NEW Watercolor Crayon Comparison: Kitpas, Swisscolor, Woodies & Neocolor2

[@suebouch4074]

I love the comment that sometimes the right stuff is stuff we already have, so get them out and use them… I have both the Neocolor2 and the woodies but haven’t played in a long time as I got sidetracked doing Vintage collage but I’m missing COLOR! Thanks for sharing your swatches and information. Your reviews are always helpful! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You too!

[@effiecross2008]

Since this is an old video, I don't know if anyone will see this, but if anyone needs any Neocolor II singles as of July 2024 they are $1.63 apiece at Blick. I looked back at the last time I bought them in 2021 and they were $2.25 each. I just finished buying the rest I needed to have the full set and it saved me $15 off that price. Also, if anyone else is struggling like I was to find storage for a bunch of Neocolors that weren't bought with a tin, I finally found something that would work. I tried a bunch of different marker and pencil cases, and the neocolors were just a bit too fat to fit in the loops. I finally got a case made for spectrum Noir markers, and 2 crayons fit perfect per loop. Lindsay thank you SO much for all the work that must go into these comparison videos. I know I can trust you for an unbiased opinion. You have helped me SO many times over the years to make an informed choice, and I am sure there are many thousands of other people that feel the same way!

[@winternight8813]

This was so much fun! Lindsay you are an art resource treasure trove. Thank you so much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I do enjoy watching your videos! I recall the year of the Crayon over on Kasey Golden’s channel and she used so many different kinds of crayons! My favorites are the Neocolor II’s but I have a small set of Marabu crayons they come in the twist plastic container. They are very lipstick feeling sticks. KingArt has a knock-off sets of the Marabu crayons and I have a difficult time telling them apart! I am also a fan of the Charvin watercolor pastel painting sticks! These are so pigmented and will wash-out wonderfully! They are the best priced water soluble sticks I have purchased in quite some time. Lovely video Lindsay! Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

There are a lot of the marabou like crayons. They all feel the same to me 😆

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

I enjoy the Casual Comparison Vidoes. Thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@ArtBrain]

Unless a person "inherits" their kiddo's Woody's, I would get one of the Caran d'Ache products. The Neocolor II's are a joy to use, even though I mostly use them for Zentangles. But for that, I love. I bought an 8-set of Albrecht Durer Magnus, and I figure those are my Woody's at half the price (an Amazon deal). They are especially nice for some things, since they're just a little less chunky, so they extend the chunky repertoire. I wish Faber Castell had made them in pastel, but apparently they've been discontinued in any color. Always fun watching product comparisons. I'd love to see you dissect some other pencils as you did with the silver Woody. I can't bring myself to do that to my pencils so it's up to you!, ha.

[@juliebromfield1865]

Thanks 👍Got the Neocolor ii, love them.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@andreaizumoto9180]

These all look fun. I like doing portraits with my neocolor 2s.

[@danielleb.7055]

Thank you for always giving your honest opinion on all products. Have a great day

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! You too!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thanks for doing your best for fair reviews.☺️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure 😊

[@smitachengappa]

Really impressed by the Swiss color ones. I'll have to keep them in mind for when my kids are older, I think they'd really enjoy them. Thanks Lindsay, this was a really good review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@maegpye]

I popped for the Neocolor II crayons and I have enormous fun playing with them. I've very, very happy with them and feel the price was worth it and I'm all for buying less and making use of what I have. For fun mixed-media (not archival), I've even used them to color cloth and crochet thread. And I have used them on paper that wasn't meant for wet media by just being judicious in my use of water.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wanderingstar5673]

Appreciate your suggestions for different ways to use various products along with your good reviews. I’m not always intuitive regarding my art supplies. 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@blankmission5369]

I know you can use the nu pastels by Prismacolor wet or dry. I've often wandered if those could be a less expensive alternative to the neocolors 2? Also on a side note I originally bought the silky crayons thinking that maybe they could be used as a cheaper alternative to neocolors. Not so but they can be used in many ways and they are more similar to distress crayons then gelatos. However they are very versatile and can be used in place off or inconjuction with gelatos, distress crayons, and also in place of a very soft oil pastel even tho they are not made with oil. So very versatile and cheap and can replace a few mediums or fill the gap in between these mediums. They also double as a resist to watercolor which is really cool. Using the indirect application method I have "watercolored" with them, used them dry on a palette with makeup brushes, stencil stipple brushes and also finger daubers for a soft translucent look like you would get with ink or soft pastels. And recently I have used them direct to the page applied somewhat thickly but in layers as you would with a oil or soft pastel and blended with my finger and a tissue. I used to hate them and almost threw them out but I'm really glad I didn't. Hope this helps someone who can't afford all the different sets of inks, gelatos and soft pastels. They really filled the gap for me and helped me save some money not having to buy every single set or color. Also pencils work well over them too when the crayons are applied with the indirect palette technique.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice, they are chalky, not waxy but will work for lots of stuff.

[@pupawupagus]

EDIT: i can finish my cassowary today without breaking out my prismacolors and gamsol 😭😭😭 im so happy I DID NOT KNOW NUPASTELS CAN BE USED WET. holy poop i was minutes from spending 150 on neos i just bought the 48 nupastel and was 😐. i ripped them off the shelf of shame and omggggg you weren’t lying! i’m so grateful i saw your comment 😊😊

[@paulalister80]

Thank you for the comparisons, interesting watch.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for watching!

[@Northrai]

Thanks for reminding me about your crayon class. I'll have to look into getting it when I have a little bit more free time to sit and work on a piece or two. There's a surprising lack of videos and stuff about people working with Neocolors and similar products.

[@berolinastrassmann]

Another thorough review, thank you. I didn't know the Swisscolor pastels, what a great choice. I already love Neocolor IIs but this Swisscolor set would make a good "on the go set". My Neocolot II are too precious to risk losing them if I travel, so these Swisscolor would be perfect for that. Here in 🇩🇪 they coat €12 for 15. Can't go wrong with that and it's top Caran d' Ache quality 🇨🇭. Thanks again!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

Thank you Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Lindsay, the Swiss color looks like a great deal.🎉

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I think so too!

[@kimberlywalker280]

It is SO INTERESTING that this video came up. I have some of the "Gel crayons" (for lack of a better word)...and, they're fine for what they are. HOWEVER, we have a crafting unit for our grandkids...and, on it is a set of Tempera paint sticks....we LOVE getting those out and doing crafts with those....they are SO MUCH FUN. A week ago, I finally got the chance to get the 84 ct. C. D. Neocolor 2....when I got them...I tried them out... Looked up some videos....and, will enjoy digging into those for crafting...HOWEVER, I found myself wanting to go back to that Tempera paint stick experience...."they are SO MUCH FUN....like painting with lipstick...SO to keep from digging into the "grandkids art supply"....I bought another set of paint sticks...this time by Shuttle Art ...the 40 count. They came INCREDIBLY quick.....so, I tried them out. "YES"!...This was the EXACT experience I was looking for. They are so creamy in texture...oh my word!.... AND, they are water soluble. Making backgrounds for embossed images are my thing...I can see SO MUCH potential with these. Do I regret making that purchase for $144 plus dollars? No, I really don't think so...I DO appreciate the finer art supplies...and, watching videos on these topics is CALMING for me...I have SO much ground to cover in the area of being "artistic" with a paint brush....but, I LOVE casually learning along side the teacher. SOOOO, like you, I'm going to ENJOY BOTH. 😊 Lindsey, I SO APPRECIATE the video content you put out....OH AND THOSE interviews...WOW...SO NEAT! I traveled back to Kansas one last time....my father passed away...but, he is out of pain ..and, in Heaven with JESUS.....💖 and, I caught one of the interviews...this is almost a 1000 mile trip ...so, it made traveling a little more enjoyable. AGAIN, your content is AMAZING. TFS. 💖

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I am so sorry for your loss:(

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Such an awesome comparison! I didn’t even know kitpas and swisscolor even existed! I love all these bright colors!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@starshinesoldier]

Thank you for the review and comparison!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@GingahSnapsArt]

I feel like calling these "casual comparison videos" is kind of unfair- you very clearly put a lot of work into these! Regardless, they are much appreciated ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@patti3d]

Thank you Lindsay! Fun to see the comparisons.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@mjpete27]

Heya Lindsay, I have been recommending the 10 stick set of Neocolor II’s and they go on sale often! Last year was the first time I purchased a set bigger than the 10 stick set! I have purchased several individual sticks over the years for specific projects and I wanted a color that I did not have in Neocolor stick. I can not recommend the Woody sticks, they are just not inexpensive enough for a kids product! I have serious doubts about the permanency of the Woody’s as well. I did find this listing on the new TEMU : S90-25 Yuncai Pen 25 Colors Yuncai Pen 25 Colors, Watercolor, Oil Pastel, Colored Pencil Multifunctional, Material: Wax. They look like Neocolor II knock-offs!

[@terrilyon6825]

Hello, juat catching up on this now. Great review. I always feel like you really 'get inside' the products in a way that my general use wouldn't uncover until it was too late, so to speak. Thanks for investigating and sharing

[@sambabird7]

Interesting review! Thanks.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for watching!

[@diannedupuis2960]

I recently bought Posca Pastels (like Neo Color 1’s). They are pretty good, not as good as Caran D’Ache but pretty good. It would be interesting to see how they line up with the rest of these.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I've never heard of them, thanks for the tip!

[@sherylvomhof9950]

Hi Lindsay, great video! I am wondering about the Marabou crayons, how are they different from these crayons in your video? Thanks for all your awesome content.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They are most similar to the portfolio oil pastels out of these.

[@justacatwhocantype]

I just tried posting this but youtube seems to have deleted it when I tried to edit a spelling error. So here we go again... Interesting comparison! I really like wc crayons, have not tried many brands though: Neocolor 2, and both the Mungyo wc crayons and wc oil pastels. Here comes an unpopular opinion, but I REALLY like the Mungyo wc crayons, sometimes more than the Neocolors! I feel that they are more watercolorish. Obviously I really like the Neocolors, too, and they are definitely a higher quality product, but sometimes I find they are just a tad little bit too thick and gouachy for some of the ways that I like to work. Oh and I find your theory about the Swiss Colors being the same as the Neocolor 2s very possible: The Neocolor 2s were originally marketed towards students (look up their old tins, they used to even have this cute one with a fish) and they are widely used in schools in Switzerland. On Caran Dache's website they are also found in the hobby section. It was only in more recent times, when artists had started discovering them for themselves, that they changed the image of Neocolor 2 to this more mature looking, serious artist style. In the past the tins also said "watercolor crayons" and then some year ago they switched to the more mature and professional sounding term "wax pastels" . Caran d'Ache sells some of their products under different names, directed at different customer bases. For instance, they sell their gouache tablets both as "studio gouache" directed at adults, and "Fancolor" directed at students. They might very well also do this with the wc crayons.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's interesting because I had a set of caran dasche wc crayons when i was 10 and loved them! The mungyo are more Luke watercolor and neo2 more like gouache.

[@KiraConnally]

You are nicer than I am about the Woody's, LOL.

[@wanderingstar5673]

Lindsay is always nicer about things. I didn’t consider the Woodys review unfair , just more in-depth and accurate than others. Especially by demonstrating the product not actually contained in each pencil.

[@kimberlywalker280]

Thank you. ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're welcome 😊

[@Anonymoi]

I’m curious if you just bought those Swisscolor wax pastels? I found these 2 or 3 years ago when they were “new” at Blick, and bought them for my kids. I was blown away by how good they were for the price. I bought several sets but the most recent set I bought (probably around the beginning of this school year) was different. The crayons were much more brittle and they didn’t activate as easily and they weren’t as richly pigmented. Color didn’t come off on moist kid fingers as easily but that was the only upside. I decided not to buy them anymore, but now I am wondering it it was some sort of one-off problem.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Huh, I just bought them

[@Anonymoi]

@@thefrugalcrafter Oh good, I will try them again since they’re not that big of an investment. Maybe it was an issue with one lot or something. It seemed like a reformulation (something I have noticed in the last few years with some Faber-Castell kids supplies, like their beeswax crayons) but I would love it if it wasn’t!

[@waymire01]

Other than the Neo's have you seen any other sets with muted/earth tones? It seems like everything is just brights. Even the Tim Holtz watercolor pencils are super bright, although the inks have some lovely muted colors. I have found some beautiful muted gel crayon sets but those are a different medium IMO.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Try Lyra aquacolor or the 2ns or 3rd version of Dina wakly scribble sticks (although the scribbl sticks are harder. I prefer the lyra)

[@babysaffron8839]

Love watercolor crayons... we do not have any of those brand.... If i can buy one brand for junk journal to aged some parts......Which is better? Thanks

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Neocolor in my opinion

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Cool review Lindsay! Gracias…

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!!

[@kriskrumanaker4315]

Have you tried Tim Holz Distress Watercolor Pencils? How do they compare?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I haven't. They look like other white label wordless watercolor pencils I have.

[@sneaks6635]

I thoroughly enjoyed this review. I had been considering adding another brand to go with my Neo ll 's but this review saved me money. Always a good thing. Thank you!🎨🖌

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@orchdork775]

Are any of these crayons able to be used as a base layer with other media on top, like colored pencils, pen, acrylic markers, etc? I have the neocolor 2s, and I've been disappointed that they don't do well with other supplies layered on top. Maybe it's just my technique, though. I think maybe I'm just using them too thickly, or maybe it was the paper I used.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Not really, they are more of a top layer product

[@mermaidjaffa9135]

Ooo! I love new art supplies! Are any of these lightfast?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The neocolor2 are. The rest. Who knows. Woody have some stars on them for what it's worth 😆

[@TwilightAngel_89]

Nice I’ll watch this, just wondering what do ppl store their pastels in?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I use shallow drawers or the boxes they come in.

[@veryberry39]

Jeff Bezos, breaking through the wall like the Kool-Aid Man: "Did someone in here say *'dupe'*???" 😂 I'm sorry, I couldn't resist being silly! Thank you for this video! Even if I don't use watercolor crayons (yet...), I still enjoy watching the reviews! And the sounds of you rifling through them are pretty good ASMR. 😜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😁

[@amyjoystudios]

Another great product, run-through, Lindsay! I watch you several times a week... I don't know if they're artist quality, but I've had really good results with the Sargent Art watercolor crayons. Have you tried those?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have, they are private label mungyo.

[@rebeccakocher2974]

A deiunfluencer - love it 😅 I love your comparison videos. Do you have the metallics from the Neo 2's as well (not only the gold, bronze and silver)? If so, can you recommend them? (They are still available at some places in my country). Maybe a video of them would be great, haha.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have them but I don't use them often. They are not my favorite

[@rebeccakocher2974]

Thank you for your answer

[@liliax9147]

Just impulse bought a set of portfolio pastels at a craft thrift store for $2… still kinda regret it 😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That was a steal. Just try them, I think you will have fun with them!

[@phillipstroll7385]

You were being fair with the woodies review. People just can't stand the fact that they paid more for less. They fail to recognize the law of diminishing returns so they need to fool themselves to justify the added expense. People in the fountain pen world do the exact same thing. They criticize less expensive fountain pens. They make excuses to justify paying, at a minimum, 380% more for the "name brand" pen. What they do not know is, when a company or corporation manufacturers in China they surrender all their research, develop, molds, schematics, etc in exchange for inexpensive labor. China doesn't have a minimum wage, which was created to make people poor, so their non skilled labor will and can work for cheap. Because their cost of living is less expensive. Every time minimum wage goes up, the cost of living goes up and people end up with less money than before the wage hike. Anyway, the pens are made from the exact same resin, the exact same plastics, in the exact same molds. The only thing different is the price, yet people convince themselves higher price equates to better quality. It doesn't. Just as, when I was a kid, Gucci was the poor man's clothing brand. It was sold in Kmart, Big K, etc. Not even worthy of JC Penny's or Sears. Nothing has changed but their marketing and the owners. The clothes are the same, made from the same fabrics, yet because of marketing people will pay more for it. It's called bernayzing after Edward Bernays. The government hired him to teach them how to control the population. He said it was easy. Attach value to their emotion and they'll follow the leader off a cliff. He said people are more easily controllable than castle, Hence, sheeple. But here's the thing, if they like it and want it buy it. No one cares. However, don't expect others to justify their purchases and don't look to others to pat them on the back. I've been wanting Neo color II. But I can't decide between neocolor II and mungyo water soluble crayons.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The neo2 are much more enjoyable to work with in my opinion.

[@phillipstroll7385]

@@thefrugalcrafter thank you madam

[@rachelyork4485]

That should become a new trend, a De-influencer! 😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is actually!