Crayola #2 Pencils: RIP

 I have been a HUGE fan of Crayola's # 2 pencils since I first came across them at Dollar Tree several years ago.  They last longer than the former best pencil out there (which has really become one of my least favorite pencils because of the quality & price!).  I looked at ordering more after running out at the end of last year, but did not see them.  After looking at several places, I decided to write Crayola and see what was going on.  They said they actually discontinued them fall of 2023!  AHHH!!!!!!  Heart broken! 

WHY DO I KEEP TRYING CRA-Z-ART?!?!?!

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again,

 and expecting different results."

Though attributed to Einstein, there is no proof he actually said this.

Once again I bought a Cra-Z-Art product hoping it might possibly be a better art supply than it had been in the past.  I really am a positive/glass half full guy, but I may need to give up on Cra-Z-Art.  

I recently purchased their scented crayons hoping that the addition of scent might change the formulation of the crayon enough that it would be a decent product.  I do have to admit they smell great.  However, the same issue persists.  Cra-Z-Art colors extremely patchy.  The colors build up upon themselves that create uneven color.  They are also difficult to blend.  I like to use crayons as a beginning blending medium, but Cra-Z-art cannot be used for such things.  I'm sad about it.  I want it to be a good product.  Their price point is so much better for my students.  I just can't recommend them though.  

Dollar Tree Glass Pen & Ink Set Review

I was so excited to try these out, and they did not disappoint! Check out how the Glass Pen & Ink set from Dollar Tree performed! 

Dollar Tree Metallic Marker Review

If you like metallic markers....check this review out.  

They are all from Dollar Tree, but not all things at Dollar Tree 

are created equally! 

Dollar Tree Wood Carving Tools Review

I have never done wood carving. I have no idea what I'm doing. 

 Let me make that clear right off the bat! ha ha ha

It was fun to try, and I really want to try to create prints off of a carving in the future. 

Testing Peeps Crayons

THEY ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!! 

Check out my review of Peeps Crayons that I found at my local CVS.

Mondo Llama Brushes

 I’m not one to totally slam a brand. There are so many factors in every situation.  There are bad batches, factors in transportation (things being too hot, too cold, or getting bounced around in shipping), and operator error.  I will say I’ve liked Mondo Llama’s crayons, markers, and colored pencils (not my favorite...but I’d for sure recommended them to my students for at home use!).  

....HOWEVER....

I was given some gift cards to Target from someone in the community that likes to support the arts. I went on line and saw that Mondo Llama had brushes. I ordered about a class set worth. Within a week I regretted my decision. After a couple days of using them...their was a plastic like coating start bubbling up on the handle. A couple days later their were large areas of paint pealing off.   Now you might be thinking I left my brushes in water. No, I learned not to make that mistake over 20 years ago when I first started teaching.  There is just something up with these brushes. I terribly disappointed. The brush itself is nice, but the handles....not so much.  

Sargent Paint Sticks

I have talked about the Sargent Paint Sticks in the past, but someone was recently asking me about them...so I thought I'd share again.  There are several brands out there that work "relatively" the same.  However, I have found the quality and price of the Sargent version to be better.  Now the neon and metallic paint sticks do not produce as solid/vibrant color (None of the other brands that have neon/metallic paint sticks are any better!).  They are wonderful for young artists & abstract art work.  

Crayola’s Colors of the World Colored Pencils

OH MY!!!!!!!!

My wife called me from Wal-Mart, and told me she found Crayola Colors of the World Colored Pencils for only $1.  YES...$1!  She asked me how many I wanted.  ALL OF THEM! ha ha I'm not sure if your local Wal-Mart will have them for that price, but it is worth a look.  

 

Faber Castell Watercolor Gel Sticks

This product is so interesting!! Have you all tried it before? It is similar to watercolor crayons, but has its own characteristics. Check out my product review & let me know what you think of it! 

Faber-Castell Watercolor Gel Sticks

  

 

Faber Castell Gel Crayons Review

Check out my review of the Faber Castell Gel Crayons? 

They are unlike any crayons I’ve ever used! 

 

Crayola Gel Pen: Product Review

I have wanted to try gel pens for awhile now. Check out my review of Crayola's Gel Pens. 

 I'd also love to hear tips, tricks, and how you use them in your art!  Leave a comment & let me know!!

Testing Out Crayola Washable Color Glue

Check out this product & project!

Supplies For A Covid Safe(ish) Classroom

 I added the (ish) because can we truly be 100% safe if we are in person?  I don't think so, but we can make changes to our practices and procedures to lower the risks.  I know that many schools are having the students bring a plastic bag of supplies with them to art.  After discussing this with administration and teachers at my school, I felt like I could plan my lessons in a way that students would not share supplies in a given day (and they could be sanitized at the end of each day).  I purchased tumbler cups (wide bottoms to help prevent spilling) so that there would be supplies for each student (my largest class being 28 students).  I will have to rotate through the supplies each week so that all the groups get opportunities to use Marker/Crayons/Colored Pencils/Collage/Paint (I can't really do clay because the fire marshal had issue with my kiln set up...so I'm waiting for the district to fix the issues).  

The plan is...at the end of the day I will spray down the supplies with rubbing alcohol (using the misting bottle I purchased at Sally's Beauty Supplies).  Then they will be ready to go for the next day's classes.

What procedures do you have in place?   

Getting Ready for....THE RETURN!!!!!

Fall Break is here...but I was at school today getting ready for when the kids return next week!!

Check out what I'm doing!!!

 

Art Supply Review: Crafter's Square Rolling Cutter

I found something new at Dollar Tree!!!  Check out my review (Here's a hint...I LOVE IT!).  I know that Dollar Tree's are not always consistent in what they carry.  

 

Art Bags

Once we began teaching virtually, I realized many of my students did not have basic art supplies.  Because of some generous gifts...I was able to purchase supplies to pass out to those students in need.  Yes, I know that I bought "Cra-Z-Art" brand.  I wanted to be wise with the money that was given to me..and I could get more supplies if I went with this brand (Double the supplies!!!).  

My kids helped me bag all the supplies up.  They really wanted to help when they heard that some kids didn't have things like crayons & markers (something that seemed so foreign to them being children of teachers).  So thankful for their servant hearts!  

 

Crayola Colors of the World

Have you seen the Colors of the World crayons by Crayola?  I’m so happy that there are more flesh tone options. I have children from all over the world at my school...and the smaller packs of skin colors just was not sufficient. I still feel that we need more options, but this is a step in the right direction! 

Have you tried them out yet? What are your thoughts? 

 

Art Supply Review: Dollar Tree Metallic Markers

Here is another Crafter’s Square art supply review! 

I found these metallic markers, and really wanted to see how they worked.

When I made this video I had found white, silver, and gold.  Just today I found another...copper. 

Let me test these art supplies...so you don’t have to!

(Unless they are awesome!!)

Art Supply Review: Dollar Tree’s Crafter’s Square Watercolor Set

Testing another product....SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!!