7/16/2026

ESRICH 16-pack Canvas Board (5x5in)

These mini cotton canvas board  aren't only affordable but also decent quality (I'd say student quality, but they're also acid free). I use them with acrylics and/or mixed media, sometimes using a lot of wet products, and they stand abrasion and wet on wet work quite well. I've noticed, though, that the edges can deteriorate if you work hard on them, so I recommend giving them a coat of gesso to improve the edge resistance. They come packaged in groups of four, which is a perfect number to work on a mini-series. They are pleasurable to work on and  the final result  looks very lovely. They can be used with oils, gouache tempera, watercolour and acrylics.   

Fclub Vintage Rose Watercolour Tin Palette (20 Full Pans & Adhesive Magnets)

This is such a great watercolour palette. It is not only beautiful but also very light and comes with the empty full pans and adhesive magnets so the pans don't move once set in place. I store here some Gansai Tambi watercolour and solid pigment pans. I can comfortably fit 8 large full pans with a bit of room left either to put a short pencil or piece of charcoal or an eraser. It's a great case for travelling due to its capacity and the lightness of the tin material. 

Derivan Matisse Acrylic High Tooth Gesso MM36 (250 ml)

This is a very affordable good quality thick gesso with a lot of grit (or tooth) in hit; i.e. has a thick sandy texture. Initially created to use on encaustic work, I use it for my mixed media and acrylic artworks  as I tend to use watery products, inks or semi-fluid acrylics and love sanding or scratching surfaces. I tend to give the substrate two coats  using a silicone brush. Once dry, I can scratch, sand or carelessly work on my piece.  

Raffaello Gift Box (15 pieces, 150g)

I love Raffaello balls. I really enjoy the crunchy coconut-coated wafter and the inner chocolaty (more custard-like) cream and toasted almond core. It's sweet but not overly so, and the contrasted textures and clean favours are a hit with me. I love having two balls with my mid-arvo tea or coffee on weekends as a treat. I got two of these boxes at very reduced price and that was great. This box is great for gifting. 

INVALLNING Trolley (68x39x9 cm)

I have two of these  trolleys at home. This is a very practical storage solution to pile, store and move boxes with little effort. It is not only good-priced, but also made of good quality materials, sturdy, and easy to assemble. 
 
It's advertised as a fit for four boxes from the Kuggies, Pansarts, Drona and Dungergubbe box ranges. I hesitated to buy this trolley as the boxes I have on top aren't from any of these lines and are quite heavy. Buying this trolley was a great decision. The castors have a lock so you can leave it in place without the risk of sliding anywhere, and unlock it when I want to move it.  Even when I leave the castors unlocked, the trolley doesn't move on its own on my floorboards.
 
The only thing I miss is the trolley having a sort of "leash" to carry t he trolley from one room to another without having to bend my spine. Beyond that, it is a great buy.   
 
Designer = James Dart.
 
USEFUL INFORMATION
Materials = Steel, Epoxy/polyester powder coating.
Maximum weight = 100 Kgs.  
Maximum stacking height = 90 cms. 
MIND = 
> Only for indoor use.  
> Put the heavier box at the bottom. 

 

 

 

5/11/2026

FRAMTUNG Lunch Bag (22 cm L x 17cm W x 35 cm H )

I needed a new lunch bag, and I fancy this one so much that I purchased despite having the impression that would break easily due to the thin fabric. It is so stylish that I couldn't resist the temptation. 
 
Yes, it is pretty, but it holds my usual stuff without a problem. I usually carry a large solid food thermos (usually heavy), an piece of fruit, an small container with cookies or nuts, several serviettes and two small spoons. The bag has insulation, so it is perfect to prolong the heat of my thermos. I could put much more inside, as it is very spacious. It is also very light and easy to carry. I love the front mesh pocket, as I usually put my mobile there when carrying it or while having lunch. The bag is water-resistant, which makes it great for the occasional splash or leakage. Great price, as well! 
 
DESIGNER Jonas Hultqvist.
 
MIND   
> Max load 5kg.
> Hand wash only. Max 40°C.

MATERIALS  Exterior: 100% polyester (min. 90% recycled). Lining: EVA plastic. Mesh pocket: 100% polypropylene.

 

 

 
 

UPPDATERA Boxes (White & Antracite) (33.5 cm W x 24 cm D x 14.5 cm H)

I love all the Uppdatera boxes due to the range of sizes and elegant functional design and colour. They're made of very good quality plastic (Kmart's imitation isn't half as good) with rounded edges, two handles (which make it easier to carry them) and lower front wall to facilitate access. I have two large size and two small ones both in anthracite and white colours. I use them to hold containers with painting brushes and tools, small tubes and bottles of paint and other craft tools. They hold ton tons of stuff, even the small sizes, and they are a great way to organise my desk in a way that is both stylish and practical. I love the fact that  I can repurpose these boxes for other uses in the bathroom, pantry or kitchen if needed. They clean easily from paint splashes, as well. 

DESIGNER Marcus Arvonen.

MATERIALS Polypropylene plastic (min. 50% recycled).