7/09/2022

Yisan Set of 12 Fineliner Ink Pens Black

This is an affordable equivalent of the pitt markers. Most of them have a bullet nib, but the three larger markers have brush, square and chisel nibs. I use them for everything, for writing on paper, in my collages and paintings; also, to highlight, mark, shadow or draw. They are as good as other waterproof markers that I own. The square nib is good for calligraphy and headings, but it took me a while to get used to it.

The cap is labelled with the nib size, which is really convenient as I have tons of markers in my pen holder and it helps me to identify the markers easily.

I have had these for months, and they haven't dried off.

They are good quality regarding the ink, but the cheap side shows mostly on the three largest nibs, which deform rapidly. This is especially the case with the brush nib. The other downside is in the fact that there are too many extra fine nibs and not as much medium or larger ones.

Overall, a terrific set and great value for money.

6/30/2022

6/26/2022

Heaven Dragon Pu Er Tea, 125 g

This is large box of loose leave Pu er tea. Pu er is a very strong tea, stronger than any strong black breakfast tea, so I use half of the quantity I'd use to prepare my normal tea. In fact, I can reuse the leaves twice and still get flavorsome tea. This tea not only has a strong smoky flavor but also a noticeable strong smoky smell. I take this tea with milk due to its strength; personally, I'd not have it on its own. This isn't the first time I use this variety of tea, so I can compared it against other brands I've used in the past, and the brew is as good as more expensive brands. This is an amazing value for money package as Pu er is a rare tea variety and it's usually quite expensive.

MIND = There aren't brewing instructions on the package.

Crayola 24 Pack Regular Crayons

This is a decent set of permanent (not water-soluble) crayons. I use them for mark making in my mixed media projects. The pigments are decent and noticeable. I'd say they are a cheap alternative to good quality permanent crayons if you are on a tight budget and if you want them for non-professional use, needless to say. Amazing value for money.

DOWNSIDES
> The sticks snap half easily if you exert a little bit of pressure.
> The paper labels covering each stick aren't the color of the stick but the family color they belong to.
> The choice of color isn't the best. There are too many oranges and not enough greens and not even a brown.

6/25/2022

iFeather Cat Pencil Canvas Pen Holder (Gray)

Great telescopic canvas pouch that holds tons of stuff. I put all my Ohohus inside (36 markers) and there is still room for more. Very cute design, and it can easily be stored when not needed. It stands up easily. Beware not to use the pouch when painting with acrylics as it can be easily stained. Good value for money.

Canson XL Series Watercolor Textured Paper Pad Fold Over, 140 lb/300 gsm, 9x12", 30 Sheets

Wonderful 300 gsm watercolor paper perfect for mixed media, watercolor painting and heavy collage. I've used this with acrylic paints, collage and mixed media, and it stands well multiple layers of paint, embellishments and other materials (chipboard die-cuts, burlap, fabric, other paper, etc.) as well as spray inks. It's slightly larger than A4 (see my photo). Easy to remove from the pad. It's quite smooth but it has a bit of tooth (see my photo). Best non-professional watercolor paper I've ever used. I'll buy it again.