I keep my eyes open for any money saving ideas for artists and this is a pretty cool one that I actually use. Plus, it’s quick and easy.
TRAVEL PALETTES COST $$$$. The one that you see here is anywhere from $55.00 at Dick Blick to $153.00 (gulp) at Ultrecht. They are nice, no doubt, except for the paint that comes inside. They always use the cheapest student grade paint they can find. It often cracks and falls out after using it a bit.
Take a look at this. I’ve seen students use these in the past and during my recent trip to Japan, I decided to make one myself and give it a try.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
- Empty Altoid can
- Hot glue gun
- Several empty “half pan” watercolor wells – I found these on Ebay, also several other online stores: Dick Blick, Jerry’s, etc.
- A couple of paintbrushes with the handles cut off so they fit inside the can.
- White spray paint or white acrylic paint is optional.
- A second empty tin (and small clip to attach it) or other small container for water
EASY PEASY
- Paint the lid with white paint, if you wish. It’s nice to have a white surface on which to mix your paint.
- Hot glue the empty pans into the can.
- Fill the pans with some of your own favorite watercolors.
- That’s it!
You can see in the photo that I’ve clipped another small tin to the side of my palette. I put water in it when I paint. I carry a tiny squeeze bottle filled with water. And don’t forget a pack of Kleenex and a small sketchbook or some watercolor postcards. All of this will fit very nicely into a plastic sandwich bag and you can tuck it into your glove compartment, or your purse, or your carry-on bag to the airport.
When you’re sitting in line to pick up your kids (or grandkids) from school or waiting at the doctor’s office, get out your cute little travel palette and do some playing. It’s fun! And any bit of time we can get with our art practice develops our skills and makes us happy.
Thank you for reading!
Kathie xo
Great idea! Coud have used this on my recent trip to England… Will certainly make before next trip. Thanks Kathie.
Wow! So little! I love it!
Love this. As always I look forward to reading your Tuesday morning posts
Great idea, Kathie! (All except the part about cutting the handles off the brushes). That hurts just thinking about it. LOL!
COOL idea!!! And, besides, like a lot of ‘tiny things’ CUTE!!!!
Terrific idea. You are just so clever.
Great idea about water container. Already use Altoid container for paints. Have. Great day. Hugs?
I’m going to save my used eyeshadow containers for paint! They say you should regularly replace your eye make up….. I have some with little square compartments that I bet would unglue with heat and fit into an Altoids tin! You are always thinkin’, Kathie, always thinkin’!!!
Love this cute idea!
Another good trick is to glue thin magnets to the bottom of the plastic pans so they are removable. That way you can take them out to clean or to configure your palette with interchangeable colors.
Another fun and great tip. Sending hugs!
Thanks Kathie for sharing another really cool idea.
Knew I was saving them for a reason. Thanks Kathie
I hope everyone has a near empty Altoid tin. My head nearly exploded from eating all the Mints at once from a nearly full tin!!!
Just kiddin.
Minty fresh Pam
You never stop amazing me Kathie, love, love this tip, thank you
Flori Landry
I love this idea!!! It eliminates the excuse of not being able to carry “all that art stuff”!!!