Making Watercolor Binder + Painting with my Handmade Paints!

[@zainabsiddique706]

*THIS IS SO AESTHETIC AND CALMING.*

[@leopandabear532]

zambien I wanna like it but you have 69 likes

[@zainabsiddique706]

@@leopandabear532 HAH IM DYING

[@patriciahamel5674]

I recommend mixing the clove oil with the glycerin before adding them to the rest of the ingredients. Otherwise the clove oil may separate out of the binder after a few days.

[@mrsktank]

Great tip!

[@kahne5795]

thank you!

[@sherryjohnson4018]

I agree. It clumped up big time. Took me a long while to separate it!

[@NicholeFraserSicNic]

Good advice. Thank you for that.

[@aleahlrb]

NOTE: Distilled Water and Mineral Water are two different kinds of water. Do not make the same mistake I did for a science project where I used mineral water instead of distilled water. These two are, in a sense, opposites.

[@ralipzednanref1532]

what happened?

[@laeonii]

ALRB❤️ What happens if you use purified water?

[@aleahlrb]

@@laeonii Purified water is the same as distilled, from my understanding.

[@laeonii]

@@aleahlrb thank you so much!

[@catzkeet4860]

@@aleahlrb not necc. Depends on how it’s “purified”. Distilled water removes all dissolved chemicals from the water by evaporating the water off the dissolved minerals. mineral water HAS minerals(chemicals) in it. The minerals can react with the pigments and/or binder creating textural and/or colour changes. Filtered water removes particulates....the size depends on the filter.Purified water is a non sequitor, as “purified” doesn’t mean anything. It could mean filtered, it could mean chemically treated, it could mean distilled or it could mean spring water......each is different and really, only distilled water is reliable for use in creating paints.

[@InLiquidColor]

Thanks for sharing your secrets with us!! This is so useful and I look forward to seeing more in the series!

[@zainabsiddique706]

question: do you prefer homemade paints to store bought paints? i love the video xx

[@usagihika]

Andro mache I actually make a lot of watercolor paints and normally when I make a color I’d write down the amount of pigment I added and measure it carefully. Or I’d mix vast amount of the pigment

[@couldbecool5339]

homemade are a lot more personal and you feel a lot more connected with your art

[@ScribbleBeats]

Short answer, yes.

[@bokunofish6932]

This super duper helpful to beginner paint makers!! I’ve looked up tons of paint making videos and none of them really discuss how to make binder or what it is- they usually just say “You’ll need binder!” And then continue on with the mulling process. Thank you so much for making this video, I’m certainly going to try this recipe!

[@mariabhuiyan1670]

If you use gum Arabic crystals it will get thick after dissolving for three to four days. And the quality is really good with gum Arabic crystals.

[@RavicaArt]

I tried crystals and read I should boil it in the water for a few minutes. Is this wrong, should I just let it sit and dissolve on its own? I find that my binder is a lot darker than shown here, but without feeling burned or anything :)

[@kincsobalint5932]

@@RavicaArt i read that you shouldn’t add boiling water to gum arabic, or it might darkens up, so thats a thing to keep in mind:) i am not completely sure about the information tho

[@brenmatthews8491]

Where do you find the crystal form of gum Arabic?

[@kincsobalint5932]

@@brenmatthews8491 look around in your local art stores and online art stores that ships to you, also maybe amazon, but make sure that you buy good quality gum arabic because that’s important

[@zelenjackart6752]

As someone who is graduating university soon I have gone through so many water watercolors that I figured it was prolly better for me to start making my own for cheaper. Your videos are very helpful and I absolutely appreciate you making this series

[@phyllispalma5579]

I’ve been interested in paint making, specifically watercolours, and I didn’t know where to start. Im glad you’re doing this series! And Thank You!

[@geckonia]

Fantastic info... I’m experimenting with earth pigments (pulverizing rocks I find in the creek) and find the whole process fascinating. Looking forward to seeing where this leads you. 🤘🏼

[@inditherandom9079]

Thats so cool! I wish you luck :)

[@AlpayBeler]

Very interesting, Geckonia! What are you using to pulverize rocks? I was looking for a small affordable machine that would do this kind of pulverizing, grinding work but couldn't find anything other than industrial machinery :)

[@geckonia]

Alpay Beler hey! I start with rocks that seem like they will crush easily in a mortar and pestle. That’s it!

[@AlpayBeler]

@@geckonia Thank you, Geckonia but I think it might be easier to purchase them fired earth and get a more consistent quality :)

[@aurorahall8126]

How have the pigments turned out for you?

[@zarwrites]

Yaaay! I've been hoping you would sell some of your paints, even if in a limited capacity 😍👍🏻 That livestream you did where you swatched them had me craaaving some of your paints 💞💞💞 And this piece is breathtaking. I hope I'll someday have the money to buy some of your prints because they fill me with such inspiration and excitement 😊

[@Pearberrie]

Oh wow this is so interesting to see how a binder is made! Did you come about the recipe quickly or did it take a long time of adjustments? The painting is beautiful very striking!

[@empress_craft]

Beautiful cobalt teal! Sadly, I believe that Moulin Du Roy is being discontinued :( but you should check out Canson Heritage as a replacement. Not exactly identical, but close!

[@AnastasiaR]

This painting gives me so many feelings that I cannot explain

[@LisaLinSD]

Love this video! And finally understand why some paints are shinier than others. I can’t wait to try out your watercolor paints!

[@ItsLizV]

They are so vibrant! Making paints is something I would have 0 patience for, but I'm so glad you are sharing your journey with us. It's so interesting to see how this all works. AND THEY ARE SO VIBRANT !!

[@zainabsiddique706]

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I WAS SO HAPPY YOU POSTED IM YOUR BIGGEST FAN OMGOMGOMG

[@arleebean]

AHHH THANK YOUUUUU ♥♥♥ I appreciate your support so, so much. Thanks for making me smile :3

[@Ivan-ns3ri]

Love how open you are about your handmade paint process! Haven’t seen any videos like this before.

[@aliceblanchette1291]

i'm really loving this series and i am so excited for new episodes!!

[@mashinarose]

I just made my first watercolor binder and thank you so much for making this video!!! it helped a lot !!

[@lolasilver95]

can i ask, what type of clove oli did you use, i keep seen "pure" and "Escencial" on the labls and cant decide what is best

[@mahreeortiz]

I got all my ingredients and I am making my mix tonight. I am going to record the process. I am actually using the earth pigments recipe verbatim, but I wanted to watch someone else do it and as you said before, there aren’t many recipes and people out there willing to share their process due to the fact that they are selling their watercolors and it is their ‘secret recipe’. Honestly I believe that it shouldn’t matter because if people are going to make their own watercolors, they are going to do it regardless. A friend of mine from TCW paints who has beautiful watercolors for sale and does great at it, actually started me on my ingredients purchase journey. She was so kind to tell me what she uses and guide me to earth pigments website that includes the recipe. Now my next huge task is to find the perfect pigment supplier. Which is a whole other ball game. I am trying to focus on color-shifting pigments to sell which is huge in the hand lettering world right now but they are also extremely expensive. Anyway, thank you very much for this video. I hope you watch mine when it is finally up. You have a new subbie here.

[@AriAri-rp9qt]

Hello, I’m Looking to make my own water color paints, Being on quarantine has me feeling experimental. Lol Can you tell me if the gym Arabic crystals are better than the powder?

[@kaysoupi]

Hey I saw your comment and just wanted to know if you ever did find a pigment supplier for color shift pigments? And if you have an ig or another KZbin account you post to, I’d love to see your work and progress

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

I love you,re home made watercolour paints

[@clairebear-723]

This is so aesthetic and calming

[@lindyashford7744]

So interesting. I have had the ingredients for about six months for a mini set of pigments and have been procrastinating about starting to mull them. I have gum arabic already in liquid form so am really unsure about water ratio for adding, other than that my ingredients are identical to yours.I would love any information on what you do with your mulled paint, how you store it until you pour your pans, as I am unsure what to get to store it temporarily. I have visions of it getting stuck in jars that I cannot open because of the gum arabic! Well nightmares maybe! But I am looking forward to the actual making, and your videos thus far have been super helpful. would be very interested in amy tips you have with hard to mull fluffy pigments and how to get them to mix as I know one of mine will be like this. Your art, by the way, is stunning, really lovely.

[@mahreeortiz]

Lindy Ashford did you end up making it? I had actually purchased my gum Arabic in liquid form to but ended up purchasing the powder so that I didn’t ruin anything.

[@seikocosplaysoup]

I'm curious about liquid form too!

[@lilyt9460]

How’d the liquid Arabic end up working? Could you tell me the ratio?

[@lindyashford7744]

@@lilyt9460 Haha! I moved house and so both pigments and gum Arabic are still in an as yet not unpacked box. Along with many other boxes. Progress is slow….

[@AafkeVultink]

what is the red you are using? i was having a blast with my talens gum arabic. Buuuuut since iam a biiiiiiig sennelier fan im thinking of buying their ready made gum arabic since my hands can't take to much movement im totally fine with being lazy.. and im in need of the perfect red. Like a christmassy red and a cool red.

[@mahreeortiz]

A .Vultink it’s so hard to find a really good red red pigment. You purchase and when you get it, it’s far from red.

[@danieljamesbinderystu2968]

One of my absolute favorites is a PR112 Napthol Red pigment. The pigment I buy is from Golden paint company sold at FineArt store in NYC. They ship directly to your house.

[@jefim4670]

I'm so impressed you are making paints.. Congrats! Keep em coming. Thanks

[@timberry4709]

This was pounded (in a friendly way) into my head from childhood: That is a *water* kettle not a *tea* kettle. 😁 Other than that it's a great tutorial, thanks.

[@arleebean]

I've just been singing "I'm a Little Teapot" for SO LONG. xD

[@randomunicorn-artsandcreat3460]

Tim Berry as someone who has an English mother and learns from her, it makes me really mad when someone says tea kettle. You don’t just use it for tea!

[@MissRuthina]

The beginning had me giggling. So fun. Thank you!!!!

[@KRCanetti]

This is so interesting... I follow this channel for quite a long time now watching you painting, learning... And now this making your own paints... reminds me that I have several pigments in my art room. Never came to do something with them... I'm really exited with these video's of you.

[@nataliiauyiringiye1641]

Finally have found binder recipe in here 👏.

[@annirajala93]

Thank you for sharing you progress😘. Just make mine own binder and gonna try make watercolors by my self. I life in finland and was so glad to find local company that sell eart friendly pigment😍 cant wait that i can paint with homemade watercolors🙂

[@sandynavoong]

I love your paint making videos! So much good information and transparency. Do you plan on doing more mulling videos?

[@arleebean]

Yes, absolutely!! I should be able to show some more paint making in the next video for this series.

[@itsteganyay]

I love the colors in this piece! Also, it's interesting to see a faceless painting from you :)

[@gold-honey8406]

Thankyou so much! So informative, can’t wait to try this hobby out!

[@patriciagonzalez5204]

Your voice is so southing and i love binge watching your videos while 𝕚 paint as well ❤️❤️

[@Noodlepunk]

Thank you for sharing this, I am looking for a creative hobby and thinking of making watercolors.

[@DigitalViscosity]

Amazing, I love the colour and the art you created. I've been working on my own paint as well and your channel has helped out a ton!

[@christinekoper2407]

I know this is like a year-old video at this point lol but I think this piece is so neat! It gives off these surreal and ethereal vibes, with an almost creepy alien feel in there too, at least for me. Idk if that was your intent but it’s awesome! ❤️ Making something with your own paints seems to add such a personal layer to everything, and I think it’s great you shared with us.

[@sseansix]

Thanks for sharing. Two questions: 1. Have you changed the ratio or amounts of ingredients in the binder? 2. Are there standard ratios with different pigments and binder, or is this a personal choice?

[@christineingram55]

Beautiful ,very calming painting 😀

[@AB-ws4kt]

10:08 - 10:34 omgggg textureeee it's so beautiful ❤️

[@thewayfaringgoblin4544]

I was told the ratio of binder so say ur q:1 is more gauche in nature than water colour . But I just love the versatility of it all....I just started dabbling with natural pigments like drying my own flowers leaves even using clays rocks n dirt to make pigments then binding them and seeing of the colour changes over time etc it is an amazing experience and fun

[@LittleReverieStudio]

Thank you so much for making these informative paint making videos, they are super helpful to a beginner like myself. I have been wanting to get into making my own watercolor paint for a while, but I had no idea where to start. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel, because now I have a direction to go in. Many thanks!! 🤗

[@AlpayBeler]

Super cool, Arleebean. Love your work!

[@indigobeah]

You made that test binder for the video on my birthday! 27th of March 😁

[@ThirrinDiamond]

Omh your laugh is adorable 💗 also im literally so hyped for the watercolour paint videos!!!

[@mrsktank]

I used the funnel and it was still everywhere. Also the powder is sticky, ha ha. I added 2 extra tablespoons of gum arabic and a half a tablespoon of honey extra to see how that makes it thicken up. I'd prefer a bit thicker binder but this makes a lot so it will take forever to use it and if it's wrong then I'm screwed, ha ha. Thank you for this video!

[@ninil2682]

Loving your videos! Thank you so much for sharing your talents. Question: Followed instructions for making the binder, however the next day my binder still had foam on the top. Did I do something wrong? Is this normal? Anyone...Very new to this!

[@sunflower-bp6np]

amazing... can i use eye shadow as pigments?

[@sevenclouds5484]

Have you ever tried to grind natural homemade pigments to make your watercolor paint ? Like charcoal and fine clay you might find in your garden ??

[@aves6739]

Hi, I am new to paint making. I would love to hear your thoughts on adding ox gall to the binder.

[@giuliettacook3000]

Omg it's so pretty.

[@andrealatorre4681]

He estado buscando información y de hecho compré un curso para hacer acuarela casera, pero en español hay muy poca información , así que muchas gracias por tu generosidad. Tus datos me han servido muchísimo para complementar lo poco que he aprendido.

[@kayagms]

By the way your art is beautiful, you are very talented. I love them all!

[@farhaahmed7005]

You're videos are really relaxing and calming:))

[@AllanJayQuesada]

Hi. Thank you for sharing your process. I have a question though. I've seen from your Amazon link that you are using Therapeutic Grade Clove oil. I have also learned that aside from therapeutic grade, there is also food grade. In my place, there are local food grade clove oils. I wonder if these could also work, or should i just search for and stick to therapeutic grade? Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@nabila9548]

is it ok if I use glycerine oil ?? and thank you for the wonderful video

[@anitas_tinkershop]

What a beautiful painting :)

[@aurorahall8126]

You might try making a super saturated solution for the thicker version. I miiight try putting the gum arabic into a pot of boiling of water and do a small expiriment. Id slowly raise the water to gum ratio and keep jars with a bit more preservitive after taking samples of each ratio. You could see how long it takes each sample to coagulate or crystalize. That should tell you a bit more about the length of time itll keep and how thick you can get it. Theres probably a better way to say that and make it more scientific.. Hope it helps

[@camc1882]

I'm loving the paint making series! I also had a question about using gum arabic to make the binder: instead of using the powder could you use the liquid you can find in art stores and such or would that not work? Keep up the great work :)

[@arleebean]

Yes, you can use the liquid! I'm not sure how the recipe would vary because you wouldn't need as much (if any) of the distilled water, but it should definitely work!

[@crimesurge]

i would love to buy a few of your favorite pans you've made, arleesha. i just recently bought a couple of palettes with half pans and i probably won't fill them with my tubes (they'll probably crack and be gross because cheap student grade paints). i think it'd be nice if you did a 3 to 5 pack of your favorite to use up on your shop!

[@stellaella8984]

Thank you so much for sharing this, it's really helpful! Does the pan with the color that contains more binder stay a little soft? I used the binder from Schminke and my pans stay a bit soft, I don't know if that's fine or if it's going to be a problem while I paint.

[@saramahler1108]

Can you use lavender as a preservative?

[@bymissellielouxox761]

Can you use liquid gum Arabic instead of the powder?

[@lilyt9460]

Can you use gum Arabic in non-powder form? I bought gum Arabic from an art store but it’s a liquid, not a powder. Idk if it’s the same thing.

[@trip898]

Can you use xanthum gum in place of gum Arabic powder?

[@mariasamantharivera8144]

Thank you thank you so much for this!!

[@jacobmangan2516]

what is the paint palette that you are using?

[@Vitrianna]

can i use cheap watercolor cakes as my pigment to make it a liquid watercolor?

[@hydrangeyes2170]

Is it possible to make gouache this away also? Or is it a different process?

[@ThirrinDiamond]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnrRhpyGZ7mao7c kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHWviYh_i7-hmc0 Here's some vids that seem to talk about it but i little to nothing about paint making XD You could always google "how to make (insert thing) too" ^__^

[@Erdhenne]

Gouache does not contain glycerin but some sort of chalk. :) Try that.

[@artica2806]

Is distilled water just boiled water?

[@randomlyrose6695]

I used an only honey water and gum arabic,it came out to be very sticky.I dried it with my heat gun started off nice and dry.After it sat it became very sticky.And the pans never dried out.My honey was very granulated so not real sure how much I used.Was I using to much honey?

[@bruceosborne1892]

Very interesting. Thanks!

[@suhlinah514]

Are there any alternatives for the Arabic gum?

[@karissayu]

Is there an alternative to clove oil? Can we use other essential oils?

[@spruceandsquirrel]

I have seen handmade paints with thyme or rosemary oil instead of clove.

[@SuzanPetersen]

How long does the paint take to dry once u pour them into the pans?

[@aubreyreasoner3853]

can we use a different kind of essentail oil?

[@Fatima128_]

No

[@calieandco]

I've heard thyme can be used instead

[@iamaylacat3935]

So if you don't add glycerol the binder is edible?

[@artica2806]

How do you know what the ratios need to be?

[@hermergur]

Does it have to be unsweet honey?

[@alexishixenbaugh8724]

Is there any other essential oils you can use or does it have to be clove oil? Just asking because paint making is something my best friend and I have been really looking into for a few years now that we have a studio space. I'm severely allergic to clove like epi pen if too much is on my skin or I breath it in too much or the worst is when i get something that contains clove in food (which I try to avoid).

[@Erdhenne]

Some use lavender oil. But you can also buy commercial preservatives. They will also work much better. :)

[@akrisk_graffitit8203]

do i have to use clove oil.

[@debsmith7050]

Impressive Creative Skillful WOW

[@karahnovak8122]

AAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Arlee, your videos are always so relaxing, thank you so much for inspiring me! 😭 OH MY GOODNESS I’M SO HAPPY YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR PAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just got a Visa gift card given to me as a late birthday present, and I’ve been beyond conflicted on what to use it for, (to buy books, or order a print from someone, or just to save and treat myself to the occasional McDonalds milkshake with, etc.) (I’m bad with decision making) but I think the fact you’re going to eventually sell your paints tells me that I should probably just tuck it away for that 😉😉 I’m so happy for where your art has been going lately!! Your work is always amazing, but it’s been cool to see you kinda experimenting! My art has been in a really weird transition phase lately, so it’s nice to be able to just relax and watch your videos and be inspired. I love this piece it’s so visually interesting!

[@samanthavyeahthatsme7040]

Why did you use such a different pigment ratio between the cobalt teal and the magenta? How can you tell which pigments need more or less binder? How can you tell if there is too much binder? Thanks 🙂

[@Erdhenne]

Hey there. :) Handprint does have a trouble shooting for that. www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/pigmt1.html It's a bit more down the site. Generally you have to try on a dried swatch if the color rubs off. If it does you need to keep on adding binder until it doesn't anymore.

[@kimjuli]

Can I use Guar gum??

[@Paputsza]

can i use high fructose corn syrup instead of honey?

[@KaloCheyna]

Honey is probably used for its antibacterial properties, not just as a form of sugar syrup.

[@Erdhenne]

I'm not to sure about the high fructose. But yes you can use different sugars. You can also make your own sugar water mixture. Or just go without the sugar. It will probably be a bit more hard to rewet.

[@pawaan8359]

Very good. I like it. I love it.🥰♥️💓

[@onetinyPOP]

Do i water color? No but I might after watching you!! I honestly love you now haha your so cool!!!

[@laraibkhalid7707]

Are they become solid or remain in a liquid form??? Plzzz tell me I'm beginner 😳

[@jotunnhime]

Is glycerin the same as glycerin oil ? I ordered gum Arabic powder and clove oil and glycerin from my local haw-waii (I dont know how to translate kinda like traditional medicine seller) anyway I got glycerin oil instead is that a mistake in the order or are they the Same ?

[@kayagms]

Hi, have you tried making watercolor out of eyeshadow pigments?

[@Erdhenne]

I tried. :) If you get the pure powdery mica you can do it with no effort. You do not need a muller for that to be honest. Mica does bind very easy. But do not use ready to use eye shadow. That contains buttery stuff and makes not for a good watercolor for various reasons. (I tried it. *lol*)

[@mk3718]

You should SIFT the powder if it’s more convenient

[@adiavraham4667]

You talk like Ross from Friends and I love it 💗😁✨

[@GabiKostha]

What's the honey for? Earlier this year I made a batch with only glycerin, gum arabic and water, what difference does the honey make?

[@calieandco]

Some brands like Sennelier and M Graham use honey because it keeps the paint more moist and easier to re-wet I think. I've read that you can substitute honey with glycerin, and they mostly add flow to the paint when you use it

[@floydfloart1240]

I’m so glad I found you, I’ve been dabbling in this, and not to well I might add. Your videos are a big help to deal mystify this subject. Thanks I look forward to going through your videos and us them to get my act together.

[@chickenpower5732]

Why do you use a measuring cup when handing sticky ingredients like honey, you will lose about half the amount in the spoon. You should either attempt to eyeball how much you put in or put a lot more in the spoon so it spills a little to make up for the lost ingredient in the spoon or you can take the time to scrape the residual ingredient into the mix.

[@eee-113]

that’s literally why she mixes the measuring spoon into the binder after dumping out as much of the honey/glycerin as possible. whatever’s left on the spoon will be dissolved into the mix, as the spoon visibly comes out clean once she’s done (2:20 - 2:31). your first two suggestions are just two ways to completely mess up your ratios for glycerin AND honey - both negate the need to use a measuring spoon at all (WHY would you eyeball an amount in a how-to video if you’re giving exact measurements) but presenting it as though you know best is condescending and unnecessary. don’t go around calling people “honey” while correcting them if you’re wrong - even if you meant it as a genuine endearment, it’s still abrasive and insulting in the context of a comment where you attempt to correct someone with unwarranted advice.

[@teamnavea7390]

Do you have to use clove oil or can you use a different type of oil?

[@calieandco]

I've also heard you can use thyme oil as well, or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sodium benzoate (a food grade preservative)

[@danieljamesbinderystu2968]

I use sodium benzoate and an enzyme active Bac-Out together. Thyme is stronger than clove and Tea tree oil is stronger than both of those. I use to mix clove, thyme and tea tree together to put in my watercolors at 1st, but keeping it in the refrigerator is a Huge pain in the arse.... so now I do it the way I suggested at the beginning of my comment. No refrigeration needed

[@Fatima128_]

Is there any way to make this without the powder and glycerin?

[@calieandco]

From what I know, you can substitute the glycerin with honey. You can also use gum arabic crystals instead of the powder

[@mariad4183]

Thank you for the info