SketchBox is a monthly subscription box for art supplies. Each month, they'll send you 4-9 art supplies (often full kits) plus a piece of art to inspire you. The items included are for 2D media, such as pens, markers, pencils, paints, etc.
This is a review of the $35/month Premium box. SketchBox also offers a $25/month Basic box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $5 off your first box!
CODE: SKETCH5
Art is one of my favorite hobbies, and though I am far from a professional, I love testing out new art supplies and learning new techniques. With the overwhelming variety of brands and mediums out there I don't even know where to start when shopping for supplies, so I definitely appreciate SketchBox putting together a kit that helps me discover new brands and takes me out of my comfort zone. This is my third month of reviewing this art box, and it might just be my favorite. Read below to find out what I discovered this month.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
SketchBox runs an ongoing contest to put a subscriber's artwork on the lid of their box each month. There's information on how to enter their monthly contest on the info card!
What's Inside the Box
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Each month, SketchBox includes a detailed list of each product included and why it was chosen. Also featured is a link to SketchBox School, which is the perfect place to go if you are a beginner like me, or if you just need a little inspiration. I have Christmas on my brain today, so I skipped the video and dove straight into testing on my own, which you will see below.
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Also included is a card with a drawing by the month's featured artist. For November we received a piece done by Joshua Boulet. My kids love, love, loved this print as it had a tractor in the front yard. If you didn't guess, Hank sped off with it and placed it on his nightstand.
Each month they also send a sticker that fits the theme of each box. How cute is this cartoon Kuretake Zip BrusH20 Petit?! Now, where should I stick it?
Koh-I-Noor Toison d'Or Graphite Pencil B - Buy a pack of 24 for $33.49
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Like I mentioned last month, my favorite writing tool is a pencil. Students often ask why I choose to write with a #2 pencil over a mechanical pencil or pen, and honestly, I'm not really sure - there is just something about a real wood pencil that I prefer. This graphite pencil B is a bit more sophisticated than some of the ones I tote around and the soft lead wrote effortlessly on the paper. The shape and size felt good in my hand, and like last month the only downfall of this beauty is the lack of an eraser.
Kuretake Zip BrusH20 Petit - Retail Value $4.25
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This travel-friendly brush is perfect for on the road or at home. The brush can be stored inward for protection and ease of packing. After filling with water, this paints beautifully as the tip is small for fine detailing. I had a lot of fun with this little utensil, which has quickly become one of my favorites!
Custom Kuretake Zip Watercolor Palette - Retail Value $10.99
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Watercolors are my favorite so when I reached in and found this 12 color palette I was delighted! I have a small collection of watercolors but have not used this brand in the past. I found the pigments to be bright and beautiful and loved the inclusion of the metallic white. I was very satisfied with the color combo and had a lot of fun creating my little Christmas wreath!
Color Sparx Watercolor Powder - Buy a pack of 3 for $18.00
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To be honest, I had no clue what this item was before reading about it, and was kind of nervous to give it a try. This wisteria watercolor powder mixes with water and can be used as a watercolor or can be sprinkled on a wet surface for a fun blooming effect. I tried the blooming effect and was absolutely awe-stricken with its beauty! Not only did the brilliant pink hue actually bloom, but once dry, it shimmered gold. Super fun and stunning.
Archer & Olive Acrylograph Pen in White and Navy - Buy a pack of 10 for $35.00
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I am loving these water-based acrylic pens. With ink that dilutes well in water, and shows up amazingly on dark colors, these pens are a must-have for fine details. I used the white a ton but loved the inclusion of navy, as it is a color I adore, yet don't have a lot of. To activate you must press the nib to a hard surface and the ink starts flowing. Fun and easy to use, these pens are a must-have.
Custom Hahnemuhle Toned Watercolor Paper - Listed Retail Value $10.00
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The last item we received this month is this 15-page pack of 4" X 6" toned watercolor paper. I have tried multiple brands of paper and actually really enjoy these smaller sheets for postcard-type art. I did notice this paper curled when wet, which was a bummer as I am used to the 140lb Strathmore Watercolor Postcards I can purchase for a lot cheaper. Those don't come in this lovely light grey color, and I did find that a perk with my art. Besides the curling, I found the paint glided across the paper beautifully, and I did appreciate the textured look.
Testing
Aren't these varying watercolors and pens fun?! I love the color selection and the versatility of all of these supplies!
SketchBox November Project
Once November 1st hits, Christmas is on my brain. After unwrapping this month's supplies, I immediately started on a Christmas wreath to surround the letter "P" for our last name. I loved creating this project and can't wait to use the rest of the paper pad we received.
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Using the Koh-I-Noor Toison d'Or pencil, I sketched out a circle to mark my wreath. I didn't want pencil marks on the edges of my leaves and flowers, so I painted out the flowers freehand with the Kuretake Zip BrusH20 and crimson paint. Working my way around the wreath, I mixed different shades of green for leaves and added a bit of yellow for some pinecones. Once the paint dried I went back over with darker shades to create more depth. Once completely dry I used the Archer & Olive Acrylograph Pens to add a few bright spots in the leaves. To finish I traced out a letter "P" and painted it with the BrusH20 petit completing my postcard.
More Fun
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Because I have no experience with watercolor powder, I wanted to give this a try on a separate piece of artwork, especially interested in seeing this powder "bloom." Wetting the paper with a bit of green paint and water, I squirted the bottle and suddenly this beautiful bloom of brilliant fuchsia was right before my eyes! Isn't it magnificent? I had a lot of fun playing with this technique, and while I didn't spend a whole lot of time with it, I created some really fun abstract postcards to send to my mom.
The Verdict
I have to say, this was one of my favorite months of Sketchbox. It could be that I'm most comfortable with watercolor items, but all of these brands and designs were new to me, making it extra fun to dive into. I love the fact that this box packs everything you need to create an original piece of artwork all in one box, without needing many additional supplies from home. The curation is fun, unpredictable, and well put together, making it an entire experience. I can't wait to see what I discover next month!
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, order now to receive the November box while stocks last.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $5 off your first box!
CODE: SKETCH5
Value Breakdown: After totaling retail values, if I were to purchase these items separately it would cost about $36.69 (not including shipping). Since this box costs $40 after shipping, you are actually paying more by purchasing it as a subscription, but because the palette and paper are custom, you would be unable to purchase identical versions anywhere else. While the savings aren't quite where I like to see it, I do have to say the curation, video tutorials, and overall box quality is amazing and well put together, making the price fair to me. Honestly, I would like to see additional materials to bring the value up, so hopefully, next month that will be the case. What do you think the December theme will be?
What do you think of SketchBox?
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