Cool Tricks with Cheap Art Supplies

There are many creative ways to save money on art supplies so the kids can still be artsy, without costing us parents too much.

Trick 1: Use available paper.

One way to save on paper is to cut open brown grocery bags to use as canvas. Be sure to use vibrant colors as the brown color absorbs paint. They are reminiscent of Mexican bark paintings. As a plus, they are also recyclable...if no one is attached to it.

Trick 2: Melt old crayons

Old, beat-up crayons can be melted in the microwave into more interesting shapes. Melt in small paper cups for a minute or two on high until they are liquid. Use character candy and cupcake molds or leave in the paper cups to cool until they are solid again. Also, the liquid crayons make great paint on brown paper bags, almost like thick tempura paint. Do be careful though, it is hot.

Trick 3: Use inexpensive brushes

Most hardware stores carry cheap foam brushes. Some are quite large and can be used to quickly convert the box a refrigerator came in into a playhouse. The brushes can also be cut to make interesting textures like zigzags and waves.

Trick 4: Use up those old lipsticks

Especially the weird colors (what was I thinking buying blue?). Make sure the kids can’t get to the new ones! They are guaranteed non-toxic. They work well on thick paper, like the brown paper bags from earlier.

Trick 5: Envelope sealers

Envelope sealers (those little bottles with sponges on the end from office supply stores) make great brushes for water colors. Small hands can handle these a little better than brushes, and they are less messy.