Faber-Castell Watercolor Crayons with Brush, 15 Colors - Premium Quality Art Supplies for Kids

Mi nieta quedó contenta

I ordered these crayons to use with the paper that I just reviewed. I will be using these crayons to make my 2024 Christmas cards. They're gonna look great, and I'm anxious to use them.

These are my favorite art supplies! I have been using these watercolor crayons (plus F-C's watercolor pencils) in my visual storytelling workshops for over a decade now. Workshop participants - from preschoolers to elders - are always wowed by how vibrant the colors are, how even a rookie painter can create powerful imagery. I instruct workshop participants to dip the tip of each watercolor crayon into a bowl of water (the longer you hold it there, the more the crayon softens, the less likely colors will streak) before drawing with it. Or, color with it like a crayon and then smudge your drawing with a moistened Viva paper towel. (Only this brand of paper towel hasn't torn the 140 lb watercolor paper I use.) The watercolor pencils are reserved for optional detail work. Above are three examples of "visual stories" painted with watercolor crayons and watercolor pencils by refugee children. P.S. I've read complaints about the packaging deteriorating quickly. If you (an adult) slip the plastic tray with crayons in and out of the cardboard container carefully, I haven't had any problems. I've used the same sets for a year or two and the packaging is still intact. I'd much rather be careful than pay more for more durable packaging!

I bought these knowing they were for kids and not planning to write any reviews if they were not good, because you don’t expect art supplies for kids to be exceptionally good. I noticed some reviewers had said they give a vibrant color payout when activated and that interested me, so I figured they might be good in my sketchbook. I was looking for a cheaper alternative to my Caran D’Ache crayons for work I won’t display because those suckers are expensive. And of course, these are no Caran D’Ache. No other crayon ever could be. I said what I said. But having said that, these are surprisingly not bad, provided you choose your paper wisely.At first I tried them on very thick cold press watercolor paper. The results were bleak. The pigment hardly moved at all when I added water, regardless of the brush I tried or the amount of water. I expect some marks to show through, especially on cold press paper (though neither my Staedtler nor my Caran D’Ache crayons leave marks if I use a light hand), but it was like I was trying to blend regular crayons: just a faintly tinted water and a bunch of wet pigment chunks stuck to the paper. No good. Of course you can use a brush on the crayon or scribble into a palette, but then why buy crayons? They have a job to do and these cannot do it on textured paper. At all. But then!! As I was putting them back into the box ready to toss them onto a donation pile, I spotted a scrap of Paul Rubens loose hot press watercolor paper. I decided to give it a scribble. WOW! It went on like butter on hot toast and when I took a damp brush to it, the color was intense and beautiful. I was actually shocked. I had to go grab a Caran D’Ache to see if it was as vibrant. Not quite, but for the money, it’s definitely a contender. I will definitely buy the largest set I can of these for my sketch book. I love watercolor crayons for mixed media work and these will most definitely come in handy for studies and brainstorming sessions. I would definitely not use them in work I planned to display (or sell), as they are most assuredly not lightfast to any degree, but I think if you know what to expect you won’t be disappointed. Just use smooth paper. 👌🏻👌🏻

I'm a huge fan of Faber-Castell. I own Polychromos colored pencils, Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils, a set of their Classic colored pencils, and lots of sharpeners, drawing pencils and so on. When I came across this set of Faber-Castell Watercolor Crayons, I didn't worry that they were marketed for kids - so are the Classic colored pencils, and I just love 'em. Also they are pretty highly reviewed.Alas! This set of watercolor crayons is the only Faber-Castell product I haven't loved. As crayons they were fine with attractive colors, but they barely activate at all when brushed with water. Even when brushed with more water than I'd generally use with watercolor pencils or crayons, you end up with mostly the original line you drew plus a little color around it. I tried them first on cold press watercolor paper, then drawing paper, and I finally tried them on smooth Bristol paper, all with the same results.As many others stated, the brush is pretty bad - worse than the ones that come with cheap kids sets of watercolors, but I have many brushes, so it didn't really bother me.The bottom line is that I found this set didn't deliver on the watercolor end of the watercolor part of the watercolor crayons. I continue to love all my other Faber-Castell products, but for my art, this set just doesn't deliver.

I have experimented with so many water soluble crayons and most will make you gasp at the price. I have Holbein crayons that have very little pigment and as you can imagine were not cheap. These are still my favorites. Great price, great pigment, and can be used with a brush or directly on the paper dry or dipped in water. I will continue to buy these over and over.

While this is marketed for children, older people can use with decent, fun results. They are nicely pigmented, especially when compared to artist's loft water soluble wax pastels. The included brush I found to be way too soft once wet, so I used a different brush which made the experience better. The package left room for improvement, it's not sturdy, which is disappointing considering the brand. None of the crayons were broken, but having purchased Faber castell products in the past I expected more presentation wise. The crayons activate nicely with water, but I found dark grey not so easily moved. Overall I like the product and would recommend.