Fully water-soluble colors lay down with buttery smoothness, layer well, can be easily blended when wet and become permanent when dry for all kinds of rich watercolor effects. Thick 3.8mm leads are cased in cedar with resin bonding to help prevent breakage while ensuring fine lines and excellent point retention. Sets come in metal tins; the 120-color set includes a Creative Akademie CD-ROM showing the Faber-Castell line and giving interactive lessons for each product line. The deluxe 100-color set (a truly memorable gift) comes in a beautiful two-tier mahogany-stained wooden box.