Two New Sizes of Sakura Micron

Recently, Sakura celebrated their 100th anniversary by releasing two new sizes of Micron pens:

Micron Size 10 – 0.60mm
Micron Size 12 – 0.70mm

Previously, the largest Micron size was 08 (0.50mm).

Here I compared the two new sizes to the Micron Size 01 (0.25mm) for reference.

Here is a side view of the nib size of Micron 12:

And a side view of the Micron size 10:

I think both of these new sizes will be helpful for creating watercolor swatch cards Since I’m a perfectionist, these provide a generous barrier that will prevent me from painting outside the lines. Also, the thick nib on the Size 12 can be used to make lines to test opacity.

Microns are the gold standard of drawing pens and the two new sizes are a great addition to your collection. Whether you are using them for watercolor or sketching out a picture with bold lines, these will open up new possibilities.

Faber-Castell Mandala Stencils

I love working with stencils. Drawing geometric designs tends to take my mind off of everything else because it requires so much concentration. The stencil below took about 45 minutes to complete. While I was working on it, I thought of nothing other than drawing the tiny, thin lines. I used Faber-Castell Pitt pens in XS and S.

Faber-Castell makes uniquely-designed stencils. They are very precise but they are made out of cardstock – not the plastic I’m used to working with. Even if you tape them securely with painter’s tape, they can still lift up while you are drawing. This could cause messy, uneven lines so you have to be very careful when using them.

Regardless, they are so fun to use! I recommend them to anyone who likes zoning out while stenciling and coloring. They are a great way to break a creative block or just to try out new supplies.

*Closeup of the finished line work. As you can see, there were a few places where the stencil lifted up.*

I’m using Arteza gouache to paint it. The opacity is a wonderful way to hide any line mishaps. It’s going to take awhile to paint, but I’m enjoying it!

Sneak Peek – Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils

I’ve been spending all my free time testing my new Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils. I’m going to write a longer review but I wanted to share some pictures of my tests.

*Activated pencils on Canson Watercolor XL.*

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens Chart

I did a line chart of an 8-pack of black Pitt Artist Pens so I can quickly choose the pen I need. This little set is well-rounded and will suit your needs if you are traveling lightly.

Sorry about the fuzziness on the left hand side. My scanner wasn’t cooperating with me. I also blurred out my last name in case you are wondering about the the triangles and such.

Quick Color Wheel with Polychromos Pencils

I wanted an excuse to play with my new set of Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils so I did a quick color wheel for a ROYGBIV study.

Cheap bullet journal stencil sets have been an invaluable tool for making color swatches. I found a set on Amazon that was perfect for color wheels and this was the result. It took about two hours and I’m happy with the result.