DIY Art Supplies: Getting by on very little as a beginning artist
I’ve been on this kick lately about making my own art supplies. I mean, we all know how pricey those art store trips can get, right? Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about using tools and materials you’ve crafted yourself. It’s like adding an extra layer of creativity to the whole process. Let me share a few of my favorite DIY art supplies with you because I don’t think we have explored this possibility before. You can check out our other posts here.
First off, let’s talk about homemade paint. If you are making it for your kids, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up and so much fun. All you need is some flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Mix equal parts of flour and salt, then gradually add water until you get a nice, smooth paste. Divide this mixture into small containers and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Voila, you’ve got yourself some homemade paint! It’s non-toxic, easy to clean up, and perfect for those spontaneous painting sessions.
But if you are making it for yourself and artwork, you may want to read this article that tells you everything you need to know about making your own paint for art: https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-techniques/make-your-own-paint/
Next up, brushes. If you’re like me, you probably have a drawer full of old makeup brushes you never use. Guess what? They make fantastic paintbrushes! Just give them a good wash, and they’re ready to go. You can also experiment with different textures by using household items like sponges, feathers, or even leaves as brushes. The unique marks they create can add an interesting twist to your artwork. I personally enjoy using cheap brushes from the Dollar Store that you buy in the children’s toys aisle. There is also the home improvement aisle for cheap painters brushes which are great for laying water down for watercolor. To learn more about it, here is an article on making brushes, https://www.instructables.com/Making-your-own-paintbrushes/, or here is a video about how to make 18 different types of brushes, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwnE2InucYQ
Now, let’s talk about journals. If you’re into junk journaling, making your own journal is a must-try. You can use old book covers or even cardboard for the covers. For the pages, gather all those scraps of paper you’ve been saving – old letters, receipts, magazine pages, anything goes. Bind them together with a simple stitch or use a hole punch and some string. Not only does this give you a completely unique journal, but it’s also a great way to recycle materials. We have explored this topic in the last few posts and you can read them here.
Speaking of recycling, let’s not forget about making your own collage materials. Instead of buying expensive papers, start collecting interesting textures and colors from everyday items. Wrapping paper, fabric scraps, even food packaging can be transformed into beautiful collage elements. It’s all about seeing potential in the mundane.
Oh, and if you love working with clay, you can make your own air-dry clay at home. Mix 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of cornstarch, and 1 1/2 cups of water in a pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a dough-like consistency. Let it cool, then knead it until smooth. This clay is perfect for making small sculptures or ornaments and hardens nicely without the need for a kiln. There are other recipes available on the internet and my favorite is the paper mache clay you can find the recipe for here.
One of my absolute favorites, though, is homemade ink. You can make ink from all sorts of natural materials like berries, walnut shells, or even coffee. For berry ink, mash up some fresh or frozen berries, strain out the juice, and add a bit of vinegar and salt to help preserve it. You’ll be amazed at the rich, vibrant colors you can get from something so simple. Here is another take on making your own inks and these are absolutely gorgeous! https://www.tanyaval.com/alaskablog/inkmakingbasics
I hope you give some of these DIY art supplies a try. Not only will you save some money, but you’ll also add a personal touch to your art that can’t be bought in a store. Plus, it’s just plain fun to experiment and see what you can come up with. Happy creating!
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Starting off, you’ll need to gather your materials. This is the fun part because you can use just about anything! Raid your stash for things like old magazines, wrapping paper, tags, envelopes, and even those random bits of ribbon you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Don’t forget to check thrift stores and flea markets for vintage items that add a special touch to your journal.
