How to Make Clear Gesso for Your Handmade Art Journal

Starting a new project, making a handmade art journal from used book pages. Before we can make the book we need to prepare the papers for paint, ink, collage, and other media so today I am going to show an easy recipe for making homemade clear gesso for pennies.
All you need is 4 parts PVA (white craft glue), 2 parts water, and one part corn starch (corn flour). That’s it! So join me to see how to put it all together.
I have printable scans of my vintage paper collection on Etsy here:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BookandP...
My online course The Book of You: Making and Keeping an Illustrated Journal is on sale! From today until 1 Augusts 2002, it is over 25% off (of the full price of $75) down to $55, so if you want to find out more about adding easy, no-fail drawings, found paper collage, lettering, blocking layouts, and much more, check out the link here:
kelly-s-school-b1d1.thinkific...
Not sure? Here is more detailed information:
bookandpaperarts.com/the-book...
And if you are interested in buying original paper and vintage ephemera bundles full of cards, paper, handwritten pieces, lace, and more I sell them here:
bookandpaperarts.com/french-e...

[@BookandPaperArts]

Actual gesso making starts at the 3:50 mark. 🌻🌼🌷

[@electrichen6243]

You can also use talcum powder in place of the cornflour. You can also tint it any colour using acrylic paint.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for this. I am going to see if I can get a sepia tone. Fingers crossed!

[@calypso_lazuli]

I also heard baby powder as an alternative to corn starch which I’m curious to try only because I LOOOOVVVVEEE the smell of baby powder 😂😂😂 I don’t think I’ve heard anyone criticize using baby powder rather than corn starch, other than maybe people with asthma which is probably one of the reasons corn starch is the go-to ingredient 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@electrichen6243]

@@calypso_lazuli Yes talc can be an irritant, but not sure talc is now used in talcum powder. Good ventilation and cautions observed with mixed media projects is advised. I know one youtuber used so many layers of different products on a project that it caused a chemical reaction.

[@calypso_lazuli]

@@electrichen6243 I waited to test out the baby powder formula before responding 😂😂 It works PERFECTLY following the formula provided in this video! I did wear a mask when mixing everything bc baby powder is very dusty… it leaves an interesting transparent matte finish (no gloss whatsoever) with strong tooth on the paper, the baby powder smell is very minimal… according to the Johnson & Johnson baby powder bottle I have, the ingredients include corn starch and tricalcium phosphate which are the the best of both worlds because the original ingredient provided was “marble powder” and the alternative includes corn starch…

[@electrichen6243]

@@calypso_lazuli Great. It should keep for a while if stored in an airtight container.

[@katherinehawkes]

Thanks for the awesome frugal tip! This is going to save me quite a bit of moola!!! Be especially blessed!!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Katherine. I stumbled onto this as I was out of the pricey stuff and can't get it locally and didn't have time to order online and now I am a convert and will be using this free one from now on! Kelly🌻🌼🌷

[@blossompetal784]

How fabulous of you to share the recipe with us! This will be so helpful. Many Thanks

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are so welcome. Hope you make some cool pages!

[@dianedenison7715]

It's been insane in my part of the Planet these few weeks. I decided to go back to you tube. You are my much needed way out. This project is gonna do it. I have everything I need 😌 Thanks. See you around.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Diane. I hear everything you are saying. I have gone on a strict social media and news detox by doing a deep dive into learning new and different art and making techniques and ideas and am starting to feel completely different, as if I am growing. Stay strong and keep making and exploring and healing and growing. (And don't let the b*stards get you down.) 🌻🌼🌷🎨🎨🎨

[@laracraft82]

Thank you for the receipe of clear gesso

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are very welcome, Lara.

[@rgporter1957]

Well this is a heck of a lot easier than the recipe found somewhere here in the U.S.: 1/4 c. baby powder 1 T. white glue 1 T. white paint (assuming acrylic) Water (undisclosed amount) You can be sure YOUR recipe will be replacing the other on my wall! Thank you!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Robyn, I tried the baby powder one and was not happy with it although I do know makers who use it. I made my recipe out of necessity when I ran out of the store-bought one and no one in town sold it and I am actually very pleasantly surprised at well it worked. A win-win.

[@sacredsinger]

I have a jug of clear glue just sitting here so I'm excited

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, D'Andre. Keep me posted on how it turns out! Kelly

[@sacredsinger]

@@BookandPaperArts will do

[@lynnboyd33]

Kelly, now THIS is terrific! I too, don't use clear gesso a lot, usually because it's way too costly, as you said. But I think I will start making it, and indulging a whole lot more! With the cost of everything going thru the roof, I so appreciate these little hacks on cutting corners, with the same effect! Thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well hello, Lynn. I am thinking about an occasional series of free/cheap art supplies. It is kind of "off-brand" for me as I have all of these vintage treasure that is not cheap but well, the more I save on staple art supplies, the more I can spend on the old brocante, no? PS - once you have some of this around, you use it more than you think. It is good for strengthening fragile papers. Kelly

[@kimberleymaloy1728]

Thanks for sharing, definitely going to try 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for touching base, Kimberley, Now go get 'em and make gorgeous and fun pages. Kelly

[@lorigigglegirlarts]

I have made clear gesso using baking soda, and you're right. It is very rough OR has a lot of tooth! LOL I'll remember to try your recipe. I'm sure the corn starch is much smoother! Thanks for sharing.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Lori. The weird thing is that my store-bought clear gesso has that rough tooth and I do like it, and I also like the smooth one with the corn starch. The homemade version with baking soda seemed to give me the worst of both worlds. 😁🐡🐠

[@pattipostcard8489]

Thanks for this, Kelly -- I'm going to try it when my store-bought clear gesso runs out!

[@amandacreamer05]

Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I’m always so thankful to find a simple, affordable way to be able to add to my creative ventures. And I always love hearing you speak and share!

[@La1Senora]

Hello Miss Kelly! After my first go-round with traditional white gesso, I never used it. I was excited to see your video of CLEAR gesso. I also appreciate that you demonstrated the difference between treated and untreated paper. I will definitely be making and using it!! Thanks for sharing this. Love your beautiful art!

[@nickykf1]

Yay you just saved my bacon. Unable to locate my clear gesso for a workshop tomorrow, but I have been able to make up a small jar using your recipe. Thanks a million🎉

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Nicky. It is my very real pleasure. It's always great to find ways to improvise with what we have on hand, no? Kelly

[@brendadavies3942]

Thank you, this was really interesting xxx

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Brenda. I'm so pleased you liked it. Kelly

[@dawnthierry9838]

Oh my gosh-this is great! I was looking at gesso at the store and it was sold in amounts greater than I needed. This works to make up smaller batches as needed. I always have cornstarch-use it for my paste paper making, and plenty of PVA-thank you!!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Paste paper! I love love paste paper making. We must compare notes. Now this homemade gesso needs to be shaken from time to time (or just make tiny batches then make fresh as needed). I sent you some printables and the files were big, so let me know if you didn't get them. All the best! Kelly

[@TheJadefox640]

Hi Dawn, noticed your name . I never see anyone with Thierry name. Wonder if we are related? Ilive in New York state. I know it's been 7 months since you wrote on here. But I thought I would write something anyway.

[@karenwillett707]

Thank you so very much for sharing I am new to the art world and I really appreciate the information you share it comes in very handy I’m excited to make my own batch

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Karen. Thank you so much for touching base. If I can help troubleshoot as you make your way into the art world, just let me know. Be sure and have fun: if you make mistakes learn from them but get out there and be bold.🌷🌼🌻Kelly

[@yvonnehuth8561]

Thank you for sharing, new subscriber from Canada 🇨🇦

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure, Yvonne, and welcome! Kelly

[@cerropaint]

I love this easy tip Kelly…I use clear gesso all the time and hate when I run out of it! I’ll make sure to grab some corn starch next time I’m at the market! 😁

[@clouda9]

Right on! Thx for sharing the clear gesso recipe and all the other craft-lover stuff. 🎨🖌💞

[@UrbanGrrl69]

Nice one Kelly thanks

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

So easy! I’m trying it today! Thanks.

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is crazy easy, Nola. I didn't believe it would work and hey, presto, it does! Keep me posted on what you think.

[@annevancingel8250]

Thank you for sharing ,Kelly

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are very welcome, Anne. 🌻🌼🌷

[@Westernista]

Good to know and a nice touch!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you! I do appreciate it. 🌻🌼🌷

[@dehramcdonald8133]

Very useful video. Thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my pleasure, Dehra.

[@jacqueevelyn6411]

That is awesome Thank You

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure, Jacque Evelyn. 🌻🌼🌷

[@lauramarycann9590]

Love your work ❤👩‍🎨

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, dear Laura Mary. 🌻🌼🌷

[@lauramarycann9590]

@@BookandPaperArts 💞🙋‍♀️

[@CatherineSunnysideJournals]

Thanks Kelly! Bookmarking this! ~~C.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hey, Catherine. I was kind of surprised how well it worked but I was out of the store-bought stuff and they don't sell it in my little town and no time to order it so I resorted to necessity and hey, presto, it works! It is different from the bought one, and has less tooth to the touch but it definitely primes the page. Kelly

[@kristinev7671]

Thank you 🌸

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are very welcome, Kristine.🌻🌼🌷

[@annatronson5927]

Wonderful! 👏👏👍🏾Love Clear Gesso! Have experimented making Lear Gesso 6 years ago when first got into altering books! Thankyou for sharing! I’d like to use it more sparingly. Since mine and one you showed is quite a bit $ , !! I love the effects I had gotten in the past! Your video is perfectly time;y as I have a couple “free finds”, and/ rescue books! Where I’d like to save the print and browning aged edges!! 😀

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Anna. Yes, I also eke my store-bought one out so this is a game-changer as, as you say, it is a good way to preserve and strengthen old papers. I was surprised at how well it worked and really do like it a lot. Keep me posted on how it works!

[@karenpuschmann4157]

Brilliant

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Karen!

[@effiecross2008]

I have bought clear gesso before, and you're right, that stuff is pricey. I don't mind so much paying a lot for something like watercolor that doesn't go bad-but gesso definitely doesn't last indefinitely. I sure won't mind if this homemade recipe has to be replaced every few years, since it's SO inexpensive, and super easy to make! Thanks a bunch for the recipe! I was wondering, if you were in a pinch and needed some regular gesso, if you could add a bit of white acrylic paint, maybe one or 2 parts worth to this base recipe and if it would work? Maybe not as well as an expensive gesso, but better than nothing.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Effie. Not going to fib, the store bought clear gesso is best but darn, for just myself and for fun, it is so good to have a homemade, affordable, and on the spot version that will do. I have seen recipes for homemade white gesso using acrylic paint and baby powder (if I remember correctly) but it didn't work great for me. If it was me I might try a spoon of baking powder with acrylic paint. Go online because there are recipes. Keep me posted! Kelly

[@moongl0]

Kelly, I LOVE your channel! We need more budget friendly art makers out there! Thanks for all the learning and amazing-NESS. Truly blown away!❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there. You know, my supplies are a mix of the best I can afford and free stuff that I find trash picking or on walks. I will be doing more videos about found art supplies later in the year. Any favourites for you?

[@moongl0]

@@BookandPaperArts Certainly have lots. Tea bags - a favorite of yours, I know - are a huge one. Retail paper bags and free postcards/handbills from places I go; maps/brochures; flowers/seed pods; ribbon/thread/tags/chains/tissue/paper stuffing from packaging; cellophane wrappers; empty cereal box liners; found old coins and other metal bits (love rummaging at thrift stores too).

[@BookandPaperArts]

I bought an air fryer yesterday and of course it came overpacked but I salvaged some of the paper wrapped around the thing as it is almost like a fluffy tissue paper and you better believe I wasn't recycling or throwing that away. Coming to a video soon! @@moongl0

[@barbarakrokosz6051]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm in need of a very thick gesso to make non-leveling lines in my acrylic painting. Can you advise if you have made any heavy gesso that is non-leveling. Thank you. 💐

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hmmm. Good question, Barbara. If I understand the question, I might try letting a glob of gesso sit in the air and partially dry. This lets some of the water evaporate and the gesso that is left, still damp, is more like a plaster and is quite thick and stays in one place. Let me know if this works. Kelly

[@vicster1981]

Ooh, I have all the ingredients (including Wilko’s PVA) going to try this tomorrow.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Yayayay! I love Wilco's craft section and their stationery/office supply section. I always find something there I didn't know I needed.

[@monicamills2584]

This is so great - I love making my own products!! Thanks for sharing. Does this homemade gesso have a matte finish or does it dry to some kind of satin or glossy sheen?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Monica. Yeah, my stash is part the-best-that-I-can-afford and part free stuff that I make or find trash picking. It's a healthy balance. The finish here is not shiny so I guess it is matte but it is NOT matte the way store bought clear gesso is, which has a bit of a tooth. The finish with the homemade stuff is more of a flat matte. Happy making! Kelly

[@petergordon4456]

You can use baby powder to make Gesso to works well .peter Scotland xx

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for this, Peter. And send me your address if you still want a copy of M. Pierrot. Happy to get one to you. Kelly in Swansea

[@jodimartin4250]

Tfs this recipe. Will be nice to save money to spend elsewhere. Lol 💐💐

[@helenmerry4543]

Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! You are so correct in that I don't have a huge need for lots of it. Some one gave me some store bought however it is glossy and I'm not a fan. Do you know if arrowroot works as well as cornstarch?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Helen, it is only my guess but I am going to say arrowroot should work. If you try, please keep me posted! Kelly

[@helenmerry4543]

@@BookandPaperArts I sure will. Thank you!

[@nancyriege6776]

Hi, I am just tuning in and can’t find the recipe. Would you mind sharing it again. Thank you!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Nancy. It is the text under the video. If you can't find it let me know and I will send it separately. Thanks! Kelly

[@everybodylovesrooroo2228]

Thank you for this recipe. But how do you make the gritty kind like the new one Tim Holtz has out? Any suggestions?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Ah. I am not sure which one that would be. My store-bought one has more of a tooth to it and you can feel the texture after it has dried. But I don't know how to add one that would add an actual texture. Maybe some plaster of paris? Keep me posted if you find out. 😺😁😁

[@reedificandoasmuralhasoficial]

Dá para substituir o amido de milho por banho seco para chinchilas. É bem barato e rende muito. No Brasil custa de 10 à 15 reais.

[@Glittered_Kitten]

Can you use clear glue in place of the white? I know they are different chemical compounds, but unsure if it would make a difference.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there. I did try clear craft glue and let's just say it didn't not work but I seem to remember the white glue being better, and it does dry clear. However, if you have clear glue, why not make a small batch and see how it works for you? Keep me posted! Kelly

[@Glittered_Kitten]

@@BookandPaperArts thank you! I'll give it a go and see what happens. I do have white glue somewhere if it doesn't work XD

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

Bonjour! Je te remerci. Je adore votre vidéo. Thank you for the video as usual when talking about papers they are the most required especially for students. But the creating methodologies of papers are not eco friendly sometimes but we're creating eco friendly papers here in our Sri Lankan. By the way May i inquire you a question please give me your answer to the following if have time. this is for make my awareness about news papers in your country so here is my question. How many astronomy magazines are there in your country. Please! name at least a magazine. I would like to know and your answer will be really helpful. May all your expectations be successful !

[@BookandPaperArts]

Merci, Almeda. C'est mon plaisir vraiment. Wow, how many astronomy magazines? In print? There are many, many science magazines. Online I subscribe to Quanta, which is very good for understanding astronomy and physics if you are not scientific. How many do you have in Sri Lanka? Kelly

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

@@BookandPaperArts there is a magazine calling " Tharulowa" that is a sinhala magazine. that is the most popular astronomy magazine in sri Lanka.

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

@@BookandPaperArts Thank you for making my awareness about " Quanta "! i just subscribed that channel also.

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403 😎😎😁😁

[@niccilefevre]

is this archival? I make paintings to sell online (most are coated in resin at the end) and because I want a smooth surface I add a lot of layers. It ends up getting expensive lol, would this be good you think?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Nicci. Now I can't promise but these ARE the sort of materials that artists would have been using for centuries with clean, natural ingredients. Hope that helps! Kelly

[@BookandPaperArts]

Okay, another commenter said it is not archival. Don't know what that is based on but I don't know that they are mistaken. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@effiecross2008]

I'm not sure about archival, but my tap water has a lot of iron , so I will definitely be using distilled water to make this. Even if your tap water is not as lousy as mine, distilled water might be a good idea since this is going to be staying on your paper permanently. I figure distilled water certainly couldn't hurt!

[@clanreid2556]

How do you store this recipe for later use?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Good question. You could keep it in the fridge and it will be less likely to develop mould which might happen in time. However, it does settle and separate which means a lot of extra stirring and shaking. I find it more practical to make super small batches as needed. Happy making!

[@RachelRamey]

The "save" option (e.g. save to favorites, save to "watch later," etc.) option is not available on this video. Is that a setting you set, or is that a glitch?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Rachel, I can see it on my side. Have you tried opening KZbin in another browser and seeing if that will show you the Save Later option? Keep me posted!

[@RachelRamey]

@@BookandPaperArts It does show up in another browser. So weird, though, because I have it in THIS browser on every video except this one. lol Good to know it seems to just be some kind of weird glitch.

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@RachelRamey Gremlins! Glad you got it to work, Rachel.

[@artbyamra]

I have Mix it...and get Slime 😅 what i am doing wrong???

[@dianekhamilton]

I feel like you ended before demonstrating! I wanted to see you use what you made and then show us what it looked like dry. I wanted to see that it was really clear and not milky.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Diane. As I explained in the video, this is part 1 of 3 and today and Sunday I will be demonstrating a lot, so please stay tuned and see how it works on the page! Kelly🌻🌼🌷

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@love-light369 Hi there. They are indeed up. See the two videos following this one. 🌷🌼🌻🌻

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hiya. Yes, they are the two following this one. Enjoy! 😺

[@love-light369]

@@BookandPaperArts Oh, they say nothing in the titles about being part 2 or 3 or using gesso etc... I'll go take a peek. 👌

[@lwallin3217]

I did not see the written recipe.

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is in the text box below the video but here it is for clarity (you can't have this stuff in too many places 😺): All you need is 4 parts PVA (white craft glue), 2 parts water, and one part corn starch (corn flour). Hope this helps! Kelly

[@rusticagenerica]

I didn't see more contrast . :|{

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hmmm. Fair enough. Perhaps it depends on what medium you are working in. It may not do much with a water-based colour but if you are using an oil or soft pastel or even acrylic you might get more oomph.

[@rusticagenerica]

@@BookandPaperArts Much appreciated for the video though :))

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

Not archival/acid free....

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for the information. I will pass that on. Kelly😺