REVIEW: Twinkling H2O's by LuminArte

After seeing the Twinkling H20's for quite some time, I bought some and then I got a great deal on some more on a local website, so, time to try them. I was really excited to get my hands on this product that so many seemed to love. It is a unique product as it can be used as a traditional watercolor paint or it can be hydrated to a creamy texture.


Included directions say, “Non-toxic, acid free and safe for all ages! Activate with wet paintbrush and begin painting on paper, canvas, and rocks, wood, polymer clay, ECT. [Their typo] Try experimenting on other surfaces!” Hmmmmmm, the possibilities sound endless.


For my first card, I used a fine-tip paintbrush and a cup of water, dipping the brush into the water and then wetting the hard bricks of Twinkling H2O’s just enough to get some color off. This painting style produces a lovely watercolor finish that has a sparkly sheen. The dry Twinkling H20's very much resemble traditional watercolors when used in this manner.

This is a nice, simple use for Twinkling H2O’s. They are very pretty as watercolor paints, however they may take some getting used to since the color of Twinkling H2O’s intensifies with more water. Also, the paint thickens the wetter it gets, so I suggest keeping a scrap piece of paper handy for dabbing extra color off the brush, and use water sparingly for best watercolor results.


Next, I plan to hydrate the watercolor cakes so that I can paint with the "creamy" option. The way to do this is to remove all of the tops of the Twinkling H20's that I want to use and spritz the dry watercolor cakes with water. After letting the water set and "sink in" for fifteen minutes or so, stir with a toothpick. Some colors will respond rather quickly and some will require a little more water and time to develop the creamy consistency. It is necessary to spritz frequently when working with them to keep them at the desired "creaminess."


I thought the traditional watercolor with a sparkle was pretty but, when using this technique, the colors really develop. Try painting a stamped image; the iridescent colors are especially nice! But I’ve heard that using plain, large stamps work much better with the Twinkling H20's than attempting the more detailed stamps.


Another application that I’ve discovered via internet search is using it as a dye for fabric, ribbon and flowers. I will have to try this one.


These paints are GORGEOUS and have a beautiful shimmer. I've never seen anything like them. If you enjoy colorizing your stamped images with paints, than you will likely be drawn to the Twinkling H20's. If you use large, non-detailed stamps you may enjoy painting directly on them and then stamping your image. There are 96 rich, glittery, shimmery and iridescent color options but you can also blend and create your own custom colors. The rich brilliant color will be most vibrant in the thicker, creamy consistency.