Give those plastic airbags one more use before throwing them away! I teach beginning acrylic painting and these bags come in handy for creating disposable palettes at no cost.

Supplies

Airbags that are used to pad the boxes when things are shipped.

White Cardboard.

A means for cutting the cardboard and the bags. (Scissors also work! I just happened to put my marvelous paper cutter in the picture.)

Step 1: Obtain Airbags

If you receive packages, you have seen these. Don't throw them away. If you don't paint, save them for a friend who DOES paint!

Step 2: Separate

Carefully pull the bags apart.

Step 3: Trim

Trim the edge of each bag, as shown.

Step 4: Measure

Measure the width and height of an airbag.

Step 5: Cut the Cardboard

Cut the cardboard so that it fits inside the bag. If you are lucky enough to find white corrugated cardboard, it will need to be quite a bit narrower than the bag... but don't worry if it's not perfect.

Step 6: Insert

It's nice to have a little bit that hangs out.... for a handle!

Step 7: Add Paint

Place paint on the palette.

Step 8: Paint!

These small palettes, of course, are great for small paintings. I'm an ATC artist. (ATC = Artist Trading Card)

Step 9: Remove the Cardboard

Once the palette becomes full, or too messy, or dry.... remove the cardboard.

Step 10: Re-use the Cardboard!

The cardboard can be used again and again.

Step 11: Same Concept: Different Plastic Items....

This same concept can be used with ANY clear plastic that might otherwise be thrown away after a single use.

I have used old photo album inserts, assorted packaging bags, and other clear plastics, taped to cardboard.

As an ATC collector, I receive ATCs in little plastic sleeves. I don't re-use the sleeves for future trades, since traces of media may damage MY cards if I re-use a soiled sleeve. But I DO use those sleeves as mini palettes when I am painting ATCs.