There are few hobbies as soothing as art, and if you have finally discovered this wondrous world of colors and are eager to check it out, then acrylic painting is a great point to start. Contrary to popular belief, a beginner can handle acrylic paintings. There are many household items that they can make use of to aid in their art journey.
Not only will these everyday items save you costs on expensive art supplies, but they can bring some interesting patterns and texture to your work which traditional methods cannot achieve.
1. Sponges
This everyday item is more valuable than just washing dishes. You can use your sponge for your painting purposes, and it can be used for blending. Since the sponges come in various shapes and sizes, they can cover large surfaces, making great textures to add dimensions to your paintings.
2. Metal
Metals can make for an uncommon but potentially great canvas. Do you wish to add a personal touch to your car or use scrap metal lying in your shed? Then get your painting supplies out and let your creative juices flow.
If you are worried whether acrylic paint on metal is a possible feat, worry not. With some preparation to protect against rust control, you can paint on metal as you like.
3. Mops
Mops is another household item that can be used for patterns and texture to your work. The mop head can be slapped around on the canvas, which is a great way to express your frustrations while you end up with unique designs. Furthermore, the big mop head is the perfect brush to create strokes over a large canvas.
4. Dust Pan And Brush
These house-cleaning staples can make great painting supplies. The brush can create textured strokes, while the pan can be used as a large flat palette knife or a handled palette. You can also use the pan to mix paints.
5. Squeegee
This is the most common household item which is used for painting is the squeegee. They are commonly used to design large paint splatters and can be used to move the paint around the canvas.
Have fun getting play with different colors to create layers and swirls. Squeegees are ideal for smoothening painting backgrounds on your canvas.
6. Bubble Wrap
Recycling through painting may sound too good to be true. However, bubble wrap can be a great painting tool and is fun to work with. After you are done popping some of the bubbles for fun, paint the rest with acrylic paint or wrap them in a stripe pattern. Then the next step is to dab it onto paper or use it as a stamp to create unique dotted patterns for a refreshing take on your work.
7. Cling Wrap
Another helpful item in your art arsenal is cling wraps. This seemingly simple object can be utilized to create cool works. First, soak the cling wrap in wet paint and then wipe it across the canvas. This technique can be used to create landscape paintings.
8. Kitchen Wipes
This might come as a surprise that kitchen wipes can be used for your acrylic paintings. These wipes can be used to apply and then blend in the colors.
9. Hairdryer
Now, although this everyday item isn’t directly used to paint. Hairdryers can be used to dry paint on your canvas and move paint around the canvas to create designs.
10. Spray Bottle
Want to add some ‘drip’ to your work? A spray bottle is a perfect way to do this. You can fill the bottle with paint and then add a dripping effect or droplets to your paintings. If you wet on wet painting techniques, then a spray bottle is a great way to keep your paint wet to keep blending.
11. Garden Rake
Now, you may think this is getting out of control. However, the garden rake can be used to make scratchy strokes making for an interesting pattern if you are using heavy-bodied acrylic.
12. Straw
Straws can be a multi-purpose tool for your painting adventures. You can blow paint through the straw over the canvas in the pattern of your choice. Alternatively, you can use the straw to roll the paint around the canvas for blended strokes.
13. Make-Up Sponge
Make-up is similar to art, so make-up applicators like the beauty blender can be used in your painting. Instead of throwing away your old beauty blender, clean up the sponge and use them to create a creamy effect on your drawings thanks to their soft texture.
You also use them to color with ink and create a beautiful effect if you use the ink-sponge combo for the margins of the canvas or paper. If you are up for some variety. For a dreamy look, work with two-color combos to create a gradient, a guaranteed masterpiece.
14. Toilet Paper Rolls
We are all aware of the use of toilet paper rolls for funky children’s art projects. But they can also be used for acrylic painting. Use the ends of the rolls and dip in the paint to create distressed circles. Alternatively, you can halve the rolls to make ‘U’s instead.
15. Bottle Caps
Next time you recycle your bottles, keep the caps that can be used similarly to the toilet rolls. You can work with different cap shapes and go as messy as possible for an artistic look.
16. Cardboard
Make use of the old shoebox or notebook cover that is lying around. Take a small piece of cardboard to use as a craft spatula to apply paint, or use the sides to dab the paint over the canvas. The cardboard can be dragged to create the illusion of peeled-off wall paint which makes an interesting texture.
17. Baby Oil
No need to buy transparent paper separately. Use a cotton pad to apply baby oil gently over the printing paper until it is fully covered to produce transparent paper. These papers make for an interesting canvas and make some unique art pieces.
Ink doesn’t smudge on the paper so you can practice stamping on them.
18. Feathers
Add a modern touch to your work by using feathers. Clean up your feather duster and then dip it in paint. Use the painted feather tips to attain a unique texture that lights up your canvas.
19. Vegetables
Apparently, vegetables are as healthy for your body and your canvas. For instance, if you have a corn cob that you find difficult to finish by yourself, add some paint to the remaining kernels and roll the cob over the canvas for a surprise!
Another helpful art vegetable is bell peppers. Bell peppers are clover leaf shaped and can be dipped in green paint and then used to stamp over the canvas.
20. Yarn For Line Effect
Yarn can be used to create an abstract pattern. A wood block is covered with yarn and then dipped in paint to apply over your canvas. This creates an eye-catching line effect that will make your guests turn their heads.
21. Same Yarn, Different Technique
Yarn can also be used to create a different effect. This time yarn can be wrapped around a paint roller. This time can be used to make wavy lines instead of straight ones and then use the roller to paint over the canvas or even the whole wall.
22. Celery Stalk Stamp
In addition to corn and peppers, celery stalks can also be used for stamps. Instead of throwing away the stub of the celery stalk, use the stub to be used as a flower stamp. Dip the stub in paint and add some pretty flowers to your paintings.
23. Potatoes
If you have leftover potatoes to spare, these can be used to create stamps. The first step is to use a sharpie to outline the shape of your choice and then cut out the shape with an X-Acto Knife. Then make the shape protrude from the rest of the potato using the kitchen knife. You can make a stamp for cheap using leftover potatoes instead of spending on expensive stamps.
24. Wrap A Roller In Plastic Wrap
This can be used to create some interesting patterns. Simply wrap a roller in plastic wrap and paint with your favorite colors. Now just go wild with the roller over your canvas. This is especially great if you are a beginner acrylic painter looking for ideas.
25. Beautiful Wine Cork Stamp
You have popped open your favorite wine bottle but are still trying to figure out what to do with the cork. Well, the cork can be used similarly to the potato and can be used to create a stamp.
Conclusion
This compiled list of household items is to help kickstart your acrylic painting journey. It is fascinating how these ordinary objects can help create some extraordinary works. So experiment with these painting substrates and see how your work turns out.
