How to make art on a Budget
Making art doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, there are many ways to make art on a budget. In this blog post, we will discuss five different ways that you can create beautiful pieces of art without spending a lot of money. We will also provide tips on how to save money when purchasing supplies for your artwork. So whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out, these tips will help you create amazing pieces of art without breaking the bank!
Upcycle what you already have
Instead of buying new materials for your artwork, why not upcycle something from home? There are several items that you can upcycle from around the house to make paint on a budget.
Here are a few examples:
Eggshells: Crushed eggshells can be mixed with water and food coloring or natural dyes to create a textured paint.
Flour and salt: Mix equal parts flour and salt with enough water to create a smooth paste. Add food coloring or natural dyes for color.
Coffee grounds: Brew coffee and allow the grounds to dry. Mix with water to create a brownish paint.
Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with cold water until it forms a thick paste. Add food coloring or natural dyes for color.
Charcoal: Burn sticks or twigs in a fire or grill until they turn into charcoal. Crush the charcoal into powder and mix with water to create black paint.
Berries: Mash berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) and strain out any solids. Use the juice as a natural dye for paint.
These are just a few examples of how you can upcycle household items to make your own budget-friendly paints at home!
Shop at thrift stores
Thrift stores can be a great resource for finding affordable materials for painting.
Here are some examples:
Canvases: Look for gently used or even new canvases at thrift stores. You may also be able to find stretched canvas frames that you can cover with your own canvas or fabric.
Paintbrushes: Thrift stores often have a selection of paintbrushes, including both natural and synthetic bristle brushes.
Paints: While it may be less common, you might occasionally come across tubes of paint at thrift stores. Check the expiration date before purchasing, but if they're still good, you can save money by buying them secondhand.
Palettes: Look for plates, trays, or other flat surfaces that you could use as makeshift palettes for mixing paints.
Easels: If you're lucky, you might be able to find an affordable easel at a thrift store.
Frames: While not directly related to painting, frames can be useful for displaying finished artwork and can often be found inexpensively at thrift stores.
By shopping smartly at thrift stores, you can save money on art supplies and stretch your budget further!
Buy in bulk
Buying certain items in bulk at craft stores can help you save money on painting supplies.
Here are some examples:
Paintbrushes: Craft stores often sell paintbrushes in bulk, which can be more cost-effective than buying individual brushes. Look for sets of different sizes and shapes.
Acrylic paint: If you frequently use acrylic paint, consider buying larger bottles or tubes in bulk. This can be more affordable than buying smaller quantities over time.
Canvas panels: Instead of buying stretched canvases, consider purchasing canvas panels in bulk. These are typically less expensive and take up less storage space.
Foam brushes: Foam brushes are inexpensive and can be used for a variety of painting techniques. Consider buying them in bulk to save money.
Painter's tape: If you frequently use painter's tape to create clean lines or block off areas of your painting, consider buying it in bulk to save money over time.
Palette knives: Palette knives can be used for mixing colors and applying paint with texture. Look for sets of different shapes and sizes to get the most bang for your buck.
By purchasing these items in larger quantities, you can save money on painting supplies and stretch your budget further!
Take advantage of free workshops
Attending free workshops can be a great way to learn new techniques and create art on a budget.
Here are some examples:
Research local events: Look online or in your community for free art workshops or classes. Check out local libraries, community centers, and museums to see if they offer any free art programming.
Attend virtual workshops: Many organizations now offer virtual workshops that you can attend from the comfort of your own home. This can be a great option if you're unable to attend in-person events or if you live in an area with limited access to art programming.
Bring your own supplies: Some workshops may provide materials, but others may require you to bring your own supplies. To save money, look for workshops that allow you to bring your own materials instead of requiring you to purchase them.
Network with other artists: Attending free workshops can be a great way to meet other artists who share your interests and passions. By networking with other artists, you may be able to collaborate on projects or share resources such as art supplies.
Practice at home: After attending a workshop, take what you've learned and practice at home using the materials you already have on hand. This will help reinforce what you've learned and allow you to continue creating without spending additional money on supplies.
By taking advantage of free workshops, networking with other artists, and practicing at home, you can create art on a budget while still learning new skills and techniques!
Reuse cardboard boxes
Cardboard boxes, such as those from Amazon packages, can be repurposed and used to create art on a budget.
Here are some examples:
Create a canvas: Cut the cardboard box into a flat sheet and use it as a canvas for your artwork. Paint or draw directly onto the cardboard, or glue other materials onto it to create a mixed media piece.
Make sculptures: Cut the cardboard box into shapes and glue them together to create three-dimensional sculptures. You can even paint or decorate the sculptures with other materials like tissue paper or markers.
Use as stencils: Cut out shapes from the cardboard box to use as stencils for your artwork. This is a great way to add texture and depth to your pieces without spending money on expensive stencils.
Create frames: Cut out rectangles from the cardboard box and use them to frame your artwork. You can paint or decorate the frames with other materials like glitter or sequins.
Use as backing: Cut the cardboard box into smaller pieces and use them as backing for collages or other mixed media pieces. The sturdy material will provide support for your artwork while also adding an interesting texture.
By reusing cardboard boxes in these ways, you can save money on art supplies while also reducing waste and helping the environment!
These tips should help get the ball rolling when it comes to making art on a budget. Keep in mind that with a little research and creativity, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget and produce great results. And don't forget, learning new techniques or experimenting with different materials can be just as fun (and inexpensive) as following popular trends. So take your time, try something new - who knows, it may end up being your next masterpiece! Good luck and happy creating!
If you have any questions on how to make art on a budget, please comment below or hit me up on Instagram.
