art – cspierdowis' Product Review Blog https://cspierdowis.com Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:49:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 83694181 Tryazons’ 3Doodler House Party! https://cspierdowis.com/tryazons-3doodler-house-party/ https://cspierdowis.com/tryazons-3doodler-house-party/#comments Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:49:29 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=7569

I am always thrilled to be accepted for one of Tryazons’ parties. I was exceptionally excited to be able to participate in the 3Doodler Campaign. I love creating things, but I have yet to even come close to mastering the 3D pens on the market. 3D doodler has a great product, I am very impressed. I received their 3Doodler Create Pens to play and party with, but they also carry a beginner’s line, and a line great for younger kids, called #Doodler Start. Now, if you are a pro at it, or a professional, they even have a line for you, called 3Doodler Pro, and it looks impressive. Last, but not least, they even offer a kit for classrooms, called the 3Doodler EDU. The 3Doodler Start was The Best Creative Toy of the Year for 2017, too! We took the pen on the road as well, since it is so portable. You can really have fun with it anywhere.

They have a wonderful website, with 5 main sections on it: Store, Projects, Educators, Support, and Blog. The website is very easy and clear to follow and understand. I am highly impressed with their Projects section. It is a lot better than others I have used, and looked at. Their projects are actually free to print out as well, which I really love! I printed out a few to use at my party.

In my package I received 2 3Doodler Create Pen Starter Kits, 1 DoodleStand 2.0, 2 Different Color Packs of ABS Plastic Sticks, and 2 Doodle Pads. The Create Pen Starter Kits include: 1 Pen, 1 AC Power adapter, 1 instruction pamphlet, 1 Quickstart Guide, 1 wrench, 1 mini screwdriver, and 1 long tool to clear the passage with. I love the stand that this company offers. It can hold up to 75 Doodlestrands, and 1 Pen. Because the pen has a rubber guard by the tip of it, it will even hold the pen if you have the power cord attached to it. The power cord attaches to the top of the pen. It plugs into a regular 2 prong outlet. The included pamphlet offers some easy to read, and understand instructions. You can also go their website, and on the first page of the Shop section, you will see a Getting Started Tab. Press that, and it takes you to a page, where you can choose your pen. So, I clicked Create, which is the pen I have, and it took me to a plethora of information. This is the direct link for that section: http://the3doodler.com/getting-started/create/?_ga=2.159286396.778643117.1500502727-1931972569.1497930577 There are videos and manuals there to help you on your journey. Here is the main Youtube video for getting started: https://youtu.be/LVPqK4L5p2Y   Have your pen ready, so you can follow along. It is basic, for example: On the side of you pen is the off, low, and high switch, as well as, the ports for accessories. It shows you that the top of the pen houses the air vent, the power port, and the port for your plastic strips to be inserted. The buttons to make the melted plastic come out, are called extrusion buttons.

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These are on the front of the pen. The larger one makes it go faster, and the smaller one, makes it go slower. It’s a fast visual, which makes it easier to adjust your speed. I really like that. I also like how they are not located on the side, like some other brands. I would always hit it while trying to create, and that was sooo annoying. Now, the back side of the pen houses a clear section, which is the Maintenance Housing. You can see how mush plastic you have left in the pen, and access the inside of the pen from here, if you have an issue, like needing to clear a blockage. Last but not least, it warns you about the tip, or nozzle of the pen. It gets very hot while in use, and takes a bit to cool down after the pen is turned off, so be careful! Then it will go through other videos about turning on and operating your pen. You can choose to just read the pamphlet, but having a video visual, can make it easier for a lot of people. The pen has two settings: low, and high. On the low setting, the lightbar turns green when ready, and blue when ready for the high setting. The bar is on the front, top of the pen. The included plastic with the kit is ABS, which has to be used on the High setting. The low setting is for PLA, which was not included, but can be purchased separately. This pen can accommodate it. Now, to operate it, after you place a piece of plastic in it, and the light is on, go ahead and press one of the extrusion buttons once to start it. Pressing once again, will stop it, and double clicking one of these buttons will reverse the direction of your plastic, so you can remove it, and start a new color; easy peasey. Now, they state to trim the ends of your plastic after removing it from the pen, so it’s ready to be reused. This is easily done with a pair of scissors. Now, if you are trying to reverse your plastic, and it won’t, that means it’s too short to reverse, and you will have to use the rest of it, to remove it. They have videos on how to use the included tools to troubleshoot, in case you have an issue removing any plastic.

Time to create and enjoy. Being aggravated is not allowed, lol! I printed out a few projects ideas, but you can find others for free, or for purchase on the internet. I am ecstatic by the free library of projects 3Doddler’s website offers, though. Their videos give you hints on how to do 3D drawings, and more. Nothing takes the place of practice, though. With their DoodlePads, which have grid measurements on them, it was easy to place a project paper under the mat, and then create from there. Here is a link to some of their videos, for ideas: http://the3doodler.com/videos/ . Some hints I learned from their website. For a flat pattern, press form onto the surface. For a 3D pattern, when creating a line up, hold it for a few seconds, so it can solidify, and then pull quickly away, to separate from the creation.

 

I have a 10 year old son, who has tried 3D pens before too. He is at my skill level, which is, we will say, the fun level, lol. I feel safer with him using this pen. Since the plastic inserts are straight, and not long and curvy, the pen is easier for him to handle, which in turn makes it safer to use. I homeschool him, so I love to bring creative items into our home. This definitely fits the bill. Their website also shows all types of kits they offer, which can be highly fun, and educational for children. I am really impressed with this company overall! Under their Educators section on their website, the even have STEM included, which is beyond wonderful. You can create, or copy patterns. Learn how physics work in 3D builds. You can even have your friends create their own wine glass, or beer bottle markers, at the beginning of a party. Scientists do say, that as we age, are brain ages also. To keep It young, and quick, we need to keep using it, challenging it. This is definitely more fun than brain games on a tablet or phone, that’s for sure.

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You can purchase any of their pens directly from their website, or Amazon. Here is a link to their community page: http://the3doodler.com/community/ 

All opinions are honest and my own. I have no financial ties to Tryazon or 3Doodler. I received this set in exchange for testing their items, and sharing my experience, only.

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Time to be fancy. – GC Quill Writing Calligraphy Pen Set Writing Case 100% Handcrafted. https://cspierdowis.com/time-to-be-fancy-gc-quill-writing-calligraphy-pen-set-writing-case-100-handcrafted/ https://cspierdowis.com/time-to-be-fancy-gc-quill-writing-calligraphy-pen-set-writing-case-100-handcrafted/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2016 02:12:56 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=5935 calligraphy-set-1

Calligraphy is such a beautiful art form. There is something so elegant about a piece written in calligraphy. Some people have such an amazing talent for it. From scriptures to gift tags, it is always so beautiful to look at. I am so excited about this set. I had a simple one, years ago when I was very young. This set is absolutely perfect for anyone getting into calligraphy. It has everything needed to get started. In this set you get: 5 different inks to choose from, 1 ink bottle stand with ink holder, 6 nibs (writing tips), and 1 calligraphy pen. Since this set was hand crafted, and made alongside the companies that make professional pens, you can rest assured this pen will work the way it should.  You just need to provide paper, and an eagerness to learn. After a quick search online, I found so many free templates to begin your calligraphy lessons with. So, you do not have to wing it, no worries. The pen is well balanced, and the different tips are nice and smooth to work with. If you are new, like me, to this, make sure you are in an area, where no one will knock your bottle of ink over. I knocked my well over, lol. It’s a new experience to get used too.

The ink included is pretty nice to deal with as well. It does not have a pungent odor to it all. I have asthma and allergies, and it doesn’t bother me one bit. No animal products were used in these inks. They are “non-toxic soluble dyes and pigments suspended in acrylic shellac”. This tips are supposed to last awhile. They are made out of stainless steel and are “tipped with iridium alloy”, to keep rolling smoothly for years. The handcrafted pen is so pretty, and made out of a pretty Birch wood. I am new to this set, but I am believing the hype. It is easy to hold and use. It’s a fun experience. This pen is nicer than the one I had many years ago, and that does make a difference. I love having the different heads to really be able to try the different styles with, as well as the different ink colors. It’s the perfect beginners’ for me, and I think it would make a great gift.

I received this for free. I was in no way obligated to leave my unbiased and honest review. – GC Quill Writing Calligraphy Pen Set Writing Case 100% Handcrafted – 5 Bottle Ink – Best Calligraphy DIp Pen For Kids and Beginners – 100% Quality Guarantee

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZ8KFOC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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One fad that stands the test of time. -Perfect Life Ideas’ Pin Art. https://cspierdowis.com/one-fad-that-stands-the-test-of-time-perfect-life-ideas-pin-art/ https://cspierdowis.com/one-fad-that-stands-the-test-of-time-perfect-life-ideas-pin-art/#respond Sun, 11 Sep 2016 02:25:27 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=5487

I have wanted one of these since I was much younger, lol. I remember when they were the biggest phase, and even businessmen had them on their desks. But, sadly enough, I never had one, lol. This one is a little different than the original. But, it still has the cool factor to it. The pins are not metal, but made out of plastic, so children are less apt to hurt themselves, or you, with it. It currently is only available in the blue coloring as well. It is still a great size for a desk. Its measurements are only: 5″ x 3.75″ x 2.25″. So, it doesn’t take up a lot of room. This is great for inspiration, to spark your creativity, or even to help you relax. You can just play around and make your own creations, or you can push an object into it to emulate its shape. My son is big at fidgeting. This is a huge win for a fidgety person. They can just sit and push away, even without a purpose. I have known children with sensory disorders, and one thing that would help them handle a bunch of external stimulation was to hold, and do something with their hands. Be it a rubbing stone, or something they can fidget with. This could be great for some of those children and adults. It’s a pretty silent way for them to keep too much stimulation in check. Of course, as a parent, I love that no batteries, or electricity are required. Your children can actually be amused without power. Imagine that. My son absolutely loves this thing. He plays with it non-stop, while at his computer. He has a lot of fun creating with it. Overall, it’s a fun way to be creative. It’s made well, and runs with no store bought power. I’m glad I finally got my hands on one. It brought back a lot of memories.

I received this, at a discount, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Perfect Life Ideas’ Pin Art – Make Incredible 3-D Pin Impression Sculptures and Fascinating Shapes of Objects by Impressons of Push Pins.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2M0POU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Time to create. – Premium Colored Pencils, 72 Piece Set. https://cspierdowis.com/time-to-create/ https://cspierdowis.com/time-to-create/#respond Mon, 05 Sep 2016 18:02:34 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=5355

I have been to a couple of art schools in my past. I have also raised three boys. So, I have gone through my share of colored pencils. Colored pencils are all the rage nowadays with adults. Especially because of the wide spread adult coloring phase that is wide spread. Coloring is a creative, mind opening, and relaxing habit. It’s very cathartic to those who have a lot of stress in their lives. I am really happy with this set of colored pencils from StrapRight.

They are soft core colored pencils, and come in a great tin storage case. So many companies are skimping on the packaging nowadays, and I think this tin really makes a difference. It was definitely a thing I looked for when I went to art school. Your pencils had a much better chance of not getting broken that way. It really does help to prolong their lifespan. When you open this tin, you will only see one tray of colored pencils. The other tray is located underneath it. When you are using them, you can place the top tray in the open lid spot, thus enabling you to have both trays of colored pencils available to you at once. These are 7” pencils, and you get a whopping 72 of them. To top it off, they are all different colors as well. They all come pre-sharpened, so they are ready to go upon arrival. All of my pencils arrived in perfect condition. The colors are true to what you see. You do not have to do layer upon layer to get the hue you are going for. They have a medium softness value, so you do not have to apply a lot of pressure when coloring, like you do with your kids cheap Crayola or Roseart colored pencils. My son hates those now, after trying my better quality pencils. They really don’t compare. Also included with these pencils is an EBook , 50 page, adult coloring book. You can print and color. It’s nice to have that options, especially if your kids want to color too. The value of this set is incredible. The colors are vibrant, and you have so many choices. It really is a great, well rounded set.

I received these, at a discount, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Premium Colored Pencils, 72 Piece Set | Huge Range of Color Pencils Perfect for Art | No Repeat Colors; Great for Shading, Drawing & Sketching | Comes in a Steel Box & Bonus Coloring Ebook.

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If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B212OUO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

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Time to get creative. – E & I Trading’s Fabric Markers Crafts, 12 Pack. https://cspierdowis.com/time-to-get-creative-e-i-tradings-fabric-markers-crafts-12-pack/ https://cspierdowis.com/time-to-get-creative-e-i-tradings-fabric-markers-crafts-12-pack/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2016 23:08:59 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=5119

I received a bunch of plain canvas bags recently. They make great gift bags, because they are reusable. The only downfall I found was individualizing them, so they weren’t so boring, all be it, practical, and ecofriendly. These fabric markers from E & I Trading Fabric are a fun way to personalize these bags. Now, I have to get used to writing on fabric with markers, lol. In this set I received 12 markers of different colors. Each marker has 2 tips on it too. There is a chiseled tip on one end, and a fine tip on the other end. I like having the two tips, it really makes it easier and more convenient to do your design. The colors included in the set are: Black, Vivid Red, Orange, Lemon Yellow, Deep Violet, Sky Blue, Forest Green, Chocolate, Grey, Grass Green, Brilliant Blue, and Pale Purple. Those are the actual names of the colors on the caps.

The colors are pretty true to the cap color, which was nice to see. I hate reaching for what I think is one color, but ends up being another color. These are permanent markers, but they are nontoxic. So, you can feel safe with your kids decorating with them. They could have a blast decorating their own T-Shirts.

Make sure, when you color, to place a notebook, or piece of cardboard, on the back side of the material. Or in-between, like I had to do with this bag. Otherwise the colors will run through to the other side. They recommend washing in cool water, and with a color friendly detergent. What I noticed, is that when drawing on fabric, the ink will run slightly with the fabric. Your lines will not be exact on all fabrics. It’s like drawing outside the lines, lol. The amount it will run depends on the weave of your fabric. A tighter weave will allow for a more exact look. With Halloween coming up, you can have a blast decorating trick or treat bags, and costumes with these. You can make banners for special events and more. You are really bound by your own imagination. These are easy and fun to use. Now I need more plain fabric to play with.

I received these, for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – E & I Trading’s Fabric Markers Crafts 4 All® Permanent 12 Pack.

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If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017KN3HUY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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An easy way to decorate. – InPack’s Wall Sticker Lovely Cartoon Style Removable Mural . https://cspierdowis.com/an-easy-way-to-decorate-inpacks-wall-sticker-lovely-cartoon-style-removable-mural/ https://cspierdowis.com/an-easy-way-to-decorate-inpacks-wall-sticker-lovely-cartoon-style-removable-mural/#respond Mon, 04 Apr 2016 05:54:57 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=3402

Peel and stick decals are so easy to do. It’s a fun way to decorate, and perfect for those who change their minds a lot. These are literally peel and stick vinyls. They do not leave any residue behind. This particular set arrives rolled up, not bent and folded up. You need to apply these to a clean, flat, and smooth surface. This particular set has a garden like feel to it, with the two windows and garden bench. The graphics arrive true to the ad page. There were no surprises in coloring or design. They do look like water color paintings; soft coloring with a soft brush stroke design. Be creative. They can stick to any smooth surface; washing machine, fridge, windows, headboard, shower doors, walls. Doors. You can dress up dorm rooms, since these do not mar the walls or require any adhesive. You can decorate your loves one’s Nursing Home room. You can easily clean thee off. Just get some paper towels and some Windex. Remember, these are vinyls, so you will need to push them down once and awhile. They will start to pull away after a bit. The price of vinyls have way down too. I love that this set is under $20. It really is an easy and inexpensive way to redecorate.

InPack has a variety of designs as well. That includes precious children’s designs. It’s fun decorating your kids rooms. I know my kids have always changed their minds about their favorite things frequently. I wish I had this inexpensive option years ago. At least I have it now for my eight year old.

I was afforded the opportunity to review InPack’s Wall Sticker Lovely Cartoon Style Removable Mural Wall Decal Art for Home Wall Décor, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you want to order this decal, you can get it here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/InPack-Sticker-Lovely-Cartoon-Removable/dp/B01AXGYZEW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

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Yea, coloring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! – CrownArt- 24 Pack of Colored Pencils. https://cspierdowis.com/yea-coloring-crownart-24-pack-of-colored-pencils/ https://cspierdowis.com/yea-coloring-crownart-24-pack-of-colored-pencils/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2016 23:36:19 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=3113

Yea, coloring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s fun for both adults and children. Even if you think you don’t like coloring, I bet you still have fun helping your kids, lol. That’s what we adults do. Drawing is fun, whether it be free hand or in one of those new Adult Coloring books going around. This is a set of 24 colored pencils. They used high quality pigments, and it shows when you are drawing. The coverage is great, and they are soft to write with. You can do shading well, hard line drawing well; full spectrum colored pencils. These are water resistant, fade resistant/light resistant. They arrive pre-sharpened and ready to go. Mine sharpen easily as well. I absolutely love how vibrant the colors are. They really make your pictures come alive. My son is 8 and likes the adult coloring books as well. He thinks kids coloring books are too childish for him now. I’m so glad there’s this option for him now. With adult coloring books, you need better quality pencils. The areas to color can be so fine and dainty. You can layer with these and blend. Wait till you use them the first time, you will be so happy with them. I, until recently, have only been using low end pencils, that I buy for my son. I always hated using those. They just do not cover well at all. After moving on up to high quality colored pencils, I can never go back again. I used them years ago in Art School. I am so glad they are back in my life. There is no comparison. My son is now officially spoiled too, lol. Coloring, drawing, creating, is so relaxing. I am so glad there are quality colored pencils like these from Crown Art. The colors are just so vibrant in this set.

I was afforded the opportunity to review CrownArt- 24 Pack of Colored Pencils, at a reduced price, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase these pencils, you can find them here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BG6QYD8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

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Color it up with Soucolor’s Premium Colored Pencils. https://cspierdowis.com/color-it-up-with-soucolors-premium-colored-pencils/ https://cspierdowis.com/color-it-up-with-soucolors-premium-colored-pencils/#respond Tue, 15 Mar 2016 03:42:19 +0000 https://cspierdowis.com/?p=2944

I love color. So it only makes sense that I like to use colored pencils. I homeschool my son, and nowadays almost all of the curriculum is on the computer. Colored pencils are inspiring and used for fun, but is also helps him with his handwriting skills. This Soucolor pack is a 48 pack of colored pencils. They arrive well sharpened and ready to roll. All of mine arrived in perfect condition as well. They are nontoxic, so your children can use them. These also have a 3.3mm core, and the colors are true. They cover pretty well while drawing. I did not have to go over an area to get coverage. I love the deep and vibrant colors. You can use these anywhere from doodling to art work. Premium pigments were used with these pencils, and you can tell. They write soft, and with easy coverage. The really cool feature to these pencils is that they were made out of reforested quality cedar wood. They have a hexagonal shape to them, and they are comfortable to hold and draw with. You really can’t go wrong with this set.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Soucolor’s Premium Colored Pencils Marco Raffine Coloring Drawing Pencils, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. This product arrives as shown.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CA4LP6Q?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

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