15 Comments

Ok, now I have to buy the Stabilo All pencil! It looks deliciously black and I’m not at all disturbed by any potential smudging. What do you fix it with though, hairspray or regular fixative like you’d use with charcoal?

Expand full comment

You can totally just use hairspray, but I happened to have a fixative spray I’ve been using when I remember to. I can’t recall the brand at the moment, but it’s a matte spray for just about all mediums. My only gripe about the “legit” fixative is that it is very smelly and you need to do it outdoors!

Expand full comment

Oh I love a good art supply critique! I am an art supply ‘hoarder’ and have quite a few marker sets and sketchbooks that don’t always meet my expectations.

Expand full comment

It happens to us all, Beth! I’m trying to not to hoard and only buy stuff I really want and am pretty sure I’ll use. I hate having I g a bunch of stuff around “taunting” me for not using it, ya know? Those markers just weren’t it, but thank God it was just a cheap set and not Copic. And the sketchbook was ok, but I still got plenty of use out it.

Expand full comment

My kid and I love the Stabilo woody pencils so it sounds like I need this grown up version!

Expand full comment

I've only recently heard of the woody pencils and never tried them, but they look fun!

Expand full comment

Great review about at supplies Deb, always a topic of interest 😉 I am so disappointed with the Art Creation sketchbook with white paper 😤 I thought this is it, white paper which love and affordable sketchbook, 2 in 1 but no!!! The materials don't behave the same, seems the colours are swallowed by the paper! Have the Stabillo All pencil in my list 🥰

Expand full comment

But all is not lost, at least I know for the future and can warn others that it’s not all that great. Not terrible, but not as nice as the regular cream color paper. And that Stabillo All is gonna rock your world 😊but be prepared for a smudge or two if you don’t spray is down or put wax paper between your pages!

Expand full comment

I had almost a full set of Ohuhu alcohol markers that I ended up giving to my niece because I just didn’t like using them. I don’t like that they bleed through the page because I’m a big fan of working in spreads. Also, I can’t get over how naturally your writing sounds like you, like when I’m reading I’m hearing your voice speak the words. 👏🤗💖✨

Expand full comment

YES, EXACTLY! THANK YOU! Ok, sorry the all caps but I’m so glad to know I’m not a loser for not liking these😆I dont love the bleed through, it’s annoying but I expected it. However, if I loved working with them, I would be ok with that. But my experience was so not anything special with these markers. Like, why are these better than TomBows? Somebody tell me, please.

And thanks- I mean I just write how I talk, so maybe that’s why😅with the exception of the fact that I can go back and edit what I say and finish sentences without getting distracted by a squirrel.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Deb, for your sacrifices in the name of making good investments in art supplies! Hey, what about the white pencil? Did you get that, too? Does it work as well as the black?

Expand full comment

You are so welcome, happy to be of art experimentation service🫡 The white pencil is ok but doesn’t show up nearly as well as the black on top of neo color 2s. I wasn’t super impressed by it, but I also didn’t try it over many things. It’s probably a lot better on top of gouache, watercolor, and acrylic paint. But kind of transparent on top of the oily waxy stuff.

Expand full comment

Ah. Yeah, that figures. Thanks for the response, though i forgot if asked! Lol!

Expand full comment

Another great post-- you make these thoroughly entertaining! I geek out about art supplies ALL THE TIME- Lol. I, too, am in love with the Stabilo All-- also a love/hate relationship there. Next on my wish list: Carbothello pastel pencils- I've heard wonderful things! We shall see. I loved what you did with the alcohol markers, your drawings really popped. But those from the retro dining sesh were fabulous!! I feel like I am seeing your style change and evolve in all the best ways. I am taking your advice and will start working on my own little travel sketchbook this week- and I'm determined to keep up with it until I have filled it completely! Lol

Expand full comment

Ooooh, I haven’t heard of those pastel pencils 😍Don’t tempt me to spend more money! I love that Stabillo, but why must it be so smudgey?! I guess we can’t have it all.

That retro dinner party from Art Hang Party is definitely a fun one to draw along with, you might really enjoy it, Rebecca!

And good for you taking a traveling sketchbook around with you! I think you’re gonna like looking back one day at all the doodles you did on the go. You won’t even remember what you “missed” by not scrolling on your phone!

Expand full comment