Muse Kits - are they any good?
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- čas přidán 6. 05. 2023
- I have never tried an art subscription box, mostly because I have enough art supplies to open my own chain of shops. But I was intrigued to see what they are like so when Muse Kits (used to be Smart Art Box) asked me if they could send one, I said yes please. They very kindly sent something they thought I would like - gouache - and in this film I show you what's inside, we'll go through the quality of the materials, follow one of the projects to test out the instructions and then work out if it is good value for money or not. By the end, I hope you will know whether an art box subscription is a good idea for you.
Each month, there are two projects with full instructions and then a couple of further prompts so that you should be able to do something each week for the month. If you complete them and post online and tag Muse Kits, you get points which means you can get money off. I love this idea, as so many art and craft materials get bought and never used!
I decided to do their first project, rather than come up with my own, so that this could be as true to life as possible.
You can find out more about Muse Kits at www.musekits.com and they have a great CZcams channel @GetMuseKits On Facebook it is: / getmusekits
I was sent the box for free, but this film is not sponsored and any opinions are my own.
Pros:
Great service
Nice people to deal with
Well written and comprehensive instructions
Convenience - everything you need is included
Online community of artists - / getmusekits
Opportunity to try new media and techniques - both art and crafts
Pricing seems in line with shops
Reward points and savings available for completing the projects
They send you a lollipop! (candy, for any American viewers!)
Will send anywhere in the world
Cons:
The watercolour paper in this Muse Kit wasn't great
Sizes of surfaces are small, which is restricting
Both a pro and a con:
You don't know what is coming - you might love it or hate it. Alternatively you can purchase one off boxes from their back catalogue, so you would know exactly what you are getting.
Conclusion:
If you are an confident/experienced crafter or artist, this is not for you. You would have the confidence to go into a shop and experiment - you probably have enough supplies to last you a lifetime. If you don't have experience, you want to try lots of crafts, or you live far from a decent shop and don't know where to start, this could be perfect. I cannot say this is the best art box subscription, as I haven't tried any others, but it has lots going for it. This would also make a fantastic present, either as a one off or as a gift subscription.
#lizchaderton - Zábava
Thank you so much for taking the time to dive into one of our kits and put it to the test! It is so wonderful to hear your tips and tricks for gouache paint, especially the double-layer of masking fluid which created such a lovely effect. We are constantly working to improve our kits to appeal to all levels of artists and take your critiques to heart. ❤
Thank you for send it. I really enjoyed taking a look inside and hope I gave a balanced review.
Do you include anything that is not made in China in your kits? Anything of quality?
I agree that this would be great for a beginner or a pre-teen. Thanks for sharing! At least now I know that these subscription boxes aren't for me. Enjoy your lolly! ♥
I did!
I like what you did with the supplies Liz but I agree with what you said that they are not for experienced artists. I also think that inferior paper could put off a budding artist and cause frustration so they may give up.
Agreed. My bugbear is poor quality paper!
It honestly depends on the kit I've had a few kids come with advanced artist content and I will say most of them are for beginners but there are a few gems among them.
I highly recommend people browse past boxes instead of ordering a subscription I have never been pleased with a subscription but ordering the boxes as they come out and I get to see what's in them is the best procedure. The subscription boxes are always disappointing but if you know what you're getting you can be a lot more prepared. Sometimes these boxes have been utterly stupid projects in my opinion nobody really wants to paint signs, or maybe doing coasters isn't what they want. But some boxes have exactly what you want and as they come out you can get them and save up Laurel points to get extra bonuses and some boxes will be almost free via the points.
Worth it if you don't subscribe but cherry pick.
excellent suggestion!
Thanks for showing us. Great for beginners.
Yes, I think a good option for those exploring
Gosh, you could get much better value by spending £52 at Amazon, Jacksons or local art shop. Thanks for showing me I don't need this. 😊
If you have the time and confidence to explore, then I agree. This could come into its own if you are new to art/craft.
No subscription box is worth it. With that being said, however; the video is great and she did make it look interesting.
@@phillipstroll7385 I think some people lack the confidence or time to get going, so a subscription box would be good. If you have experience then you will go it alone….
I highly recommend buying past boxes and looking at the previous projects to avoid the boring and bunk boxes. Through having an account you can build up points for every box you actually like in order and eventually get it to where you can just get entire boxes for free or almost entirely free.
I've been using them for about 5 years and I will say I've never done a subscription but I have constantly had half off or entire boxes free through the fact that I buy their special boxes. I don't like most of the months for example this year had some really stinker boxes. Seriously sign painting?!
But I loved the Halloween and the coaster boxes this year.
So my best recommendation is to have an account in order boxes when you see one you like eventually save up enough that you can get discounts and just sort of keep doing it over and over it might only be two or three boxes a year or it might only be a special box done by somebody like Nerdecrafter or Jazza but you'll get your money's worth.
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion of these craft kits. I will look at the website and make a decision if they are right for me.
Hope it was helpful in your decision
Please browse past projects instead of making a subscription a subscription is often the most disappointing part of the Musekit experience but if you know what you want they have plenty of past boxes that are really good.
Hullo Liz, I am much too picky about my art supplies to be surprised by a box. That said I have purchased several previous Scrawlrbox boxes especially when I know the artist they feature and I can get a work print of their work. I have you watched several people who open the Scrawlrbox boxes on a regular basis I know what the quality of the supplies are and if they are worth the money. Scrawlrbox is English so being in America we must take into account that heavy shipping cost. Thanks again Liz wonderful video and excellent review. Truly, Thank you.
I am not familiar with Scrawl Box, but am off to look. As I said in the film, I think the Muse Kit is a good option for those without experience or indeed time. But if you have experience and confidence like yourself, then it is probably not the option.
I buy Musekits mainly when I know the artist too. It's excellent then.
The Muse kits look like fun, but since I have a lot of art supplies, I don't think I'll try. But I love the prompts idea - I need to give myself weekly assignments for practice! You inspired me to try masking fluid; I'd like to paint a Thistle plant in watercolor, and it has a lot of fine lines/poky points. Oh - we do still call them lollipops in the U.S! I think I speak for all Americans here, you have a lovely accent, which is really pleasant to listen to! Thanks for the review and fun demo!
ha, ha, my voice sounds funny to me! A cocktail stick is good for pulling out the spikes of thistles with masking fluid. The idea of a weekly prompt is good. Have you seen World Watercolour Month prompts?
@@LizChadertonArt Thanks for the tip! I hadn't heard of those prompts. I'm checking them out now; sounds like a great idea! Thanks! 🙂
I got the same items from the Dollar Store for $7 and the Pebeo masking fluid on sale from local art store for $3, so a total of $10. I wonder how much MuseKits charged you for this.
Luckily it was sent for free. I think they are fun if you have no idea or as a gift, but once you hav3 5ge confidence to go into an art shop, you don’t need it!
I liked when you said "mahhhsking floowid" !!!!!!🕺🕺🕺🍻
😆 how do you say it? 😆
@@LizChadertonArt Awfully... Nowhere near to how awesomely you say it!!!🙏
@@UNKUHNOODLES 😂😂😂😂
I ordered a MUSE Kit for my kiddos Christmas present. Took over 2 months to arrive and when it did, the package was damaged during shipping. They refused to send a new kit. Several emails later and they will not refund my money OR send a new kit.
oh, I’m sorry to hear that
I´m not shure, but I think those are not real gouaches, but Chinese Painting Colours, Marie's Chinese Painting Colours, I guess..
As I know nor really watersoluble when dry.
Am I in error ????
It says they are opaque watercolour gouache. It is not a brand I’d heard of, and there is very little info on the packaging.
I think muse but not amuse….good for a beginner.
Yes, I think an interesting option for those starting out or lacking confidence