Make your own mini watercolor palettes

Cathy Johnson has many different watercolor palettes and will show you in this video how you can make your own, filled with your favorite watercolors.
Are you wondering how many colors you really need in a travel kit? It's up to you, but here's an additional video by Cathy with her favorite basics: • Playing with Primaries
Cathy Johnson will show you a lot more about watercolors, drawing, art journaling and painting, in the Sketchbook Skool course called 'Seeing'. Don't miss it!
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[@FiddleKate]

So many interesting ideas! Thank you for sharing!

[@user-gm9xu8sr2e]

ㅏㄴㅎㅅ

[@impalamama7302]

I used bottle caps for pans. They dont hold a lot but i dont paint a lot. Put magnetic strip to hold in place. Love those white tins. Great idea for ice chips tins and honeysuckle stem thing. TFS

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks!

[@radioactiveferrets]

I just got some cheap watercolor tubes from Target in the dollar section and I popped out the small round tins of a dollar store 15-pan mini eyeshadow palette to test how they dry down and rewet. They're about as wide as my pinky and won't take up much room in a palette. They're about the size of a generous dot sample.

[@MyMeriArt]

Love the friction snap lid tip, thank you

[@boovaher]

Love.. love.. love.. the antique cigarette case idea. I can't get pans or half pans here and have to mail order them in. I found a workaround, cheap and easy, by buying the little white plastic chair leg stoppers from my local hardware store. The sort you pop on the bottom of the chairs legs to stop them damaging floors. They come in all shapes and sizes and a bit of double sided tape works wonders keeping them in my homemade tins.

[@nafordebi]

Boo Vaher do you have a video?

[@carlaeskelsen]

That's delightful!

[@mikel4510]

Hi. My name is Mike and I'm a watercolor palette addict.

[@brooklynpeters5541]

“hi Mike....” I think we all are here, you’re in good company. My brother got me some new tubes for christmas, so naturally I now have an at-home palette, and 3 (THREE) mini travel ones for differing occasions haha I need professional help... and by professional help I mean professional paints and way more money for materials haha

[@meowmeow3208]

Same here, mike. Same here

[@mikel4510]

@@brooklynpeters5541 It's crazy when a good porcelain palette costs more than a 5 ml tube of paint.

[@JF-kv1gm]

Oh, deep joy to get these ideas for a pocket sized painting combo. I'm new to watercolours so don't want to spend a lot on something I might not use. So, rummaging around, I used one of those hinged credit card holders (having removed the "pockets" that were lightly glued in) which snaps shut and I glued in 6 plastic water bottle tops inside which I glued a plastic division = 12 colours. No room for a mixing palette but can clip a white plastic lid onto the edge of the credit card holder. Also found a small week's pill dispenser with individual hinged lids that shut tight. Removed the printing from the the lids. 1 euro at the local market.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Great ideas!

[@valasafantastic1055]

Dollar stores often have great tins and sticky backed magnets. Also Amazon sells bulk of the empty half/full pans. I also advise considering a travel container for brushes as an alternative to cutting the handle. Water brushes are great for the most compact quick purse kit. For larger bags you can get holders (zip or roll up) to use full size brushes.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Great ideas!

[@lavenderdaydreams1239]

How cool Kate! I never thought of using the lid on the bottom for extra mixing! Thanks! -

[@FeliciaFollum]

Great palates...I need to remake my travel art kits :) But I always just squeeze new paint into the palates too...And I use my less favorite colors for backgrounds, sketches and greeting cards...Thanks for sharing!!!

[@madebylora]

It’s funny that I’m only seeing this video now, when just last week I made a set in an altoids tin. I bought pre-filled half pans (which is an expensive way to do it, but in my defence, I didn’t know any better) and I glued little magnets on the pans so I can swap them around if needed. I also put a thumb ring on the bottom (which is supposed to be for a mobile phone).

[@carlaeskelsen]

🏆 for the cellphone ring idea! 👍🏻

[@JeanineH]

Geez I never thought of my rubber cement or the white spray paint!!! Genius💖 so glad I found your videos from pinterest😉😇

[@oliviadowns4665]

I am so excited to learnt the term friction fit! Never heard it before.. thank you :)

[@Katerina-kqkq]

The best video about handmade pallets. I think u can try cut silicone ice cube form and use it like pans.

[@esinfa]

Clever tips! I really liked the friction fit idea, thanks!!

[@sprucehouse9]

Nice review of the options. You can also use museum putty to hold the pans in.

[@candycandy5654]

I am totally in love with that antique cigarette case you did thank you im so inspired to make my own kit now

[@lilyhunt145]

When I need a white mixing space I place a piece of paper in that area and then tape it completely with clear tape so it won't be disturbed by the water and is sealed in completely which works just fine x

[@nuvoclassic]

great tip!

[@leebowles3579]

I really enjoyed this.

[@ImgSensors]

Fantastic!! Thank you so very much for sharing❣

[@evawinters8932]

I'm brand new to watercolor art. This vid is so helpful! Thank you!!!🎨☺

[@gsdls]

I love this setup. I have a Bob Ross mint tin that I’ll use like these.

[@sarahmaryslifeinpictures8221]

Loved all ideas and tips you have shared with us, amazing creativity, thank you very much!!

[@darkwingdaph]

I keep two clips in my tin to hold down my paper, but I never thought of adding another mixing area like that! Thank you!

[@nafordebi]

thank you for that video! awesome pointers

[@mangographics225]

Just LOVE these ideas!!! Im new doing outdoor painting and love your ideas - Thanks for this! 💕

[@ashhh2529]

just the thing i needed! thanks!

[@spacecat3738]

Loved your video sooo much :D ty for making it

[@lyndasmith593]

Very helpful!!!!!!!!!!!! Can hardly wait to set mine up. Subscribed

[@parthesky]

This is all of my dreams come true. XD I love your collection.

[@farinab.1336]

i loved the video! juuust was i was looking for :) thank you

[@susanbailey36]

Your pallets looks well used and well loved

[@violet1010]

Hey those are pretty good ideas!

[@wendyb7993]

It’s nice to see someone likes palettes as much as I do

[@sandihester]

great video and tips Cathy!

[@AmaHarker]

I loved this.

[@ChristinePurdy]

Brilliant!!!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Such a great video 😍😍😍

[@nikkogutierrez5393]

Excellent idea

[@tabasco14]

AWESOME!

[@imlmartinez32]

👍wonderful ideas!!

[@susanbailey36]

I like the little half pans. I can get more colors in and still have room for a couple of modified brushes and pencil too.

[@julijopeterson7096]

Great video!

[@martesol]

Fantastic

[@shairaosaka4330]

you can use bottle caps as pans 😍😇

[@debbielee93]

Of all the paints I have tried even my new color 2. Prang semi moist paints are my fave!!!

[@lynnjacques3632]

I’m going to try and reuse my Prang one with better watercolors. It’s good for travel. Mixing tray attached. Thanks!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Great idea!

[@strandedinseattle9931]

I just made a travel kit last night using the ice chips candy tin, was amused that you suggested it, too! I can fit 15 half pans in there easy peasy. If you opt for the full pan, it looks messy and awkward, nothing fits in place.

[@alisonhendry2928]

I have not even finished watching and loving these ideas! Where do I buy those ice chip candies???? Don’t want the candy just the tin! Brilliant friction fit idea! And the rubber cement. Really? Just pull it off? Excellent! Dopey me tried the magnet strip thing with poor results with my own altoid tin attempts. Terrible spray painted lids so need to start again or find those lemon candies…. The use of the cheap kid container is also brilliant!

[@cametientaucoeur]

I found Prang oval case on ebay. Love all your ideas. Jeanne

[@impalamama7302]

I miss the old black metal Prang sets

[@1974KAAR]

you can use lego pieces upside down to act as paint pans.

[@imbored4929]

kim ryan but what about the weird thing that sticks out?

[@fredhubbard7210]

No reason why not, except of course removing the plastic cylinder-- and you need the tools... and the numbs on top take space... you could do it, but why?

[@valasafantastic1055]

Legos are more expensive than empty half/full pans LOL!

[@carlaeskelsen]

@@valasafantastic1055 Very good point, plus the time spent modifying them, plus the possible damage to your expensive brushes if you can't smooth off where you cut the post out.

[@jenniefrench1338]

If you use artist's putty under the pans they won't move in your containers and the refilling isn't a pain with the glue. 💌

[@christinebarone2151]

Thank you.

[@TheBee1470]

An old eyeshadow set :)

[@impalamama7302]

Yes! I have an old one of my moms that I use what neutral tones left in there to grunge up papers for my junk journal. As i was using it today your suggestion hit me and lightbulb came on. It was a set of 8 all little metal squares. THANKS!

[@Essuna]

I like small sets so I use the plastic sheet from pills or mints and then just cut and set with hot glue. It's teeny tiny and light so I quite like it. I did love all this ideas so I want to try a few of them.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I've never thought of that! Hope you find a few others to try :)

[@hatthawattha]

A question! How do you soak out the colours from those pans? I recently bought a set which I though, would have pans that came loose easily. They did not, so now I wonder if I have to use the pans to get the colour out. If there's not yet a video of this, could you please make a video of how to soak the paint out of the pans?

[@peachiegrinsxd]

Are ice chips a regional thing? It's hard to find tons that are white inside

[@alyssaawillis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@pw1669]

In the little tins that you maid won't the paint spill on the other items?

[@ghalone]

So many regrets!!!! I used to collect mint tints! I never thought of turning them into watercolor pallets!!!!

[@Alienz_]

do they dry solid

[@cametientaucoeur]

May I ask the name of the double case with round pans that you referred to as a children set? The shape looks like it would be easy to hold. Thank you, Jeanne

[@LucyZart]

Prang

[@nuvoclassic]

great tips. fyi, the new Altoid tins don't stick as the 'friction lid' mixing pan trick....waaaaaaaaaaah!

[@MyCrimsonMischief]

My altoids tins does the friction lid thing

[@kaylasay7456]

must you spray white enamel paint on a silver surface if i want to use it as a mixing area? or can I just use the silver surface. Thanks I'm a beginner and I want to try to make my own palette. Thanks again :)

[@SketchBookSkool]

Kayla Say you could leave it silver but if you want to use the lid as a mixing palette it's better to spray it white.

[@wingedalcaiceria7029]

Do mall/airport metal detectors detect them?

[@GodLine24]

What's the purpose of magic eraser?

[@marybirder5663]

If you're thinking of those Mr Clean type of sponges, they can be used to lift out watercolor paint for highlights or blot off mistakes/drips that can happen. I cut mine into 1 inch pieces. Hope this helps!

[@madisonaustin9394]

I made my own pallete (not for traveling) out of a plastic cupcake tray. You know those pre-made mini cupcakes you get at the store? Yeah, I reused the container. My paints still have not dried, and this was done a week ago. They are also in reletively thin layers, so wouldn't they dry faster? Right now, they are still as wet from the tube. What am I doing wrong? Help please!!!

[@estevanplaysgames9907]

Good use for the cupcake box did you try putting it in a fridge or having it dry with the lid open (if you have a lid)

[@higherground711]

Probably gonna need to have the lid open and sit sun light.

[@madisonaustin9394]

James Barton Thanks

[@vwood2]

Are they M Graham paints by chance? Lovely paints, but they are made with honey and remain wet for months, so not great for taking into the field.

[@madisonaustin9394]

***** No. I llet them set out in the heat and they cracked and broke, except for the white, yellow and black lol

[@FeliciaFollum]

I don't like using colored containers for travel watercolor. The yellow would drive me nuts lol

[@FeliciaFollum]

Blue Atoms I'm not sure it would be worth it ;)

[@lakshmib1817]

HEY I AM LAKSHMI KARUNA FROM INDIA WE EACK KNOWING AT DRAWING OF PUPPIES IN A DANNY'S DRAWING

[@jessbarry4644]

Very helpful but omgosh the mess gives me anxiety

[@evawinters8932]

Jess Barry, I've never heard of a tidy artist😂😂😂😂

[@margohill3149]

I never understand the need for so many palettes.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Many artists want the option and variety!

[@blueberrycatchocolatecooki4938]

Is no one concerned about the cat steady scratching because its in the cold snowy outside

[@SpiritPhoenixRose]

Please seek out vegan (containing no animal remains) and cruelty-free (not tested on animals) paints ☮

[@elsagrace3893]

Spirit Phoenix Rose silly person! There are no animal products in watercolor. You are being really silly to think that animals are in everything. Crazy even.

[@SpiritPhoenixRose]

elsa Grace ignorant much? It's not just some paints that contain animal products, it's brushes and paper and other art supplies: www.peta.org/living/entertainment/animal-based-ingredients-art-supplies/ Asking people to shop ethically and cruelty-free is a good thing to do. And whatever I am, at least I'm not a NAZI LIKE YOU peta.org

[@evaestratiou3282]

SPiRit pHoENiX RoSE i beg of you. Please learn some history and don't call anynone you have opposite opinion with a Nazi. These are two completely different things

[@BrendaAdams007]

I totally agree with Eva. I see nothing wrong with advocating on behalf of animals and I share that sentiment myself. HOWEVER, I do not believe that Peta would want anything AT ALL to do with your name calling!! (Let's remember to care about humans, too.) ON THE OTHER HAND: Thanks to Peta, we do hope the word gets out IN A FRIENDLY way, that we do need to be aware of what's in art supplies and try to avoid using animals for them, if possible. I buy natural hair brushes only these days, btw. Creeps me out thinking about killing little innocent creatures for brushes.

[@marybirder5663]

@@SpiritPhoenixRose We're talking about watercolors, etc. here, so can we please use kinder words and keep it civil? First mistake from above was using the word "crazy". Second mistake/comment was calling ANYONE a "NAZI". I'm against animal cruelty of any kind, so it's counter intuitive to be unkind to people, as well.

[@shreevas6160]

what a great video!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad you liked it!

[@alexserra9605]

I have a question is it true that you can add honey to paint...because after I squeeze the tube the paint tends to crack when it dry...how much would I use of its true? great video! ty!

[@selenec2046]

Alex serra (I realize you're probably asking the creator of this video, but hopefully this helps too) Yes, I have actually put honey in my paints myself! For half pan size amounts, a drop or two will do :^)