6E9E99F6-2471-411F-AF2D-096D64FE5D83.PNG
  • home.

  • shop.

  • video tutorials.

    • paint by numbers.
    • diamond paintings.
    • stamped cross stitch.
    • adult coloring books.
    • adult scratch art.
    • chalk couture diy home decor.
    • farmasi makeup with melanie.
    • melanie's manis.
    • other content.
    • lipsense (old videos).
  • blog.

  • bio.

  • contact.

  • More

    Use tab to navigate through the menu items.
    • All Posts
    • chalk couture
    • diamond paintings
    • farmasi beauty
    • paint by numbers
    • diy projects
    Search
    • Melanie Gilstrap
      • Aug 4, 2021
      • 3 min read

    MY FAVORITE 20 PAINT BY NUMBER {PBN} TOOLS FOR 2021!

    #MelanieBsCreativeStudio #paintbynumbers #paintingbynumbers #paintbynumber #drymount #legitorscam #PBN #DIYcrafts #Top20Tools

    It wasn’t easy to narrow down my top favorite tools for paint by numbers to only 20. I have discovered so many amazing and “must-have” tools for us in the past year, and these products can make your experience so much more efficient and enjoyable! In this video I will give you my favorites by category. Here is the video:



    HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST OF EACH ITEM I DISCUSSED IN MY VIDEO:


    ************ TOOLS FOR PREPPING ************


    1. LIQUITEX CLEAR GESSO: 8 oz

    or 32 oz LIQUITEX CLEAR GESSO (BEST value!):

    2. GESSO MAGIC

    3. MBG DIGITAL SWATCH GUIDE

    ************ TOOLS FOR MOUNTING *************


    4. 18 x 24 CLIPBOARD or ALVIN (23x26”) SKETCH/DRAWING BOARD

    ** and FROG TAPE

    ** or ADHESIVE FOAM BOARD

    5. FISKARS STAPLE GUN and FISKARS STAPLES

    or

    WORKFORCE CORDLESS STAPLER and WORKFORCE STAPLES

    STAPLE REMOVER

    ************ TOOLS FOR PAINTING *************


    6. LIQUITEX FLOW-AID

    7. TAMIYA METAL STIRRER

    8. DISPOSABLE PIPETTE

    9. FABER-CASTELL CLIC N GO WATER CUPS

    Blue

    Lime

    Red/Orange

    10. PAINT PUCK

    11. FARMASI COSMETIC WIPES

    12. STICKY MATS

    13. MAGNIFYING HEADLAMP

    14. PAINTBRUSHES:

    5 PC DETAIL BRUSH SET *NEW!

    5 PC Detail Brush Set

    10 Piece Detail Brush Set:

    Flat Shader Brushes

    Artist Loft 5/0 Tight Detail

    Princeton Select Chisel Blender Brushes in Size 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2

    15. LIQUITEX TITANIUM WHITE ACRYLIC PAINT

    or WHITE POSTER PAINT PEN (WATER-BASED) SHARPIE:

    16. SCHIPPER 36 PC ACRYLIC PAINT SET

    ARTEZA 60 PC ACRYLIC PAINT SET (Amazon)

    ARTEZA 60 PC ACRYLIC PAINT SET (Arteza website)

    17. BRIGHTECH LED FLOOR LAMP

    ************ TOOLS FOR STORAGE **************


    18. FOAM TRAYS (currently awaiting shipment)

    19. MEAL PREP CONTAINERS (pack of 15):

    MEAL PREP CONTAINERS Pack of 50:

    CLEAR BAGS

    PHOTO CASE

    PHOTO CASE

    20. CHALK COUTURE TRANSFER TOTE

    ************ PAINTINGS SHOWN IN MY VIDEO **************


    AANABANANA Custom PBN ** Use the Promo Code (Coupon): MELANIE to save $5

    PAINT PLOT: “Misty Mountain Sunrise”: Use the Promo Code (Coupon): PAINTPLOTMEL10 to save 10% on your order



    ************ SHOP MY FULL LIST OF FAVORITE TOOLS ON MY AMAZON INFLUENCER STORES **************

    **SHOP in the US: AMAZON INFLUENCER US


    **SHOP in the UK: AMAZON INFLUENCER UK


    **SHOP in Canada: AMAZON INFLUENCER CA

    AMAZON ARTS, CRAFTS & SEWING (anything you purchase in this category)



    WATCH THE FULL TOP 20 VIDEO HERE:

    I know for the video that I had to narrow down my extensive list of awesome tools that I use all the time, so here are some other things I really love and didn't mention in the video...

    ***************** OTHER TOOLS I LOVE *******************


    ** PBN Log

    ** DP Log

    ** 16x20" Self-Adhesive Foam Board

    ** Utility Knife

    ** 24x36" Cutting Mat

    ** 24" Metal Ruler

    ** T-Square



    ***************** STORAGE & TOOLS I USE IN MY STUDIO *******************


    ** PhoMemo M110

    ** Phomemo 50mm x 80mm Labels ** YAHEETECH Height Adjustable Desk Tilted Art Craft Work Station w/ 2 Storage Drawer and Stool

    ** Workspace MultiTask Stool/Chair

    ** LED Floor Lamps (the ones I have)

    ** Other Lighting Options

    ** Hanging Shoe File, Clear

    ** White Vinyl Coated Hooks

    ** Tension Curtain Rod, 24-48

    ** White Shower Curtain Hooks

    ** Waffle-Weave Shower Curtain 72"

    ** OTT LITE (search results on Amazon)

    ** Wire Organizer (similar to what I use)

    ** 9-Cube Storage

    ** 6-Cube Storage

    ** Fabric Storage Bins (10"x10")

    ** Fabric Storage Bins (other)

    ** Silhouette Cameo Die Cutting Machine

    ** Big Shot Die Cutting Machine

    ** Pen/Pencil Holder

    ** Phomemo Label Maker: (all search results)

    ** Mesh Rolling Cart (for diamond painting storage)

    ** 6-in-1 Modular Storage

    ** Silicone Mats (search results)


    I hope you found this list super helpful! Don't forget to find me on all of my social media platforms :).





    ***** CONNECT WITH ME *****

    patreon




    ** Disclaimer: Melanie Gilstrap is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for individuals to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com for your purchases through the links provided. Melanie makes a small commission that helps keep the channel alive but cost you nothing extra. Win, win!

    • paint by numbers
    • •
    • diy projects
    1,200 views0 comments
    • Melanie Gilstrap
      • Aug 4, 2021
      • 4 min read

    Paint by Number {PBN} LEGIT OR SCAM Websites I Trust for 2020

    COMPLETE LIST OF PAINT BY NUMBER COMPANIES COMPILED INTO ONE CONVENIENT LIST!

    First let me start by saying "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"


    I don't know about you, but for me, 2020 went by in a flash. Unfortunately for most of us, it wasn't our best year. The beginning of 2020 was when we all learned of the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak in China, and it was all downhill from there. In a short period of time, the virus covered the globe like a wave of destruction. Countries implemented lock-down and quarantines, with most of us going into isolation for the first time in our lives.


    In February, I had to resign from a job that I loved as the manager of the Custom Framing Department at Michael's Arts & Crafts. I had been struggling for almost a year with some major health issues, so the resignation was devastating to me. I didn't want to leave my work-friends, customers and the job I felt like I was perfect for. I felt like I was leaving my "niche" behind.


    I joined Farmasi Beauty as a Beauty Influencer in February, and I started making YouTube videos on makeup and skincare again after a long hiatus. I had more time on my hands than usual, so I decided to start recording more hobby-related videos for paint by numbers and diamond painting. That was when things "exploded"!


    With "stay-at-home orders" in place in most countries, we all needed an outlet...something to keep us from the grips of depression, anxiety and stress. None of us were accustomed to being locked away from family, friends and the rest of the world. Simple hobbies seemed to become "life savers" for most of us. I know it saved me.


    After searching for reputable companies to purchase my paint by numbers and diamond paintings, I ran across many amazing, legitimate companies to buy from...but I also ran across companies who were using the pandemic to scam consumers. That was when I made the decision to start a "Legit or Scam" series for paint by number shopping sites. I made it my goal to test companies and inform the public on who they could trust. This is when my relationships began to flourish with some of the most reputable companies, and I built long-term rapport.


    I also recorded videos for each company individually, where I do an unboxing, first impression, review and swatch the paints. I am a huge believer in "keeping it real" with my viewers, so I am pretty candid when it comes to these videos. You can find at least one video (if not more) for each company I have mentioned. You can find those videos in my Paint by Number Youtube playlist.


    Now that is where this video comes in...the consolidated list for 2020 for all of the companies I tried and reviewed for the entire year. This series started with a very short list of companies, but now we have a wonderful group of trusted shopping sites to order from. Here is the video, for those who don't want to read all of this post. Below you will find the links to the stores I discuss in my video:



    Here is the complete list of sites with promo codes for the companies that have provided me with one.

    "LEGIT" SHOPPING SITES:

    • Aana Banana PROMO CODE: MELANIE

    • AliExpress: Art World Store

    • Canvas by Numbers

    • Craft-Ease PROMO CODE: MEL-20

    • Dimensions (PaintWorks)

    • Every Daye Crafts

    • FGNormal PROMO CODE: Melanie10%OFF

    • Herrschners

    • Kate's Moon

    • Kimily (on Amazon)

    • Kronictron (on Amazon)

    • Masterpiece by Numbers

    • My Paint by Numbers

    • Norgeson (this company will not be selling online for the year 2021, but they will have other retailers selling their products)

    • Opalberry (on Amazon)

    • Paint by Numbers Shop

    • Painting by Number Factory

    • Paint Plot

    • Pink Picasso Kits

    • Schipper (on Amazon) (also see my Amazon Influencer Store links below to shop in your country)

    • Winnie’s Picks PROMO CODE: MELANIE5

    QUESTIONABLE WEBSITES (PURCHASE WITH CAUTION):

    • GicAngel

    • Original Paint by Number

    • Tech-Crafty

    • Victoria’s Moon


    Here are my *NEW* Amazon Influencer stores where you can shop for some of the products and stores that I love!


    ** SHOP AMAZON INFLUENCER US **

    www.amazon.com/shop/melaniebscreativestudio

    ** SHOP AMAZON INFLUENCER UK **

    www.amazon.com/shop/melaniebscreativestudio


    ** SHOP AMAZON INFLUENCER CA **

    www.amazon.ca/shop/melaniebscreativestudio

    ** Disclaimer: Some of the shopping links provided are affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission on your purchases through the link. The purchase of these products helps me to continue to bring you videos. I will not ever recommend anything to you that I do not use myself! **

    ** AMAZON US ARTS, CRAFTS & SEWING ** (anything you purchase in this category):


    ** TOOLS I USED IN MY PBN VIDEOS **

    ** Melanie B's Digital-Printable-Reusable Swatch Guide: https://www.melaniegilstrap.com/product-page/printable-reusable-paint-swatch-guide

    ** Faber Castell : Clic & Go Foldable Water Pot & Brush Holder: Blue https://amzn.to/3chPPS4

    ** Faber Castell : Clic & Go Foldable Water Pot & Brush Holder: Lime https://amzn.to/2RO85sR

    ** Faber Castell : Clic & Go Foldable Water Pot & Brush Holder: Red/Orange https://amzn.to/2FYsPeM

    ** Tamiya Metal Stirrer: https://amzn.to/3pWQZJ9 or https://amzn.to/33rHd8z

    ** Farmasi SensiWipes: https://www.farmasius.com/melaniegilstrap/product/farmasi-sensi-wipes-makeup-cleaning-wipes/12130

    ** Detail Paint Brush Set- 5 Sizes with Triangular Handle for Detailing $11.99 https://amzn.to/2ZQ44ck

    ** Paint Puck: https://amzn.to/35ASvqL

    ** Meal Prep Containers Pack of 50: https://amzn.to/30BwHJl

    ** Liquitex Flow-Aid: https://amzn.to/2ZJJvwt

    ** PBN Log: https://www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn

    ** DP Log: https://www.melaniegilstrap.com/pbn


    In addition to all of the things I mentioned above, I also started a new Patreon Creator account. This is a place where you get personal attention, exclusive videos and content and much more, depending on the membership you select. Learn more about how to join me on Patreon!


    I have also been posting on most social media platforms, so please be sure to follow me:


    Patreon: https://Patreon.com/melaniegilstrap

    Website: https://www.melaniegilstrap.com

    BLOG: https://www.melaniegilstrap.com/blog

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/melanieb/

    YouTube: YouTube.com/c/melaniegilstrapcreativestudio

    Instagram: @melaniebgilstrap

    Pinterest: @melaniebgilstrap


    Thank you for joining me, and I hope you find this list helpful for your paint-by-number shopping endeavors!


    • paint by numbers
    • •
    • diy projects
    1,173 views0 comments
    • 6f5f42_116ad5c65b5b4c409b1a91820dfc6940~
    • 6f5f42_81bdde2046b34387a8f8518de3148e9e~
    • patreon
    • 6f5f42_5a3f9978e7de4f00ba8f59f79967c55d~
    • instagram

    © 2019 -2021 mbg designs. 

    mbgcreativestudio@yahoo.com