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Review: Natural World Workshop

In our house, the adage that one can "never have too many books" is certainly true—but we extend that same philosophy to art supplies and kits! Because art is my daughter’s undisputed favorite subject, we were thrilled to dive into the Natural World Workshop by Djeco. This specific kit focuses on watercolor painting, and it maintains the high standard of excellence we’ve come to expect from the brand. The instruction manuals are a masterstroke of design; they are entirely pictorial and step-by-step, making them accessible even for children who haven't yet mastered reading. I love that I can set my daughter up with a Djeco project and tackle my own work while she remains creatively productive and fully engaged.


The Natural World Workshop includes four distinct projects, each featuring a beautifully illustrated environment: an undersea world, a desert oasis, a lush rainforest, and a pristine, snow-covered forest. The artwork is absolutely adorable and serves as a magnificent canvas for a budding artist. The watercolors provided are high-quality, applying smoothly to the boards and drying with impressive speed. While I encourage my daughter to consult the manual for inspiration, I also give her the creative freedom to deviate and create something entirely unique. The sturdy construction of the painting boards is a major "pro" for me, as it ensures her masterpieces remain pristine when I eventually display them on our walls.



The kit is equipped with a palette of eight vibrant colors and a single paintbrush. If I were to offer one critique, it would be that the included brush is a bit too substantial for the intricate details found in these designs. Fortunately, our craft cabinet is well-stocked with brushes of various sizes, so we were able to swap it out for a finer tip when needed. Additionally, because these are watercolors rather than tempera or acrylics, there is less opportunity for "color mixing." However, I actually view this as a positive—it prevents the inevitable transition where every vibrant hue eventually merges into a murky shade of gray!


Out of all the Djeco art kits we have integrated into our curriculum, this watercolor set has officially claimed the top spot as our favorite. It strikes the perfect balance between guided structure and artistic liberty. For any parent looking to bolster their homeschool art elective or simply seeking a high-quality weekend activity, the Natural World Workshop is a premier choice. The final results are sophisticated enough that your child will feel like a true professional, and the process is seamless enough to be stress-free for the teacher.



We are always looking for the next creative spark, and our Timberdoodle shipments never disappoint. I’m curious—do your little ones prefer the precision of a manual, or do they like to go "off-script" with their color choices? Let us know in the comments below! Also, keep an eye out for our next review—can you guess the mystery item based on these clues? Stickers, Fun for Kids, and Beautiful.



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