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Need a gift for an art enthusiast? Coming up with inspiring gift ideas for artists can be challenging. Have you ever taken a trip up and down the aisles of an art supply store? If so, it's impossible not to notice how many choices there are for making art. Unfortunately, many of those choices are not so healthy or very eco-friendly. That poses two dilemmas - compromising health and adding, yet more, mess to the environmental toxic soup.
WATCH VIDEO: For tons of great green holiday tips, watch our New Traditions video series.
Since DIY is already a part of an artist's creative ethos, they are particularly appreciative of healthy handmade gifts. So, why not give the artist on your holiday list all the makings for an earth-friendly, non-toxic art set?
How to make an Earth-Friendly Art Box:
Turn an old silverware chest into an art supplies box, repurpose a fishing tackle box, or make a box from scrap wood to house all the goodies below.
Here are 3 tips to consider when filling the art box:
- Read labels on art materials carefully. If a label says the product presents a health risk, chances are it will also pollute ground water when disposed of.
- To determine whether a product is nontoxic, look for the AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (AMI). AMI reviews art materials for toxicology. These products are safe for children and adults.
- Take a whiff. Smell is a good indicator of toxicity. If it stinks, leave it out.
What to put in an Earth-Friendly Art Box:
Ecoartworks[/url] provides all the makings for creating green art: plant-based pastels, natural paint sets, hemp sketch pads, plant colored pencils, recycled sketch books, drawing books with onion paper, soy crayons and more.
Include a copy of the Green Guide For Artists This book includes non-toxic recipes, green art ideas and resources for the eco-conscious artist.
Add a gift card to a local artist's shop. Make a reusable crocheted gift card holder or a sewn gift card pouch.
Decorative egg cartons and antique muffin pans make perfect paint palettes.
Add this Amy Butler sewing tutorial for making a stylish portfolio. For kids, this art holder from craftzine.com will neatly keep art supplies organized.
Include a recipe card with the directions for making a batch of Milk Paint in a decorative jar.
Milk Paint from ecobites:
What you need:
1 Cup Organic Powdered Nonfat Milk? 1 Cup Water Optional: Organic ?Powdered Paint Pigment or Dye Optional: Pure Tung Oil
What to do:
1. Mix milk powder and water. 2. Add natural paint pigments to color, if desired. ?Too much pigment will lessen the durability of the paint. ? 3. Paint. 4. This paint formula should dry to a glossy finish. After the paint has dried, in 3-4 hours you may top coat with Pure Tung Oil. Try the oil in an inconspicuous area first. The color may change.
Here are some tips to consider when making your own paint:
- When making your own paint, it is important to experiment, test, experiment, and test some more.
- For best results, clean all surfaces thoroughly before painting.?- Homemade paints should be used soon after mixing.
- You can refrigerate, but the binding ability may diminish.?- It may be difficult to create exactly the same color over and over again.
- Try to mix as much paint as you can in one batch.
