What do you get when you cross a twist-up crayon and watercolor paints? A GEL CRAYON from Faber-Castell!
These “crayons” are very soft and creamy- like a lipstick- and they are water-soluable, too. So it’s a two-fer.
Here’s how they are described on the website:
Budding artists ages 3+ love to experiment by drawing on different surfaces. Gel crayons are a great way of drawing on large surfaces, with their soft stroke and bright colors.
- Super soft and buttery Gel Crayons in 12 colors: red, yellow, orange, dark blue, grass green, black, silver, neon yellow, neon orange, neon pink, neon blue and neon green
- Chunky size is perfect for small hands
- Colors glide effortlessly on paper, glass and mirrors, but washes off easily. Includes sturdy plastic storage case and book with tips and techniques
- Ages 3+
But don’t be misled- just because these were formulated for children doesn’t mean that they aren’t high-quality art tools and appropriate for adults and seniors.
Oh, how I wish these had been around when I was an activity director in a nursing home! You’ll see why….
First, let’s take a closer look.
Nice barrel and grip!
Faber-Castel Gel Crayons are housed in a plastic, easy-grip barrel that features a twist-up action to access the product. And the grey grip is wonderful- perfect for small hands, but equally as good for folks with arthritis, hand/grip issues, or fibro.
There is a cap for each Gel Crayon and they come in a sturdy plastic see-through box so you can keep your product tidy.
I can always show you better than I can tell you, so here’s your video demo. This is about 7 minutes- I tried to keep it condensed.
Here are those photos of the samples and swatches again.
The regular colors are vibrant on darker papers! The neons, not so much.
Amazing blendability, and great for using with water to create a paint right on the surface.
I put Gel Crayon on a palette, then used a paintbrush to pick up color to color in these stamps from Stampin’ UP.
I have so many ideas for these, spanning kids to adult mixed-media artists!
I had a REALLY good time doing rubbing resists.
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Stay tuned, I’ll have a post coming with a special project using the Rubbings Resist technique!
Disclosure: product provided for review purposes- all opinions are my own and based on my first-hand experience with the product.
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Great review. I’ve never seen those. Something to try some day.
Thanks for the review but I have two questions.
1) How similar are the crayons to Gelatos?
2) Is the color permanent when it dries?
Thank you!
Kitty
Ohhhh, I have to get those now! Looks like fun! Thanks Jenny for another great review!!!
Looks like fun!
Great review! I haven’t seen these crayons before but I’ll need to be on the lookout for them. I love your idea of leaving an image uncolored with smudges of color below for the recipient to color themselves!
They appear to be Gelatos in an easier to use applicator. Do they have exactly the same properties? Sorry, haven’t watched the video yet. YouTube is blocked here.
Kitty- I’ll be doing a separate post and video on comparing them to Gelatos. I can tell you right off the bat that they are in the Red Range and are considered at children’s art supply. They color is never permanent- they remain creamy and watersoluable.
I have been wanting to try these since they came out but have not gotten around to purchasing them yet. I think they are moving up on my wish list! Thanks for the review!
Thank you Jenny! I look forward to the next installment. 🙂
Kitty
Thanks Jenny, I think I will get these crayons. Your video was great.Thanks!
I am new to this art thing & I’m getting totally confused with all the products and methods shown on YouTube.
Brusho, Gel sticks, Gelato, Dylusions Inks, Stencils, Templates, Brayers & on & on.
Help – I don’t know were to start. I only wanted to be able to use the water color paints & pastels I already have, but this Art Journaling looks like something I could do if only I knew where to start.
I don’t have a lot of funds available to buy new things, so I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks.
Thanks for the comments! Mt first suggestion is to check out my YouTube Videos on Paints, Inks, and Dyes- you’ll get a LOT of information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAJXG3pMcXU&list=PLL4PV_T9m3EwGPBiQgFMcLuHJ_dixdjaT There are demos from CHA, product reviews, and more! It will give you a jump-start and I’ll have some more ideas for you soon!
I have a question. Can you use these on canvas? Should you gesso first?
Ooops! That’s 2 questions. LOL
Yes, you can use them on canvas and YES, gesso first. The color moves much better on a primed surface.