Art supplies such as paints, oil paints, solvents, thinners etc can harm the environment even the artists may suffer from occupational diseases. So, be careful while choosing a new paint for your home, office, a thinner or a solvent for preparing a mixture. Some art supplies may fume in the atmosphere, within surroundings and may cause some diseases. Some of the art supplies may pollute the atmosphere during their use or when you want to dispose of them after their use.

Why not pick biodegradable, environmentally friendly art supplies that safeguard your body and surroundings around you. Most of these art supplies are affordable and superior in quality. Otherwise you can find replacements for these products, some of these product websites offer raw material at much cheaper cost and methods to manufacture these products. You can design your own home based formula for painting walls, murals and household furniture.

Eco friendly paints and art supplies are extracted from their natural sources. Some of the sources are quite rare still you can enjoy their splendor in your office and home at much lower costs. If you want to use the same old paint, traditional art supplies; you can. But you can avoid using that harmful oil based paints, pastels, chalks, aerosol sprays and replace them with water paints, and natural dyes.    

Some of the art supplies that are quite environmentally friendly are listed as under:

1. Aquabee Tree-Free Hemp Sketch Pad

This environmentally friendly sketchpad is made up of 100% recycled material. No new trees are used. The pad is made up of 25% hemp and 75% recycled. It is low in lignin, acid free and comes with a natural brightness. This product is recommended for use with dry mediums and wet mediums.

2.  Bamboo Easel

This bamboo easel is a perfect compliment to an environmentally friendly studio for work or display. It is made of Vietnamese bamboo. It has a weight limit of 15lbs for canvas and is 62” in height. It comes in one color, which is natural.

3. Earthen & Mineral Pigments

Earthen & Mineral Pigments are environmentally friendly and made up of micronized powders useful in wax or oil mural paintings. These pigments are made up of non toxic chemicals likewise oxides, silicate along with some earthen pigments.

4. Canson Biggie 100% Recycled Rough Newsprint

This product is the ultimate in environmentally friendly paper. One hundred percent of this paper is made from post consumer waste. Perfect for Pencils, pastels, charcoal with a rough surface for texture work and this pad is chlorine-free. It comes in 50 and 125 sheet tape bound pads with a 30lb weight.

5. Ecos – paints and varnishes

ECOs offer a range of organic paints and varnishes which are free from harmful chemicals causing irritation while applying. ECOs paints and varnishes are environmentally friendly and are manufactured using natural plant extracts and from organic sources. ECOs paints don’t need solvent and are available in several varieties, for example ECOs air purifying paint can be applied on walls for absorbing polluted air from room by absorption of pollutants. 

6. Gerstaecker Brush Cleaner

Gerstaecker brush cleaners are environmentally friendly brush cleaners and are biodegradable and doesn’t spoil environment and quite useful in cleaning oil and acrylic brushes. Gerstaecker brush cleaners are also friendly with palette knives.

7. Bamboo Reed Pens

These shafts are perfect for creating the sculptured elegant lines of calligraphy or doing ink work. Highly durable each set of three pens include sizes 8.5, 7 and 6 with dual ends allowing for heavy or fine work.

8.  M GRAHAM Walnut Oil Paint

Traditional oils are some of the best paints to use for art. Walnut oil cracks and yellows less than the traditional linseed oil and is significantly easier to use. Use this oil paint with no additional solvents while offering high pigmentation and no worries this oil is an environmentally alternative to rapid drying alkyd mediums. It resembles the old more traditional oils used through history.

9.  Taskboard

This task board is made from biodegradable, sustainable forestry wood. It is perfect for creating models, is designed to cut easily, glue easily, and makes for the perfect solution for invisible joints.

10. Natural Orange Terpene Solvent

Natural Orange Terpene Solvent is another environmentally friendly solvent. This solvent is environment friendly and suitable for those artists who love oil painting

11. Real Milk Paints

Real milk paints are environmentally friendly paints for painting murals, furniture, wood, bricks, stones etc. Real milk paints are available in many colors but can’t be applied on oily surface or already painted surfaces. Real milk paints are environmentally friendly and non toxic.

12. Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink

This permanent black ink is non-toxic and made of vegetable oil soot. This ink is perfect for sumi painting, calligraphy work, makes a great complement for bamboo pens, and this ink comes conveniently in a liquid form.

13. Playbox Wheat Paste

Non-toxic, non-staining and easy mixing sets this paste apart. It is perfect for any paper-based project. Use it for paper Mache, or as part of the art supplies of any classroom for any project needing past. It comes in 1lb and 3lb powder buckets.

14. Yasumoto Nori Paste

This is more a glue than an actual paste; Works well on collages, egg craft, and scrap booking. It can also help you to adhere paper to surfaces like glass, plastic and metal. It is easy to apply, dries slowly to allow repositioning, and will not stain paper. It is perfect for kids art projects because it washes off easily. This is an acid free product.

15. World Win Crafty creation paper

This paper specifically designed for creating greeting cards that are environmentally friendly and can be used in scrap booking. They are 100% recycled paper and are perfect for printing as well. They are 65lb card stock. 

The history of stencils is one that walks hand in hand with the art world and they have been used to create patterns on fabric for centuries and are considered an art-form in themselves in Japan.

In the modern world the amateur crafter has a few choices, they can either have simple basic and easy to use stencils or they can move into the more complex and delicate stencils. The need of the user will determine the right set of stencils to use.

Beginners and amateurs:

 If you are new to stencilling then you should start with the basic and most uncomplicated type of stencil. These stencils are usually cheap and easy to replace and are made of a durable plastic such as acetate, Mylar or vinyl. They are single purpose designs that you can repeat over and over again as you see fit. You can use them with the greatest of ease as there are guidance markers and places for you to secure the stencil to your work-surface, be it a wall or a piece of paper or even a birthday card, so that it won’t move about while you work. There are many kinds of this stencil available and they are made with many different designs allowing you to combine stencils for effect. The only drawback to these types of stencil is that they are not flexible, in other words if you come to a tricky corner you will not be able to carry on, this problem has been solved by some manufacturers as they will provide corner stencils. This is a great way to start stencilling and it is good to get children involved as crafters and there are many stencil designs and workbooks for children to use.

Moderate Users and Crafters:

 The crafter will need more than a simple stencil design as they will want to work with many different styles, themes and mediums. A crafted birthday card could have many different stencils on them, not to mention all the personal touches!

 For those who need to work on multiple levels you should consider multiple overlay stencils. These type of stencils are often used in decoupage work and are a must have if you are thinking of becoming a crafter either as an amateur or professional. The multiple overlay lets you build up your designs from the base upwards. Level after level is built up in much the same way as the pyramid. You start with the base, the largest stencils and the pieces of the design that will be shown the least, in terms of decoupage anyway, and when that has been done either in paint or pencil you remove the stencil and replace it with the next level up, and so on and so on until you have your complete design. The beauty of this type of stencil is that it removes the supports or "bridges" that you find in other cheaper and simpler stencils allowing the finished product to feel more freehand and artistic. They also have more flexibility and less rigidity meaning that the artist can use them with greater ease on difficult and tricky areas.

 This is where the people who have mastered the art of stencilling usually end up and many have successful careers as professional crafters. The types of stencil and accessories that the professional uses are more advanced and they can even make their own stencils, some of them even selling their designs. The oiled paper stencil is used often by people at this level. This type of stencil gives the nostalgic feel of Victoriana and the 1920’s and is a real treat to see. Oil coated stencils are made of heavier paper than the other stencils but the coating of oil makes them extremely flexible. This is what the proficient stenciller will use to create their own stencils if they use carbon-paper or are quite adept at drawing. The professional will also be able to guide many amateurs as they offer help and advice on instructional DVD’s and books which can be purchased online or in the high street.

 There are also many paper stencil design books to be found and this gives the professional the chance to simply cut the design from the book and by tracing the design onto clear stencil film or carbon paper will have a stencil of their own. This is where the crafter will use their skills in fine cutting as they need to be patient as cutting out some of the most complex designs can take hours.

 The stencil may seem like a humble piece of plastic that you use to create a pattern but its use in art is felt everywhere. In Japan the art of stencilling is considered to be of great importance and is known as Katazome. The silk-screen printing process uses stencils which uses a highly woven mesh screen coated with emulsion to reproduce the image. Many shirts and designs you see on clothing have been done with this method. Very complex stencils can have many colored layers. Artistic uses are also graphitic designers who need to create art in a hurry.

Hidden Extras:

 What the crafter should know is that the design gives not only a stencil template to use but in some of the more expensive and delicate designs the pieces that you will remove are in fact a negative of the image you will be doing. This can create shadows and is of great help to those crafters who create decoupage images.

 There are also hundreds of designs from ages past hidden within craft books that have stencil designs for you to copy and use and there are books made just for children with animal, Teddy-bear or cartoon stencils for hours of fun.

 The main point of stencils is to use them as a support. They provide a template but it is up to you to create the art. Use different colors and techniques, mix your mediums like using paints and pencils within the same design, experiment and keep trying and soon you could be a crafting pro!

Canvas keys are small pieces of wood that come with a canvas that allow you to stretch and tauten the canvas, while keeping the canvas at the best tension. They are designed so that the artist can paint without fear of the canvas sagging.

They may arrive in a little bag that is stapled to the back of the canvas and may be made of plastic for cheaper canvases. They may even be already applied to the mitred corners of the stretcher bars of your canvas.

There are ready-made slots primed on the canvas which are waiting for you to tap them in to tighten or align the canvas. If the canvas is unprimed or you are stretching the canvas yourself you should only use the keys once the canvas has been primed, to aid in rigidity.

Some canvases have rigid corners and will not require canvas keys, just ensure that before using your canvas that it is taut. Now you will not have to worry about your canvas becoming loose before you can hang your wonderful art piece.

    Children will like colorful and non-technical work. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be creative but let your kids develop slowly. Crayons and pencils are good for children of any age, felt-tip pens should be for more mature children as small children may leave the tops off and they will dry up. Sketch-books, watercolor pencils or block paints are good for entertaining children, and remember you can’t go wrong with some pencils, an eraser and a sharpener!

    Young adults and teens will want more of a challenge and will be more inclined to use their imagination, a 400 page paper sketchbook and fine tipped pencils will give them the freedom of expression. Let them choose their own medium and they may surprise you, painting is not beyond young teens and they may be more inclined to use this medium. Know your child and the choice should be easy.

    Adults are the hardest to choose for as they have the widest range of mediums to choose from and can differ in their level of expertise. Discover what your friend’s already do and buy things to compliment their supplies or challenge them to use a different medium, give your watercolorist an oil paint kit. A subscription to an art publication or a DVD to help them improve their techniques are also great gifts.

    Some adult beginners may like an Ink sketch kit and these kits are in many reputable art suppliers, comprising of drawing nibs, Indian ink and a lightweight waterproof sketch paper set. Other adults may enjoy a Conte sketch set which helps the more flexible artist to create freehand styles and expressive work. They are made up of a large pad of pastel-colored paper with a putty eraser, 2 large blending stumps or tortillions and a box of Conte color crayons and a tin of fixative spray.

    Whatever you get your artist make sure it will inspire them to create the best work they can. It also might be helpful to think of a budget, before you even start looking at the wide array of art materials to choose from.

The main point about safety is to practice common sense. If something seems dangerous or you are unsure of something then seek professional guidance. The basic rules of safety are that you keep yourself aware of the elements around you and make sure to keep the wellbeing of others in mind.

Some of the basic guidelines that can increase your awareness whilst in the studio are always be aware of the products that you are using and of course when dealing with children or from a purely non-threatening framework you can use non-toxic supplies.

 Keep yourself clean and aware of the dangers at all times. Remembering to pay particular attention to the type of paints you are using, you do not want to get toxic chemicals on your skin and you should wear clothing that will not prevent you from carrying out work but will protect you from accidental splashes and spills. Gloves are a necessity when dealing with more dangerous paint supplies. Never try to alter the brushstroke by wetting the tip of the brush with your tongue, remember these aren’t play-paints.

 Some paint fumes can be nauseous at best and toxic at worst. A well ventilated studio will prevent the fumes from building up. Check to see how the room should be ventilated when dealing with different paint supplies. Oil paint won’t need much ventilation but a harsher paint or removal agent most definitely will.

3)Storage

 Keep your art supplies and paints away from children and preferably under lock and key. Children should be allowed to play with non-toxic supplies but they should be kept well away from harsh and toxic substances. Keep your paints, removal agents and other cleaning supplies in their original containers and ensure that the lids are fastened securely after each use. Keep them stored away from heat and open flames as this can lead to accidents.

When you have finished for the day do not simply pour unused paints down the drain, as this can lead to clogs and blockages, and when clearing away pastel dust always wear a protective mouth-guard and use a decent suction cleaner to ensure that all the dust is collected. Always make sure to keep your paints stored safely and correctly. Always wash your hands after painting, using a suitable solvent if necessary.

Basic rules are then to keep your wits about you, for example: don’t place your coffee next to your water-pot, you don’t want to drink the paints!

The following credited web sites contain detailed safety information on art supplies.

• Art Safety Guide  
• Health and Safety in the Arts
• Art and Creative Materials Institute

There are different styles of frames available in market. The main categories are listed below

• Traditional décor: These are used when the artist wants to give a more formal look. These are ideal for ornate and decorative look and are mostly available in silver, golden and wooden frames.
• Rustic décor: Italian Country and Shabby chic looks are complimented with these rustic décor. These are usually wooden frames.
• Contemporary décor: Usually found in black, these are simple elegant frames and best for places where simplicity is sought.
• Casual/Eclectic: Last but not the least is the casual frames. These give the impression of free spirits.

When choosing a frame for your painting you must keep in mind that there are many things that you need to consider before finalizing the frame. In fact the truth is that not all frames are meant for every painting. It is very important to choose a frame that compliments the overall theme and mood of the painting. If chosen correctly, the frame will become an important part of the art otherwise it would look like something foreign.

Here are some of the things that you must consider while deciding about the frame.

1. Frame Size: Although it is not necessary but artists mostly prefer to use wide frames on big arts while thin frames on smaller arts. This is for the reason that although wide frames seem to compliment large arts but if they are used on smaller arts then they seem to overwhelm them. But if chosen wisely then even a wide frame can give the effect of luxury and style to smaller arts as well.
2. Frame Color: The next most important thing that you must consider while deciding on the frame is its color. It is not important that the color of the frame matches the colors used in the art. Rather the color of the frame should be such that it compliments the overall décor of the room.
3. Frame Style: Beside size and color, it is very important to consider the style of the frame as well. An overly-wide frame can result in giving a crowded feeling to the picture and confuse the beholder.
4. Frame Composition: Now-a-days frames are available in a variety of material. If you go to an art supply shop or a frame supply shop then you will realize that you can easily find frames that are made of wood, plastic, metal and many other materials.

In short, it is very important to consider all aspects of a frame otherwise it is likely that it will do more harm then good.

Art boards are used for different types of art applications. Their use is also for applications related to crafting. One such board is the multimedia art board. It is a paper based material. It is made up of polymerized thermo set resins. This product is very durable. It has an approximate thickness of 0.025 inches and it can be used with any medium. It can also be used with a combination of different mediums. The mediums which can be used are oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylics, color pencil, charcoal and collage. It is free of acid, archival and linen. It is a non-buckling board and both sides of the board can be used. It can be sanded. Five sheets are provided along with every pack.

Art films are of the following types:-

1.        All Purpose Frisket Films. It is a low tack film and it has a clean and easy cut. It perfectly masks for all types of media and the peel is very smooth. It can also be reused and does not tear. It is available in both matte and clear finish and as compared to the vinyl films it is very cheap.

2.        Artool Frisket Films.  This is a low tack and self adhesive film. It can be used very effectively with many mediums. It is available in two types of finishes, gloss and matte. Its advantage is that you can remove it and reposition it without any problem. Under an airbrush spray it does not flutter ad neither does it wrinkle.

3.        Chartpak Laser Applique Films. These films are used in copiers and laser printers. They do not cur and give a very crisp and clean image. They also do not stick.

4.        Foto Frisket Films. It is a stenciling material which is self adhesive and transparent. It is easy to stick and remove and does not cause any damage. It is available in gloss and matte finish.

5.        Safmat Adhesive Films. These are acetate films which are very transparent. They become invisible when burnished. It has a compatibility with inkjet printers and also laser jets. It is best suited for multi layered visuals and mock-ups.

6.        Stencil Films. You can create your own stencils with the help of the stencil film. It is transparent blue in color. It is also a heavy weight film. All you need to do is draw a trace of the design you want and use a knife to cut it. It is very durable.

1.        Gray Glue –On. These are large sized easel backs and can be best used for big presentations. Adhesive tapes are not used in these easel backs.

2.        Lineco Self-Stick Easel Backs. For presentations and displays these boards are very practical. It has a permanent adhesive which can stick to any surface either uncoated or coated. It is made up of a 10 ply board. It is simple to use and stick on to any surface.