How to Save Money on Art and Craft Supplies
CHAPTERS
Click on the time stamp to jump to a particular section
0:00 Intro
0:46 How to save money on paint (includes next few points)
1:15 Paint tube wringers
2:00 Pencil Extenders
2:47 Stay wet palettes for acrylics
3:35 Save leftover paint
4:02 Save your paints properly
4:49 Buy the less expensive pigments
5:31 Larger tubes of paint are usually cheaper per ounce
6:24 Buying canvases in bulk plus qualify for free shipping
7:25 Is it cheaper to stretch your own canvas?
8:49 Brushes, inexpensive nylon brushes, making brushes last longer
9:56 Avoid student grade paint, make your own student grade paint
11:55 Saving money on picture framing
12:37 Floater frames
13:01 The cheapest art studio space
13:28 Avoid using toxic materials at home
In this video, I share all of my tips for saving money on art and craft supplies. I have been painting for decades and I have a variety of strategies for saving money.
There are two approaches, one is where you save money on the cost of supplies. This usually involves the use of coupons, buying supplies in bulk, and obtaining free shipping.
The second strategy is to optimize the use of the supplies so that there's no waste. Professional artists' paint can cost $600 per galloon so you don't want to waste any of it.
Ideally you want to use both approaches. This is similar to running a business. You are buying supplies and turning it into a product. Although you may not think of your artwork as a product.
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https://drawandpaintforfun.com/tips-s...
ART MATERIALS THAT I MENTION IN THE VIDEO 🖌 🎨
The links below that lead to Amazon or Blick Art Materials are affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no cost to you.
Metal Tube Wringer- I recommend the metal paint tube wringers because the metal rollers grip the tube better. And it should last longer in general.
(Blick) http://shrsl.com/2k8rp
(Amazon) https://amzn.to/3lZ06pQ
Pencil Extender- these will help you to use up those stubby pencils that you have laying around the studio. This set has two sizes that should fit a variety of diameters of pencils. I use them with a variety of pencils: graphite, watercolor, charcoal, etc.
http://shrsl.com/2k8rv
Masterson Sta Wet Palettes
The one I use in the video is the Premier Palette which is 12"x16". It's about the perfect size for studio use.
http://shrsl.com/2k8rw
If that's too large for you, then you may want to try the Masterson Handy palette which measures approximately 8.5"x7".
http://shrsl.com/2k8ry
Masterson Palette Seal- This palette doesn't come with the sponge which artists use to keep oil paints fresh.
http://shrsl.com/2k8rx
Blick studio canvas-these canvases are affordable and well built. I like the fact that they're stapled on the back so you can display them without a frame. They're available in 3 thicknesses: 3/4", 1-3/8", and 2-3/8".
http://shrsl.com/2k8rz
I use these Princeton wedges as a spatula in my studio. They work well for stirring up jars of paint, scraping paint off a palette and even for applying paint to canvas.
http://shrsl.com/2k8s1
Stretcher Bars- these are the Blick brand stretcher bars. I find it's cheaper to buy a canvas rather than buying all of the components and stretching them. Spend your free improving your painting skills instead of your carpentry skills!
http://shrsl.com/2k8s6
QoR watercolor pan set. Pans of watercolor paint tend to last longer than tubes of watercolor. Since they're already dry they're less likely to develop mold or go bad.
http://shrsl.com/2k8sa
I sometimes use these student grade Cotman watercolors for quick sketches outdoors. I also like the mini palette they come in. When I use them up I refill the pans with professional watercolor paint. The small palette is great for painting outdoors.
http://shrsl.com/2k8sd
Student paint can be useful, especially for beginners. I recommend selecting a brand that tests the pigments for lightfastness. Below are some of the student paints that I have used.
Liquitex Basics Acrylics
http://shrsl.com/2k8tp
Winsor & Newton Galleria Acrylics
http://shrsl.com/2k8ty
Winton Oils: I used to use these in college because they were affordable and the pigments are rated as being permanent.
http://shrsl.com/2k8tr
Once your painting has improved you should consider trying out professional acrylics.
You can check out the pricing on different sizes of Golden Heavy Body Acrylics by clicking on the link below. They carry many different sizes but you'll want to calculate how much it costs per ounce to know what the true cost is. Simply divide the price by the ounces.
http://shrsl.com/2k8s4