Pocket Plein Air Kit

Inspiration

I wanted a pocket plein air kit; I'd seen some done with mint tins, but when I found a glass screen protector tin, I figured it would be more useful and I could carry all my supplies in it.  As always, I'm on a budget but I still want something beautiful and durable.

Goal

I had to revamp my plans a few times, but it got there in the end!

Materials

• A glass screen protector case I found*
• 400 grit sandpaper*, borrowed from my mother's shop
• Rustoleum Hammered Metal spray paint* in a charcoal color, borrowed from my mother's shop
• A piece of thick flexible plastic I found*
• A sharpie*
• Hot glue and glue gun*, borrowed from my mother's shop
• Sheet magnet with ads removed*, cut into appropriately-sized pieces
• A straight pin box*
• A metal pencil case I found*
• Double-stick tape*
• Plumber's putty* that was a gift
• 15 duplicate watercolor paint pans from my own supplies*
• Travel brushes, pencil, eraser, fine waterproof pen from my own supplies*
• Rulers, pens, pencils, paper, newspaper, latex gloves and scissors for the process*

Step 1:  Design the overall layout.

A glass screen protector case seemed like a good DIY pocket plein air watercolor kit. I planned to use hot glue to make paint pans and fill them with tube watercolors and let the paint dry. (Rubber bands were temporary.)

Here's the initial mockup to see if items would fit.  The top left of the tin contains the straight pin box I plan to use for clean water.  The gap at the top of the tin has space for six paint wells separated by hot glue.  

 

Step 2:  Draw the layout and prep the tin

Here's the plan and the tin, sanded with 400 grit paper so the charcoal-colored Rustoleum Hammered Metal spray paint would stick.

I added a second coat of paint to hide the colors of the tin; a primer may have helped.  It takes a long time to completely dry and stop off-gassing.  Wear the latex gloves and place the tin top and bottom paint side up on old newspaper; move to clean newspaper to dry so they won't stick.

Step 3:  Transfer the hot glue layout. 

I used a piece of flexible heavier plastic to make a template to transfer the hot glue layout into the inside of the tin.  I cut the lines with scissors and drew them with a Sharpie.  I added the hot glue and quickly removed it when I realized how uncontrollable it was -- there'd be too many crevices for paint and I'd never be able to change colors.  Plus the glue was spreading too much and would have taken up too much of the room intended for the paint.

I also realized that wet paints and pens would be messy, so I had to revamp my plans. 

Step 4:  Measure pans and cut magnets.

I cut up adhesive refrigerator magnet ads to fit the backs of my duplicate existing pans. (I first checked that they would fit in the closed tin.)  I used a contrasting pen. (Next time I’d take the time to get a waterproof one, and use the good ruler that doesn’t slide.)

I had two magnets and I cut the other one to fit the inside of the lid, and cut a few additional pan-sized pieces.  In total this made 56 pan-sized pieces.

Step 5: Redesign the layout.

I have fifteen duplicates paint pans and room for one more in the bottom right corner. I will add plumber's putty to create mixing areas above and below the water well. (The remaining 40 magnets for additional pans are shown in the pin box that amazingly fits.)  The magnet to the inside of the lid will keep it under the open tin. I will add double stick tape to adhere the magnets to the various surfaces. This old pencil tin  fits my minimum utensil needs.


 

Step 6:  Record the updated layout.

Make note of where everything goes.  I will probably list these paints in the design, but the magnets mean I can swap out other pans at any time.  I will paint out my palette and keep it with me.  I left room to record the brand and style of the brushes when I look them up.

Step 7:  The closed tins. 

Before you assemble this with any tape, make sure they close well with everything you've included!

Step 8:  The finished project!

Before you assemble this with any tape, make sure they close well with everything you've included!
I may see if I can include a water brush and see if I like how that works.

WORK IN PROGRESS