Make Paint From Plants: Discover the Magic of Natural Paints

Have you ever wondered how to make paint from plants? Plant-based paints are not only environmentally friendly but also connect us to the beauty, magic, and sustainability of nature. After years of naturally dyeing, I have been finding so much pleasure in exploring natural dyes through a different medium. I have become completely enamoured with making paint from plants. I love how easy & accessible the process is; it’s grounding, meditative & calming! It’s such a fantastic way to explore natural colour on a smaller and easier scale. You don’t need large pots or huge amounts of dye material. All you need is a small pot, some water and at least 1 cup of plant material! I am so excited to share my new course, ‘Make Paints from Plants’ with you.

Why Choose Natural Paints?

Natural paints are a movement towards sustainability and mindfulness in art. Traditional paints often contain synthetic chemicals that can harm the environment and our health, especially with prolonged exposure. By choosing natural paints, you’re making a conscious decision to embrace eco-friendly practices and reduce your carbon footprint.

Think about where and how your paints are made, and then consider the emissions involved in getting them to you. When we stop and consider the environmental cost of something simple like paints, making our own is a much more eco-friendly way to bring natural colour into our lives.

Learn to Make Natural Paint From Plants

Imagine walking outside, gathering flowers, leaves, or other dye sources, and creating your own stunning paint from plants. Consider for a moment what it would be like to create a gorgeous natural palette unique to you & the plants in your area. My new course “Make Paints from Plants” will show you exactly how to do this. Offering an in-depth, hands-on experience to master this incredible art. Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll learn.

• The Basics: We’ll start with what you need to make paint from plants and look at how the process works.
• Sources of Natural Colour: We’ll take a deep dive into sources of natural colour all around you. You’ll gain a clear understanding of what you can & can’t use to make paint from plants. We’ll also look at the best plants to use for the most vibrant & saturated colours!
• Techniques & Process: The most essential part of the process; you’ll learn clear step-by-step instructions on making inks and paints.
• Expand Your Palette: You’ll learn how to take one plant and create numerous shades from just one colour! (prepare to have your mind blown)
• We’ll finish by looking at the finer details like storing your paints, prolonging their lifespan, keeping a process journal & so much more!

What can I use to make paint?

When making paints from plants, you have a few options. You can gather food waste from your kitchen, like onion skins or avocados. You can gather dye plants from your garden or forage from the wild. If you want, you can order dye plants or powders online. You can use flowers, leaves, roots, bark, branches, nuts, lichens or fungi. I’ll provide you with a full and comprehensive list of dye sources that you can use to create natural paint. You can also look at a list of natural dye plants on my resource page.

Why Enrol in “Make Paints from Plants”?

This course is designed to take you from a complete beginner to adept at making natural paints. With detailed video tutorials, written guides, and hands-on projects, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of every aspect of this craft.

What you’ll get with the course

• Lifetime Access: You can revisit the course materials as often as you like. You’ll also gain access to & benefit from any future improvements.
• Step-by-Step Video Tutorials and detailed written guides.
• Exclusive Access & Community Support: Access to a natural dye community of like-minded artists, creatives, plant lovers and enthusiasts.
• Email Support from Kathryn.
• Receive access to two bonus modules when you enrol during the pre-sale period.

Share Your Journey

Have you already started experimenting with plant-based paints or dyes? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comment section.

Natural House Paints

If you came here hoping to find natural paints for your home, sorry to disappoint. I can, however, point you in the direction of Nen-do. They make a full range of beautiful interior paints using clay minerals from regional sources. The colours range from warm beige and grey tones to ochre, terracotta and green. I used both the natural linen & the pale clay in my studio. When I am no longer renting, I will be painting my home from top to toe in Nen-do!

Ready to go further?

My paint-making course covers turning natural dye sources like leaves, flowers, tree parts, kitchen waste, and dye powders into saturated, natural paint, with clear, practical lessons from start to finish. Explore the course here →

Kathryn x