Today I’m sharing my initial reaction to the products in the ArtSnacks November 2016 box. This is my second month to purchase a box, and so far I am impressed. First, I’m a sucker for art supplies. Second, I love getting stuff each month. Third, the box is right up my alley with supplies I’ll actually use.

Illustrating Philippians 4:4

Back in the good old college days, my older sister and I would often go to Wednesday night prayer meeting. This was before our college group started a Wednesday night Bible study. In fact, she and I (among some of our other friends) were the first to form a true college group at our church. Now, it’s going incredibly strong. Hard to believe we started with less than ten students. Of course, that’s how God works. He starts with a few, and that enthusiasm and love of the Lord spreads to many.

Back to my story

During prayer meeting we would sing one hymn and then share prayer requests. One night we were singing the hymn, “Rejoice in the Lord.” It’s a pretty simple chorus and is straight from scripture. Our minister of education had ended the song yet one woman kept going. Her friend gently nudged her and they sat down. No one else probably heard her, but my sister and I did. We got so tickled. And once we get tickled, it’s almost impossible for us to not giggle. Can you imagine how difficult it was to keep a straight face while people are sharing prayer requests?

Truth is, it really wasn’t funny. But it tickled our funny bones for some reason. And now, every time I hear or read this verse I think of that moment.

The truth behind the verse.

The amazing thing about this verse is its author, Paul, was in prison when he penned it. He was at one of the lowest moments in his life, imprisoned for sharing the Gospel. He could have easily cried out to the Lord with his complaints. His letter to the people of Philippi could have easily been filled with complaints. Instead, he encouraged the church to rejoice in the Lord. This was, what I believe, to be his most joyful letter. When I’m feeling discouraged, I know I can turn to the book of Philippians to remind myself of why I continue.

What is in the box?

You can watch me explore the contents of the box in the video below. However, if you aren’t much of a video person, I have a written review of each item. Simply scroll past the video.

Watch below | Watch at YouTube

Each month ArtSnacks puts together a box with 4-5 products. A monthly subscription starts at $24 with free shipping. There is a 1, 3, 6, or 12-month payment plan available. I signed up for the 1-month payment plan simply because I can’t fork over a full year’s subscription cost at one time. Plus, when I signed up, I wasn’t sure if I would like the box. I didn’t want to spend that much money at once. You can cancel at any time, though I do not see myself canceling at any time soon. If you select a 6 or 12-month payment plan, you will save money.

Click here to get the December ArtSnacks box.

Here is what is in this month’s box. I’ve linked to the individual product. Some of the links are affiliate links. I only post an affiliate link if it is a product I recommend. If you click on the link and decide to purchase, you are helping me create more content like this blog post and video. 

Marabu Mixed Media Art Spray

If you scrapbook, make cards, or dabble in mixed media, then you are familiar with sprays. Over the last few years, spray inks have become very popular. The color I received, aquamarine, is very pretty. This is a very light wash of color. It can be layered, and because it is water-based it can be treated as a watercolor. You can spray, flick, or paint with this. I found it to have a somewhat slow drying time, allowing plenty of opportunities for manipulation.

Pentel Sign Pen Brush Tip

I received a green Pentel Sign Pen Brush Tip. But a quick perusing of Instagram and #artsnackschallenge shows there were several other colors shipped out. You can order a set of 12 assorted colors. I love this pen. If you watch the video below, I state several times that I am new to brush lettering and am not super confident in my ability. This pen had a very short brush tip; therefore, I feel like it is easier for me to control the brush – in other words, great for a beginner. I’m not super thrilled with the color I received, but I love the pen so much that it is a keeper for me. I’ll probably order the set. Another perk to this pen: it is water-soluble, so it can act like a watercolor. I forsee some neat art techniques happening with this pen.

Plumchester 1.5 Fine Brush Pen

I love, love, love this pen! At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like the pen because it has a larger brush tip. But, once dry the pen is waterproof. I have been searching for a brush tip that is waterproof, and here it is. It handled well, and the ink flowed well. I plan to do many more ink drawings with this pen. Plumchester is officially launching in 2017.

Stonehenge Aqua Coldpress Mini Pad

Eh, it’s paper. I’m not a paper snob, so there wasn’t anything good or bad about this paper. Perhaps the more I watercolor, the better review I can give of this paper. Please feel free to share your opinion in the comments below.

MOLOTOWTM GRAFX Aqua Ink Pump Softliner

Okay, let’s be honest here. At first, I HATED this pen. The brush tip is ginormous, so I struggled to control my lettering. But, then I discovered something amazing. This ink stays wet for a long time. And it’s water-soluble. Do you know what this means? Ding, ding! You guessed it – a great ink for watercoloring. And, that’s exactly how I used it in the video below. I definitely LOVE this pen and want to buy more. Unfortunately, it’s not easily found in the United States; in fact, it’s only available at Amazon in a set.

Will I keep subscribing?

So far, I’ve subscribed for two months. And, so far, I’ve loved every box. So, yes, I will continue my subscription.

Do you subscribe to ArtSnacks? If so, what do you think?