Are you looking for a fun and practical craft project? This DIY paint palette is not only a fun activity to make but also a functional tool you can use for your painting sessions with the kids.
Made from recycled materials, this craft is eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Kids will love using their own paint palettes that you’ve made together!
This painting craft is perfect for an arts and crafts theme birthday party, or can even be made as part of an artist costume, for example for world book day. If your child wants to dress up as an artist they will definitely need their own homemade artist palette to hold.
How to Make Your Own DIY Cardboard Paint Palette
Let’s move on to the step-by-step guide on how to create your very own mini paint palette, that you can even use! And the great thing about this idea is that it is so simple and easy. Each bottle lid acts as a little tray for that color of paint.
Materials Needed for the Diy Palette
You will need to start collecting bottle lids, until you have collected a whole rainbow of colors to make your easy diy paint palette. This is a fun challenge for the kids too, and once you’ve got all your colors you’re ready to gather the rest of your materials.
You will also need
- Cardboard (strong thick cardboard is better, for strength)
- Sharp knife (like an X-Acto knife)
- Hot glue gun
- Different color plastic bottle lids
- Paint brush (small is best since it’s a mini paint palette)
- Paint (kids washable paint, or acrylic paint works best with this palette)
Recycle materials you already have at home. This project is a great way to repurpose plastic bottle lids and cardboard.
Diy Paint Palette Template
We have a PDF template available for you to use as a shape guide for your homemade paint palette. Please note that the template is not to the exact size, so use it as a reference to trace and cut your palette shape.
Download Template PDF
If you would like to download a PDF version of this artist palette shape guide to print, then click below to grab the PDF file. If not registered with grow you will need to add your email address – don’t worry, it is all free.
Instructions: How to Make a Paint Palette Out of Cardboard
- Prepare Your Materials: Gather all your materials and set up a safe workspace. Ensure you have a cutting mat or a surface that won’t be damaged by the knife.
- Download and Print the Template: Print out the template PDF. Use the template as a guide to draw the shape onto your cardboard. The template is not to scale, so use it as a guide only – unless you find your bottle lids fit perfectly on the circles on the template.
- Cut the Palette Shape: Using the sharp knife, carefully cut out the palette shape from the cardboard. Make sure to cut smoothly around the edges to get a nice, clean shape.
- Attach the Bottle Lids: Arrange the plastic bottle lids on the palette to mimic the wells where paint would go. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use the hot glue gun to securely attach each lid to the cardboard palette. Allow the glue to cool and set completely.
- Add the Thumb Hole: Now for the thumb hole, cut it out using the knife. This will make it easier to hold the palette while you’re painting.
- Customize Your Palette: Feel free to decorate your palette with paint or markers. You can personalize it to make it uniquely yours.
- Use Your Palette: Your DIY artist palette is now ready to use! Fill the bottle lids with different paint colors and enjoy your painting session. The palette is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for any budding artist.
Tips:
Be careful when using the knife and hot glue gun. Adult supervision is recommended for younger crafters.
You can use the palette for other crafts too, like mixing glue and glitter or holding beads and small crafting materials.
This DIY artist palette is not just a craft project; it’s a practical tool that you can use again and again. Be careful not to get the cardboard wet, if hoping to keep re-using your diy artist palette, as this will prolong the usable life of this craft. So keep your water pot away when washing your paint brushes.
Since this palette is color coded, you can just fill it up again the next time with more paints in each of the palettes.
Happy crafting and painting!
More Fun Cardboard Crafts
Looking for more creative ways to upcycle cardboard? Check out our collection of fun and easy cardboard crafts that will keep you and your kids entertained for hours. From homemade toys to practical storage solutions, these projects are perfect for recycling materials you already have at home.
- Secret Castle Trinket Box Cardboard Craft
- Rainbow Sun Catcher Shadow Art
- Flower Vases Nature Craft Activity
More Rainbow Crafts
Add a splash of color to your crafting with our vibrant rainbow craft ideas. Whether you’re making decorations, gifts, or just having fun with a rainbow theme, these crafts are sure to brighten your day and inspire creativity.
- Rainbow Heart DIY Cardboard Puzzle
- Rainbow Butterfly Windsock Craft
- Crayon Resist Water Color Paper Plate Rainbow Craft
More Fun Ways to Paint
Discover new and exciting painting techniques with our fun ways to paint collection. From unconventional tools to unique methods, these painting ideas will help you explore your artistic side and create stunning works of art.
We hope you enjoyed making this DIY artist palette and exploring our other craft ideas. If you tried any of these projects, we’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and experiences and tag us on social media.
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends and fellow crafters. Happy crafting!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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