Household Tools That Double as Art Tools

One of the things I love most about mixed media and faith art journaling is that you don’t really need special supplies to get started. I think a lot of people assume you have to run to the craft store and buy all the “right” tools before you can make anything beautiful, but honestly, some of my favorite marks and textures have come from things sitting in my kitchen drawer.

I’ve always been a big believer in using what you have. It takes the pressure off, it sparks creativity, and it reminds me that making art is supposed to feel playful. When I stop overthinking and start looking around my house with curious eyes, I find the best little tools hiding in plain sight.

Everyday household gadgets and tools you can bring into the art studio for a budget friendly, original idea to add to your creative time and artwork! Grab our household items to use as art tools idea list now.

Here are some simple household items that double as really fun, surprisingly useful art tools. If you’re on a budget, overwhelmed by options, or just want to shake up your pages a little, try a few of these the next time you sit down to journal.

Old gift cards or store rewards cards
The perfect paint spreaders. They make great straight edges, thick scrapes, thin layers, and even stenciled lines. I use these constantly.

Toothbrushes
For splattering, speckling, and making the softest, most organic textures. Dip in watered-down paint and pull your thumb across the bristles.

Everyday items that make great art supplies for mixed media art journaling. #artsupplies #budgetsupply

Cotton swabs
Great for dot patterns, blending edges, applying small dabs of paint or ink, and soft shadow work.

Paper towels and napkins
Wonderful for lifting paint, creating texture, dabbing up excess water, or adding subtle prints from their patterns.

Bottle caps and lids
Instant stamps for circles of all sizes. I use these when I want layered rings or imperfect round marks.

What can I use from my kitchen in my art? Here are some fun mixed media art supplies you might not have thought of! #artsupplies #mixedmedia #junkjounral

Plastic forks, Bamboo skewers and combs
These make such interesting lines when you drag them through wet paint or modeling paste. They create quick texture without much effort. Great to scratch through layers of paint to peek at layers below.

Spatulas and kitchen scrapers
Basically a larger version of the old gift card trick. They’re great for smoothing gesso, thick paint, or paste.

Utensil Drawer Items
You know the drawer – the one with potato mashers, whisks, grill brushes, tongs and more. Dig through there (or look at thrift stores) for items you can use to stamp, stir or mark make with.

Baker Drying Rack
Perfect to hold paper off the table, allowing paper to dry faster from spritzing, splashing, and painting. It can help cool cookies AND dry your mixed media pieces!

Everyday items that make great art supplies for mixed media art journaling. Use everyday household items as creative art tools to add simple texture and interest to your journaling practice.

Mesh produce bags
Perfect homemade stencils. Press them into wet paint or lay them down and paint over the top for a quick textured pattern.

you have a ton of mixed media art tools just waiting to be used in your house! Check the kitchen drawers for these tool ideas you probably already have. #arttools #mixedmediaideas

Aluminum foil
Crumple it up for texture or smooth it out to use as a reflective collage layer. It makes beautiful distressed metallic effects.

Makeup sponges
Amazing for blending. They give soft gradients that look airbrushed without any fancy tools. Perfect to use when stamping.

Baby Wipes
Perhaps the best tool around. Wipe your hands, clean stamps, stencils, blend pastels, inks and more. The uses are endless with this one. (Side note – I’m in love with this cute wipes holder, you can grab one here)

Use everyday household items as creative art tools to add simple texture and interest to your journaling practice.

Rolling pins or glass jars
If you do any kind of hand printing, stamping, or need to roll out textures, these give even pressure and smooth application.

Toilet paper rolls
You’d be surprised how many ways you can use these. Stamp circles, roll paint onto the page, create texture, or even cut them into shapes.

Use ordinary household items for mixed media art supplies

Clothespins or chip clips
Great as clamps when you’re gluing folded pockets, binding pages, or holding things in place while they dry.

Painter’s tape or masking tape
Perfect for crisp edges, quick tabs, patterns, and layering texture when you tear it and let the edges show.

Rubber bands
Wrap them around a block or stamp to make easy striped textures. Roll them in paint for fun line work.

Why this works so well

Using everyday items keeps your creative practice light and approachable. There’s no fear of “messing up” a fancy tool. And honestly, half the joy of art journaling is the experimentation. When you let go of perfection and stay open to trying simple things, you discover your own unique marks, your own style, and your own way of expressing what God is doing in your heart.

Plus, using things you already own removes the biggest barrier I hear from beginners: “I don’t have the right supplies.” You do. They’re already in your house. You just get to see them differently now.