Home-made art supplies can be a fun and economical way to create art, both as a hobby and professionally. Making art supplies at home can also help reduce waste and can be a low-cost way to explore new art forms. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make art supplies at home, including the necessary materials, equipment, and instructions.
1. Creating Watercolors
Creating watercolors at home is a simple way to explore a new art form without having to spend a lot of money. To make watercolors, you will need color pigments, a binder such as gum arabic or glycerin, water, and a few other supplies. First, mix the pigment with equal parts of binder, stirring until a paste is formed.
Next, add water until the desired consistency is achieved. Lastly, fill small containers with the paste and store them in a cool, dry place.
To make vibrant colors, mix several shades together.
2. Making Tempera Paint
Tempera paint is a versatile art medium that can be used to create a variety of effects, from bold colors to delicate shading. To make tempera paint at home, you will need flour or cornstarch, water, salt, and food coloring or liquid watercolors.
First, prepare a flour paste by mixing flour or cornstarch with boiling water until a thick paste forms. Next, add salt to the paste and optionally, a small amount of reflective powder such as ground mica. Lastly, add food coloring or liquid watercolors to the paste and stir until the paint reaches the desired consistency.
3. Making Clay
Although there are a variety of different types of store-bought clay, making clay at home can be a fun and economical way to explore a new art form. To make clay at home, you will need baking soda, cornstarch, and either cold or boiling water. First, mix together one cup of baking soda, one cup of cornstarch, and one cup of cold or boiling water until a thick paste forms.
Next, knead the mixture until it forms a ball and then let it sit for an hour. Lastly, roll out the clay and cut out shapes or forms as desired.
4. Crafting with Foam Sheets
Foam sheets are one of the most versatile materials for crafting at home. These sheets can be used to create a wide variety of projects, from masks to decorations.
To create foam sheet crafts, you will need foam sheets, a utility knife, a ruler, and acrylic paint. Begin by cutting the foam sheets into the desired shapes and sizes, using a utility knife and ruler for accuracy and safety. Next, paint the foam shapes with acrylic paint, and let dry.
Lastly, assemble the foam shapes as desired, using glue or velcro to attach the pieces.
5. Making Paper Mache
Paper mache is a fun craft activity that can be used to create a variety of objects. To make paper mache at home, you will need newspaper, flour, water, and a paintbrush. First, tear the newspaper into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Next, mix together 1 cup of flour and 2 cups of water until a thick paste forms. Lastly, dip the strips of newspaper into the paste and use the paintbrush to evenly coat the newspaper.
Allow the strips to dry before using them for your project.
6. Crafting with Duct Tape
Duct tape crafts are an exciting and economical way to explore different art forms. To make duct tape crafts, you will need duct tape, scissors, and a cutting board. Begin by cutting the duct tape into the desired shapes and sizes, using the scissors on the cutting board.
Next, use the duct tape to assemble the project, attaching small pieces of tape together and cutting shapes and designs as desired. Lastly, let the project dry before using it.
7. Making Marbled Paper
Marbling is an art form that creates beautiful and unique designs. To make marbled paper, you will need shaving cream, food coloring, and parchment paper.
Begin by placing the parchment paper onto a flat surface and covering it with a thin layer of shaving cream. Add drops of food coloring to the shaving cream, creating your desired design. Lastly, use a butter knife to swirl the food coloring and shaving cream, and then let the paper dry.
Your marbled paper will be ready to use once it has fully dried.
8. Crafting with Yarn
Yarn is a versatile and colorful material that is great for crafting. To create crafts with yarn, you will need yarn, scissors, and a crochet hook or knitting needles. Begin by cutting the yarn into the desired lengths and shapes.
Next, use the crochet hook or knitting needles to create the project. Lastly, attach the pieces together as desired, using knots or a few stitches as needed.
9. Weaving with Fabric Strips
Weaving with fabric strips is a great way to add color and texture to your artwork. To make fabric strips, you will need fabric scraps, a rotary cutter, and scissors.
Begin by cutting the fabric scraps into thin strips, using a rotary cutter and scissors. Next, begin to weave the strips, alternating between horizontal and vertical strips. Lastly, tie off the ends with a knot and hang the piece to display.
10. Making Natural Ink
Making natural ink is a great way to explore a new art form without any extra cost. To make natural ink, you will need water, a teaspoon of vinegar, and a few tablespoons of either bark or berry juice. First, mix the bark or berry juice with the water.
Next, add the teaspoon of vinegar to the mix, stirring until it is well combined. Lastly, pour the ink into a container and keep it sealed when not in use.
11. Crafting with Sea Glass
Sea glass is an exciting and economical way to craft, and a great way to upcycle. To begin crafting with sea glass, you will need sea glass, a drill and bits, and adhesive.
Begin by selecting your sea glass and drilling a small hole into each piece. Next, use the adhesive to attach the sea glass to your desired surface. Lastly, let the piece dry before using.
12. Building Sculptures with Clay
Clay is a great material for making three-dimensional sculptures. To begin making sculptures with clay, you will need clay, an oven, and acrylic paints. Begin by forming the clay into your desired shape with your hands.
Next, bake the clay in the oven according to the package directions. Lastly, paint the sculpture using acrylic paints and let it dry before displaying.
13. Making Papier-Mâché Masks
Papier-mâché masks are a simple and cost-effective way to make a unique piece of art. To make a papier-mâché mask, you will need a newspaper, wallpaper paste, face-safe glue, elastic string, and small pieces of fabric or ribbon.
Begin by cutting the newspaper into small pieces and covering them in the wallpaper paste. Next, form the newspaper pieces into the shape of the mask and cover them in glue. Lastly, use the elastic string and pieces of fabric or ribbon to attach the mask to your face.
Conclusion: Making art supplies at home is a great way to explore various art forms without breaking the bank. The above guide is a great starting point for those wanting to make homemade art supplies, as it outlines the materials, equipment, and instructions needed to get started.
By making art supplies at home, you will be able to create one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as experiment with less-traditional methods of creating art.