Watermedia Review: Paints, Pencils, Crayons & More!

[@angelhelp]

I never knew there were such things as watercolor pencils until I inherited a few Crayolas from students whose parents thought they were buying regular colored pencils. When I saw the word "watercolor", I started doodling with one, then applied a little water. It wasn't long before I found your channel and acquired some Reeves tubes, a pearlescent set exactly like the one you showed from Oriental Trading, and another box of Crayolas. It had easily been 50 years since I touched watercolors and I'm having a blast now. Your tutorial is excellent as usual. Keep 'em coming!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

angelhelp Sounds like you are having fun! Great!

[@bornX2dieX1]

They came today!! I am now in love with water color crayons!! Prisma colored pencils are ok, but the crayons are amazing. Thank you for showing these.

[@Senghe]

I have a small set of 15 Caran D'Ache Neocolours that are ancient. I'm about the third owner of them and they are at least 20 years old. I don't think the previous owners found them rubbish. They were both excellent watercolour artists and preferred media that doesn't set as waterproof like these do. I swear they're like an everlasting gobstopper - no matter how I've used them, they don't seem to have shrunk! The yellow ochre colour has given up the ghost, though. Despite being kept with the others that are perfectly lush and usable, it's split along it's length and refuses to lay down colour either wet or dry. It's funny it was a yellow you had problems with too.

[@joycethomas84]

Thank you for this quick review. The first review I actually did not have to fast forward to because you stuck straight to the product review as opposed to a lot of videos where they spend to much time rambling and you spoke quick and clear which I love, I hate when people speak so slow it is dragging. So I did enjoy this video very much. Thank you for taking the time to make this video

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thanks!

[@tlccreates]

Thank you for yet another fab tute. I would add Tombow markers and even cheap flair pens in the discussion of water media. I did a journal spread in which I just used flair pens for color, along with a water brush to blend out the colors. Many people already have some in their office/school supplies. Thanks agin for being so generous with your time, talent, and knowledge.

[@boek88]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for all you do. You are an inspiration! The watercolourpencils I love are the Albrecht Duhrer from Faber Castell. I know they cost a lot, but they have a bigger leads than the Inktense wich are fine too. I had the cheaper brand from Faber Castell ( the one you mentioned) but they are no comparison tot the Duhrers.

[@nisis2151]

I really do get a lot out of your comparison videos. You sure have a collection of water media there!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nisi S Yes, I am lucky, I have been collecting this stuff over the past 15 years, I wait for sales and save my pennies;)

[@suebarker1828]

I never realized there were so many options with watercolor. Very informative; thanks, Lindsay.

[@lilcaliblueyes]

Lindsay your videos are fantastic! Tyvm. I have been a stamper since '97 but never got into watercoloring idk why just didn't. I am starting now and this comparison video really helps me alot! I sure wish I had as much energy as you do! *hugs*

[@carolynce]

Thank you for sharing your experience with watercolors. I learned lot. looking forward to learning more from you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very helpful Lindsay! I'm just starting to incorporate WC pencils in my work. Thanks for the review.

[@KLThames]

Lindsey, thank you for taking the time to make this video. I have several of the different brands that you showed, and I just don't feel like I know enough technique to really be a good judge of what I do. It's time to get a cheap pad of watercolor paper and start experimenting while I watch some more of your videos!

[@babadeedee214]

Peerless watercolor are THE MOST VIVID concentrated pigment I've ever used. They come on sheets of paper so they're great for travel. Also in children's dept my Granddaughter has Slick Sticks by Crayola. Very much like the Gelatos, but much cheaper. Lindsay, Tx for tks wonderful tutorial. I have several didn't different brands & my favorites are the Faber Castell Albrecht Duhrer & Peerless & Inktense.

[@sherlockhoka]

Love all the different watercolor pencils and crayons. You give us a lot to work with. Keep up the great work.

[@btw1911]

I have learned so much in this last month (since I found you). I am a beginner. Watching this gosh I never knew. Thanks so much for doing this video.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

btw1911 you are welcome:)

[@jenniferbarr4156]

Very informative Lindsay. As a scrap booker/card maker I really don't have any of these you named except for watercolor pencils. I would like to expand my hobby into mixed media and found this video very helpful. Thanks.

[@amyjoystudios]

You're awesome Lindsay - another great tutorial/comparison. So many options... thank you for being so thorough! Hugs, Amy

[@deborahlynch980]

Lindsay about letting the pans dry before closing....I know this is not necessarily as frugal but if you use distilled water (about $2 a gallon US) you will not have any mildew issues. BTW just got my Inktense OMG!!!! I am IN LOVE....but i am a pencil/pen junkie....so what can I say....I want ti all! LOL!

[@paulage1art]

Wow, thanks for the comprehensive list of items you compared! That must have taken some time to prepare for - loved it! I have most of the things you showed - most of which I bought after you used them on your videos! Derwent should definitely send you stuff!

[@123.ABC.33]

Great indo. I have several watercolor products that you have. The Caren D'Ache are my favorites for crayons. The Derwent Inktense are wonderful to use and are worth every penny! TFS

[@scrapgirl14671]

Another great comparison tutorial Lindsay! You really did a good job at showcasing almost everything out there and I know it helped me. Thank you for doing these, I am sure it is a lot of work. I LOVE having a variety of media because depending on what I am working on, different things work better for me. I too got sucked into buying the Derwent Metallic Watercolor pencils and I agree, they stink! I really like Derwent too, so it must just be these pencils. I have a set of Caran D'Ache watercolor pencils that I love. I think they are my favorite of the watercolor pencils, creamy, almost like the crayons, though not quite that creamy. Those are my all time favorite! I don't have the whole set, but I hope to someday. As for the Gelatos, I really like them, but even when I have bought the name brand, I have gotten some that must be the Gel Sticks, because they don't say Gelato on the tube like the others, and they all act the same. I wish I had known about the cheaper ones before I spent money on the name brand. When I need to replace the colors that are available as Gel Sticks I will get them and am sure I will be satisfied. I do enjoy using them, especially over other layers, they move so easily just with your finger and they blend well. I do agree about them being overpriced. Thanks for all the terrific info, keep it coming!

[@SCRAPBOOKINGWITHMECRAFTS]

Great review Lindsay!

[@annbrockman9557]

So much good information...thank you Lindsay! I have the 72 set of Inktense and like them very much. My husband found them on-line at Christmas time for $60 which is a very good price. I also have a set of 24 General's Kimberly watercolor pencils and have had good luck with them as well. I use both brands together a lot as the colors are a little bit different. Thank you so much for all you do to help clarify things for the rest of us.

[@christierella]

Peerless watercolors are American made and are great to work with. I have mine cut into squares on a piece of water color paper with acetate, as a divider, taped to the center...I use it as a palette. They are very vibrant, the films last a really long time, and they are portable with a water brush.

[@truffleblack]

Great info, Lindsay. Now there is only one place that I have to look for comparison. Thanks so much.

[@reginahay5211]

Oh, thank you SO much! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I will be watching this one several times.

[@nochesart1474]

Great video! I've been using Koh-i-Noor Mondeluz watercolour pencils and they are really great! They are creamy and nicely pigmented. They were pretty cheap - I got 72 colours for about 25$. I was wondering about buying the Derwent but when I tried one at my friend's place, they were pretty "chalky" and dry for some reason.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

NochesArt wow, thanks for the recommendation, i did not know Koh-i-noor made watercolor pencils too! Great!

[@jeanieferretti4203]

I would like to see a video on the products you haven't used on KZbin yet. This was a wonderful video with more variety! Thank you

[@lindafordham2964]

Derwent really should give you something yummy because you've made me and many others want those Inktense sets!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Linda Fordham well, at least you know the tutorial is honest if I parted with my hard earned $$$ LOL!

[@charsbabushka]

I agree with Linda. You made me want them but my budget is tight. I was able to get the complete set at a special sale or they would still be on my want list.

[@mzautner]

this was a great (if quick) review. Now I know which of my supplies was a great purchase and which were meant for just messing around with. Thanks so much for this!

[@susanforti1606]

Lindsay, thanks so much for this video. Years ago I bought a set of 36 Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils on sale, thank goodness, because they are awful to blend. I wondered what I was doing wrong. The only way I use them that works out halfway decent is brush to lead then to paper. I am going to look for the Inktense!!!!!!! Again, thanks so much!

[@biscotti4u1]

Thank you so very very much. Your first-hand experience is so credible and helpful! Blessings!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Kathy Blair you're welcom. I'm glad to help:)

[@loris.2289]

I really like the Reeves crayons. They work on a lot of surfaces. We used them on a clay volcano that turned out cool.

[@lujeanmartin8429]

Another excellent video crammed with so much great information...thanks Lindsay!!!! :)

[@WrethaOffGrid]

Thanks for the review! My favorite is the Derwent Inktense, thanks to you for turning me on to these, I had seen them before but watching you work in them really inspired me to go ahead and get a set of 24. I am also inspired to get back into watercolor thanks to you and your great, down to earth tutorials. :)

[@katherinehaught7950]

Very helpful, Lindsay. Thank you so much for the time you put into your many informative tutorials, etc. l can always find answers to my questions from you, so please stay on You Tube until l drain all that you know into my brain ( that's impossible) lol🖍🖌✍🏻✏️🌈🤗❤️❤️

[@Gisel052]

Oh Lindsay! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! :-)

[@AnnaHigginbottom]

Derwent pencils are made in Keswick in the Lake District, it's in one of the most stunningly beautiful places in England and the area is the most mountainous in the country. The area has a very mixed geological history, it's also where Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth etc, lived and worked. Very popular with artists of all kinds and a truly inspiring place, so no surprise that some of the best art supplies are from there :)

[@sugarcoated101]

Thanks Lindsay, great review......

[@SunnysEyes]

Neocolor II are my favorite watercolor crayons too! I use stadler watercolor pencils but wish for derwent. I do love inktense pencils.

[@annmarie6545]

So very helpful Lindsay, thank you!!!

[@patriciaschoenberg1261]

Excellent comparisons!

[@babadeedee214]

Oh, I forgot to mention my super favorite for SPARKLE & SHINING & those are the Twinkling H2O's!! Crazy luminescence!

[@KarenMcClure77]

I use a cheap watercolour basic pan palette for my background washes and for my large area coverage and then I use Derwent watercolour or Derwent inktense to add detailed imaging, I also have gelatos and twinkling H20s and I have the yasutomo metallic palette also which I love but like you did mention the amount of colour isnt great but the colours are. I mainly use my watercolours to colour digital stamps or stamps I have stamped out as I am not very good with an eye for drawing but I do love painting it is so relaxing and theraputic x

[@carmenhays7997]

I have 8 out of the 11 you reviewed and I agree with your assessments. Especially the Faber-Castell Gel stick/Gelato debacle lol.Out of them all ( if I were not so spoiled ) I would purchase Caran d'Ache neocolor, Derwent Inktense, and the Portfolios first.

[@mambolady1]

I made a mistake below. It was the Caran d'Ache Supracolor pencils I wanted your review on. I just bought the set of 30. I couldn't find your review but I know it's a good brand. I'm waiting awhile on the Inktense until I know for sure I like painting that way. But I HAVE A TIP - I did actually find these cheaper on Amazon. Surprise there, for sure. But people should go to DickBlick and check the colors. I was going to get the 40 colors but when I compared what was in each box I discovered the extra 10 in the 40 were colors I would not use. I love that Blick gives you each color in each set. If I need other colors I can add them seperately. So take the time to compare stores and compare the colors in each set. I definitely saved $ by doing both.

[@kabluey5971]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the comparisons. You are so right about the Derwent Metallic set: it goes flat when water is added. Also, I use Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer WC pencils (these are the artist grade and they are very vibrant! and 120 colors however they are a bit pricey). Also if your viewers want to try the Aquatone line then just thought I'd mention that Derwent is discontinuing the Aquatone line so need to get them before they are gone for good (I got the 24 color set while I could). I had emailed Derwent to find out about their Inktense pencils and blocks and they told me that the "Selection" set of Inktense was being discontinued (I asked about this set because it was a nice set to try both as it has 22 pencils and 10 blocks, so 32 different colors ((one is the non-soluable outliner)), the set also came with 2 block grips (to keep your fingers clean) and a pencil sharpener, sandpaper pad and an eraser, got it at Jerry's Artarama for about $38 (30% off w/ VIP or $54 without). I think the blocks are great if you are painting on fabric as you can see on some YT videos. (I left a review at Jerry's on the Inktense pencil sets section for colors in the set). So, thanks for the videos, I enjoy them, and keep up the great work!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

KaBluey59 you scred me for a second when you said the selection set was discontinued, I was like "nooooo!" I love my inktense, I bought the other Aquationes too when i saw they were being discontinued.

[@kabluey5971]

Oops, yea, I thought I should have been clearer on that, it is just the "Selection" 37 piece set that has been discontinued, Not Inktense, whew! I am getting more of them now that I know what colors are included in the set which is why I wrote the review on Jerry's so people would know what colors are in it. I contacted Derwent, but they didn't say since it was discontinued!

[@NoraBPeevy]

I use Reeves water color tubes and pencils. They are a good product. I like the tubes a little more than the pencils, though. More vibrant.

[@ForeverLumoz]

I actually love love love the Derwent Metallic pencils 😍 I have never used them with water though. But they give me great satisfaction when using them. Loads of metallic shine 👍 OMG! My charcoal drawing pencils have split as well! I have no idea why. I'm so sorry that happened 😣 I can't stop laughing, because I so see myself in you 😊 For some reason I always go for the greens, seems like you do the same 😄

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I will have to use the pencils dry, I want to like them:)

[@nataliegiron4822]

Love this video! Thanks for all your info, it is very informative! I have a few of the Derwent pencils now I want to grow my watercolor fun! My 9yr old son is getting interested and wanting to do some of his own art with me so having different things for us to try out is so exciting!

[@SuperJazzyjane]

Excellent! Thanks for all the info.

[@CouzCat]

I always learn a great deal from your videos and this one is truly exceptional. Thanks so much!

[@lindaogle9933]

Hi Lindsay, Love your review. I just received my Inktense pencils and like them very much. I have a set of 12 Karat Aquarell by Staedtler watercolour pencils and compared them on several different kinds of paper. To my surprise the Karat Aquarell pencils went on smoother and blended better than the Inktense. I don't think they have as many colors available as Inktense but I will use both sets together.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Linda Ogle good idea as you will want the softer shades of the Karat to go with the inktense:) You are a smart cookie!

[@sylviacostello2887]

i use polychromos coloured pencils and watercolour..i use rembrant soft pastels,and portfolio pastello water soluables.intense pencils.as you say trial and error on quality...promarkers markers. quite a collection of art materials over years actually 40years and some are well worn but still useuable

[@christianlloydcarriaga6920]

now i know what to do with my watercolor pencils . . . thank you so much . . . :)

[@stampyra]

Great review! I have a few other things that I use, but I'm sure it's just a matter of what brands we happened to try in school. Like, I've used Lyra watercolor crayons & gel sticks for years. We just can't expect you to have tried every brand. After all, you are the frugal crafter ;) JIL

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Wow! Thanks for this quick paced watercolor media review. I truly appreciate this. I recently, on your suggestion, started using the Fantasia Artist 36 watercolor pencils, which I simply adore over my former Artist Loft set of 24 watercolor pencils. Kudos, and many thanks for that recommendation!! :-)

[@vickibrooks5008]

Wow…that was a lot of work for you. Thanks so much. Very good info.

[@prettyblimp]

thanks for the great info Lindsay, very comprehensive!

[@fionafrazer8820]

Derwent (emphasis on the Der, not the went FYI!!) are made in the Lake District - Derwent Water in Cumbria, UK - you are correct!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Fiona Frazer blame it on my American accent:)

[@gailgassen8670]

Thanks so much for the great review on these! I'm a total novice when it comes to using this media, I've water colored a few times & love doing it. I watch you painting videos & learn so much, thank you for sharing your knowledge & time with others. I used to work for Elizabeth Arden cosmetics as a traveling make up artist in the Kansas City Missouri & Kansas area. Using eyeshadow for art is so fun & not a new idea, but I love how you made your up! Back to art I do learn so much from your tutorials, thank you. Do you also do a review on colored pencils? Lisa @ Lachri fine art has a grt one but she doesn't do to many & im trying that media @ would like a bigger selection. Again thank you, Gail

[@kristenk1995]

I bought the cheap Gelsticks too. Honestly, I can't see that it would be a different product so I think it is funny that they sent you it to compare and there is no discernible difference to me on my HD viewing. I think you were very fair comparing the absolute like for like. I have picked up some Michael's artist loft brand supplies during the back to school sales to play with. They will work for something. I have had good luck with the artist loft watercolor paper (for stamping and coloring in cardmaking), so thought it was worth a go. Got to keep swatching out supplies, the best way to learn what it is going to look like.

[@marjimiller3985]

Thanks Lindsey, this was very helpful!

[@PatsTreasuresNCrafts]

I've only tried a couple cheap mediums so far. I usually take recommendations from you, so, thank you! Great comparison! TFS ~ Pat

[@cesces776]

The information are really helpful.Thank You Lindsay,

[@TheresaPetermann]

love your reviews. very helpful information. thanks as always for sharing.

[@animejunkie10]

I had bought myself a pack of reeves watercolor pencils a while ago and only opened them now. Set of 12 for probably like 5 or ten dollars. So far they are a lot of fun and very vibrant. I experiment with a background first on a Strathmore 140 lb watercolor journal and they are awesome.this package says it's an oasis arts and crafts product. Maybe it's a different reeves.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

animejunkie10 No, I think it is the same and I have had 2 people tell me the reeves pencils are great. Their other paints are really good for the money too!

[@scrapgirl14671]

oh I forgot to add that I just recently bought a set of Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolors after hearing about them from Jennifer McGuire. They are very opaque, and they blend like a dream, which for someone new to watercolor like to me is a big help. They also have a cool pearlesant (sp?) silver that you can layer over the other colors to get a really cool effect. The downside is they are not cheap. The set of 36 was around $54. Certainly not necessary especially to begin with, but nice to add to the collection.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Maureen Hayes I saw he use them, very cool looking and really the price is not bad if they are artist quality:)

[@olegraymare1943]

For beginners, if you can't get into the traditional watercolors right away, which of the water media would you recommend? If the choice was between pencils and crayons, which would be your choice, given the abilities of a newbie? I enjoy your videos and the useful tips you give - thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Alice Fink well, it depends if you prefer a opaque look that you can control easily and build layers with (crayons) or more transparent, very precise yet more immediate art (pencils) Whatever you choose buy good quality because they will last a long time.

[@TeresaMArsenault]

Excellent info. Thanks a bunch.

[@bakhtawarharoon]

I love watching your videos! I was wondering if you could film a tutorial on how to incorporate tiny springs into card so part of the image would bobble! Thanks so much! Keep up the great work!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Bakhtawar Haroon here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJrShnyni5WliKs

[@lilcaliblueyes]

OK I take part of that back lol. I have the whole line of Twinkling H2O's and have played with them a little but not as much as I should have seeing's how much I paid for all of them back about 15 years ago...but I just checked them are they are still all good yay. And now I am learning Copics collecting a 4 pens a payday lol with 102 and only 256 to go! Crazy how expensive those darn things are but they are really good! OK I'm rambling sorry :( just basically tyvm for all of your wondeful videos and Happy Stamping/Crafting!

[@lionpaw55]

Your review is very helpful. Thanks so much! L&Y

[@Zoetyler147]

I have the full set of the Watercolor Prismas, and they really aren't very impressive- you made a good choice by not investing in a set of them (I wish I had Derwents, but they were a Christmas present, so I can't really complain).

[@erinmckenzie-christensen6975]

I know this video is old but I love water based stuff because I am allergic to anything that smells like alcohol based markers copics etc I love colouring stamped images with watercolour pencils norrmal pencils my water based markers i personally love zig brushables these are different too the clean colour brush marker they are pigment based (not dye) and u can even colour stamps and stamp wih them and heat emboss it. The cheapest ive found them is in the US for about $70 US but my watercolour pencils are the faber castell kids ones and ive had them for at least 20 years! I also have derwent branded normal pencils i remember when they came out or when they were extremely popular and i only ever used them for colouring my best projects at school!!! And 25 years later they are still barely used i think they are studio not sure!

[@Kraaftshaak]

This is a very comprehensive video from thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich regarding the different watercolor mediums, if they are opaque, transparent, semi-transparent. I really think this is a great resource to view before you spend a dime on watercolor paints, pencils crayons or sticks - *Watch this video!*

[@Artworkbyautumn]

One reason why M. Graham is the best for watercolor is that it has honey in it, and therefore, mold will never grow in it.

[@doris2day1]

So helpful thank you. Laura x

[@Ginnig48]

Love intense pencils. Best pricing for open stock. Want to add to the basic set. Thank you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Ginnig48 blick has good prices and it is lover if you buy 6+ pencils:)

[@Ginnig48]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Thanks I will check it out. Look forward to your videos. I am attempting to paint water color in pencil and paint medium. You are so inspiring and your positive attitude is uplifting:))

[@stanky6261973]

What type of blue brushes are those, please. Type of Langnickle? Great tutorial. I come back to your youtube channel for comparisons, they always help me. Thank you so much.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

very good linsay i am going to find some of the portfolio ones i use aquatone and derwent watercolor pencils plus i use reeves water soluble crayons great review i will be looking up some of the ones you mentioned great video

[@CraftAmundous]

Also, thank you for comparing the gel-sticks with the Gelatos. I bought the blue set of Gelatos with a coupon (why doesn't Joanns carry the larger set is beyond me) and they just seem more like a home-made pigment cake that could be easily made for a lot less investment. Am I just not getting it? Everyone raves about these and I use them and just don't get what the buzz is about. Maybe I need the larger set to play with but that is either gonna have to wait for the right coupon to come around, or wait for them to be gifted to me.

[@elisasmith9008]

Great information, thank you!

[@lauriehussain1360]

Derwent pencils are made in Keswick in the English Lake District. Do a search for images of Derwentwater and you will see how beautiful it is there. I wonder if being in beautiful surroundings inspires them to create beautiful products?

[@purplemav]

Lindsey, thank you so much for this video, it came at just the right time for me. I have been debating if I should buy some gouache(sp?) along with some water color but didn't quite know what gouache was (just knew it must be some good stuff since it was mentioned in ask a crafter ) I'm definitely going to buy some now, I want to paint some air dry clay charms and it sounds as if it work well for what I want to do. Thanks again for all the great information.

[@1974KAAR]

if you diluted gwash would it become transparent?

[@kimpeasester]

I love all derwent products...

[@mariaraqueloliver9014]

l love NEO CARA DACHE¡Great work

[@ripley275]

Hey Lindsay, great review, I have the 72 count Derwent Inktense and LOVE them, they are very vibrant and fun to use. I'm about to get an 80 count set of Caran D'Ache Supracolor pencils, what are your thoughts? I have and LOVE my FC Polychromos and was thinking about the their WC line...Albrecht Durer? Then I thought maybe I wanted a whole different color pallette so I'd go with the Caran D.

[@crystalgillis9296]

Faber-castell Albrecht Dürer artist grade watercolor pencils are very highly pigmented.

[@varvarabarbara7471]

Great aid!

[@yamsmom]

I wish I would have known more of this great info before buying my inktense blocks. I probably should have gone with the pencils so I could draw with them. I love the deep saturated color but I am having a bit of trouble using the blocks. but I haven't had them very long. Any tips?

[@AJoy4Me2]

Thank you so much for this review.

[@asplashofcyan1437]

I love the video, but quick question, what are the difference between the traditional and inktense pencils and what would you recommend for beginners? Thanks, for the video:)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Everything Art the range of inktense is brighter and once they have been wet and they dry they are permanent, you cannot lift the color with a wet brush. The traditional watercolor pencils have a more muted color range but can be lifted after they dry with a wet brush. Intense pencils can also be used on fabric. Traditional watercolor pencils may be better for a beginner because you can fix mistakes. But go for the colors you love!

[@Zoetyler147]

The Inktense are actually dry ink pencils that can be liquefied and become permanent once they redry- they aren't actually watercolor, they just come in the same form as watercolor pencils.

[@TwinkleToes2day]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Hi Lindsay - Love the video, thank you. I love my Inktense,but am very much a beginner and I've noticed that there isn't a 'sky' blue in the Inktense; please could you advise me on what colours are best suited for making a nice 'sunny day sky'?Also, would you do a wee tutorial on how to mix colours on a palette from an Inktense pencil? How do I get the colour onto the palette i the first place, in order to mix? Many thanks :D

[@thefrugalcrafter]

TwinkleToes2day I recommend using watercolor paints for that but you can just wet a brush and lift color from the tip of the pencil

[@claudettemiskell2763]

LINDSY❣question from the future.(7/2018) if you have the caran de Arche, do you really find the gel and gelatos necessary? Blessings, I am your greatest 62 year old fan girl💋

[@thefrugalcrafter]

the gelatos are more like an oil pastel in consistancy, it depends on what you want to use them for. Gelatos are good for coloring large embossed areas bit I don't like to paint with them. Watercolor crayons are dryer but more pigmented.

[@terridaly1895]

Thanks Lindsey! Good Information! I would like to know if you have recommendations for which water media to use when. Like, when would you use gelatos vs. caran d'ache or when would you use derwent pencils vs. the gouche paint? Would you use the paint and pencils or the pencils and the crayons in the same painting or on the same card? If so, why or why not? Thank you for all your great videos!

[@sandsinmyboots1640]

Hello Lindsay, Have you ever compared how well Portfolio blends Vs Reeves when dry? I would like to use them both with & without water. For watercolors, do you recommend Portfolio more than Reeves? Hmm... decidophobia!

[@elvida17]

have you tested any of them for lightfastness maybe? that may be the difference between the gelatos and the gelsticks :)

[@deepowers3117]

I too was very disappointed by the set of Derwent 12 metallic pencils. They swatched out very dull and hardly looked metallic at all.

[@bootsmama1027]

Great video. Have you tried the Reeves colored pencils? Their set of 36 is under $20 at Blick. They are vibrant and dissolve well. I tend to have a little bit of every kind of pencil because I like to try new things.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Jill Graf wow, even more thumbs up for reeves, that is a great price for pencils!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich $15 but only 4 left!