As I mentioned in this haul video, I picked up some of the Ken Oliver Crafts Liquid Metals (shimmering liquid watercolor paints) at my local stamp store- and I was eager to try them out! Originally I thought they were powders, like the rest of his line, but-NO! So I did a Periscope to check them out.
The original Periscope was over an hour long, but I’ve edited it down here to the best 15 minutes. In the video, you’ll see me working on watercolor paper and Yupo- when I did the test on regular cardstock, I used some of the Colorburst Powders to make the color more vibrant. I left that part out, since it wasn’t as relevant.
(By the way, you can follow me on Periscope for LIVE ‘scopes and chats, or watch them here, no app needed!)
Now on with the video!
https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U
And here are my take-aways:
PROS:
- Liquid is concentrated enough to dilute and still get lovely shimmery effects
- Mica particles are fine enough to use as a “wash” over stamped images without obscuring the lines
- At $6 a container, it’s moderately priced for the quality. AND PS- I overpaid at my LSS -$30 a set. I could have gotten them on Amazon.com for cheaper! (affiliate link: http://amzn.to/1UiqZUG)
CONS:
- It’s liquid- which means I can’t use it in the same fashion as Colorburst. I like to keep dry pigments with dry and wet with wet. Mixing is unsatisfying for me.
- The shimmer is sliver across all of the colors- the shimmer doesn’t match the color per se.
- Only 12 colors are offered so far.
Again, I should have started with the Heavy Metals color palette (I think I’ll treat myself to some!) but then again, there are other alternatives for liquid shimmering watercolors – thinking of my fave Radiant Rains and Lindy’s Magical Powders, which you add your own water to so you get the concentration you like.
Do you have a favorite shimmering LIQUID watercolor I should know about? I’d love to hear from you so I can do an epic comparison!
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I love your reviews of products. Saves us the burden of purchasing items we really may not like. And I like that you give us pros & cons for these products so we can make informed decisions.
However, I do take offense with your opinion of encouraging “coupons” & “big box” stores. Are you aware of how many local scrapbook stores have gone out of business recently? How many local people are now out of jobs due to that fact? How many empty store fronts there are in this country?
I realize that you also have a budget to stick to, but I am so afraid that all the brick & mortar stores will soon be a thing of the past! And I like to touch & examine products before purchasing. And I don’t want to have to support one more out of work person. We have one tiny craft store in our area & I buy something in that store every single week just to help keep her alive!
Please give this some consideration. Thank you.
Kristine- I am GOBSMACKED that you take offense to encouraging folks to save money. Do YOU realize the mark-up on most retail products? And the vast difference between manufacturing cost and the retail price? Here’s the deal. Many folks have already lost their LSS- and shopping for crafts is a LUXURY. So why not get the best price? I also support my LSS on occasion…. but I also have to feed my kids, pay my light bill, and put gas in my car. Saving a 40% at the craft store can make the difference between getting the new art supplies and not being able to afford them. I’m so glad that your financial situation makes paying full price a “thing” for you- but for many of my readers, it’s just not. Take care.