GPP Crusade No 8
Cheap Tricks
Here are some of my 'clever and inexpensive things to use when making art'.
When you buy a container of 10 Kiwi Fruit (in Sydney (and possibly elsewhere)) you get a groovy 'spoon' that has teeth at the other end. I use these spoons to scoop out various mediums and then use them to mix with the paint. The teeth are great to use as a texture tool which can be seen in the close up on the right. (Notice the great GreenPepperPress flourish stamp!)
The 'palette' I am using in the middle picture is a foam/polystyrene thing you get when you buy certain veges (like baby corn, or snow peas) pre-packaged from the grocer. If you look closely you can see I use the palette numerous times before I throw them out, that's the beauty of acrylic paints drying really well - I see this act as helping the environment more than being a cheapster!
Paper/Kitchen Towels are a great cheap tool. I use them to wipe off excess paint or dab my brushes on to rid excess water & paint when I am doing washes. Sometimes you can get really fabulous pieces (that don't stick together) that can later be used in another piece of work or journal - how cool is that!
Should I mention that the bottom of the green page is wallpaper!
Oh and another GPP stamp is used on the painted section to tie the page together.
great entry ursula! never seen those cool scoopers, great tool! love using the styro palettes too....and i shop for paper towels not for quality but for the patterns in the quilting :) thanks for playing.
Posted by: michelle | May 14, 2007 at 11:29 PM
great tips Ursula, and I love your reuse-renew-recycle attitude!
Posted by: carlene | May 15, 2007 at 07:21 AM
We don't get tools with our kiwi, and now I want one!
Posted by: karla nathan | May 16, 2007 at 12:34 AM
I use the same plastic thingies as palettes too! Very environmentally friendly!
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | May 16, 2007 at 12:38 AM
A fab idea ;)
Posted by: Nicole | May 16, 2007 at 02:56 AM
You don't really do that do you??? Its all sounding very green to me. But its a wonderful idea, regards Bob Brown.
Posted by: JUDY WILKENFELD | May 16, 2007 at 06:53 PM
What a great idea with the spoons Ursula, I'll start saving. I use a knitting needle to carve into the foam trays to make stamps, they work well.
Posted by: Ro Bruhn | May 17, 2007 at 09:20 AM
I had not thought of using the kiwi fruit spoons. Thanks for that one. I must go check out some of the other crusade ideas. One day I will get my act together to post.
Cheers,
Julie
Posted by: Julie H | May 19, 2007 at 12:17 AM
This is so very cool I love it! We do not get a cool spoon with our kiwi just the fruit.
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: kristen robinson | May 20, 2007 at 12:52 AM
ursula, i'm so jealous!!!! we don't get these spoons here in europe, or at least the countries i frequent. how cool are these!!! and yes, paper towels are fab too, although mine end up way too dark since i don't pay attention. great cheap tricks!
Posted by: Belinda | May 21, 2007 at 02:44 AM
You are a woman of many talents.... I wondered where all my kiwi spoons went!! ;)
Posted by: Lynda | May 21, 2007 at 04:13 PM
I like those Kiwi tools ... how come we don't get them here? The white styrofoam containers are commonplace but not the Kiwi tools.
Posted by: kate | May 22, 2007 at 02:57 AM
We don't get those cool spoons either over here in Jersey! great cheap tricks Ursula, oh and that architectural plan stamp was by Rubber Baby who no longer exist....but there was a rumour that all their designs were bought by Stamp Francisco who will be re-releasing them over time...keep your eyes peeled:)
Posted by: Gisele | June 01, 2007 at 06:27 AM
Omigosh my friend...these are THE coolest! Love the kiwi spoons....I have never seen those before! WOWZA! Love your ideas! Girl, you rock!
Posted by: Penny Stuart | June 02, 2007 at 04:35 PM