March Meet the Maker, Day 6: Reducing Waste

Reusing old mint tins and jars.

Buying ceramic and porcelain plates from the resale store for my painting palettes.

Making small concept ideas and sketches reduces the amount of paper I use.

Reduce Waste Creatively!

March 6, 2020
Day 6, Reducing Waste:
I seemed to have always been waste conscious. I grew up with a creative family that would always think of ways to reuse things or make fun crafts out of things that would normally be throw away.

When I set up my studio or make my art, I try and think of ways to reuse things or reduce waste. I have bought ceramic and porcelain plates from the resale store for my painting palettes. I have used old jelly jars for storage, brush holders, or rising cups for my brushes.
I have used old mint tins to make traveling watercolor palettes. I use old boxes and jars for storage, organization and for travel needs. And I even reuse paper towels from when I watercolor paint, if they are not too full of paint. I just let them dry and they are ready for the next time I paint. I also use a rag towel when I travel for watercolor painting, and then just wash it.

When I think of ideas, I make smaller concept art pieces or sketches in my sketchbook, until I have some good ideas for better, larger watercolor paper. So I try not to use too much paper and limit it to my sketch books.

When I’m finally set for selling my art and prints of my art, I will try to find products that will not crate too much waste when I ship them off.

I can’t wait to hear about other people’s ideas of how they reduce waste with their creative businesses and experiences.

Sarah Johnson

Reusing glass jars for art supplies.

Reusing old mint tins, spice jars, and even paper towels.

Reusing a variety of old jars for travel art making or for storage of art supplies.