Craft Your Creativity: The Ultimate Guide to DIY Art Supplies

As an artist, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a burst of creative inspiration, only to find out your favourite local store is out of that one specific material you need. Or maybe you’re just craving a deeper, more intimate connection with your art supplies, something that feels uniquely yours. Well, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the ultimate DIY guide for artists. In this four part blog series, I’ll show you how to create your own art materials from scratch. Yes, you heard me right, we’re making our own supplies. And guess what? We have all raw ingredients in our lovely store this includes: beeswax, mica powders, pigments, gum arabic, linseed oil, and many more.

From oil paints and inks to watercolours and coloured grounds, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can ditch the store runs and get hands-on with your creativity. Why buy when you can DIY? Not only is making your own art materials cost-effective, but it also allows you to customize everything to your exact needs. Want a specific shade of blue that no store seems to carry? No problem, we’ll make it. Dreaming of a buttery oil paint that glides perfectly onto your canvas? We’ve got you covered.

Because this is such an in-depth and exciting! topic, we’ll be breaking it down into four parts:

In Part 1, we’re diving headfirst into the colourful world of DIY painting sticks. Get ready to whip up your very own oil pastels, oil painting sticks, soft pastels, and even watercolour sticks. Imagine creating a rainbow of custom colours that are uniquely yours.

Then, in Part 2, we’re shifting gears to the magic of DIY paint making. Whether you’re creating a unique acrylic paint, oil paint, tempera, gouache, or even watercolours, these recipes will take your artwork from “nice” to “whoa, how did you do that?” Learn how to mix pigments, binders, and mediums to create paints that are perfectly tailored to your style.

In Part 3, we’re exploring the world of gesso and paint preparations. Discover how to make your own classic gesso, coloured grounds, and custom primers, that will give your canvas the perfect foundation for your artwork. I will also show you how to make your own varnish and painting medium using damar resin. Whether you’re prepping for a bold acrylic painting or a delicate watercolour piece, these DIY recipes will set the stage for your masterpiece.

But wait, there’s more! Part 4 is all about drawing, and we’re going all out. Learn how to make your own sketchbooks, dipping pens, eco-friendly inks, charcoal and more. Think of it as building your ultimate artist’s toolkit from scratch.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we’ve got a BONUS PART that’s my personal favourite: printmaking! I’ll spill all the secrets, from mixing the perfect ink to mastering the tricks of the trade. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is an Oil Painting Stick?
3. What is an Oil Pastel?
4. What is a Watercolour Stick?
5. What Are Soft Pastels?
6. Oil Painting Sticks vs. Oil Pastels vs. Soft Pastels vs. Watercolour Sticks: A Side-by-Side Comparison
7. DIY Oil Painting Sticks – Buttery Goodness for Your Canvas
8. DIY Oil Pastels – Smooth and Vibrant!
9. DIY Watercolour Sticks – Portable & Perfect for Sketching
10. DIY Soft Pastels – Velvety and Vibrant!
11. Why DIY Sticks Are a Game-Changer

Part 1: DIY Magic: Turn Simple Ingredients into Stunning Painting Sticks!

Welcome to the first installment of our DIY Art Supplies Series. As a creative there’s something truly magical about making your own paint sticks. Not only is it cost effective, but it also adds a personal touch to your artwork that store bought supplies just can’t match. Plus, who doesn’t love the thrill of saying, “I made this myself!”

In this section, I will show you how to make paints sticks that will make your creativity soar. From silky smooth oil pastels to portable watercolour sticks, you’ll learn how to create art supplies that are as unique as you are. So, grab your apron, clear your workspace, and let’s get crafting.

What is an Oil Painting Stick?

Imagine holding a stick of butter, but instead of spreading it on toast, you’re gliding it across a canvas to create rich, textured strokes of colour. Oil sticks, also known as oil bars or pigment stick are a dynamic and versatile painting medium that combines the richness of oil paint with the immediacy of a drawing tool. These little wonders are like the portable, mess-free cousins of traditional oil paints, combining the creamy, buttery texture of oils with the convenience of a solid stick. These sticks dry and cure just like traditional oil paint, making them fully compatible with classic oil painting techniques. They are great if you’re working on canvas, paper, or wooden or aluminum panels, oil sticks can bring your artistic vision to life. Just make sure to prime your surface with acrylic gesso or oil primer first to protect your artwork’s longevity.

Oil sticks are made from a mixture of beeswax, drying oil (linseed oil or stand oil), oil paint or pigments. They stay workable for a long time, so you can blend colours with your fingers, a brush, or a palette knife. Perfect for soft transitions, gradients, or textured effects. What characterises oil painting sticks is that they are designed to fit comfortably in your hand, allowing you to apply bold, vibrant colour directly to your surface. This immediacy offers a fresh, hands-on approach to oil painting. You can use them to sketch out your initial composition. The pressure you apply changes the mark-making: a light touch creates crayon-like lines, while a firmer hand produces thick, painterly strokes. Once the colour is down, you can manipulate it with a palette knife, or brush. You can even extend it with an oil medium. For a softer, more luxurious mark, try dipping the stick into linseed oil before applying it to your surface.

What is an Oil Pastel?

If crayons and oil paints had a baby, it would be an oil pastel. These vibrant, creamy sticks are the bold, expressive siblings of traditional pastels, offering a unique blend of richness and versatility. Oil pastels are a unique and accessible medium made from pigment, wax, and a non-drying oil. Unlike oil sticks, which contain a higher oil content and drying agents, oil pastels have a lower oil content and an inert wax binder. This means they won’t dry or cure like oil paint or oil sticks, remaining workable indefinitely. Because of their wax-based formula, oil pastels don’t require any surface preparation and can be used on a variety of materials, including paper, canvas, wood, and metal.

This means you can blend and layer them to your heart’s content. Use your fingers, a blending stump, or even a bit of baby oil to create smooth gradients and dreamy transitions. They’re perfect for bold, graphic lines or soft, painterly effects. Artists love oil pastels for their vibrant colours, blendability, and versatility. Plus, when you make your own, you can experiment with pigments and textures to create a set that’s uniquely yours.

What is a Watercolour Stick?

A watercolour stick is like a magic wand for artists. They are compact, portable block of colour that turns into beautiful watercolour paint with just a touch of water. Made from gum arabic, pigments, and a hint of honey, these sticks are perfect for on-the-go sketching, travel, or quick bursts of creativity.

Simply wet your brush, rub it on the stick, and watch the colour come alive. They’re mess-free, easy to use and let you create everything from soft washes to bold strokes. Plus, when you make your own, you can customise the colours to match your style.

Watercolour sticks are the ultimate portable art tool, small enough to fit in your pocket but packed with endless creative possibilities.

What Are Soft Pastels?

Imagine holding a stick of pure, powdery colour that glides across your paper like a dream, leaving behind a velvety, matte finish. That’s the magic of soft pastels. Made from pigment, chalk, and a touch of binder, these vibrant sticks are dry. They can be blended and are perfect for creating soft transitions, gradients, and layered effects.

Unlike oil pastels or crayons, soft pastels have a higher pigment concentration and less binder, giving them a crumbly, chalk-like texture.

Artists love them for their rich colours, tactile feel, and velvety finish.

Oil Painting Sticks vs. Oil Pastels vs Soft Pastels vs. Water Colour Sticks: A Side-by-Side Comparison

When it comes to choosing the right medium for your artwork, understanding the differences between oil painting sticks, oil pastels, soft pastels, and watercolour sticks is essential. Each medium offers unique textures, blending capabilities, and finishes, catering to different artistic styles and preferences.

1. DIY Oil Painting Sticks – Buttery Goodness for Your Canvas, Paper and Any Surface

If you love the rich, creamy texture of oil paints but want something more portable and mess-free, oil painting sticks are your new best friend. These little wonders are like lip balm for your canvas smooth, easy to apply, and oh-so-satisfying to use. Let’s get started!

These are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 4 tbsp beeswax we recommend you use unbleached beeswax.
• 2 tbsp linseed oil or stand oil  (for that classic oil paint feel)
• 4 tbsp powdered pigment( you can use Schmincke powder pigments, mica powders for a pearlescent effect or natural pigments or
• alternatively 1 tbsp of an oil paint  (choose your favourite colours, we recommend using an artist grade oil paint)
• Empty lip balm tubes or small containers (upcycling at its finest!)

Step 1: Melt the Wax

1. Set Up a Double Boiler: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Place the top pot or heatproof bowl on top, ensuring it fits snugly without touching the water.
2. Add Beeswax: Break or grate the beeswax into small pieces and add it to the top pot. Beeswax melts at a relatively low temperature (around 62–64°C), so keep the heat low to avoid overheating.
3. Stir Occasionally: Use a wooden or metal spoon to stir the wax as it melts. Be patient; melting should take a few minutes.

Step 2: Add Pigment & Oil

1. Prepare the Pigment: While the wax is melting, measure out your powdered pigment. Wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling or touching the pigment, as some pigments can be toxic.
2. Prepare the Oil Paint – If you going to use oil paint, measure a spoonful of oil paint.
3. Mix Linseed Oil: Once the wax is fully melted, slowly add a small amount of linseed oil to the mixture. Linseed oil acts as a binder and helps create a smooth, paint-like consistency. Stir thoroughly to combine.
4. Add Pigment: Gradually sprinkle the powdered pigment into the wax and oil mixture. Stir continuously to ensure the pigment is evenly distributed and there are no clumps. The mixture should become silky smooth and vibrant in colour.
5. Optional: Add Clove Oil: To prevent the mixture from drying out too quickly, add a drop or two of clove oil. This is especially helpful if you’re working in a warm environment or want to extend the working time of your paint sticks.

Step 3: Pour & Cool

1. Prepare Containers: While the mixture is still warm and liquid, prepare your moulds or containers. You can use small metal tins, silicone molds, or even repurpose old gluestick tubes or crayon moulds.
2. Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the melted wax, oil, and pigment mixture into your chosen containers. Use a funnel or a steady hand to avoid spills.
3. Let It Cool: Allow the mixture to cool and solidify completely. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your containers and the room temperature. Avoid moving or disturbing the containers during this time to ensure a smooth, even finish.
4. Tip for Cooling: If you’re in a hurry, you can place the containers in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process. However, let them return to room temperature before using them.

Step 4: Paint Away

1. Unmold the Sticks: Once fully cooled and solidified, remove the paint sticks from their containers. They should hold their shape but remain soft enough to apply to your canvas.
2. Apply to Canvas: Use the sticks directly on your canvas, paper, or other surfaces. You can draw with them like crayons, blend them with your fingers or tools, or even use a palette knife to spread the pigment.
3. Experiment with Texture: These sticks offer a rich, oil-paint-like texture. Layer colours, blend them, or scratch into the surface for unique effects. The wax and oil combination allows for a buttery, smooth application.
4. Seal Your Artwork: Once your artwork is complete, you may want to apply a fixative or varnish to protect it and prevent smudging.

Tips for Success:

• Pigment Ratios: Experiment with the ratio of pigment to wax and oil to achieve your desired consistency and opacity. More pigment will result in richer colour, while more wax will make the stick firmer.
• Pigment Colour: Experiment with using different pigments, ranging from foraged pigments to metallic and pearlescent pigments.
• Safety First: Always work in a well-ventilated area when handling powdered pigments and melting wax. Wear protective gear like gloves and a mask.
• Storage: Store your paint sticks in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting or drying out.

Enjoy the process of making and using your own oil paint sticks! It’s a rewarding way to create art with a personal touch.

2. DIY Oil Pastels – Smooth and Vibrant!

If you love bold, expressive colours and the creamy feel of pastels, you’re going to adore making your own oil pastels!

These are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 4 tbsp beeswax (Deckle Edge has you covered!)
• 2 tbsp baby oil or linseed oil (for that smooth, buttery texture)
• 4 tbsp powdered pigment (go wild with colours, this is your chance to create the perfect palette)
• Silicone molds (shapes are your playground think rectangles, circles, or even fun shapes like stars)

Step 1: Melt the Wax

• 1. Set Up a Double Boiler: If you don’t have a double boiler, you can easily create one by placing a heatproof bowl (like glass or stainless steel) over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bowl fits snugly and doesn’t touch the water directly.
• 2. Add Beeswax: Break or grate the beeswax into small pieces and add them to the bowl. Beeswax melts at a low temperature (62–64°C), so keep the heat low to avoid overheating or burning the wax.
• 3. Stir Gently: Use a wooden or metal spoon to stir the wax as it melts. This ensures even melting and prevents hot spots.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

• 1. Add Baby Oil: Once the beeswax is fully melted, slowly add a small amount of baby oil to the mixture. Baby oil acts as a softening agent, giving the pastels a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir thoroughly to combine.
• 2. Incorporate Powdered Pigment: Gradually sprinkle your powdered pigment into the melted wax and oil mixture. Stir continuously to ensure the pigment is evenly distributed and there are no clumps. The mixture should become smooth, vibrant, and buttery.
• 3. Pro Tip for Colour Mixing: If you’re creating custom colours, start with a small amount of pigment and add more as needed. You can also mix different pigments to create unique shades.
• 4. Optional Additives: For extra smoothness or to adjust the texture, you can add a tiny amount of coconut oil or a drop of clove oil (to prevent drying).

Step 3: Mold It

• 1. Prepare Silicone Molds: Choose silicone molds in the shape and size you want for your oil pastels. Silicone molds are ideal because they’re flexible and make it easy to remove the pastels once they’ve hardened.
• 2. Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the melted wax, oil, and pigment mixture into the molds. Use a spoon or small funnel to avoid spills and ensure even filling.
• 3. Let It Cool: Allow the mixture to cool and harden completely. This can take a few hours, depending on the size of the molds and the room temperature. Avoid moving or disturbing the molds during this time to ensure a smooth finish.
• 4. Speed Up Cooling: If you’re in a hurry, you can place the molds in the refrigerator to speed up the hardening process. Just make sure to let them return to room temperature before using them.

Step 4: Unleash Your Creativity

• 1. Unmold the Pastels: Once the pastels are fully hardened, gently pop them out of the silicone molds. They should hold their shape but feel soft and creamy to the touch.
• 2. Test Your Pastels: Try them out on paper or canvas to see how they apply. Oil pastels made this way will have a smooth, blendable texture, perfect for layering and creating rich, vibrant artwork.
• 3. Experiment with Techniques: Use your homemade oil pastels to draw, blend, or layer colours. You can also experiment with different surfaces, such as textured paper, canvas, or even wood.
• 4. Store Properly: Keep your oil pastels in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting or becoming too soft. You can store them in a box or wrap them individually in parchment paper.

Tips for Success:

• Pigment Safety: Always wear a mask and gloves when handling powdered pigments, as some can be toxic if inhaled or touched.
• Adjust Consistency: If your pastels are too hard, add a bit more baby oil next time. If they’re too soft, reduce the amount of oil or increase the beeswax.
• Custom Colours: Mix pigments to create your own unique colour palette. You can also add a small amount of mica powder for a shimmery effect.
• Cleanup: Clean your tools and workspace with warm, soapy water while the mixture is still warm. Once it hardens, it can be more difficult to remove.
• Gradient Sets: Create a set of pastels in gradient shades of the same colour for smooth transitions in your artwork.
• Metallic Effects: Add a pinch of metallic powder (like bronze or gold) to the mixture for shimmering pastels.
• Mini Pastels: Use small molds to create mini pastels, perfect for travel or detailed work.
• Gifts for Artists: Package your homemade oil pastels in a cute box or tin and give them as gifts to fellow artists.

3. DIY Watercolour Sticks – Portable & Perfect for Sketching

Watercolour sticks are a game changer for artists who love to sketch on the go. They’re compact, easy to use, and perfect for creating soft, dreamy washes of colour.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp gum arabic powder (Deckle Edge has it!)
• 2 tbsp honey (yes, honey! It adds a lovely stickiness and helps the paint adhere to paper.)
• 2 tbsp water
• Glass muller
• Powdered pigments (choose your favourite colours!)
• Small containers or an empty watercolour palette

Step 1: Mix the Binder

1. Dissolve Gum Arabic: In a small bowl or container, dissolve gum arabic powder in warm water. Use a ratio of about 1 part gum arabic to 2 parts water. Stir thoroughly until the gum arabic is completely dissolved. Gum arabic acts as a binder, helping the pigment adhere to the paper.
2. Add Honey: Once the gum arabic is dissolved, add a small amount of honey to the mixture. Honey acts as a plasticizer, making the watercolour sticks more flexible and easier to rewet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and sticky. The consistency should be similar to a thick syrup.
3. Pro Tip: If the mixture is too thick, add a few more drops of water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more gum arabic powder.

Step 2: Add Colour

1. Prepare Pigments: While the binder mixture is still warm, divide it into small containers or jars. Each container will hold a different colour.
2. Mix in Pigments: Gradually add powdered pigment to each container of binder. Start with a small amount and mix thoroughly, adding more pigment until you achieve the desired colour intensity. Use a spoon or small spatula to mix, ensuring there are no clumps.
3. Experiment with Colours: This is your chance to get creative! Mix different pigments to create unique shades. For example, mix ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow to create a vibrant green, or add a touch of burnt sienna to create earthy tones.
4. Optional Additives: For extra smoothness or to adjust the texture, you can add a tiny amount of glycerin or a drop of clove oil (to prevent mold).

Step 3: Dry & Use

1. Pour into Moulds: Carefully pour the pigmented binder mixture into silicone moulds or small containers. You can use candy moulds, ice cube trays, or even repurpose old gluestick such as prit or bostic tubes.
2. Let It Dry: Allow the mixture to dry completely. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the size of the molds and the humidity in your environment. Place the molds in a warm, dry area to speed up the drying process.
3. Unmold the Sticks: Once fully dry, gently pop the watercolour sticks out of the molds. They should hold their shape but feel firm to the touch.
4. Test Your Sticks: To use, simply wet a brush and rub it over the surface of the stick to pick up the pigment. You can also wet the stick directly and paint with it. The colours will reactivate with water, just like traditional watercolours.
5. Store Properly: Keep your watercolour sticks in a cool, dry place. You can store them in a small box or wrap them individually in parchment paper.

Tips for Success:

• Pigment Safety: Always wear a mask and gloves when handling powdered pigments, as some can be toxic if inhaled or touched.
• Adjust Consistency: If your mixture is too thick, add a bit more water. If it’s too thin, add more gum arabic powder.
• Custom Colours: Mix pigments to create your own unique colour palette. You can also add a small amount of mica powder for a shimmery effect.
• Cleanup: Clean your tools and workspace with warm, soapy water while the mixture is still wet. Once it dries, it can be more difficult to remove.

Creative Ideas:

• Gradient Sets: Create a set of watercolour sticks in gradient shades of the same colour for smooth transitions in your artwork.
• Metallic Effects: Add a pinch of metallic powder (like bronze or gold) to the mixture for shimmering watercolours.
• Mini Sticks: Use small molds to create mini watercolour sticks, perfect for travel or detailed work.
• Gifts for Artists: Package your homemade watercolour sticks in a cute box or tin and give them as gifts to fellow artists.

4. DIY Soft Pastels – Velvety and Vibrant!

Soft pastels are all about rich, powdery pigments and a velvety finish that feels like pure magic on paper. Making your own is not only cost-effective but also a fantastic way to create custom colours that are uniquely yours. Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp powdered pigment (choose your favourite colours!)
• 2 tbsp white chalk or calcium carbonate (acts as a filler and softens the pastel)
• 1 tsp gum tragacanth or gum arabic (the binder that holds everything together)
• 2-3 tbsp water (to activate the binder)
• A mixing bowl and spoon (for combining ingredients)
• Silicone molds or your hands (for shaping the pastels)

1. Prepare the Binder

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of gum tragacanth or gum arabic with 2-3 tablespoons of water.
2. Stir until the binder dissolves completely. Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight) to thicken into a gel-like consistency.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of powdered pigment with 2 tablespoons of white chalk or calcium carbonate.
2. Mix thoroughly until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly add the binder gel to the dry mixture, a little at a time.
2. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more chalk.

4. Shape Your Pastels

1. Once the mixture is ready, you can shape it into pastel sticks. Here are two methods:
   • Mold Method: Press the mixture into silicone molds (small rectangular molds work best). Smooth the top with your fingers or a palette knife.
   • Hand-Rolling Method: Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into cylindrical shapes with your hands. You can make them as thick or thin as you like.

5. Let Them Dry

1. Place your shaped pastels on a flat surface or a drying rack.
2. Let them dry completely. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity.

6. Create and Blend!

1. Once dry, your soft pastels are ready to use!
2. Use them to draw, sketch, or paint on paper, pastel paper, or textured surfaces. Blend with your fingers, a blending stump, or a soft cloth for smooth transitions and gradients.

Why You’ll Love Soft Pastels:

• Vibrant Colours: Soft pastels are known for their intense, saturated hues.
• Blendable: They’re incredibly easy to blend, making them perfect for creating soft transitions and gradients.
• Customisable: Make your own colours and adjust the texture to suit your style.

Pro Tips:

• Experiment with Colours: Mix different pigments to create custom shades. For example, mix red and white for a soft pink or blue and yellow for green.
• Adjust the Texture: Add more binder for a firmer pastel or more chalk for a softer one.
• Store Properly: Keep your pastels in a cool, dry place to prevent them from absorbing moisture.

Why DIY Sticks Are a Game-Changer

Creating your own paints sticks isn’t just about saving money. It’s about connecting with your art on a deeper level. When you make your own supplies, you’re in control of every detail, from the colours to the texture. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about using materials you’ve crafted yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, head to Deckle Edge for anything you might need, and start crafting your own art supplies today. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll make varnishes, mediums, and primers, and reveal the secret to professional finishes.