I admit it..I love subscription boxes. Food boxes, make-up boxes...whatever. It is always exciting when the mail arrives and I see that I have a box full of surprises. It is like having a birthday every month. So when I heard of a subscription box especially for artists I knew that I wanted to give it a try. And I am glad I did. Living in a relatively remote location, I do not always have access to the variety of shops and stores that big city living provides. I do have a craft store located about 40 minutes away..but they have limited choices when it comes to art supplies, and do not often get new products. I am fortunate to have a wonderful art store here on the Big Island, but it is in Kona, two and a half hours away on a good day. Needless to say I do not get out there frequently. That is where Artsnacks (the name of the box I currently subscribe to) has really come in handy. Not only do I get high quality art supplies delivered right to my door, but I get the opportunity to try out unfamiliar brands and products on a regular basis. (no they did not pay me to say that...unfortunately for me) So..what are my favorite must try products that I have fallen in love with this month?

1. Heavy Body Acrylic Paint: Probably my favorite product I received in the March Artsnacks box. Heavy Body Acrylic paint by Liquitex. I received the color Muted Green. This is not a product I would have gone out and purchased myself because I have not in the past been a huge user of Acrylic paints and because I was not previously familiar with the brand. But I have to say I was blown away by the quality and usability of this paint. If I had to choose one must try new product for this month, this is the one it would be. Vibrant, thick, concentrated color that paints on like a dream. This is changing how I have previously viewed Acrylic paints and I can not wait to try out a few more colors.. ( I just have to drive to Kona...)

2. Prima White Gold long liner brush: Again this is another brand I had never before tried that Artsnacks introduced me to. I was very impressed with the amount of water this tiny brush could pick up, how it continually snapped back into shape and the fine, flowing lines I was able to produce with it. If you are in the market for a quality liner brush at a reasonable price I am not sure you can do much better than this one. 

3. Modge Podge. Yes, you read that correctly, my third product review of this month is good old, sticky, gluey with a ton of possibilities Modge Podge. This is a product that I discovered on my own -no artbox needed- while browsing through the aisles of Ben Franklin (Hawai'i's primer craft store). If you are a devoted crafter, chances are you're already familiar with this product and use it often. If you are more of a traditional artist maybe you have not yet delved into the world of Modge Podge. But I am here to maybe change that. So what is Modge podge? It is a coating, glaze and glue all in one. You can pretty much paint it or sponge it onto any surface to add texture, stability and shine. You can glaze it over any flattish item (think dried flowers, paper cutouts, lace, ribbon...) to attach said item to any surface covered in paper like material. I have even seen people use it to glaze over painted rocks and shells. It can be sanded and layered on itself or other finishes and glazes. 

 So what am I using Modge Podge for at the moment?

Holiday Ornaments: I use Modge Podge as glue and glaze for putting together my Hawaiian themed Holiday/Christmas ornaments. 

Embellished Photo prints: I use Modge Podge to glaze over photo's of my work that I have printed out and embellished with Acrylic paint pens. It not only protects the original paint elements on the photos, but adds a nice texture and a bit of shine to rival the look of an art print without the cost involved. 

Glaze over Acrylic on Paper works: Acrylic paint is traditional done on canvas. But I have found that Acrylic can be painted on any substantial art paper and then painted over with Modge Podge to achieve the look of a canvas sheet. This is done by applying a thin layer of modge podge in straight even strokes the entire length of the painting. Allow the layer to dry before painting on another layer of even strokes in a perpendicular direction. repeat until you have the desired effect. 

Some tips for the first time Modge Podge user: 

-It is good to use a brush that you have specifically designated for Modge Podge. Make sure you wash all supplies used for Modge Podge thourouly with warm soapy water.

-Always apply in thin layers. If you apply the Modge Podge too thickly it may not adhere as well.

-Modge Podge dries completely clear...but it does have a certain takiness or stickyness to it even when completely dried. Spray finished works and crafts with a clear Acrylic varnish to alleviate this. 

-Modge Podge will not, in my experience, smear water soluble paint or pens...unless the application tool you are using is wet. So for best results make sure your brush or sponge is dry when using Modge Podge. 

These are my must try products for March. I am excited to continue using them to create more unique and expressive art.  What are your favorite products of the moment?