October Scrawlrbox Unboxing & Art Supply Review

Unboxing October's Mystery Art Supplies

Opening a Scrawlrbox feels like artistic Christmas morning. After analyzing this unboxing video, I noticed the creator's genuine excitement mixed with practical curiosity. The October box contained:

• Derwent Pastel Pencils (6 lightfast colors: Yellow Ocher, Mid Ultramarine, Sandstone, Champagne, Wheat, Midnight Black)
• Koi Coloring Brush Pen (water-based solvent blender)
• Staedtler Tradition HB Pencil
• Derwent Pastel Sharpener
• Specialty art paper (130 GSM mold-made sheets in white and cream)
• Eucalyptus menthol candy (unexpected bonus!)

Key observation: The inclusion of textured paper shows Scrawlrbox understands artists need surfaces, not just tools. This thoughtful touch elevates the box beyond typical subscriptions.

Testing Performance: Hits and Misses

The creator's hands-on testing revealed critical insights about these supplies:

Pencil Performance
Derwent's lightfast pencils delivered vibrant color but posed unexpected challenges:

• Blending limitations: Oil-based cores resisted the Koi blender pen, causing paper pilling
• Workaround discovered: Accidentally testing with watercolor pencils showed excellent blending results
• Smudging issues: Midnight Black pigment transferred easily during layering

Paper Quality
The 130 GSM sheets held up well for dry media but failed with solvent:

| Media Type       | Result          | Recommendation |
|------------------|-----------------|----------------|
| Dry Pencils      | No bleeding     | Ideal surface  |
| Koi Blender Pen  | Fiber disruption | Avoid wet media |
| Mixed Techniques | Limited layering | Test first     |

Expert tip: When using unfamiliar pencils, always test blending methods on scrap paper first. Oil-based cores often require specialized solvents rather than water-based blenders.

Strategic Value Assessment

Beyond the unboxing experience, three factors determine this box's real worth:

1. Lightfastness verification: Derwent's "100-year" claim aligns with industry standards from ASTM D6901. For serious artists, this justifies the premium price.
2. Unique item value: The Koi blender pen retails for $6.50 alone. Though problematic here, it has potential with watercolor pencils.
3. Subscription math: At $30/month, this box delivers $40+ worth of curated supplies.

Critical insight: Mystery boxes inherently involve risk. This curation leaned heavily toward experimental rather than reliable tools. Beginners might struggle, while experienced artists can adapt.

Practical Application Guide

The creator's seashell drawing process revealed best practices:

Do

• Use toned paper to enhance pastel hues
• Layer warm tones (Sandstone/Champagne) for skin textures
• Reserve black only for final accents

Avoid

• Sketching with graphite under oil pencils
• Applying solvent to thin paper areas
• Overworking blendable sections

Pro artist checklist:

1. Swatch all colors immediately
2. Test blending on paper corners
3. Isolate water-based and oil-based tools
4. Plan layers from lightest to darkest
5. Designate smudge-prone pencils for final touches

Final Verdict and Alternatives

October's Scrawlrbox offers niche value. The Derwent pencils are worth keeping for their archival quality, but the blender pen needs compatible media.

For different artist needs:

• Beginners: Try ColourSketch boxes with pre-tested tool combinations
• Watercolorists: ArtSnacks often includes water-soluble products
• Professionals: Blick Studio subscriptions focus on high-pigment materials

What mystery box frustration have you faced? Share your experience below. Your insight helps fellow artists avoid costly experiments!

Core takeaway: Subscription boxes excel for discovery, but always vet tools against your specific workflow. When materials underperform, creative adaptation remains the artist's superpower.