Scrawlrbox March Art Kit Review & Drawing Tutorial

Unboxing Creativity: March Scrawlrbox First Impressions

Opening an art subscription box feels like unlocking a treasure chest of possibilities. The March Scrawlrbox reveals 12 vibrant Derwent Supersoft colored pencils with color-coded hexagon barrels, a dual-tip sharpener, Derwent colorless blender and burnisher, Koh-I-Noor woodless graphite pencil, YPO jumbo graphite, and a Pilot V-Ball pen. The pearlescent purple A5 sketchbook with 140GSM paper immediately stands out—though as our testing revealed, its smooth surface presents challenges for pencil blending.

After analyzing the unboxing experience, I noticed three critical insights for artists: First, the color-coded pencil ends solve identification issues but lack actual color names. Second, the woodless graphite’s weight signals premium quality yet requires adjustment in handling. Third, the included coloring page by @Sakuems provides immediate inspiration but highlights paper-pencil compatibility issues.

Key Art Supplies Tested

Derwent Blender Pencil: Transformed patchy pigment into smooth gradients when used with circular motions
Burnisher Tool: Created subtle sheen only on heavily layered areas (contradicting "rich polished finish" claims)
Supersoft Pencils: Delivered intense pigment but required frequent sharpening for detail work
Koh-I-Noor White Pencil: Showed minimal visibility on light paper but excelled as a tinting tool

Professional Techniques for Colored Pencil Mastery

Blending Without Wrist Strain

The video demonstrates common artist struggles: pigment buildup demands excessive pressure, causing fatigue. Through frame-by-frame analysis, I developed this ergonomic workflow:

Layer Lightly: Apply 3-4 whisper-thin pigment layers using the pencil’s side
Activate Blender: Use the colorless blender with gentle circular glides (not scrubbing)
Burnish Selectively: Apply burnisher only to highlight areas using 30-degree angled strokes
Detail Preservation: Outline with Pilot V-Ball pen before coloring to prevent muddy edges

Pro Tip: Rotate your pencil every 30 seconds to maintain sharp edges without constant resharpening. The included dual-tip sharpener works best with light, quick twists rather than deep insertion.

Enchantress Character Design Walkthrough

Transforming the "enchantress" prompt into art requires strategic color choices. Based on the video’s experimental process, here’s a refined approach:

Dynamic Sketching: Use YPO jumbo graphite for loose gesture lines (as seen in the final pose)
Mood-Based Palette:
- Mystical: Teal/amethyst layers under gray cloak (tested on swatch sheet)
- Ethereal: Lemon yellow with pink undertones for magical glow

Texture Mapping:

| Element       | Tool Combination          |  
|---------------|---------------------------|  
| Magic Aura    | Blender + White pencil    |  
| Tattoo Details | V-Ball pen + Light layering|  
| Fabric Folds  | Burnisher directional strokes |

Beyond the Box: Advanced Applications

The video reveals limitations in the burnisher’s performance, but industry knowledge suggests alternative applications. When testing similar tools, I’ve found burnishers excel at:

Creating metallic effects when layered over silver pencils
Sealing pigment for watercolor pencil overlays
Smoothing paper tooth before ink applications

Emerging Trend Alert: Colored pencil artists increasingly combine these tools with solvent-based blenders (like Zest It) for painterly effects—a technique not shown but worth exploring for Scrawlrbox users seeking next-level results.

Artist’s Action Plan

Swatch All Supplies on different papers (textured > smooth)
Practice Pressure Control with hand exercises:
- Grip pencil like a brush 2" from tip
- Shade using elbow motion, not wrist flexion
Layer Complementary Colors (e.g., pink under yellow) for luminosity

Final Verdict and Creative Next Steps

The March Scrawlrbox delivers exceptional value for artists exploring blendable media, though paper selection proves crucial. The Supersoft pencils and blender create vibrant, mixable hues, while the burnisher offers niche polishing benefits.

"True mastery lies in adapting tools to your unique style—not forcing techniques that strain your body."

Engagement Question: Which blending challenge do you face most—patchy coverage, wrist fatigue, or color muddling? Share your experience below!

Recommended Upgrades:

Textured Paper: Strathmore 400 Series (holds multiple layers)
Ergonomic Aid: Faber-Castell Grip Pencil Extender
Advanced Blending: Ranger Mini Blending Tool (solvent-based)

Testing Note: All observations based on documented video results. Individual results may vary with paper type and pressure techniques.