I don’t have the time, patience or courage to make a video so I can only say how much I appreciate and grateful to those who do. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Ok. I'm not sure what the ovarian cancer has to do with the gesso you are making. Because from what I have heard in regards to that, it is based on years of using it on your private part. I don't remember anywhere in your video where you might have mentioned to apply the gesso to a your private part. I did watch the video again. Just to make sure. You did NOT say to use it down there. I did however want to thank you for being you and taking all these negative comments well. Shows you are a good hearted person. I appreciate all that you do and what you contribute to the art community. Taking time out of your day to teach the rest of us, is a really nice thing. I can't afford to take art classes. I am displaced, and struggling. But your videos are an inspiration and I love what you do. Thank you for everything.
I can't believe how rude some people can be. The attitudes of some of these people posting comments seriously pissed me of. If you guys have so many issues with this video then move on to another one and stop trying to make someone feel bad for trying to help. Really people, some of these comments were just nit picking . I applaud her for sharing and hope she keeps on sharing. I am almost scared to share my crafts after seeing how cruel people can be. Sweetheart, thank you for sharing.
You just saved my life and my budget. There is a painting I want to do so terribly bad but I can’t afford to buy the Gesso at the craft store to do it.THANK YOU!
Ok I read a lot of your comments. It amazes me that people can't just thank you. Maybe give you some suggestions or say if it worked for them. Or ask a question. You are the first person I have seen that has tried making this with the lower cost items (thank you again). Also you gave us some measurements of how much of the ingredients to use. Thank you again. Was wondering, for clear gesso would you just leave out the paint? Oh and by the way, I don't care what you stir with, and nobody else should either. Lol
+Jen McGinnis thank you!!! I need to look into the clear gesso diy because I really want to try making some. I’m also working on a gesso with cornstarch instead of powder. Thank you again for all your kind words 💗💗💗💗
Jen McGinnis You took the words right out of my mouth! How about aliitle gratitude people! Stop picking apart everything , if its not useful to you move on & if it is Say " Thank You" - manners is a lost ( ART) pun intended haha😘😉
Jen, the trend nowadays on UA-cam is to criticize and offer negative opinions that nobody asked for. If I find something objectionable, I either stop watching or say to myself, "I wouldn't do that". It's not necessary for me to try to be a negative influencer. Anyway, great video.
Actually Jen, there are numerous UA-cam videos for making gesso - clear, white and black, grey, etc. and there are recipes with different ingredients. And there are even more instructions on making it online if you don’t need video. It has been made by hand for centuries - not a new product. The only “new” is the convenience factor. Any top artist knows how to make their own to prepare canvas. That said...cheap ingredients will not make a durable, long lasting product. For example, cheap paint - craft or big box wall has lots of fillers and very little pigment. Once those fillers evaporate and cure out - what’s on top peels, flakes off or discolors. In fact - here is how true gesso is made by many artist - note the difference in ingredients. www.artistsnetwork.com/art-techniques/homemade-gesso-recipe-for-a-true-gesso-panel/
A tip: it's always better to add the water to the PVA (school) glue then add the powder a bit at a time, this way it saves you thinning down the lumps when it's added to the glue. This is how we mix plaster to avoid lumps and it keeps the consistency fluid. Thanks for your recipe, I'm off to save money!
Frances Luck I purposely mix it in this order because the dry ingredients are “fixed” whereas the wet ingredients will vary. I just mix to a certain consistency but it’s the wet ingredients that will change not the dry ones. I don’t care how much water is added but I need a specific amount of the dry ingredients.
@@enochwalked1 actually I can’t. I can be a little dense at times but I’m not that bad! It doesn’t screw off, you have to pry it open and because I was filming a video at the time, there are many things that need to be considered, such as having everything at arms reach. I did not have a tool at arms reach so therefore the best option was to puff it out. Yes, I could have went on a search for a “prying tool” but chances are, regardless of which tool I had used, I’d still have people in the comment section telling me I used the wrong thing, did it the wrong way and telling me what I should have done instead. So there’s that. Then there is the issue of editing the part of the video where I went on the search. I could just pause the recording rather than keep it recording while I’m wandering around my studio but that gives me separate video files as soon as I press pause...it finishes one file and starts another. So you may think this is an unnecessary extended explanation for why I “puffed” out the baby powder but then again you probably didn’t think about all that goes into filming a video either so I thought I’d give you the rundown so that you are better informed for any future tutorials you will watch online. It’s not that your comment is rude....just not helpful & possibly (not sure) a little mocking.
@@MsDima1965 thAt depends on your preference of consistency. That’s why I put the dry ingredients in first and then add the wet ingredients. I need a specific amount of dry ingredients and then however much water I want for the consistency of gesso I want. If I was to add the wet first, I don’t have a lot of options as to what the end consistency will be.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I live in a small village that has a dollar store so this was perfect and also saved me gas or shipping costs from ordering online. Much appreciated!
Awesome teaching, Janelle. You are gracious to show these DIYs and save those of us who are on a limited budget ways to conserve. The crafting products these days have gotten out of control cost wise. Because of the popularity, prices are sky high and it's a shame. I am grateful for you and others who help us this way. Never mind these people who fuss about things. They are those who complain about everything. You are wonderful and greatly appreciated. Your research into costs, etc. was an added bonus. Keep it up!!
Great video. I just watched Infallible Handmades channel for DIY clear gesso & another on both white and pigmented gessos. For Clear Gesso you just omit the white acrylic paint. Black 🖤 or other colored gesso you just use that color of acrylic paint instead of white acrylic paint. i.e. black, gray, red, yellow, green etc acrylic paints. Just imagine the fun for using clear or pigmented gesso in el cheapo sketchbooks. 😊
Hi Janelle, I am new to this type of learning and after my question to you, was appalled to read the dreadful nativity. I am so grateful to have people like you to learn from and thank you for the kindness in sharing and your knowledge. Thank you once again and I do hope you will carry on spreading your help 🥰🤗
This has been THE BEST TUTORIAL I have come across. I am a new artist and "teaching" myself in many styles of painting but my favorite is ABSTRACT ART. In my journey I haven't been able to get what I need from other people in terms of explanation of how to attempt abstract... That is until I came across your video. And the best thing is that in terms of selling my art I didn't want to just sell canvas paintings, I envisioned myself going the highend clothing route so not only has your video been very educational for me but it has also been very inspiring. For this I thank you JanelleNichol and I wish you the best and KEEP INSPIRING! 🎨🖌️😍
UA-cam is reaching a point where it is rivalling my high school education in terms of value and amount of information (actually in terms of value youtube is free so its smashed it out of the park). Im not even using university/college for this comparison cause honestly i feel like that was so useless that if I didn't know any better (and I probably dont) I'd say the whole thing was a giant rort. All hail sensei UA-cam! 🙏🙏🙏
Great video! I'm 60 and just getting into painting. Gesso is expensive, but everyone says to use it. I don't want to make a big investment in case I don't like painting. Thank you so much for your energy. I'm off to Dollar Tree!
Thanks for all. . Went to studio a many years. No explanation when, why and how to use. Thanks a lot. I have from store, Amazon and never used. Watch video yesterday and was surprised of results I never have. Begin to googele and happy to get some information.
This is great, thank you...I hv 11 grandchildren (so far) and I am making all their gifts for Christmas...so I am going to make some today n get started! Thanks again!
I have used homemade gesso and modeling paste. Both last a long time and work really well. When making gesso I hardly use any water, glue and paint mostly and maybe quarter cup of water. Made black gesso also 3 years ago still working well since I don't use much of black. Mostly white. I love the fact that I can make something cheap and the money I save can buy me better paint or paper. I'm from Australia, everything here is very expensive as soon as you mention art.
Can use powdered chalk, bought in bulk, too. When I used plaster of Paris as some ask, even though it was well-sealed, it did set up and not stay usable as long, so if people use that they may want to only make what they’ll use right away.
Thank you for sharing. This video from you taught me the difference between the two Gesso’s. Now I understand why my work has been giving the results-I was using “texture paste” gesso, instead of the liquid version. Your video taught me more in 20 minutes, I have learned in a year 😊self-study. Thank you!!
To stop the puffy powder I cut the top off my bottle and pour or scope out the quantity. I then invest the top and tape it done like a lid to make it easier to use and keep it dry. Thanks for your recipe.😊❤
Thank you I love your mistakes like we all do. it’s fun to watch so much knowledge we learn from our mistakes and don’t let these negative people spoil your job. Great job
Thank you got sharing this tip, I also found it very cheap to use dray wall multi-propose jointing compound plus modelling powder. it makes up about 18 dollars for 1.5L. and it lasts for a very very long time.
Hi Janelle, thank you for taking the time to show us how to make gesso. If anyone is concerned about talc, cornstarch is a good alternative to baby powder. It's the primary ingredient in them anyway. I also use calcium carbonate, or marble dust to make it heavier. I'm no expert, but I hope it helps. Thanks again.
I have only used homemade Gesso. Because I was just starting out making Mixed-media art and I needed a lot of other things to buy it just made sense. It is a bit messy but I actually like making it. And I too found making it cost me less than $3.50. for 24 oz. If you are first starting out making art, why would you buy the expensive stuff? That's just my opinion. It has worked so well that I have never bought it at a store. (I would rather spend my money on paint and canvases/wood.) Thanks for showing us "Starving Artists " that you can create simple and very cost effective products. You have a new subscriber.
Thank you! I paint big size canvas, and a lot, so I go through gesso like water, and now learned that 3x gesso is bare minimum, so want to up my game. It gets quite expensive, so I am so happy that I found you! You are a great teacher. Your awesome video is heaven send to me!
Thank you so much for a great cost effective way of making Gesso. Where I live it is very expensive. Finally have a way of adding texture to art as well. Thank you again for your time that you have taken to make a very helpful tutorial.
It's already 2020. Thank you so so very very much. I am pretty new in painting. This is perfect for me as a beginner. You just saved me from buying a very expensive branded gesso. I just started painting (with acrylic) last month which i never thought I could paint. And now I want to try oil painting. And since I am just starting and I am still practicing , so this is what I really need while I'm just practicing. Thanks, again for making this video! Stay safe!
I like the idea of low cost gesso, and because the video was a full demonstration of making it, viewers can see what is involved. It was nice to include the price comparison -- that will motivate some people and help them. A minor quibble is that I feel that the comment that you would not use the homemade gesso for fine art (only for mixed media, fooling around, etc.) would have been better placed near the beginning of the video, not near the end. That way, folks who wanted to make gesso for their fine art wouldn't have to spend the time watching the video. But overall, I think you have made more people happy than unhappy. Thank you.
This is wonderful! I don’t want to use expensive gesso for daily painting practice 😖 I’m going to try one of these. I love that they’re also a bit on the thicker side
I always enjoy the comments, it's stimulating to read other people's thoughts sometimes more information there as well, if they are negative please don't take it personally, we learn as we share good or Bad thanks ...UK
Thank you so much! I've lived on Big Island, Hawaii for a year now and they don't have any type of Dollar Store.😫I can't wait to get back to the mainland, for multiple reasons! (It's exceptionally beautiful here though) I haven't read all the comments, so someone else may have already mentioned this, if not, use distilled water instead of tap to prevent mildew.😊
I enjoyed your information and video. And,,,,,,,,,,using your hands and trying to use up everything in the containers. Ver informative and liked the cost breakdown.
Thanks for taking the time to show us and for being pretty precise about the ratios of ingredients. I appreciate people like you sharing this kind of information for free and for fun! Thanks again!
Thank-you for this instruction. I have been thinking of trying to work out a gesso recipe myself, but I think I'll try it with cornstarch instead of talcum. That might eliminate the graying of the color too. You've taken so much of the guesswork out of this process. Many, many thanks :)
+Patricia Walker Here is a link for the update on how well this gesso stores over time and if it still works after one year. ua-cam.com/video/Ih_lmTGLq3I/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for your videos. I am a beginner and finding your videos very informative and useful. I have bought some baby powder, glue, white paint, and calcium Carbonate. (I think this is all! :) ) Now I will do a bit of each Gessoes to find out which one works better for me. I am ever so thankful to you and your instructions. Please keep them coming. Love, Vida from London-UK
The tightwad in me would put the water in the glue bottle! I do this with laundry detergent when bottle is "empty". I can get another small load of not so dirty laundry out of it! Thanks for the info!
Thanks very much for the money saving tips. I live in a long term facility and we do a lot of work with acrylic paint. No one has ever mentioned gesso so I will pass this on to them.
Janelle - thank you so much for the demo on making gesso(s). I'm just beginning with this style of painting and I need to save where I can too. I think it' s great that we can make it ourselves. Again: THANKS!
+Mary Ann Lowrance Here is a link for the update on how well this gesso stores over time and if it still works after one year. ua-cam.com/video/Ih_lmTGLq3I/v-deo.html
Funny you should mention black gesso. That's what I wanted and couldn't find any. (Didn't even know if it existed) Decided "Why not see if I could make my own?". So I go ol' stand-by learning center (YT) and found your video. Thank you for posting. Now I have black gesso.
I made some just before this past winter started and it is still good all it did was separate but all will even store bought will. All it needed was to be shook up and it was good as new. I didn't add water to mine but put a whole bottle of same size paint acrylic like you used different brand. But mine did good.
Cool. I've done this to prime over failed watercolor paintings to use for acrylic or oils. No talc though. I put in clay or a bit of plaster powder. Thanks for posting a step by step. Really helpful to many out here.
Yes, I will have to do one without talc sometime. I mostly use manufactured acrylic gesso for my pieces as I sell them, but I like the DIY for experimenting or art journal pages.
Thanks for making this video. I knew the first 'recipe' and I have used it for my crafting projects, but I was not familiar with the second recipe. I will try that out.
Thank you for sharing this information. I did not learn this in art school! In fact, this came up in my feed just when I have my first mixed media project and will need a LOT of paste. Thank you again... you are a born teacher... sharing information is invaluable.
I think this video, was great! It will save me lot's of $!! Thank you very much for this handy information! I'm a beginner acrylic painter, and I learned a lot from you!!
Thanks for your time can i add vinegar to the baby powder mixture instead of wate or both i heard baby powder will go bad after a while not sure cause never made it, its just that am starting a project for my granddaughter n i want it to last long time, agIn thx for your time❤
appreciate and thankyou for sharing your recipe ....as an intermediate artist...wanted to know which diy gesso recipe would you recommend? There are three more gesso recipes videos of yours...
Thanks! This will cut the cost of my art class supplies when we're just doing basic projects. Then I can splurge on things I want the kids to keep forever.
Thank you immensely for your helpfulness in showing me how to make my own gesso. I'm all about saving money, and this will definitely help in my crafting and painting. Your appreciated! Again, thank you!
Hello, Janelle. I plan to use oil paints to create a scene on the top of a wooden picnic basket, and knew I should prep the wood. Thank you for this video!
Great video! I just started painting 6 months ago, and some of "my ideas" did not work out. I will try this instead of spending more money on canvases. Thank you!
Thank You for saving me some money. I am obsessed with mixed media creating and I am going to make the homemade stuff. I look forward to more of your videos
Excellent one Madam Janelle Nichol. This is one of the best videos I have seen on this subject. I have a question for you. I am from India. We prepare clay Idols for worship here in India, which are immersed in water after religious rituals. I would like to have options for preparing White Gesso or any other color without using any kind of material which has a chemical compound in it as they need to be eco friendly because they may contaminate water and harm marine life. Can you find some other options which use natural bio-degradable stuff? My warm regards to you.
Thanks for your video - I am new to using Gesso and love saving money on art supplies, so I have been watching a few different DIY Gesso videos, and this one is the BEST one so far and easiest. I'm Canadian so I'm happy to see the Dollarama products you used :) Can't wait to use your video to make my own Gesso and will be trying to make Black Gesso -- using clear glue as someone mentioned in the comments. Thanks again!
Great video and I appreciate the time you took to show how to make this thick modeling gesso. I can only add that talc IS carcinogenic and there are several suits out there due to people developing ovarian cancer after years of using talc in their groin.. my younger sister was one of those who did develop fatal ovarian cancer after using talc freely for years, You can use or maybe even MUST use the baby powder that is cornstarch based. I sometimes still see the baby powder with talc in it at the Dollar Tree and I am driven to point it out. It is carcinogenic.
Thank you for taking the time to teach us! I lov saving $. I get a lot of my project materials for free and then I buy my paints , & Etc. you are my kind of gal ! I'll see you , next video 🤓Thank you again.
I really appreciate that you made this video. Any product that I use that I can make - I do. These are very good, cheap, practical recipes and I WILL use them. thank you for making this video!!!
Thank you Janelle, your videos are most helpful. Always looking for ways to save money with my crafts. Just getting started with Art- my husband used to do it for our business. I'm going to cut my own canvases and make the frames myself, like he did. What would be the best number of coats of homemade Gesso to use on these? If you wouldn't mind, I'd also like your thoughts on which type of Gesso would be best to use? Greatly appreciate your ideas.
Thanks for watching! As for the number of coats...it depends on the canvas fabric you are using and the look you are trying to achieve. If you want a surface that is really smooth and easy to blend on the canvas, I would probably do 4 coats, sanding them in between each coat. That’s for the canvases I use...if you’re buying your own canvas to cut, it would probable need more. Honestly, any brand of gesso will work just as any DIY gesso will work. As I said in the videos, the baby powder & the cornstarch recipes will work but if you want to sell your paintings or you want them kept in superb condition for many years, I would stay away from them. The plaster of Paris and the calcium carbonate recipes are most like manufactured gesso. But I would still test it out first. It could react differently depending on humidity where you live or the environment you are painting in.
Thank you so very much for this video , I appreciate the time you took to explain everything....I laugh when I saw you mixing with the handle of your paint brush....just happy I am not the only one doing that,, thank you again for a great video!!
Oh good someone else that just grabs whatever! You would not believe the criticism I have received just from using the handle of a paintbrush! People are crazy....
JanelleNichol...Yep, I am just like you, I spend a lot of time in my craft shop and I do have sticks for when I want to mix something but if I have to get up to get a mixing stick and I see a paint brush in front of me you can be sure that the handle of my paint brush will be what I use to mix with and I have also used a pencil on a few occasion and I see nothing wrong with that and anybody that does simply does not have a crafter imagination and they would be better off looking at other videos! Good job again on that video!!
When you added the talc powder I cringed at the thought of permanently perfuming my art work, so I definitely wondered about that then chuckled when you referred to the strong perfume of the gesso. I couldn't take that smell. I wonder if there could be another perfume-less product that could be purchased from the hardware store? In a bigger box even for greater savings possibly? I have a question about the paste you made and used with the stencils, I love that idea. I have just discovered paste and I added tall grass to an acrylic painting. The result was beautiful but it was messy getting it onto the painting as I was figuring it out while hoping I didn't destroy my already beautiful painting.tbat needed the touch of 3-d grasses. It turned out fabulous in the end. I wonder do you know, if conventional store bought paste would work with stencils in the same way as your paste does? Also do the stencils need to be plastic to work with paste? I have never used stencils since grade school 50+ years ago so I am not up on them nor do I know where to find them?
Love your video. I stumbled upon it. Great details. I accidentally lost it before subscribing but luckily remembered the title. I live in a small town but we do have a general store. Love that this is something I can do with my grandkids. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to share this clever money saving DIY recipe. I appreciated the side by side comparisons as well, a time saver for us all! 👍
I have been looking for a reasonable price for Gesso. So glad I found this. Going to Dollar store for supplies. I am surprised how many artist supplies you can buy for a dollar. Very excited to try this . I do use dollar store paint. I like it. Terry
Thank you Janelle, I'm all about saving money and this looks like the way to do it. So glad I didn't buy that expensive Gesso I had my hand on in the craft supply store the other day!
Have you tried popping the top off the baby powder then pouring the powder out, might be a lot less dust? Could use parchment paper and elastic to cover the rest of the powder if any left in the container. Thanks for the recipe!!!
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I'm not an artist by any definition, but art tutorials come up for me every so often. I've learned a lot and will subscribe.
Thank you for this! Could corn starch be used in place of the talc? I keep a lot of corn starch for projects with my kids so it’s always on hand. And can a kitchen mixer be used to mix it? If so it could save time and strain on the wrists from all that stirring.
Mamaelana yes, cornstarch can be used. I actually have a video for a diy gesso using cornstarch. If you use a mixer, I would probably keep it just for art stuff & not use it in the kitchen as well.
I have a store bought gesso, but I need to thicken it a little to add some color. I want to use it on bottle a art project I am working on. What are your recommendations?
I've been making gesso with these ingredients but with a recipe from another UA-camr (clive5art) from UK. Not sure how quantities compare as he uses European metric measuring system but the method is similar except I used an electric kitchen whisk in a round bowl so no corners for lumps to hide in. I was making many painting boards in non standard sizes to fit collected charity shop frames at home from MDF, PVA builders/woodworkers (same as school glue but cheaper in big pot) glue, and cheap linen/cotton cloth. The home brew gesso works just fine and saved a lot of money that I don't have. I didn't have the baby powder smell because I used unperfumed talcum powder from baby section in supermarket. Have seen a suggestion to use chalk powder instead of talc but not tried it yet. Have also seen suggestion to use matt white emulsion paint instead of acrylic but not tried it but that might be cheaper too. Incidentally, if you have trouble with MDF panels warping then coat them on both sides and edges with two coats of builders sealer first. The sealer sinks into the porous MDF and makes the board waterproof so it will not absorb moisture from glue and gesso on one side only which unbalances the board and causes the warping (also any shrinking of the cloth used may cause warping too so maybe pre-shrink the cloth or use, say, polyester fabric? Anyway, your video was helpful and instructive so I thank you very much. I hope my suggestions might help others to succeed in making budget/odd sized painting boards at home too . As an aside - Oddly, painting boards, canvases, and frames are usually sold in UK in imperial (inches) sizes even though we are almost entirely metric in other respects now, while they are sold in metric (centimetres) sizes in mainland europe. This is another reason to why I need odd sizeed boards to fit my recycled old frames.
I don’t have the time, patience or courage to make a video so I can only say how much I appreciate and grateful to those who do. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Ok. I'm not sure what the ovarian cancer has to do with the gesso you are making. Because from what I have heard in regards to that, it is based on years of using it on your private part. I don't remember anywhere in your video where you might have mentioned to apply the gesso to a your private part. I did watch the video again. Just to make sure. You did NOT say to use it down there. I did however want to thank you for being you and taking all these negative comments well. Shows you are a good hearted person. I appreciate all that you do and what you contribute to the art community. Taking time out of your day to teach the rest of us, is a really nice thing. I can't afford to take art classes. I am displaced, and struggling. But your videos are an inspiration and I love what you do. Thank you for everything.
+Monica DaCosta haha. Nope- I definitely did not say to use it down there. 😂
@@JanelleNichol lol!😂🤣
www.docguide.com/cornstarch-powders-don-t-pose-risk-ovarian-cancer-study
Well, you never know what people are using for their canvas. Lol.
@@patstone3259 haha!
I can't believe how rude some people can be. The attitudes of some of these people posting comments seriously pissed me of. If you guys have so many issues with this video then move on to another one and stop trying to make someone feel bad for trying to help. Really people, some of these comments were just nit picking . I applaud her for sharing and hope she keeps on sharing. I am almost scared to share my crafts after seeing how cruel people can be. Sweetheart, thank you for sharing.
You just saved my life and my budget. There is a painting I want to do so terribly bad but I can’t afford to buy the Gesso at the craft store to do it.THANK YOU!
Ok I read a lot of your comments. It amazes me that people can't just thank you. Maybe give you some suggestions or say if it worked for them. Or ask a question. You are the first person I have seen that has tried making this with the lower cost items (thank you again). Also you gave us some measurements of how much of the ingredients to use. Thank you again. Was wondering, for clear gesso would you just leave out the paint? Oh and by the way, I don't care what you stir with, and nobody else should either. Lol
+Jen McGinnis thank you!!! I need to look into the clear gesso diy because I really want to try making some. I’m also working on a gesso with cornstarch instead of powder. Thank you again for all your kind words 💗💗💗💗
Jen McGinnis You took the words right out of my mouth! How about aliitle gratitude people! Stop picking apart everything , if its not useful to you move on & if it is Say " Thank You" - manners is a lost ( ART) pun intended haha😘😉
Jen, the trend nowadays on UA-cam is to criticize and offer negative opinions that nobody asked for. If I find something objectionable, I either stop watching or say to myself, "I wouldn't do that". It's not necessary for me to try to be a negative influencer. Anyway, great video.
Actually Jen, there are numerous UA-cam videos for making gesso - clear, white and black, grey, etc. and there are recipes with different ingredients. And there are even more instructions on making it online if you don’t need video. It has been made by hand for centuries - not a new product. The only “new” is the convenience factor. Any top artist knows how to make their own to prepare canvas. That said...cheap ingredients will not make a durable, long lasting product. For example, cheap paint - craft or big box wall has lots of fillers and very little pigment. Once those fillers evaporate and cure out - what’s on top peels, flakes off or discolors. In fact - here is how true gesso is made by many artist - note the difference in ingredients. www.artistsnetwork.com/art-techniques/homemade-gesso-recipe-for-a-true-gesso-panel/
I was gonna ask about using corn starch because I have some handy.
A tip: it's always better to add the water to the PVA (school) glue then add the powder a bit at a time, this way it saves you thinning down the lumps when it's added to the glue. This is how we mix plaster to avoid lumps and it keeps the consistency fluid. Thanks for your recipe, I'm off to save money!
Frances Luck I purposely mix it in this order because the dry ingredients are “fixed” whereas the wet ingredients will vary. I just mix to a certain consistency but it’s the wet ingredients that will change not the dry ones. I don’t care how much water is added but I need a specific amount of the dry ingredients.
I'm sure you can unscrew the top of the lid of the talc instead of puffing it out of the holes which is a lot easier! LOL 😀
How much water?
@@enochwalked1 actually I can’t. I can be a little dense at times but I’m not that bad! It doesn’t screw off, you have to pry it open and because I was filming a video at the time, there are many things that need to be considered, such as having everything at arms reach. I did not have a tool at arms reach so therefore the best option was to puff it out. Yes, I could have went on a search for a “prying tool” but chances are, regardless of which tool I had used, I’d still have people in the comment section telling me I used the wrong thing, did it the wrong way and telling me what I should have done instead. So there’s that. Then there is the issue of editing the part of the video where I went on the search. I could just pause the recording rather than keep it recording while I’m wandering around my studio but that gives me separate video files as soon as I press pause...it finishes one file and starts another. So you may think this is an unnecessary extended explanation for why I “puffed” out the baby powder but then again you probably didn’t think about all that goes into filming a video either so I thought I’d give you the rundown so that you are better informed for any future tutorials you will watch online. It’s not that your comment is rude....just not helpful & possibly (not sure) a little mocking.
@@MsDima1965 thAt depends on your preference of consistency. That’s why I put the dry ingredients in first and then add the wet ingredients. I need a specific amount of dry ingredients and then however much water I want for the consistency of gesso I want. If I was to add the wet first, I don’t have a lot of options as to what the end consistency will be.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I live in a small village that has a dollar store so this was perfect and also saved me gas or shipping costs from ordering online. Much appreciated!
If you use black paint, I advise clear school glue.
When I use the white glue to make stain glass it lightens my paint.
Awesome teaching, Janelle. You are gracious to show these DIYs and save those of us who are on a limited budget ways to conserve. The crafting products these days have gotten out of control cost wise. Because of the popularity, prices are sky high and it's a shame. I am grateful for you and others who help us this way. Never mind these people who fuss about things. They are those who complain about everything. You are wonderful and greatly appreciated. Your research into costs, etc. was an added bonus. Keep it up!!
Great video. I just watched Infallible Handmades channel for DIY clear gesso & another on both white and pigmented gessos. For Clear Gesso you just omit the white acrylic paint. Black 🖤 or other colored gesso you just use that color of acrylic paint instead of white acrylic paint. i.e. black, gray, red, yellow, green etc acrylic paints. Just imagine the fun for using clear or pigmented gesso in el cheapo sketchbooks. 😊
Got to try this thanks. No matter what sight you get on. Someone is always putting people down.
Do you put a mask on the baby while dusting? Silly Rabbit....Uncle Will
Hi Janelle, I am new to this type of learning and after my question to you, was appalled to read the dreadful nativity. I am so grateful to have people like you to learn from and thank you for the kindness in sharing and your knowledge. Thank you once again and I do hope you will carry on spreading your help 🥰🤗
Oh thanks so much for the encouragement. UA-cam.....am I right? Haha.
This has been THE BEST TUTORIAL I have come across. I am a new artist and "teaching" myself in many styles of painting but my favorite is ABSTRACT ART. In my journey I haven't been able to get what I need from other people in terms of explanation of how to attempt abstract... That is until I came across your video. And the best thing is that in terms of selling my art I didn't want to just sell canvas paintings, I envisioned myself going the highend clothing route so not only has your video been very educational for me but it has also been very inspiring. For this I thank you JanelleNichol and I wish you the best and KEEP INSPIRING! 🎨🖌️😍
i knew she was a teacher. boy did i need you in college. I learned nothing in art class. i'm learning so much on You Tube.
Do you watch Dollar Tree Craft videos, you can make great crafts for less, sell them or keep them for yourself or give as gifts
You can just go to Hobby Lobby in buy gesso white black or clear and pull up the 40% discount on your phone
i know exactly what you mean about art class its as if theyre afraid to share stuff with you :(
UA-cam is reaching a point where it is rivalling my high school education in terms of value and amount of information (actually in terms of value youtube is free so its smashed it out of the park). Im not even using university/college for this comparison cause honestly i feel like that was so useless that if I didn't know any better (and I probably dont) I'd say the whole thing was a giant rort.
All hail sensei UA-cam! 🙏🙏🙏
Great video! I'm 60 and just getting into painting. Gesso is expensive, but everyone says to use it. I don't want to make a big investment in case I don't like painting. Thank you so much for your energy. I'm off to Dollar Tree!
You are a MASH person, in the tranches. No bells and …. Happy and practical. Bless you.
Keep this good work going.
Thanks so much!
You can remove the top of the talc powder....insert a screw driver to the underside of the cap and pop it off.....no mess and no mask necessary
+MsMckenzie123 oh good to know! Thanks!
You should NEVER use talc w/o a mask. Or really ever. It's so harmful to breathe in.
MsMckenzie123
Yes, you can even cut the top of the bottle off with a box blade .
Hey Janelle! I actually use this recipe for my Gesso, I just forgot to like this video before. Best gesso I ever used and it smells good too LOL!!
extra perfumated variety.
Thanks for all.
. Went to studio a many years.
No explanation when, why and how to use. Thanks a lot.
I have from store, Amazon and never used. Watch video yesterday and was surprised of results I never have.
Begin to googele and happy to get some information.
This is great, thank you...I hv 11 grandchildren (so far) and I am making all their gifts for Christmas...so I am going to make some today n get started! Thanks again!
I have used homemade gesso and modeling paste. Both last a long time and work really well. When making gesso I hardly use any water, glue and paint mostly and maybe quarter cup of water. Made black gesso also 3 years ago still working well since I don't use much of black. Mostly white. I love the fact that I can make something cheap and the money I save can buy me better paint or paper. I'm from Australia, everything here is very expensive as soon as you mention art.
Can use powdered chalk, bought in bulk, too. When I used plaster of Paris as some ask, even though it was well-sealed, it did set up and not stay usable as long, so if people use that they may want to only make what they’ll use right away.
Easiest DYI gesso ever. Thank you for sharing😃😃😃
Thank you for sharing. This video from you taught me the difference between the two Gesso’s.
Now I understand why my work has been giving the results-I was using “texture paste” gesso, instead of the liquid version.
Your video taught me more in 20 minutes, I have learned in a year 😊self-study.
Thank you!!
I’m so glad you were able to learn something from my video!
To stop the puffy powder I cut the top off my bottle and pour or scope out the quantity. I then invest the top and tape it done like a lid to make it easier to use and keep it dry. Thanks for your recipe.😊❤
Thank you I love your mistakes like we all do. it’s fun to watch so much knowledge we learn from our mistakes and don’t let these negative people spoil your job. Great job
Thank you got sharing this tip, I also found it very cheap to use dray wall multi-propose jointing compound plus modelling powder. it makes up about 18 dollars for 1.5L. and it lasts for a very very long time.
Thank you Foudou Huang. For sharing your tip!! It is great!
I’m at the Dollar store now 15 mins before they close to get everything you shared for this recipe. Thank you! I don’t like dollar store pint either,
You are the crazy neighbor I want to live next to. Great ideas, I'm learning so much I thought I knew.
+Jean Medley oh I am definitely the crazy neighbor!!! Haha. I love that you said that. Thanks for watching!💗💗💗😂😂😂
Hi Janelle, thank you for taking the time to show us how to make gesso. If anyone is concerned about talc, cornstarch is a good alternative to baby powder. It's the primary ingredient in them anyway. I also use calcium carbonate, or marble dust to make it heavier. I'm no expert, but I hope it helps. Thanks again.
+Michelle Williams yes, I have videos for diy gesso using all of those ingredients. 💗
I have only used homemade Gesso. Because I was just starting out making Mixed-media art and I needed a lot of other things to buy it just made sense. It is a bit messy but I actually like making it. And I too found making it cost me less than $3.50. for 24 oz. If you are first starting out making art, why would you buy the expensive stuff? That's just my opinion. It has worked so well that I have never bought it at a store. (I would rather spend my money on paint and canvases/wood.) Thanks for showing us "Starving Artists " that you can create simple and very cost effective products. You have a new subscriber.
Wow. This was so thorough, informational, and helpfu! Thank you so much for all the work you put into doing this video and sharing w us😊😊
Thank you! I paint big size canvas, and a lot, so I go through gesso like water, and now learned that 3x gesso is bare minimum, so want to up my game. It gets quite expensive, so I am so happy that I found you! You are a great teacher. Your awesome video is heaven send to me!
Thank you so much for a great cost effective way of making Gesso. Where I live it is very expensive. Finally have a way of adding texture to art as well. Thank you again for your time that you have taken to make a very helpful tutorial.
It's already 2020. Thank you so so very very much. I am pretty new in painting. This is perfect for me as a beginner.
You just saved me from buying a very expensive branded gesso. I just started painting (with acrylic) last month which i never thought I could paint. And now I want to try oil painting. And since I am just starting and I am still practicing , so this is what I really need while I'm just practicing. Thanks, again for making this video! Stay safe!
I like the idea of low cost gesso, and because the video was a full demonstration of making it, viewers can see what is involved. It was nice to include the price comparison -- that will motivate some people and help them. A minor quibble is that I feel that the comment that you would not use the homemade gesso for fine art (only for mixed media, fooling around, etc.) would have been better placed near the beginning of the video, not near the end. That way, folks who wanted to make gesso for their fine art wouldn't have to spend the time watching the video. But overall, I think you have made more people happy than unhappy. Thank you.
This is wonderful! I don’t want to use expensive gesso for daily painting practice 😖 I’m going to try one of these. I love that they’re also a bit on the thicker side
thankyoufor your video, apart from price some people live where they cannot find gesso,
Yup!!!
This is a great teacher to make GESSO I love how you are teaching the DIY. I thought white paint at dollarama was $1,50? I know it's here.
I always enjoy the comments, it's stimulating to read other people's thoughts sometimes more information there as well, if they are negative please don't take it personally, we learn as we share good or Bad thanks ...UK
+rab woody thanks so much!!
Thank you so much! I've lived on Big Island, Hawaii for a year now and they don't have any type of Dollar Store.😫I can't wait to get back to the mainland, for multiple reasons! (It's exceptionally beautiful here though) I haven't read all the comments, so someone else may have already mentioned this, if not, use distilled water instead of tap to prevent mildew.😊
And I can’t wait to get back to Hawaii!! I love it there. It’s our favourite vacation spot.
I enjoyed your information and video. And,,,,,,,,,,using your hands and trying to use up everything in the containers. Ver informative and liked the cost breakdown.
Thanks for taking the time to show us and for being pretty precise about the ratios of ingredients. I appreciate people like you sharing this kind of information for free and for fun! Thanks again!
Thank-you for this instruction. I have been thinking of trying to work out a gesso recipe myself, but I think I'll try it with cornstarch instead of talcum. That might eliminate the graying of the color too. You've taken so much of the guesswork out of this process. Many, many thanks :)
+Patricia Walker
Here is a link for the update on how well this gesso stores over time and if it still works after one year. ua-cam.com/video/Ih_lmTGLq3I/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for your videos. I am a beginner and finding your videos very informative and useful. I have bought some baby powder, glue, white paint, and calcium Carbonate. (I think this is all! :) ) Now I will do a bit of each Gessoes to find out which one works better for me. I am ever so thankful to you and your instructions. Please keep them coming. Love, Vida from London-UK
Thankyou so much for watching! Let me know how it all turns out!
@@JanelleNichol Hi Janelle. I made the gesso with Calcium Carbonate. It works well. Thank you again for your help. V.
The tightwad in me would put the water in the glue bottle! I do this with laundry detergent when bottle is "empty". I can get another small load of not so dirty laundry out of it! Thanks for the info!
Thank you! I'm on a retirement budget, so diy is great!
Thanks very much for the money saving tips. I live in a long term facility and we do a lot of work with acrylic paint. No one has ever mentioned gesso so I will pass this on to them.
You are awesome for sharing with others the technics you developed and will help people to save money. Thank you so very much!!!
+Carmen Brito thanks so much!!
Cant find talc powder anymore since action class suits..... Would cornstarch work?
Janelle - thank you so much for the demo on making gesso(s). I'm just beginning with this style of painting and I need to save where I can too. I think it' s great that we can make it ourselves. Again: THANKS!
+Mary Ann Lowrance
Here is a link for the update on how well this gesso stores over time and if it still works after one year. ua-cam.com/video/Ih_lmTGLq3I/v-deo.html
I would use a sharp saw to take the bottom off the talc container, to get it all out in one go with less clouds of talc. I am glad I found your video.
Funny you should mention black gesso. That's what I wanted and couldn't find any. (Didn't even know if it existed) Decided "Why not see if I could make my own?". So I go ol' stand-by learning center (YT) and found your video. Thank you for posting. Now I have black gesso.
+Michael Lundy oh awesome! I’m glad to help!!
Thank you for taking the time to show us how you make your own Gesso! I will definitely try it!
I made some just before this past winter started and it is still good all it did was separate but all will even store bought will. All it needed was to be shook up and it was good as new. I didn't add water to mine but put a whole bottle of same size paint acrylic like you used different brand. But mine did good.
Cool. I've done this to prime over failed watercolor paintings to use for acrylic or oils. No talc though. I put in clay or a bit of plaster powder. Thanks for posting a step by step. Really helpful to many out here.
Yes, I will have to do one without talc sometime. I mostly use manufactured acrylic gesso for my pieces as I sell them, but I like the DIY for experimenting or art journal pages.
Thanks for making this video. I knew the first 'recipe' and I have used it for my crafting projects, but I was not familiar with the second recipe. I will try that out.
I like this, that so nice that I can make my own gesso & texture paste. But I do want to know if I can add glitter to the homemade gesso and texture ?
Great video. I'm going to the Dollar Store today. Thank You
Thank you for sharing this information. I did not learn this in art school! In fact, this came up in my feed just when I have my first mixed media project and will need a LOT of paste. Thank you again... you are a born teacher... sharing information is invaluable.
I think this video, was great! It will save me lot's of $!! Thank you very much for this handy information! I'm a beginner acrylic painter, and I learned a lot from you!!
Thank you for such clear, concise and helpful gesso making video!!!
Thanks for your time can i add vinegar to the baby powder mixture instead of wate or both i heard baby powder will go bad after a while not sure cause never made it, its just that am starting a project for my granddaughter n i want it to last long time, agIn thx for your time❤
appreciate and thankyou for sharing your recipe ....as an intermediate artist...wanted to know which diy gesso recipe would you recommend? There are three more gesso recipes videos of yours...
Thanks! This will cut the cost of my art class supplies when we're just doing basic projects. Then I can splurge on things I want the kids to keep forever.
Thank you immensely for your helpfulness in showing me how to make my own gesso. I'm all about saving money, and this will definitely help in my crafting and painting. Your appreciated! Again, thank you!
Hello, Janelle. I plan to use oil paints to create a scene on the top of a wooden picnic basket, and knew I should prep the wood. Thank you for this video!
Great video! I just started painting 6 months ago, and some of "my ideas" did not work out. I will try this instead of spending more money on canvases. Thank you!
Dollar tree have canvases now.
Thank You for saving me some money. I am obsessed with mixed media creating and I am going to make the homemade stuff. I look forward to more of your videos
Excellent one Madam Janelle Nichol. This is one of the best videos I have seen on this subject.
I have a question for you. I am from India. We prepare clay Idols for worship here in India, which are immersed in water after religious rituals. I would like to have options for preparing White Gesso or any other color without using any kind of material which has a chemical compound in it as they need to be eco friendly because they may contaminate water and harm marine life. Can you find some other options which use natural bio-degradable stuff? My warm regards to you.
Thanks for your video - I am new to using Gesso and love saving money on art supplies, so I have been watching a few different DIY Gesso videos, and this one is the BEST one so far and easiest. I'm Canadian so I'm happy to see the Dollarama products you used :) Can't wait to use your video to make my own Gesso and will be trying to make Black Gesso -- using clear glue as someone mentioned in the comments. Thanks again!
Oh I’m glad you liked this video! Thanks for watching! 💗
Great video and I appreciate the time you took to show how to make this thick modeling gesso.
I can only add that talc IS carcinogenic and there are several suits out there due to people developing ovarian cancer after years of using talc in their groin.. my younger sister was one of those who did develop fatal ovarian cancer after using talc freely for years, You can use or maybe even MUST use the baby powder that is cornstarch based. I sometimes still see the baby powder with talc in it at the Dollar Tree and I am driven to point it out. It is carcinogenic.
Thank you so much for these very valuable tips.
Thank you for taking the time to teach us! I lov saving $. I get a lot of my project materials for free and then I buy my paints , & Etc. you are my kind of gal ! I'll see you , next video 🤓Thank you again.
Always good to hear how we can make savings! Thank you for your time and effort.
I really appreciate that you made this video. Any product that I use that I can make - I do. These are very good, cheap, practical recipes and I WILL use them. thank you for making this video!!!
Thank you for saving money, I am from South Africa, I will make gesso
Thank you Janelle, your videos are most helpful. Always looking for ways to save money with my crafts. Just getting started with Art- my husband used to do it for our business. I'm going to cut my own canvases and make the frames myself, like he did. What would be the best number of coats of homemade Gesso to use on these? If you wouldn't mind, I'd also like your thoughts on which type of Gesso would be best to use? Greatly appreciate your ideas.
Thanks for watching! As for the number of coats...it depends on the canvas fabric you are using and the look you are trying to achieve. If you want a surface that is really smooth and easy to blend on the canvas, I would probably do 4 coats, sanding them in between each coat. That’s for the canvases I use...if you’re buying your own canvas to cut, it would probable need more. Honestly, any brand of gesso will work just as any DIY gesso will work. As I said in the videos, the baby powder & the cornstarch recipes will work but if you want to sell your paintings or you want them kept in superb condition for many years, I would stay away from them. The plaster of Paris and the calcium carbonate recipes are most like manufactured gesso. But I would still test it out first. It could react differently depending on humidity where you live or the environment you are painting in.
Thank you so very much for this video , I appreciate the time you took to explain everything....I laugh when I saw you mixing with the handle of your paint brush....just happy I am not the only one doing that,, thank you again for a great video!!
Oh good someone else that just grabs whatever! You would not believe the criticism I have received just from using the handle of a paintbrush! People are crazy....
JanelleNichol...Yep, I am just like you, I spend a lot of time in my craft shop and I do have sticks for when I want to mix something but if I have to get up to get a mixing stick and I see a paint brush in front of me you can be sure that the handle of my paint brush will be what I use to mix with and I have also used a pencil on a few occasion and I see nothing wrong with that and anybody that does simply does not have a crafter imagination and they would be better off looking at other videos! Good job again on that video!!
Superb video, can't wait to go get the supplies to make it, many thanks x
When you added the talc powder I cringed at the thought of permanently perfuming my art work, so I definitely wondered about that then chuckled when you referred to the strong perfume of the gesso. I couldn't take that smell. I wonder if there could be another perfume-less product that could be purchased from the hardware store? In a bigger box even for greater savings possibly? I have a question about the paste you made and used with the stencils, I love that idea. I have just discovered paste and I added tall grass to an acrylic painting. The result was beautiful but it was messy getting it onto the painting as I was figuring it out while hoping I didn't destroy my already beautiful painting.tbat needed the touch of 3-d grasses. It turned out fabulous in the end. I wonder do you know, if conventional store bought paste would work with stencils in the same way as your paste does? Also do the stencils need to be plastic to work with paste? I have never used stencils since grade school 50+ years ago so I am not up on them nor do I know where to find them?
Love your video. I stumbled upon it. Great details. I accidentally lost it before subscribing but luckily remembered the title. I live in a small town but we do have a general store. Love that this is something I can do with my grandkids. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to share this clever money saving DIY recipe. I appreciated the side by side comparisons as well, a time saver for us all! 👍
+C. Samson you’re very welcome!!!!
I have been looking for a reasonable price for Gesso. So glad I found this. Going to Dollar store for supplies. I am surprised how many artist supplies you can buy for a dollar. Very excited to try this . I do use dollar store paint. I like it. Terry
Thank you Janelle, I'm all about saving money and this looks like the way to do it. So glad I didn't buy that expensive Gesso I had my hand on in the craft supply store the other day!
Can you substitute cornstarch for the talc? And how would you make clear gesso
good question
Get in there and messy like a true artist ! I agree gloves are cumbersome.
You are what is called a 'Painterly' artist.
+Angel Reading 💜💗💗
thank you for all the home work you did , i do appreciate you for sharing
Have you tried popping the top off the baby powder then pouring the powder out, might be a lot less dust? Could use parchment paper and elastic to cover the rest of the powder if any left in the container. Thanks for the recipe!!!
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I'm not an artist by any definition, but art tutorials come up for me every so often. I've learned a lot and will subscribe.
Thank you for this! Could corn starch be used in place of the talc? I keep a lot of corn starch for projects with my kids so it’s always on hand. And can a kitchen mixer be used to mix it? If so it could save time and strain on the wrists from all that stirring.
Mamaelana yes, cornstarch can be used. I actually have a video for a diy gesso using cornstarch. If you use a mixer, I would probably keep it just for art stuff & not use it in the kitchen as well.
+Mamaelana here is the link to that video ua-cam.com/video/vh0wPNa4ofE/v-deo.html
Thank you so much I am just starting with this and am on tight budget making the gas so will be the way for me to go
I’ve always wondered if I could
Make my own and now I’m excited to know that I can.
Thanks for this video because I have two large canvases that I want to reuse. And this will save me money. Really, educational! 💋💋
First video I've viewed, enjoyed learning how to save money. LOVE DIY.
Love this idea! You can take the kid off of the powder to make it less messy and easier to control the dust!
Fantastic video. Great info and good demonstration with good explanation. Thank you.
I have a store bought gesso, but I need to thicken it a little to add some color. I want to use it on bottle a art project I am working on. What are your recommendations?
Thank you so much for this information and instruction.So helpful
I've been making gesso with these ingredients but with a recipe from another UA-camr (clive5art) from UK.
Not sure how quantities compare as he uses European metric measuring system but the method is similar except I used an electric kitchen whisk in a round bowl so no corners for lumps to hide in.
I was making many painting boards in non standard sizes to fit collected charity shop frames at home from MDF, PVA builders/woodworkers (same as school glue but cheaper in big pot) glue, and cheap linen/cotton cloth.
The home brew gesso works just fine and saved a lot of money that I don't have.
I didn't have the baby powder smell because I used unperfumed talcum powder from baby section in supermarket.
Have seen a suggestion to use chalk powder instead of talc but not tried it yet.
Have also seen suggestion to use matt white emulsion paint instead of acrylic but not tried it but that might be cheaper too.
Incidentally, if you have trouble with MDF panels warping then coat them on both sides and edges with two coats of builders sealer first. The sealer sinks into the porous MDF and makes the board waterproof so it will not absorb moisture from glue and gesso on one side only which unbalances the board and causes the warping (also any shrinking of the cloth used may cause warping too so maybe pre-shrink the cloth or use, say, polyester fabric?
Anyway, your video was helpful and instructive so I thank you very much.
I hope my suggestions might help others to succeed in making budget/odd sized painting boards at home too
.
As an aside - Oddly, painting boards, canvases, and frames are usually sold in UK in imperial (inches) sizes even though we are almost entirely metric in other respects now, while they are sold in metric (centimetres) sizes in mainland europe. This is another reason to why I need odd sizeed boards to fit my recycled old frames.