How to make a mini watercolour palette - lots of ideas for tiny pocket palettes - so cute!

How to make a tiny watercolour box which will fit in your pocket for sketching and painting on the go. This palette is perfect for urban sketching, plein air painting and holidays, these palettes have paint, brush, water, sponge etc - all you need for a happy day.
You can buy little watercolour boxes, but they often have colours you don't like and miss out the ones you want. Far better to make your own, and you have the satisfaction of saving money, repurposing things and customising it. I have become slightly addicted!
Let's be honest, if you have to take a huge bag of supplies, you just won't go - we are not donkeys! You can make your own travel palette using supplies you will probably have to hand. We look at using blister packs, Lego bricks and ice cube trays. These little sets are really sweet.
If you have any travel set ideas and tips, it would be great if you could share them in the comments.
I must do a big THANK YOU to Aline, for introducing me to mini ice cube trays.... I got mine from eBay for £2.99 including postage and there is enough to may 5 sets at least.
You might also like my 'smallest paintbox in the world' film. Someone told me that they are now selling these little swatch cards - just make them yourself: • Smallest paintbox in t...
#lizchaderton #watercolortechnique #loosepainting

[@dorianadesanto4158]

The tiny ice tray is genius!

[@LizChadertonArt]

I wish it was my original idea!

[@kimallen8521]

My words exactly! Will definitely be ordering one!

[@boojay111]

thanks Liz, I love making these sort of things a good excuse for procrastinating instead of painting, you are full of great ideas😄

[@LizChadertonArt]

ha ha! I end up making films instead of painting!

[@violetsprite]

Great video! Finding household items to turn into watercolor palette boxes is always fun. I tend to use old eyeshadow containers to turn into watercolor palette boxes.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Great idea!! Sadly I don’t wear eyeshadow!

[@katpaints]

@@LizChadertonArt I have bought eyeshadow at our Dollar Tree stores and it is worth it for the tiny palette. The one I use has 3 sections but I put a dab of a few yellows in one, blues in the next and reds in the other. French UB and burnt sienna and quin gold are my go-tos too! The plastic bit that kept the lid on wore out too quickly so I recently took my woodburning tool's sharp point and poked holes in t and put some heavy wire through, curling the ends to keep it tight. Works better than ever!

[@LizChadertonArt]

​@@katpaintssounds like a great solution

[@sfoss9470]

Great ideas, thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you like them!

[@k.b.1996]

The little silicone trays are absolutely GENIUS! Love the idea!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you like them!

[@violinzeta]

Finally placed an order for an ice tray and waiting for it to arrive! We live in less than 400 square feet so my main pallet is the Portable Painter that I've modified with 3d printed half pans that are quartered by an Etsy seller. This should feel right at home for even more convenience mixes!

[@LizChadertonArt]

gosh, every inch must count. I hope this saves on space

[@pennyvae]

Liz, I love this idea! It's one of the most relaxing things to take my supplies and go out into the world and observe and paint. I knew I was saving those metal tins for something fun :). I also want to thank you for continuing to create these videos. I always look forward to what you will be explaining or demonstrating. I now have some watercolor ground and some Dorland's wax to further my creative journey. Thank you again!

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh thank you and that’s great to hear!

[@christinedickenson7514]

Using a mini ice cube tray and an Altoids metal tin. Love this idea! I'll be putting 15 little pans in my tin which is perfect for when painting en plein air! Thanks for sharing!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

They are quite addictive to make…. be warned

[@eshikarenjith5906]

This is such a creative video!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much. They are such fun to make (and use)

[@FourThousandMilesTogether]

Thank you for this! I'm about to fill up my first tin (luckily got gifted a beautiful wooden one!) But had no clue how to do it. I didn't think i'd find a video of something I figured I should just magically know how to do. This was so creative!! will absolutely be making more mini tins for different places I might paint eg more blues for the beach and greens for the woods. I love that artists are such tinkers and always gather bits and bobs together to find a way. It might not be perfectly polished looking but it sure is functional!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Most artists are border-line hoarders 'you never know when it might come in handy' 😀

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

This is definitely a wonderful idea! I did something like this for my very first watercolor palette when I began my painting journey with watercolors 3 years ago. I used an old rectangular biscuit tin with half & full pans to make a studio palette. Worked really well for me and I still use it today. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational & inspirational video with us.

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure and your palette sounds great. so much more personal.

[@suel4269]

Hahaha feeling like a Donkey! Love the heart shaped box. The hinges on my sunglass cases wear out and don’t close anymore .

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am lazy at heart, so I like to keep things light and simple 😊

[@Iwanttodrawachicken]

Thanks for showing the difference before and after sanding the tin.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I hope it was helpful

[@wenwake7584]

Fab ideas. I just found an old sanitary pad tin, same size as you used, and 12 full pans fit it perfectly. 😁👍👍

[@LizChadertonArt]

Great idea!!

[@aaronying4989]

Liz Thanks for the tips, I’ve been sketching and drawing and have done acrylics but I’m just getting started into watercolors and really nervous! First time. I got a set of tubes but then realized I don’t have a travel box or kit. Also loved your travel journal video and got a lot from it. Your presentation is very pleasant. 🎉 Aaron.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! As you have tubes of watercolour you can easily fill your own travel set. if you don’t want to make your own, there are all sorts of new options available online. I’m doing a review in a few weeks of a couple I spotted.

[@suziedoozie6478]

Thank you for a brilliant assortment of ideas! I just spent a week deciding on colors for my mini pallets(2)! I just filled them with paint today….I’m waiting for it to dry! 😊❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

That’s so exciting! hope you have fun using it

[@changchesserly7591]

Brilliant! Thank you 💕🙏🏼💕

[@LizChadertonArt]

You're so welcome!

[@malcolmjoelywilliams7215]

I’m gathering some supplies around the house to make my own and I thought maybe an old scrabble game letter pieces would be great! Old play dough mini containers to bring the water around if you don’t have a water pen and cut down some small paint brushes that fit inside! What fun ❤🎉

[@LizChadertonArt]

Those sound like great ideas!

[@iadenicole931]

Great ideas. I use a toothpick or an unwound paperclip to stir the paint in properly in the pans.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Good idea! Thank you

[@user-gl6dg8ho3j]

I've used a needle. It works! And saves paint.

[@janicebleasdale7140]

I found six (round) lids from the top of soda pop bottles snap in an altoid mint box. They are easily removed and change around!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Perfect!

[@floraratcliff5705]

This was the best idea. I have wanted a mini watercolour set but nothing i could find completely fitted what i needed. I also didnt have any spair pans kicking around and didnt want to wait for them to arrive so the legos were such a great idea! if i could attach a photo i would

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@polgara28]

What fun! I especially loved the hot glue gun mixing wells. Can't wait to try this out! Thanks!

[@LizChadertonArt]

it works really well

[@luwerner4032]

I love the Lego idea! I know the dollar tree has knock off ones too

[@LizChadertonArt]

perfect!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Love your fun personality and the many ideas you're sharing. .:)

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@julijopeterson7096]

Great ideas! Thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure!

[@carolgehman6036]

A needle nose pliers and just a few twists and that center piece comes out in a few pieces. 🙂 Didn't need a drill.

[@carolgehman6036]

Referring to the Lego piece....

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@carolgehman6036 I tried that, and Mine didn’t. But glad it works for you!

[@paraskevikonteli6249]

Very useful video, thank you!!!!❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susancook1617]

Thank you Liz, super ideas

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@herdailydrip6277]

Wonderful ideas Liz! Thank you for sharing! 💕 As someone who is just beginning her watercolor journey, your channel is a goldmine! You are so smart!💕

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! I hope your watercolour journey is a long and happy one!

[@nicoladavies8878]

These are excellent ideas! Thank you 😉

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you like them!

[@UJB123]

Outstanding!

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you!

[@LJP2112]

That is simply fascinating! I’m going to make two for my grandsons.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Have fun!!

[@tanugupta9389]

This is brilliant 😍

[@LizChadertonArt]

I really like them!

[@Gonrich7]

Great video! thanks for sharing!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@m.m.7749]

Preciosa e ingeniosa idea, gracias.

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you!

[@annejameson3425]

Very clever! Thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you liked it!

[@Heathers_creates]

This is the video I needed. Plenty of inspiration. That Lego idea is great.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LilacKoi]

8:20 i know it's not serious but you asked lol, I have a similar ice cube tray as that. I make dog treats with it, he's a smol boi only 6 lbs so the smaller size make it easier for him.

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh that’s tiny! you could ‘borrow’ a little for your palette?

[@LilacKoi]

@@LizChadertonArt he has three already im sure he can spare half of one hhaha

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@LilacKoi the perfect answer. I won’t tell him if you don’t!

[@evahedstrom8789]

I have put my color swatch taped onto the box so I can flip it out when painting, and fold it back when I pack it down

[@LizChadertonArt]

that’s a good idea! Thanks

[@imee9328]

A really nice idea! Loved it💖🌸💖

[@LizChadertonArt]

be warned it’s addictive!

[@imee9328]

@@LizChadertonArt i tried it and its great thanks a lot for this amazing idea!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@imee9328 Oh well done! So glad you did

[@katsmith8263]

Thank you!! 👍👍👍

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure

[@katsmith8263]

@@LizChadertonArt I just saw a tip to use a cloth wrist band with magnets sewn in so you could put the tin box with paints on those magnets on your wrist so you don't have to hold it while painting. I think it's a great tip

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@katsmith8263 if you were outside standing to paint, that would be perfect!

[@MrNobody0010]

U R So Cute 🥰 Thanks For The Idea I Am Going To A Trip So This Helped Alot ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

You’re welcome 😊

[@MrNobody0010]

​@@LizChadertonArt Love from India ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Are you on your travels now??@@MrNobody0010

[@MrNobody0010]

@@LizChadertonArtNo I Was 1 Week' Later On A Trip. I am going to another Trip one 24 March ✨ So Yeah I Am Mostly On Travels

[@aprilezell3784]

For the life of me I can't figure out what watercolor 'ground' is ~ a primer of some sort? Great ideas!

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes, it's an absorbent primer you can get to prepare almost any surface for watercolour. Daniel Smith, QoR and Schmincke make it

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

Genius

[@LizChadertonArt]

😄

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

@@LizChadertonArt ETCHR Mini Palette 19 Color Wells - Great with Watercolor Acrylic Oil and Gouache Paint - Professional Ceramic Mixing Palette and Airtight Metal Tin - The Ideal Top Quality Art Supply for All Artists was what I had my eye on but is £45 which is $55 😱 but so cute

[@RedRebel_99]

Just found your channel, and I must say, I absolutely love your content. I'd started with ink drawings but recently I've been wanting to add colour more specifically watercolour. Excellent to follow along to!

[@LizChadertonArt]

welcome! Watercolour really is wonderful!

[@CLOUDSINTHEKITCHEN]

sweet

[@LizChadertonArt]

thanks!

[@silekunolaarowolo4714]

Nice

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks

[@OnlyJewell]

Cute idea for painting outside of the normal studio room! I normally paint straight from the tube following Louise de masi's teaching and style, but this is a cute idea! I love repurposing old things like this. Question though, how/what is the magic eraser for and used??

[@LizChadertonArt]

magic Eraser is super useful for lifting paint. I did a little film about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52Wp3awlt-Artk hope you find that useful

[@urmomedit]

I m using the Lego one and some crayola watercolors to make a travel kit! I’m excited abt how it might come out. Edit: did it and a vid is on my channel if u wana see it

[@LizChadertonArt]

Hope it works well!

[@pienonyoutube]

"Frankly, I'm not a donkey..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@LizChadertonArt]

but I’m not 🫏!!

[@katsmith8263]

What do you think about gouache? Do you ever use it?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I use gouache for ink resist, tatter than as my primary medium

[@jennamurphy9614]

I'm still going to feel like a donkey because I don't know how to paint, but at least I'll be organised 😂

[@LizChadertonArt]

😂 No one is born knowing. You will get there!

[@WhatsMarlyUpTo]

Liz, do you find the mini cubes of dried paint pop out or shrink away from the walls? Silicone is notorious for being a non-stick surface. Love the idea and found some white mini cube trays but will wait to see what you have observed. I would never be able to guarantee my tin would not get tossed around in transporting so I'm a wee bit cautious! 🤣

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am rough with my art supplies and have had no issues with the paint falling out

[@WhatsMarlyUpTo]

@@LizChadertonArt Thanks for replying so quickly! I'll go ahead and order them!

[@user-gl6dg8ho3j]

You could put something like bubble wrap on top during transportation, or put cling film over it.

[@BLobregat]

And what about using epoxy clay for dividers/partitions?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I’ve never done it, but as long as it adheres, it would work. Might be over complicating?

[@Xenial_Lizzie]

So.. I made one of my own and it's absolutely GREAT! my little altoids tin has already been in use and it fits everything: pallette, watermixing tray, q-tips, pencil & kneading eraser, AND my tiny sketchbook #tinysketchbook. I have a question though, the pans are silicone and when the pans of color shrink, they tend to get like and want to fall out; have you encountered this and how do you fix it?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I see what you mean, but no I haven’t experienced that.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

Where did you find the little tray that fit into the altoid box? The silicone for the heart box?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I. just got a mini ice cube tray off Amazon and cut to size

[@ralphherrick596]

So watercolor paint can be mixed on the acrylic painted tin?

[@LizChadertonArt]

seems to work well enough!

[@sonjaloots841]

What about 7 day pill boxes?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Great idea. That should work.

[@sfoss9470]

What do you use the magic eraser for?

[@LizChadertonArt]

lifting watercolour, you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52Wp3awlt-Artk

[@kerry5586]

Hi Liz, Having been inspired by your video I have become slightly obsessed with making a variety of mini palettes, but I am having problems finding decent magnets to stick to the bottom. Please could you tell me what make yours was and were you got it from? Many thanks for your help.

[@LizChadertonArt]

sorry about the addiction. I had to speak severely to myself after I’d made five or six. I’m so sorry, I cannot remember where the magnet came from. I had a self adhesive sheet magnet in a drawer which I cut up. And tbh the self adhesive isn’t great. sorry not to be able to help.

[@kerry5586]

@@LizChadertonArt Thanks for responding Liz. Looking at reviews it seems difficult to find a good sticky magnet that does the trick. The addiction also is quite difficult to deal with!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@kerry5586 should I add a health warning??

[@kerry5586]

@@LizChadertonArt Definitely one for the bank balance: buying all the new colours to put in the new palettes!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@kerry5586 oops…

[@alicjahi2211]

Hello! What kind of paints (in tubes) do you recommend to make your own watercolor palette, I want them to dry out completely but also be pigmented and work well after adding water to them. Are there any cheap options for beginners?

[@LizChadertonArt]

what country are you in? I can recommend some uk options. In general avoid anything with honey (eg M Graham, Sennelier), as they never fully dry out.

[@alicjahi2211]

@@LizChadertonArt I'm in Poland

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@alicjahi2211 sorry, I don’t know which brands are available in Poland. But the own brand tubes from Jackson’s, Ken Bromley or SAA, if they deliver, are very cost effective whike being professional quality

[@alicjahi2211]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you! I'm definitely going to check them out

[@alicjahi2211]

@@LizChadertonArt what about winsor and newton? Have u ever used these?

[@NaturallyGourgeous]

what kind of water brush do you use?

[@LizChadertonArt]

it’s a no brand brush. I think I just got it off Amazon in a pack.

[@canapop]

Could you please reply the brand of water brush, I haven't had any luck finding some with a stopper

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am so sorry, but I do not know where I got them from. I have a large collection (for teaching workshops) and none of them have names on.

[@canapop]

@@LizChadertonArt well darn, thank you for getting back to me so promptly

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@canapop now you have me intrigued. Are you in the US? I googled waterbrush with stopper and lots came up eg www.etsy.com/listing/898773830/portable-water-brush-with-stopper

[@ksartstudio2694]

I don't have this ice tray 😢

[@LizChadertonArt]

I got one cheap off Amazon or eBay

[@pritikumaritiwary4850]

Bottle can(cap) be used

[@LizChadertonArt]

thanks for the tip

[@pritikumaritiwary4850]

Always 😃.. But i wanted to say cap🤭

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@pritikumaritiwary4850 I guessed what you meant 😂 and I got it right!

[@janeharrison3151]

brilliant, wish i had seen this a year ago and not bough all manner of sets for using outdoors, hey ho...

[@LizChadertonArt]

Hope you’ve been using those sets!