[@christinashannon4053]

My lines between colors is black. Do I use the white pen to cover all the lines when it's clear paint. I have lots of black lines showing, I'm upset

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You can use the color that is next to the line and maybe add just a little more to cover the lines. I really wish all manufacturing companies would use gray lines and numbers. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@christinashannon4053]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio yes, gray would be good. Unfortunately I'm painting orange and red beside each other and neither will cover the black line. I can use the white sharpie but that is very time consuming.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Christina Shannon oh, yes, I’m sure it is time-consuming! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@tonyaemeraldgreendiamonds]

I'm just a subbie on KZbin! I truly love and appreciate all of your pbn tips & tricks video links! Many thanks! Instagram: Tonya @emeraldiamond3

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Wonderful!! Thank you sooo much! 🥰