Mister bought me one of these several months ago.  I like it so thought I’d do a review of it in case you might be interested in getting one.

Here is what the manufacturer says about it:

Now you can string seed beads, liquid Silver beads and other small beads with Beadalon® Spin N Bead Loader. It is quick and easy, and makes tedious work simple. Just fill the bowl with beads and spin. Using a curved, Big Eye needle (sold separately), insert into spinning bowl and watch the beads jump onto the needle. The beads nest on their own. When you have needed beads, you simple move them onto the connected string. Continue until you have desired amount.

It is much faster than stringing by hand, one at a time.  You have to use a special hook-shaped needle.  And you have to hold the needle at a very specific angle for it to catch the beads.  Once you catch it, you can string 4 or 5 inches of beads in a few seconds.  But I have had problems bending the needle when I push the beads up onto the string, then finding it difficult to get the right angle wit the needle.

He bought mine at Hobby Lobby and I think it was about $20, but you might find it cheaper online.

Wide Open – Inspiration and Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge by Randi Feuerhelm-Watts.

It is a book and includes a set of cards.  The book can be used as a journal.  Each page has a background done by the author.  Some of the pages include inspiration and encouragement.

There are 50 cards.  each one has art on one side and instructions or prompts for the art, on the back side.   I’m not sure how to explain this set of cards.  They are very inspirational.  She has lots of unique ideas for journal pages.  She gives helpful advice for self-reflection.  Here is an example of one card:

On the back of this card, in part, it says:

“PHOTO STORIES

For some reason we prefer to keep writing and phots in their own boxes.  After all, a photo is supposed to speak for itself, right?

When you look at a photo, all you know is what you see.  Whether the viewers know you or not, it is up to them to figure out your story.  By adding text or dialogue directly to your photo, you will create a history of the subject.  In our modern time of keyboards and delete buttons, we have long since lost the art of the handwritten word.  Adding a handwritten connection gives the onlooker more to work with – more intimacy.”

I found this set of cards very inspiring.  Every card has things I have used or will use in my art journal.  I highly recommend this book.

The company description of these pens says,:

These slim, triangular-barrel pens are ergonomically designed for comfortable drawing and writing. Super fine 0.3 mm porous points are protected from damage by a metal-clad tip.

Staedtler’s acid-free, non-permanent, “dry safe” ink won’t dry out even if the pen is left uncapped for several days. The innovatively designed case forms a stand-up display and keeps pens organized.

I have the set of 20 pictured above.  I have had them a few years and they are still working great!   The tips are very fine points and are sturdy.  They don’t break down like some fine point pens do.

I use them mostly for fine coloring on intricate drawings.  They are not adequate for coloring in large areas.

Pros:

Long lasting
Don’t dry out
Nib doesn’t bend or “smush”
Great color selection
Can be purchased in individual colors

Cons:

Not good for coloring large areas

These can be purchased at DickBlick.com.  The 20 set is $15.49.  Individual colors are $.89.

My friend, Kristina, gave me these markers last fall and I love them!!  They are truly opaque and will write over anything.  The work like a paint pen but the ink isn’t like paint, it’s much thinner so it flows more easily.

The set pictured above is the only set I’ve seen available, so that limits the colors available.  It includes red, pink, orange,green, blue and white.

Pros :

They will write over gesso, acrylic paint and produce a bold, solid line.
They work well without clogging or blobbing.
The white is wonderful!

Cons:

Limited number of colors
Expensive at $14.00 a set
Can’t buy individually.

These can be purchased at craft stores, and maybe even walmart.  Also here.