TOP 20 PAINT BY NUMBERS TOOLS FOR 2021 | Melanie B's Creative Studio's FAVORITE MUST HAVE TOOLS PBN

#MelanieBsCreativeStudio #paintbynumbers #paintingbynumbers #paintbynumber #drymount #legitorscam #PBN #DIYcrafts #Top20Tools
It wasn’t easy to narrow down my top favorite tools for paint by numbers to only 20. I have discovered so many amazing and “must-have” tools for us in the past year, and these products can make your experience so much more efficient and enjoyable! In this video I will give you my favorites by category. Please also see my blog for the links to the videos that I mention.
*********** TOOLS FOR PREPPING ***********
1. LIQUITEX CLEAR GESSO: 8 oz: amzn.to/2Vxcdz4
** or 32 oz (BEST value!): amzn.to/3beKb1H
2. GESSO MAGIC: amzn.to/39KBP2k
3. MBG DIGITAL SWATCH GUIDE: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn
*********** TOOLS FOR MOUNTING ************
4. 18 x 24 CLIPBOARD: amzn.to/3eRxmM7
** or ALVIN (23x26”) SKETCH/DRAWING BOARDamzn.to/2RHwMrf&
** and FROG TAPE: amzn.to/2wOkczu
** or ADHESIVE FOAM BOARD: amzn.to/3swhtCN
5. FISKARS STAPLE GUN: amzn.to/2ZQ5q6U
FISKARS STAPLES: amzn.to/3eQ8bJL
*********** TOOLS FOR PAINTING ************
6. LIQUITEX FLOW-AID: amzn.to/2ZJJvwt or amzn.to/3qVrA2f
7. TAMIYA METAL STIRRER: amzn.to/3pWQZJ9 or amzn.to/33rHd8z
8. DISPOSABLE PIPETTE: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn
9. FABER-CASTELL CLIC N GO WATER CUPS
** Blue: amzn.to/3chPPS4
** Lime: amzn.to/2RO85sR
** Red/Orange: amzn.to/2FYsPeM
10. PAINT PUCK: amzn.to/35ASvqL
11. FARMASI COSMETIC WIPES: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn
12. STICKY MATS: amzn.to/3iQTIRc
13. MAGNIFYING HEADLAMP: amzn.to/2LmzaUw or amzn.to/38AJlxz
14. PAINTBRUSHES: 5 PC Detail Brush Set: amzn.to/2ZQ44ck
** 10 Piece: amzn.to/3on4kbK
** Flat Shader Brushes: amzn.to/39kNgii
** Artist Loft 5/0 Tight Detail: www.michaels.com/artists-loft...
** Princeton Select Chisel Blender Brushes in Size 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
www.dickblick.com/products/pr...
15. LIQUITEX TITANIUM WHITE ACRYLIC PAINT: amzn.to/39S4QZO
* WHITE POSTER PAINT PEN (WATER-BASED) SHARPIE: amzn.to/39S4QZO
16. SCHIPPER 36 PC ACRYLIC PAINT SET: amzn.to/39Cl8X9
or ARTEZA 60 PC ACRYLIC PAINT SET (Amazon): amzn.to/2W1K8S0
or ARTEZA 60 PC ACRYLIC PAINT SET (Arteza website) shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=134395...
17. BRIGHTECH LED FLOOR LAMP: amzn.to/3cgz383
*********** TOOLS FOR STORAGE *************
18. FOAM TRAYS: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn (currently awaiting shipment)
19. MEAL PREP CONTAINERS (pack of 15): amzn.to/2WKmJo1
* MEAL PREP CONTAINERS Pack of 50: amzn.to/30BwHJl
* or CLEAR BAGS: (currently out of stock)
* or PHOTO CASE: amzn.to/3iPkSYX
** or PHOTO CASE: amzn.to/3r0ist5
20. CHALK COUTURE TRANSFER TOTE: www.chalkcouture.com/melanieg...
** PAINTINGS SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO **
AANABANANA: Custom PBN: www.aanabanana.com
PAINT PLOT: www.paintplot.com
* “Misty Mountain Sunrise”: paintplot.com/products/misty-...
*SHOP AMAZON INFLUENCER US*
www.amazon.com/shop/melaniebscreativestudio
*SHOP AMAZON INFLUENCER UK*
www.amazon.com/shop/melaniebscreativestudio
*SHOP AMAZON INFLUENCER CA*
www.amazon.ca/shop/melaniebscreativestudio
** Disclaimer: The shopping links provided are affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission on your purchases through the link. The purchase of these products helps me to continue to bring you videos. I will not ever recommend anything to you that I do not use myself! **
AMAZON ARTS, CRAFTS & SEWING (anything you purchase in this category):
amzn.to/3lqKPy1
********* OTHER TOOLS I LOVE *********
** PBN Log: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn
** DP Log: www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn
** 16x20" Self-Adhesive Foam Board: amzn.to/3swhtCN
** Utility Knife: amzn.to/3nBjgTa
** 24x36" Cutting Mat: amzn.to/3q7XVT8
** 24" Metal Ruler: amzn.to/35whZqu
** T-Square: amzn.to/38wJCla
** PhoMemo M110: amzn.to/39kuJ4w
** Phomemo 50mm x 80mm Labels: amzn.to/3nzJwNN
Thank you for watching! Please give this video a thumbs up and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss out on future projects.
** FOLLOW ME **
* NEW* PATREON: / melaniegilstrap
My Website: melaniebscreativesupplies.com
Facebook: / melanieb
KZbin: / melaniegilstrapcreativ...
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Pinterest: @melaniebgilstrap
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/MBGsCreativ...

[@jumperstartful]

My all time favorite tool is !! (drum roll!) You Melanie. can't put a price on all the help and tips and tricks that save us a ton of money and frustration. LOve and thanks.

[@bethbolin9972]

I “LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE “ the flow aid. I am doing my very first paint by number and I can’t imagine painting without this product. I makes the paint so easy to work with and get straight lines. Thank you so much for that hint.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, thank you for that comment 🥰! I always wonder if viewers think I’m just adding tools to make them spend money. 😂

[@rochellechism8916]

Your videos have been the most incredible help to me. Thank you so much and thank you for the links.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, thank you! 🥰

[@noelle7287]

Thank you so much showing me all the tools I'll need. I will definetly purchase and use them.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

They are all “game changers”! 🥰

[@gemmaainsworth4750]

Love your videos as always Melanie 🥰 Thank you! Xx

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for letting me know I’m on the right track!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@nancytalaba5724]

This list is awesome. Melanie you are awesome and the best!👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼❤️

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you, Nancy!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@coppermine7]

Thanks for the great video. Your ideas are always so helpful.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

🥰 Thank you for letting me know!

[@JayA-jl7jf]

Great accessories!

[@donnawasman6186]

Thank you Melanie. Great video.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you!!

[@elainemessing3172]

Just getting started. Thanks for the tips!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for watching! 🥰

[@KissMyKrafts]

Thank you for this....very helpful

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for watching! 🥰

[@anne-marieshiels3982]

Thank you so much for this video, Mel. All your videos have been so helpful and I love your energy and accent. I've just finished my first PBN but I wish I'd seen this sooner. I'm about to start another painting but I've gesso-ed the canvas on that one so can't wait to see how that changes things. I'm also going to pay more attention to paint colour before I start this next painting as a couple of colours on the first were nothing like the picture (I'm not talking a different shade, I'm talking a totally different colour!). Your video on mixing your own paints has given me the confidence to try for myself.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You got this! I’d like to know how you feel about the use of clear gesso now that you’ve painted without it. Most people hate the texture but love the way it holds the paints. It does take some adjustment though. I will bet you love this next painting when you give yourself the freedom to make it your own! ❤️

[@ugottasmile]

Melanie you are such a bad influence!! I have so much on my to buy list now - looking now for UK stockist so I can order Love the videos as always x

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Sorry...😬! I just have to share all the awesomeness I find! 😂

[@jamietimmons2803]

PHENOMENAL!!! I agree that as a newbie- flow aid is a GAME CHANGER! I tried “flow medium” from masterpiece (I think) and it doesn’t compare!! Also love my brushes and the paint pucks!! My first Gesso- up next!! Thanks Melanie!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You’ll love all of these tools once you’re able to collect them all. 😂 I’m happy I could help you find things to make life and this hobby easier! 🥰🥰🥰

[@jennyparker7216]

Thank you so so much i have learned so much,❤️

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

🥰🥰 That is WONDERFUL to know!

[@mazurka48]

Excellent advice. Can't imagine my painting life without Flow-Aid now. Thank you Melanie. PS. I have a daughter named Melanie. Such a pretty name!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, I love it! Melanie is a name I don’t hear often! 🥰❤️ Flow-Aid and Clear Gesso are dire!

[@florencetiong6701]

Hi Melanie, sending you ❤️ from Malaysia! I have had a lot of “first time” becos of you - first flow-aid, first gesso, first Princeton 🤣. These are not easy to get from where I live. They work wonders! Thank you so much for sharing. Big big fan!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@retnohapsari828]

Hello Florence and Melanie. Can’t get any flow aid, gesso in Indonesia. Florence can you inform me where you bought yours? Hope they deliver to my country

[@florencetiong6701]

@@retnohapsari828 Hi Retno, I think I replied earlier but i’m not sure the reply got thru to you or not. I bought my supplies via Shopee Malaysia. Try finding yours via Shopee Indonesia cos I saw a seller from Indo posting in Shopee Malaysia.

[@sunshineandinkamedia252]

Good afternoon Melanie, I hope this finds you well. Thank you for this totally awesome review. 👏🏽👏🏽. I would love to support you, by purchasing things through your U.K. Amazon shop. However I am not sure how, to. The information you have below don’t have a link. I hope you red this and can assist. Thank you. Izabella

[@denisewalker8371]

Thank you for sharing the tragic story of Logan's death. I have watched as my pastor and his wife lost their only child die in a car accident due to someone driving while intoxicated. What you have expressed is so similar to what they have gone through. You are so right there is nothing like losing one's child. I'm writing to say hang in there and know there are many who do see your story that will tell someone else and who knows how many you may help. My prayers are with you and may God bless you and your family.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and compassion ❤️. I would have never thought of flash floods and the “real threat” they posed had this not happened to us, so I thought I’d pass Logan’s story along for that purpose. I’m happy to know it may help save another person or people.

[@TheLittlestDetail]

Thank you so much for all of your videos!! I am new to paint by numbers and bought a kit at my local Hobby Lobby! I can’t wait to get started! Can I still clear gesso a piece if it’s already mounted on chipboard? It came that way and I am wondering if the moisture will warp it?

[@JayA-jl7jf]

I try, to do my best to follow your tips--rough on a fixed income.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I totally understand that! What I want people to know is I share products or ideas that I have found to be most helpful, but it does not mean that you can’t get by with what you have…in some situations. I’ve been on a fixed income for a while. I only opened my online store to supplement the tiny, tiny commissions I make from my videos. {Not all KZbinrs make money 🥴.} I didn’t want my husband to feel like he had to support “my habits” 😂, but I do try to be very conscientious of those who are budgeting for this hobby. This particular video is all about the fancy tools and gadgets that make life easier for you in this, hobby, but it does not mean you have to have them to enjoy what you’re doing. The most important thing is to work with what you have and love what you’re doing. ❤️

[@julietannehill8622]

Would love to find a paint pot holder where they slide in and out. Something made with wood?😉 Love this video. Thank you as always.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for watching! I’m glad you finally got to see the whole thing. 😂

[@hopecummings2969]

GREAT TOOLS!!!! May suggest taking down your 2020 tool video? It might be beneficial to us newbies. So we don’t purchase outdated recommendations. 🥰 Thank you for all you great tips Melanie!!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I thought about it, but the tools in that video are still awesome! The only tool I don’t still recommend & I actually switched out in the list below the video is the blue tape for Frog Tape. The Princeton brushes are still amazing, but I have more affordable options now, & I still use the mounting board to work on. Unfortunately, I think that list from last year to this year has just GROWN exponentially 🤣🤣🤣.

[@hopecummings2969]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@bonniebumbarger523]

Melanie thank you for all you do! My question is do you think I could use Modpodge to adhere the canvas to a foam board (with good results)? Your videos are such a treat and very informative.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I think Mod Podge would work very well! ☺️

[@lindaparks924]

Hi Melanie: As a first timer, I'm so grateful for all your information. I do have a question - I have a "raw" canvas that arrived with many creases and wrinkles. Do you recommend ironing these PBN canvases before starting?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’ve tried many different ironing techniques, and I haven’t been super thrilled with any of them. That’s why I haven’t done a video on that topic...but I really need to. When I used to get folded or wrinkled canvases, I’d take them to work at the Michael’s Framing department and dry mount them. It is miraculous! Pro Dry Mount: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmWkep5_dqijq9k If you don’t have that option, you can place your canvas face down and try ironing the back on the polyester setting. I’ve heard varying opinions on whether to use steam or water, but I would suggest to try it without water first. If it didn’t work well, try it with steam. You want to keep the iron moving, since the back of the canvas is fabric but the front is plastic. You can also try my tape down method, because once you add clear gesso, it’s perfect...or in my experience it has been! Stretching the canvas can also help! Tape Down: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJa9g5lurd2fhJI Stretching Your Own Canvas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2bdqoSmgZxgfM0 I hope one of these options help!

[@lindaparks924]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Thanks for all the info. You're a blessing to all us new to PBN!

[@crazyc3652]

Hey mel! Love the video! Theres actually quite a few things I am Interested in getting. You have the best ideas! I do have a question. I have the liquidtex flow aid but mine just says "flow aid" whereas yours I thinks says "acrylic medium flow aid additive".... is there a difference?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

My latest Flow Aid video addresses that, because what they did is change the name and labeling. What you have should be the same thing! 😊

[@crazyc3652]

Ahhhh I see.... I missed that video somehow... thanks! I'll go check it out!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, it’s ok! It’s a new one!

[@Ibiron]

Wow, what else to say ? we end in joy ! Thank You so much for so much delicious information. My head is spinning with excitement. Very insightful, spoken well, well thought out. abyss Truly, thank you. Stay human. rb.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ziggy33399]

Hello. RE: the chalk couture. There are no dimensions listed . These are to store the wrapped canvas or clipped canvas , or mounted on foam canvases , is that right?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I use mine to store the flat or foam board/canvas panel mounted paintings. It is 20” x 26”. 😊

[@GailMarie1972]

Can I use Apple Barrel Acrylic paint instead of Liquitex Heavy duty white. I have Apple Barrel.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Craft paint like Apple Barrel can be watery and doesn’t always cover well, but you can definitely try it! 😊

[@julietannehill8622]

How would you store the actual canvases if you use the Michael’s boxes? And label them?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I roll mine up and put them in a tote. I use a label maker (I actually have a video I’m going to publish soon) to put labels on each canvas.

[@jeanettelinkr5266]

First love your vids❤️ I have been painting for about 6 month. I am on my 4th painting and on all on them i have a problem with covering the numbers. I have used the sharpie pen but it is very thin, so you can still see the numbers. I let it dry and put a second layer on. I have also tried the arteza set, and its the same. If i dont dilute it with flow aid its like this: My problem is, that when i paint after with the opaque colour its like it wont "take" and I need to paint it at least 2 times,sometimes more and you can see it. So its a hasard No matter what i do, cause i have to paint all those areas like 5 or 6 times in total. Do you know what i do wrong?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

🤨🤔 I’m not sure, but is the Sharpie pen a water-based or oil-based one? I have to shake my sharpie very hard to get it to give me good coverage, but that wouldn’t explain why your acrylic paint isn’t covering. Can you share this and a photo on the Facebook group? That may help me see what is happening.

[@jeanettelinkr5266]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio thx for the quick answer. The pen is a waterbased pen(as I said i have seen all your vids 😉) I am in Denmark, so i Will try to put up some pics on Facebook tomorrow. Here it is 8pm and pitch Black, so dont think i can get some good pics

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That would be great! I’ve been moving furniture all day, so I’ll check for your post tomorrow.

[@davehead4real]

I have one more question. If I already started and have some already done is it too late too apply the gesso?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I actually did a video on this exact thing to just show that it can be done if necessary ...😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4S4opVujMuHfpo

[@davehead4real]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio awesome!

[@davehead4real]

What exactly does the LIQUITEX CLEAR GESSO and Gesso magic things actually do? I'm very new to this. thanks.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

These videos may help! Clear Gesso Tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJvRpqKCpcysj8U Q&A Clear Gesso: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4S4opVujMuHfpo The Gesso Magic kzbin.info/www/bejne/bny6amVqjteiorM

[@davehead4real]

Thanks!

[@keelameiers6521]

How do I get to your website to order items?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It’s in the description below each video, but here you go… www.melaniegilstrap.com

[@mrspeej700]

Love your suggestions! :) I need to get those silicone breast implant looking things. LOL.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

OMGAH, I was TOTALLY going to describe them like that but thought I may offend someone. 🤣🤣🤣 (I do have a younger audience too, so it’s probably good that I didn’t!)

[@mrspeej700]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio it’s an educational comment! The young girls need to know what it looks like to deter them from wanting them put in! 😉

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

😂😂😂 I could hear my 11-year-old granddaughter now...”Minky, what’s a breast implant?!” I’m stepping 10 feet away from that question. 🤣

[@mrspeej700]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Turn on re-runs of Two And Half Men and they’ll teach her all she needs to know 🤦🏻‍♀️😉😂