I Tested that Viral Watercolor Workbook... *DISAPPOINTED?*

[@martinajohnson8394]

I have several of her books and just use the sketches for reference. I’ve been sketching them into a watercolor notebook that is better watercolor paper. That way I can reuse the book in the future. I love the simplicity of the drawings. It makes it easy to copy and is also helping me learn to sketch out myself. They are fun and relaxing.

[@HankHillspimphand]

i find the everyones to scared to be honest becasue an artist worked hard on it, being kind is cool but hiding issues or pretending its amazing when its not will send those people money and dissapoint those buyers/your fans, if you want proof of what i mean......buy the Ohuhu Bleedproof Double-Sided Marker Pad which youtubers LOVE(cough $$$) i have never used worse marker paper in my life (over a decade) its terrible. even in promo videos by youtubers you can see they had issues but just kept pushing it. i like honesty. we need more in the art space. im still mad at a youuber for lying about it. i dont watch them anymore

[@MiraByler]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really value this kind of information. I agree with you - honesty is so important!

[@marvelenia6702]

OH YES, I feel you! I am not into markers but I bought the whole set of Renessans watercolour tubes and they suck BIG time. They are sticky, dry shiny, don't blend well. Ugh, now what to do with them....

[@darkartsbyracine]

Oh no! The marker paper is bad? I was wanting to try that, I’ll probably pass now. Thanks for calling that out!

[@askialuna7717]

That doesn't sound good either. I also avoid the Arteza products because in videos they didn't look high enough for the price, even though they were highly praised by many. But there is also the chance that a product is defective. For example, with watercolour paper, if it was stored too moist, the sizing breaks down or there were errors in production and like it was sized unevenly.

[@PurpleWaffle1]

I have the ohuhu bleed proof sketchbook, and I actually really love it!!! The paper acts a lot like the paper in the ILLO sketchbook, which I really like!!! The only con is if you add too much marker, then it pools a little. Other than that, I love this sketchbook and would definitely recommend!! 💕💕

[@catmom4064]

As a watercolor artist, I definitely prefer thicker paper. Dana Fox's watercolor books have much thicker paper which is MEANT for watercolors. Maybe you could use your acrylic markers with this book! I like the idea of sketching these images onto actual watercolor paper, THEN painting with watercolors. Thanks for reviewing this book!

[@jordanleighwheatley]

This was such a thoughtful and respectful critique. Also, your hair slays in this video!

[@MiraByler]

Did you change your profile picture on here? Because your hair is also slaying!!! 😍😍

[@jordanleighwheatley]

@MiraByler i did! Thank you! I've been doing lazy curls this winter though 😬

[@teresahiggs4896]

I stamp all my stamps when I first receive them into a spiral notebook wirh mixed media paper in it……I add the maker of the stamps, date and if there are matching dies. Then when I want to be creative, I just grab this notebook and co,or in the stamps…..in watercolor, marker, colored pencil etc…. It’s like I’m creating my own coloring book!

[@fuzzydragons]

my biggest problem with books like that is that the art examples they show were usually done on a lot better paper than they give you,so people get annoyed/upset they cant get the same look

[@spinz1652]

Ok first off, I like a little coffee with my creamer! Lol. Secondly, I'm excited to shop your site! Also, you are brave having an open cup of coffee next to your paint water cup! 😄 Love bingeing your sketchbook ideas videos!

[@MiraByler]

LOL I love the way you phrased that. 😂 Honestly, I have questioned myself more than once if I accidentally dipped my paint brush in that coffee cup. But oh well, I guess I'll never know! 😜 💜

[@teresahiggs4896]

Yep that’s me too!

[@JTCreations20]

Yeah I have almost dipped my paint brush in my coffee cup but thankfully it was half full and it didn’t ruin the first part of my coffee. 😂 But that was a long time ago

[@Sunny-pr1qw]

I recently learned of Emily Lex; two shops in town sell her work. There is a new Christmas workbook, I didn't check out what the paper is like, that's important. I found her on either youtube or maybe instagram, where she painted one or two of the pages in the workbook. She also has a palette with 12 paints and some brushes; I assume the colors in the swatches are from that palette. She certainly has converted her simple art into a lot of prodects, and tho they are simple I do think they are charming

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

I like the drawings. I would trace & transfer to good Boahong WC 100% cotton.

[@KaeCray]

Hair on point 💁‍♀️

[@MiraByler]

Aw, thank you! I just got it cut!

[@ArtyFieldTrips]

I still totally adore the prima watercolor palettes! I use them for EVERYTHING. I love how you can interchange the little pans so you can take a customized palette with you that’s just the perfect size for painting on the go.

[@TheCassieProjects]

I’ve not seen this type of book before, it does look fun but I do agree that the price is a little too high. Loved seeing you use watercolour, I’m glad you had fun with it and I hope too see more watercolour from you. It’s such a peaceful supply. I do love a loose messy stroke too!! 😍

[@Terrelli9]

I take my coffee the same way. With an obnoxious amount of NOT coffee. If it tastes too much like coffee, I’m like, “I’m sorry. What is this?” Today, for instance, was a good example. It was supposed to be a gingerbread golden latte deliciousness. It was not.

[@MiraByler]

So glad to know other people feel similarly about their coffee, haha!

[@mariaalejandracardozo3879]

Watercolor is happiness 🎉🎉🎉

[@LapostropheAura]

ok wow so glad I watched you review this, because I have a similar watercolor workbook and was struggling to get to the contrast in the example pictures! Now I feel better knowing that it might be an issue with the paper, not me!

[@marisafaith]

Appreciate your honesty, Mira. I am a sucker for aesthetic, cute things and I KNOW I would have been disappointed with this book. I can almost envision what this feels like in my hands and the feel of the paper...and I'm pretty sure it's photo paper for the finished image and crap paper for the DIY page. I love the idea of this though! Especially being a busy mom and having to move on from an art project quickly! Although it might defeat the purpose, maybe the images can be photocopied onto good watercolor paper (or even a better copy paper.) Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 😊

[@MiraByler]

Well said! I think you’re right about it being photo paper, or some other kind of paper. It definitely doesn’t feel like watercolor paper! Happy thanksgiving to you as well!! 💜💜

[@SugaKookieMon]

I feel like, "I'm just here to paint, Yo" deserves a t-shirt.

[@terahmichelle416]

Maybe people who want the contrast can print the sketch on paper of their choice. It's a cute idea for a book. Reminds me of the ones I had growing up as a 80s kid. The paint with water books. 😊

[@MiraByler]

That's a great alternative!

[@WindspielArt]

great idea. But people would need to be carful what printer they have. most inkjet inks aren't waterproof and could bleed into your watercolors :/ (laserprinter should be fine tough!)

[@dawnborchert772]

I love all the art supplies. I'm all over with what I'm using for supplies. I love your style

[@art-alchemy]

Hi Mira, Grabie has a fall theme 100% cotton watercolor book and its all lightly sketch out for you. Right now is only $11 on sale.

[@MiraByler]

That sounds like a great watcolor book!

[@kanamichelle7404]

I have bought some of these books (and some of the card sets with envelopes too), and think they are just lovely. But I really do wish they were on watercolor paper. Then they would be PERFECT.

[@MiraByler]

Agreed!!

[@ChloeRoseArt]

10 activities?? For $20?? 🥴 yikes. It looks fun!! But wow that’s quite a lot lol

[@marisafaith]

Well hello@@ChloeRoseArt👋🏽💛 ! How did no one notice that Chloe was in the house??!! 😜😶‍🌫️

[@dianeo]

I really love those little Prima watercolor sets. Lovely colors and cute little kit. I have several of these sets that I keep in one of my Mira Byler zippered pencil bags 😁 As for that workbook, the smooth pages might be a little tricky for a beginner watercolorist. I'm wondering if markers would work better. Have a lovely Thanksgiving ♥

[@MiraByler]

I agree with you! Markers probably would work better!! Have a lovely Thanksgiving too! 💜

[@jesh296]

Heyy Mira, do u think you can try an abstract art chacuterie board with different art styles & mediums?? I think that will be a lovely challenge & i’d lovveee to see that❤❤

[@ChantelleArts]

10 pieces for $22 is very steep 😬 I might be biased though because I take information in much better through videos ❤

[@savannahh9086]

I could tell as soon as I saw the paper that it didn't look like watercolor paper. It might be nice for pencils or markers though 🤷‍♀️

[@majesticmythicalsart7563]

I ordered a sweatshirt and can’t wait to get it!

[@eriens4831]

Just a contructive comment (hopefully) here ( I don't want to offend anybody ) . watercolors are usually the medium that tricks the most : the transparency is often the first thing people notice and the first thing that both is loved and hated until you can master it , that's why there are a lot of techniques like wet on dry, wet on wet and so on ; very smooth paper is actually The BEST to practice watercolor because it's the only one that can truly highlight your mistakes ( textured paper will hide them ) or your masterpiece so I would actually reccomend using that to anybody who wants to give a shot to the medium . Round brushes can also fool you when used with watercolors : since they tend to collect and store more water inside them ; for some techniques you wouls probably want to wet you paint (as much as you need) then wash the brush and then dry it a little bit before actually painting . Lastly , to avoid blotchiness , you might want to try to wet your paper first with only water and then paint in the wet area . Hope this can help ❤ (PS: love your paintings and how your attitude !🥰❤)

[@ashleydawn8989]

My husband ALWAYS says wreaF haha

[@astresilver]

tried to buy a pouch from your shop but unfortunately it doesn't ship to France. too bad.

[@MiraByler]

So sorry! Europes new VAT laws make it difficult for small businesses in the USA to ship to you. :(

[@ChatTimideOfficiel]

Omg KZbin did something strange xD I'm French and it made your audio automatically in french (but it was a robot voice) when I never asked for it, even the title of your video was translated !

[@MiraByler]

Whaaaat?! I've never heard of that! WILD!!!

[@ChatTimideOfficiel]

@@MiraByler It was choking yeah xD youtube already translated titles for me before but never the audio until now

[@Lisa-ph7dd]

I always like to hear honest opinions on something, also qhen something is not as nice as one thought it would be! Also what an amazing sale Mira! I would want those pencil cases so bad, sadly no shipping to Germany 😅 so just some of my best wishes to you, i hope the sale goes well!

[@majesticmythicalsart7563]

I have gotten books like this that are much better quality, I can’t remember the name of it now but one was forest themed and the other was ocean themed and the paper in those was much better than the one you are using. If I can find the name I will come back and post it! Edit to add the books are called watercolor with me by Dana Fox anyone who is looking for. Book like this but better quality should try those out!

[@MiraByler]

Thanks for sharing! I will look into these ones. They sound really fun! 🤩

[@ThePreppingArtists]

Hahaha I take my coffee black but my husband has basically a cup of creamer 😂🤣

[@marit_nor]

What fabric is the sweatshirt? where is it made? Is it made sustainably? Ethically? These should be answered on the website but I couldnt find it

[@marit_nor]

The size chart should also include metric figures

[@ginistewart9636]

I bought some prima watercolors and they are so chalky looking.

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

I like your pile of presents!! 🎁 They were really cute!! 🥰 Are there actually books out there with decent or sample watercolor papers to do prompts on??

[@MiraByler]

That's a great question. I don't know, but I would love to find one with decent paper! 💜

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

@MiraByler That would be a great find!! 🤗

[@mindy656]

​@Kreative_Rainbow I would also love to know of a good watercolor coloring book. The viviva meditate with art (still available on indiegogo) has the best paper I have tried so far. But it's a kit and not cheap.

[@ArtemisWithTheSilverBow]

For a higher contrast, use less water to pigment. The ratio of higher water to pignant dilutes pigment.

[@MiraByler]

The issue was the paper. There were definitely layers with very little water, but the paper doesn't appear to be made for watercolor.

[@beechball82]

Your hair! ❤

[@juliecollins4441]

Beautiful 😊 thank you for being honest 😊

[@slateportraichu5416]

Appreciate your honesty, Mira=) Thank you for all your hard work=)

[@sarahwatts84]

Can you try paper from colouring bliss plz ? X

[@CassiaDee]

Yes, please! She has watercolor paper, I believe. Her books are supposed to be super high quality. I would love to see you test their books, Mira!

[@Paintsplash4]

Probably best to transfer the sketches onto watercolor paper, but it defeats the purpose of having the paper.

[@rayne6737]

Why would people call you out? I don’t think I’m wrong in saying I don’t think of you as a watercolorist. You use a lot of acrylic and oils so why would you list any watercolors as favorites or on any list? Especially at this time in your journey. People tend to list what they use the most, most familiar with and what they love.

[@Cupcakes764]

Luv ur videos ❤

[@lozantoninocreations]

I always wonder about these books and how they will actually work with paints. When I saw this one in your vlog the other day, I was tempted to buy it. But as you mention in this video, it isn't at Amazon. I love swapping between mediums, but watercolor is one thing, I don't really know at all, so I would like some sketches like these to just paint.

[@evannerson3498]

Depending on your access to, or the quality of your printer, you could print coloring pages on watercolor paper and give it a try that way.

[@kathysunshine699]

As void of drawing talent as I am,I still prefer drawing my own stuff to paint,probably because,I’m Coloring Book overdosed from the kids,I have used coloring books for ideas just to paint on plain paper without drawing.I do not have the confidence to just paint only certain .You seem so friendly and sweet,I must like my Grand kids! I have stuck my brush in whatever I’m drinking at the time more than I can remember. I started using a lidded travel cup with. Straw!😮

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

I'm not really into watercolour that much.... sounds like I probably would feel the same way about the book, if I got it. 😊👍🏼

[@AR463]

I used to drink the fake Creamer stuff, but it's seriously so bad for you. I switched to drinking protein coffee from oats overnight. It's surprisingly delicious 😋

[@MiraByler]

Protein coffee? Can you please elaborate? I am very interested!!

[@lillianbelmares1811]

I wish u had more bookmarks and knitted paint rags😩😩😩

[@Barbara-fy8cs]

I was very disappointed in the quality of the paper; seriously needs an upgrade; fantastic idea in totality.

[@MiraByler]

Agreed! Excellent idea. Cute artwork. Wish there was better paper, and less filler paper in between every page!

[@laurfincher8137]

You could have photocopied the design onto watercolor paper. :) I think you did great no matter the paper!

[@christinehart6430]

I'm really loving your new hair. Such full curls. The present turned out well. The book sounds too expensive for me. Thanks for the review. X

[@askialuna7717]

Hmm, for the blank pages a simple idea would have been to write prompts like in these 356 drawing prompts books and for one page to half the page with two prompts. Even then it would definitely be too expensive. It's a pity that you were so disappointed after you were so looking forward to painting in a relaxed manner.😖 Ouch, the paper makes the paint look like cheap chalky watercolour from a dollar store.😒 It remains me of my own short test on printer paper with some colours from DR and Sennelier. They looked like the cheapest watercolour, I have ever seen on this printer paper.

[@jaderene]

This was so fun to watch you create and relax!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Petra0612]

The book looks cute, but the paper doesn't behave like watercolour paper.

[@MiraByler]

Agreed!

[@Taracinablue]

Not my kind of book, but cozy video =)

[@dorisberry7907]

About topics for your channel … I would love to have explanations and examples of different styles of art. Examples: illustrative, realism, impressionistic, gestural, etc. (I can’t recall other words I’ve heard used.)

[@Cupcakes764]

❤❤❤

[@Dancechick20]

😢 I wish I could buy something from you, it all looks so good. I live in the Netherlands. Maybe one day 😊

[@lupsarttime3615]

Eesh, I hate when these mixed media/water media coloring books use crap paper. If it's for water media then it should be watercolor paper. Hot press would be good so the printed image would be smooth. So yeah, the artwork is cute and the idea is nice but when the paper isn't suitable....

[@BluSlade]

💙💙

[@Laura-lh6sm]

Edit: never mind, you said the same thing right after I wrote this and I continued watching the video 😂 Don’t know if someone mentioned it already, but I wonder if those blank pages are left like that on purpose so you can tear off the page and frame your artwork or put it on your walls somehow. Just a thought.

[@leialuminous]

The project pieces were cute at least!! I think you should be less critical of yourself, I quite enjoyed your holiday arts!🎄

[@paintarf]

Great 🎉🎉🎉🎉😊💛💚💛💚💛

[@dhoferin]

Hy Mira! KI Tranclation is Awfull. Please Forget it!!!!

[@SorrensSorrow]

Watercolor ground

[@dorisberry7907]

Maybe use watercolor paper rather than pages in the book.

[@bernard832]

It has blank pages so if you do take any of the paintings out of the book, there's nothing on the back and you aren't removing the example for the next one.

[@MiraByler]

There's an additional blank page (blank on front and back) in between every project. So there are a total of 10ish absolutely blank pages in this book. Removing your project won't remove anything from the book.