Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

9/05/2023

Riot Arts & Crafts (Online Store)

 Riot Arts and Crafts, not Riot Projects, have amazing prices and a great selection of arts and craft products. Most of their stock is Australian art brands, some of them excellent like Matisse and Holcroft, for example, mixed with a smaller selection of international brands and a small selection of their products (Golden, Liquitex, Posca or Faber Castell for ex.) They have free shipping for orders over 80 bucks, which is an increase of 5 bucks since last time I purchased something from them. Still better than most online art supplies stores.

I've both from them many times and they deliver via AuPost. Product quality has always been good or great, except for one case, and the pricing excellent even when the products aren't on sale. But every time I check they're on some sort of sale. 

The main issue with Riot Arts & Crafts is that the dispatch time is ridiculous and can take over a week or more, depending on the time, to get the products dispatched, plus the time AuPost takes to deliver a standard parcel. If you need materials for a upcoming project, this is not a place you want to buy from as, more likely, you won't get them on time. However, it's a great place to take advantage of their offers and stock materials before the ones you already have run out.

Another downside is that, due to the fact that their prices for good brands is below most online sites, the products I want are always sold out or out of stock.  

My last parcel in April, took about 10 natural days to be dispatched. The last one, in September ditto. The shipping info on their website says that intercity or interstate takes average 7-10 business days, which is about 2 weeks, for the parcel to arrive to your place, and they cannot guarantee that either.

So, if they cannot fulfill the demand, why not stop, get more staff and reorganise the business? Most of the negative reviews online are on this issue.

Customer service by email is corteous but minimal, androbotic, full of vacuous wording. Last time I asked why it was taking so long to get the product dispatched the answer was 'we've changed our procedures at the warehouse' or were working on it kinda nothingness.  

8/29/2023

The Tin Box Company Star Wars Vintage Classic Tin Lunchbox, Black

I'm a SW fan and I was looking for a roomy tin box to store some of my collage papers and small art supplies. This is perfect for both purposes. It looks as good in person as in the photo, and looks cool wherever I place it. The handle can be comes handy to carry my lunch or if I was carrying this anywhere, which I initially don't intend to; the handle can be put in, so it doesn't protrude, making the box more compact. The locking system is great to prevent the lid from self-opening.So far, so good.

8/25/2023

Paul Rubens Hot-Pressed 100%-Cotton 300gsm Watercolor Journal (Black)

I wanted  a compact good-quality small notebook or journal just to do warm-up mixed-media exercises and experimentation, and this item seemed to fit the bill.
 
THE GOOD STUFF
> Very good-looking sketchbook.
> Good-quality off-white 300-gsm watercolor paper. I love its smoothness and tone. See details about my testing below. 
> Stitch perforated paper sheets, which tear off easily. 
>  It has a separator ribbon, something that I love because I use it a lot!
> The notebook measurements are 3.8’’ x 5.2’’, a pocket size that makes it perfect to carry in my small handbag or briefcase. Perfect for traveling as well. I wanted something that is easy to store and this can be stored anywhere easily. 
> Affordable. 
> Very lightweight.
DOWNSIDES 
> The product Amazon-page photo and description and what I got are not the same. I've already given feedback to Amazon as some of the photos and statements are misleading and don't t relate to the product I got at all.  
> Unrefined leather-like cover.
> The paper is excellent, but I wanted a good journal not good loose paper sheets.
> My item doesn't have the elastic band/strap mentioned/photographed in the description page. I find this not only deceiving, but also disappointing because it seems to be an issue not just with my notebook but with many reviewers'. A band is necessary in any small journal with detachable sheets because, eventually, they'll all be loose and the band is needed to tide them all up. 
> Bad quality binding, with some parts just glued and others loosely sewn (see my photos). The product page says that it's loosely stitched to allow the removal of the middle thread to have a double-spread or panorama sheet. That's good, but since the binding is so poor, not all the pages are thread-stitched, all of them are perforated and some of them detach on their own, how is this going to work?
> One of the sheets was already cut off when I opened the product. The pad came sealed (as per my photos) so ain't sure if that's a factory issue or the item was a re-purposed return.
> The separator ribbon edge is already loose-threading itself (see my photos). 
> The back cover inner pouch is glued with the opening facing the spine, which makes it not only difficult to use but also useless to me.
 
PAPER TESTING
I've tested the paper twice before posting this review. Herewith my first impressions. My first test was done with a non-gessoed sheet. As per my photos, I used watercolour pencils, waters-soluble crayons (Neocolor II, Tim Holtz) and markers (Posca, Tombow), oil pastels (Ohuhu), soft pastels (Munyo), acrylic ink (Liquitex), heavy and fluid acrylics (Golden) alcohol ink, alcohol markers(Faber Castell, Copic), archival ink refills (Ranger), Stabilo-All and China black pencils, my fountain pen; FC Pitt permanent-ink markers; metallic markers as well as an UNI white gel pen. The paper stood well, without bleeding, most things, included my two alcohol markers, which is impressive. I found the paper especially lovely and smooth when watercolouring Posca, Tombow, Necolor II and Stabilo All. Soft pastels extended well with water, even though they aren't water-soluble and cheap, but oil pastels were not good on this paper, yet my pastels are cheap. Alcohol inks bled (see my photo) and, in a lesser degree, archival undiluted ink.
 My second test was done on a sheet of paper with clear gesso added to it, as this is how I usually work. I used simple mixed media, acrylic paint mostly, but also aquarelle pencils and markers, and plenty of water. The paper was a pleasure to work with and it doesn't buckle at all. Truth to be told, I usually work heavily on the paper, more than in this case, adding collage, stitching and what's not; yet, I'm very satisfied with the quality of the paper. 
 
IN SHORT
I consider this Rubens journal to be a mediocre journal. The paper, on its own, is excellent. However, I'm not buying loose sheets of paper but a journal, so it defeats the purpose. I wouldn't give this as a gift, but it serves me well for what I need: to experiment with my paints and have everything neatly collected. I will have to supply the missing elastic strap myself and sew the separating ribbon. This journal seems like a degraded version of the advertised product, like a bad batch perhaps, and there are significant discrepancies between what it's described on the product page and what I got. Bear in mind that the same journal is listed on a separated page and marked as 'Amazon choice', but it's a bit more expensive. Either way, next time I buy this journal, if it's as it is now, I will return it.
 

8/21/2023

Hxyrxib 2Pcs Flat Silicone Paint Brushes

I've had this pair for a few months now, and I love them. The two-piece is perfect for my needs as I paint on small surfaces and I don't need anything bigger. The bigger brush is 2" wide, and the smaller 1". I find the larger one great to spread gesso, different mediums on larger surfaces, a whole sheet of paper for example, while I use the other one for smaller surfaces, to  glue collage pieces and to properly paint. Both are perfect for mediums because I can easily wipe them out clean with household/baby wipes. However, they're called 'color shaper' for a reason; that's because I can move the paint in ways that normal brushes don't allow me to and  I can create cool effects with the sides, the edges or part of the brush surface.
 
The handle is made of good quality material. Despite me leaving the brushes in water for long periods of time, they haven't deteriorated or pealed off. The product description page says that the handle is made of wood, but it feels more like sturdy plastic to me. If it's wood, the plastic coating is really good. 

The ferrule is made of good-quality metal and hasn't loosen up so far, something important because if the silicone brush gets loose, it loses precision and functionality.  
 
The brush part is made of good quality flexible silicone, and works well on watercolour paper. The main issue with these brushes, like most other shaper brands I own, is that they have a slightly convex shape on both sides, which tends to create 'pools' of product on the upper part. I've learned not to use the whole brush surface just the flat part, the sides or the tip. Yet, I've also found that some brands have one part convex and the other flat (see my photos), and that works better for me. Also, the brush part is not as flexible as other brands shapers.
 
Overall, I'm very happy with the product. Color shapers are never super-cheap, but this combo is affordable and good value for money.

8/14/2023

Sluxa Cat Pencil Pouch

I'm in love with this. I bought this pouch as a gift for an impending birthday, but I will be purchasing one for myself. It's just like in the photos. The cat illustration is very realistic and more so when the pouch is full. The holder is made of some sort of silicone material outside and fabric lined inside. The zip runs smoothly and has a chain puller. The zip chain and zip head are the only things that could be improved. The pouch is generous in size (see my photo against an A4 wallet).  I couldn't resist checking how much stuff I could fit in.  I was able to comfortably fit in 17 items (a mix of markers, new pens, pencil erasers, and even my Townbows) and there was still room for small items like erasers a small USB etc. Very roomy! I bought this very discounted, so that's an added bonus.   

Generic Self-Threading Needle Set Wood Storage Box

I was very much looking forward to receiving this kit, as I have poor sight and threading any normal needle is very difficult to me. The wooden container is just wonderful; good looking and very roomy, so I can store other needles inside with the ones in the set. It has a screw top that keeps everything locked. So, that's wonderful. The issue is the needles themselves are described as having large eye, and that's not the case at all. They're self-treading, for sure, but they are so small (both the body and the eye) that getting them to self-thread is as difficult to me like normal ones, like it defeats the purpose I bought it for. If the needles were a bit larger in size, this would be the perfect set for me, but that's not the case.

8/12/2023

Jigong Mini Heat Gun Electric 300W 220V 50HZ Portable Hot Air

This is my first heat gun and I purchased it to replace my bulky hair drier, which I was using to speed up the drying time of the paint in some of my artwork. However, it can be used for embossing as well. 

THE GOOD STUFF
> Very light and small. It is a pleasure to hold. Way smaller and lighter than my small hair drier. See my photos against an A4 wallet and beside my small hair drier.
> It can be stored anywhere. See my photo inside a cable organizer box.
> Easy to use. You don't really need a manual. Click the power button and voila. The container box, though, has some tricks to use this gun in "shrinking'.
> Heating level is great for small pieces of art as it isn't too high or low. It dries things fast.   
> Low noise level if compared with my hair drier. 
> As the 'mouth' is small, it directs the air where I want to so it doesn't blow pieces of paper I have around.
> Great value for money.

THE DISAPPOINTMENTS 
> The cord is ridiculously short. That being the case, unless you have a plug on top of your table, you would have to plug it to an extension cord, something that I hate because it creates unnecessary bulk and storage issues. If you don't have one, you'd have to purchase one.
> Just one speed.
> No storage pouch. 

If needed, I will update this review in the future.

7/29/2023

Amazon Basics Eyelet Hole Punch Plier with 100-piece Eyelets

This is a good-value-for-money sturdy basic eyelet punch plier with 100 golden-like small eyelets. It is easy to use and I've had no issues with the included eyelets and with others I had at home. Actually, the end result was more polished with the ones I had at home, I think because they're less taller. But the golden eyelets included in the package are lovely, as per my photo. I find that using the plier with thick paper requires some strength on my part, so ain't sure if I would be able to use it with leather or stronger materials.  
 
On the other hand, the plier is quite heavy to me and my hands (despite it being labelled as 'lightweight in the product page). Besides, it only allows me to place eyelets at 2 cms or less from the paper/material border. This is more than enough for most purposes, but it's frustrating to me as I wanted to place eyelets in my artwork in places that aren't that width, and that's not possible.

7/23/2023

Clover Jumbo Chibi Darning Needle Set, Golden

I love these two needles, which I use to finish crochet ends, sew two crochet pieces together and also to wave stitching as the needles point is round, not pointy, and it's safe for the latter. For the rest, the needles are quite large but also very light. I've used them with thick crochet thread and also with yarn. I've also tried to use them on thick watercolor paper, but they were not good for that, unless I'm doing weaving stitching. These are mending needles but I think I use them just for yarn and woolen stuff. I love the container. I keep in it not only these two needless, but also most of my large needles; the container has a screw crap, which keeps all safely stored. NB = Measurements 6.2" Height x 2.1" Length x 0.8" Width, 340

7/20/2023

Tombow Storage Tote Bag

This is a lovey large, roomy, beautifully-made storage bag. The bag material is good-quality threaded nylon and the combination of colors, finishes and embroidered logo made up a very good-looking bag. Both the upper reinforced handle and the shoulder bag are sturdy, and the latter is easily adjustable. 

My photos don't make it justice to the amount of stuff I've been able to put in, and there is still room for more.

The two Velcro separator individual sheets come handy to create different spaces within the bag, and can be moved and/or re-positioned easily. There are two mesh external elastic pouches that can hold plenty of stuff, and I store all my crayons and pastels flat tins in the front pocket. 
 
I don't use it to store my markers but to store a good deal of art & crafts supplies. 
 
THE WEAKEST LINKS
I find that the bag has three design flaws that rest quality to the product if used for anything that isn't markers. The first one is the average quality of the zips, that aren't sturdy enough to carry a fully loaded heavy bag. This mostly affects the upper zip, which is pulled every time I carry the bag.
 
I find that other type of containers hold and organize my markers, pens and pencils better (either vertically or horizontally) and I won't store mine upright here.
 
Finally, although the bag cover is very roomy, it has no reinforcement inside, which seems necessary to me to counteract the pressure put on it by the holder when the bag is full; the sewn attachments aren't strong enough and might eventually  break through here.
 
IN SHORT 
Great storage bag. Good looking. Very spacious. It allows me to store tons of stuff. Yet, the upper cover and the zips are a bit of a let down as they seem fit for a mass-produced bag not for a Tombow product. I will update this review in the future if necessary.

7/03/2023

Comiart 4-piece Ball Sphere Stylus Set

Good quality set of large stylus that I use with air-drying paper paste/clay. Kind of heavy as the balls are made of metal. Easy to use and clean. I love that the tools are double sided and comes in a good selection of sizes. They complement well my set of small styluses from the same brand. 

Better Jonny 26-piece Crochet Hooks Set

Every possible crochet hook size I would need at a killer price. The hooks are made of good quality metal and the vibrant metallic colors coating is beautiful and helps me distinguish different sizes. The length of the handle is average. The hooks are great for all sort of threads and wool. Packaging is minimum, but I'm very happy with the purchase.

6/08/2023

Glad to be Green Compostable Bake & Cooking Paper, 15 Metres

This is a good quality baking paper. I use it mostly as a mat on my craft table to protect the table and also to apply my acrylic paints directly on without worrying it would go on to the table. This is so because the paper has a glossy side that seems to be waterproof. I also use it as a mat inside my microwave so that it protects its floor from spills and drops from the food I reheat or defrost there. It is very versatile. Ironically, I don't use baking paper for paper so I cannot comment on the use in the oven. The cutter is good and the sheets are cut out simply and neatly. The main downside of the roll is the width of the paper, which I'd like it to be larger. Also, the fact that is compostable makes it weaker and I prefer the average parchment paper for my microwave as this compostable version gets damaged quicker and doesn't withstand as much oil or liquid as the other. For the rest if fits the purpose.

1/29/2023

Scotch Precision Scissors 7 Inches (17.8cm) 1447 Grey/Red

This a good quality pair of scissors. I find them very good for general use and crafting. I have used them for cutting fabric as well as thick cardboard and paper, and they work great. I love the 7-inch size as they are not too big or too small and, personally, I find them to be more versatile than bigger scissors, especially for people with small hands like me. The tip is not pointed and they lack precision in that regard. When craft junk gets stuck on the blades, I clean them with generic household cleaning wipes and no fuss. I don't use them for tailoring or major sewing projects, so I cannot comment on that, but I prefer my small scissors for sewing than these ones. Overall good value for money and great all-purpose scissors.

1/22/2023

2-Set of Awl Wood Handle

This is a set of two identical faux-vintage tailor awls. They're re very light and easy to handle. The point is really sharp and has a protective sleeve, and really useful to perforate both fabric and watercolour paper without tearing them apart. I haven't tried them on leather, though. Very good priced. I wish they have been two different awls instead of two of the same as one of the product page photos seems to suggest that this is the case.

10/22/2022

9/25/2022

Kaisercraft KC035 Kaiser Colour Acrylic Paint, Eggshell

This an acrylic directed to crafters not painters, but I wish it had professional quality because this is one of my fav neutral colours ever. The colour is like a super-light neutral grey. I use it on its own, and I love it as it is or mixed with other neutrals. This is a flow acrylic, therefore low viscosity, and a bit liquid. I wish the brand specified this on the package. The price is amazing for a large amount of product. The tap is quite mediocre as it has no screw stop; also, it's too small to use it to keep the tube vertically. This being the case, the tube cannot be stored vertically but horizontally, which multiplies the chances of getting paint spilled. . For the rest a great product for the price.

6/07/2022

PinRui Silicone Baking Mat,60 x 40cm

This is the third product I buy to use as craft mat on my table and I finally got what I was looking for. As my craft is painting and collage, I need something that can protect my table and it's easy to clean from any painting, medium, gesso or craft paste so that it doesn't look crappy when I'm not working on it. This mat fits the bill.

This silicone mat has a velvety touchy surface, it is super easy to clean with a simple antibacterial or household wipe, and it can be removed or folded when not needed. It doesn't bend, slide or wrinkle when I work on it. I placed my laptop on it just to see how the silicone reacts to the heat, and the surface wasn't affected. The black colour makes it perfect for my studio minimalist decor and neutral tones.

This mat comes with a carry bag perfect to fold it and put it away when necessary. For the sizing, see the mat against my cutting mat. As I use it very often, I might update this review if I find any noticeable downfall. So far, I'm very pleased.

FOME Self-Healing Cutting Mat A2 Size

I bought this mat as it was described and advertised as a craft mat when I purchased it. However, my craft is art journaling and mixed media and this is just the wrong product for that.

GOOD THINGS
> Perfect for measuring and cutting on it, or just to use as a computer mat and protect the table from coffee drips, food etc.
> It is very large.
> Sturdy material.
> It looks great on the table.
> One side has inches and the other centimeters.
> The measurements are clearly marked in white colour so it is very easy to use for measuring and cutting.

BAD THINGS
> I would have wished that inches and cms were side by side on both sides of the mat.
> Not a flexible or foldable material.
> Heavy.
> Not easy to store.
> Gets dirty very easily as it is difficult to clean from any painting-related stuff (paint, paste, gesso, etc.) and not even acetone will clean it. See an example of how it looks now on my table despite me having scratched it to no avail. That being the case it usually looks disgusting, even though I have scratched it and cleaned it thoroughly.

5/06/2022

Faber-Castell Smooth Watercolour Gel Pastels Pack of 12

This pack has become one of my fav painting sets. It's great quality and really versatile. It's like a cheaper version of the gelatos sticks (i.e. water soluble pastel pens). I've used them in different ways (scribbling on a paper and then adding water, or using water over the tip to splatter colour or adding water to the tip to soak the brush and use it as a watercolour) and the results are fantastic. They are packaged in a way that the pens are protected by the pen-like twistable capsule, so they're easy to handle and put away. On the other hand, they can safely be placed vertically in a pen holder and the shape is perfect to tack them all together in little spaces. The sturdy plastic box they come in is perfect to air the wet pens while stored This a selection of basic colours with a lovely gold colour as a bonus. I wish these pens were thinner and a few more hues were included in the box, but I cannot complaint as you can still mix the colours to create new ones. Most happy with this set. The value for money is an added bonus because these are, after all, Faber-Castell.