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Smart Art provides artists with diverse, high-quality materials that inspire and nourish creativity. Each month subscribers receive a new box featuring a different artist that highlights their time-period, 8-11 trial/full sized art supplies, a suggested project, and a detailed pamphlet introducing a new art medium.
Smart Art Box
Cost: $49.95/month.
Ships To: United States.
Coupon Code: N/A
Disclosure: This complimentary box was sent for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own, and no compensation was received.
Smart Art ships via USPS and ships on or around the 1st of the month. If you sign up on or before the 28th of the month, you will get the box that will be released on the 1st of the following month. All orders processed after the 28th will ship the month after the following month. For example, a purchase made on or before February 28th will be shipped March 1st. A purchase made on March 1st will be shipped April 1st.
I never know what to expect from Smart Art or what project will be included! That’s what makes it fun though.
The June 2017 Smart Art explored Creating an Italian Fresco. The instruction booklet gives a bit of background on the project and also Project Pointers – these are key!
The Materials
The box included:
~Royal Langnickel Acrylic Set (24pcs) ($14.95)
~Art Alternatives 10 PC Brush Set ($9.99)
~Palette and Painting Knife Set ($9.99)
~Activa Art Plaster 1LB (~$3)
~Burlap Sheets 6″ x 14″ (~$1)
~Mini Canvas and Frame Set 3″x3″($7.97)
Total Materials Value: $46.90
Instructions
Smart Art always includes step-by-step instructions. You can choose to follow along exactly or branch out on your own if you are comfortable.
The Project
The first step was to mix up the plaster – two parts plaster to one part water. I used one of the brushes to mix it, and had no issues.
The second step was to pour the plaster over the burlap and then spread evenly. My was even, but not exactly “smooth.” Before painting, you let dry for 15-20 minutes. It was supposed to be cool to the touch, but mine was warm – almost hot? Not sure if I left it too long or not long enough? It was dry, so I went forward with painting anyway.
I would never call myself good at painting, but I do enjoy it! Painting over plaster was a different experience and enjoyed it. The box also included a mini canvas and frame set (3×3), so you can paint something to gift to a friend (or hang in your house) as well.
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