Author name: Lauraine Velez

Lauraine is a freelance writer with a strong background in the arts. Lauraine is currently finishing her novel and has been exploring different art mediums for over two decades. Her favorite art activities include drawing, painting (especially watercolor painting), designing haute couture clothes, photography, and designing and creating gifts for family and friends. In addition to Lauraine's expertise in art, she has experience in commerce content, grant writing, and health and wellness. Before becoming a freelancer, Lauraine held various positions in large and grassroots organizations locally and abroad.

The 5 Best Adult Coloring Books in 2023 (October)

Adult coloring books provide stress relief when feeling overwhelmed in our overly busy lives. Offering relaxing patterns such as flowers, mandalas, mazes, or animals helps one relax and unleash their creativity. When buying a coloring book for adults, look for the quality of the paper to prevent bleeding, the type of patterns available, and if

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The 6 Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing in 2023 (October)

When looking for the best mechanical pencil for drawing, choosing a high-quality mechanical pencil that fits your needs is essential. Whether using the mechanical pencil for drawing, sketching, or drafting, picking the best pencil for the job is important. Unlike a wooden pencil, mechanical pencils come in a range of options and are more versatile.

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The 6 Best Metal Prints Companies in 2023 (November)

Metal prints are a stunning and extra durable way to showcase your favorite photos or artwork. Unlike traditional prints, metal prints are made by infusing images onto aluminum sheets, giving them a unique, modern, and durable finish. However, not all metal prints are created the same way; the quality of your print usually depends on

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The 6 Best Oil Pastels for Artists in 2023 (October)

Buying the best oil pastel paints, especially high-quality pastels, isn’t as straightforward as one would think. While the top brands may guarantee a rich and buttery consistency, other less expensive brands may leave a waxy and hard residue behind.  This guide will help you to tell the difference between a great purchase, a good purchase,

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The 6 Best Custom Photo Puzzle Companies in 2023 (October)

Family members who enjoy putting together puzzles will appreciate some of their favorite photos on a personalized puzzle. The best photo printing companies have various puzzle options to choose from and print each photo using high-resolution formatting. They are flexible in the types of pictures they accept and at the same time provide excellent customer

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The 11 Best Diamond Painting Companies and Kits in 2023 (October)

Diamond painting kits might be your next favorite craft if you’ve ever embroidered, completed a paint by number, or DIY painting. Similar to sand painting, diamond art takes focus, a steady hand, and patience. Ideal for kids or adults who love handcrafting and creating beautiful art, this new artform will add more sparkle to your

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The 6 Best Acrylic Prints Companies in 2023 (November)

When looking for the best possible way to showcase our photographs, designs, art, or family photos, we always look for the best choices. Acrylic printing has become a popular way to create stunning, high-quality prints; as this printing technique gains popularity, the number of companies offering acrylic printing services continues to grow. With so many

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What is Diamond Painting?

The arts and crafts community might be very familiar with diamond painting, a relatively new art form, but those new to this creative art form might ask, what is diamond painting? Diamond painting is similar to a paint-by-number or embroidered cross-stitch that uses tiny diamonds, also called a diamond drill, to create a finished painting.

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Gouache Paint vs. Watercolor Paint vs. Acrylic Paint – What’s the Difference?

Although many artists’ are familiar with different mediums, few know the differences between watercolor and gouache (pronounced “gwash”) and acrylic paints. Generally made of the same ingredients, including gum Arabic, pigment, and the same binder, the primary difference is that gouache has a matte finish, whereas watercolor is transparent. On the other hand, acrylic paint

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