Green Guide for Artists: Nontoxic Recipes, Green Art Ideas, & Resources for the Eco-Conscious Artist

Artists today are also becoming more aware of the impact that the supplies and tools they use have on their environment, living and working spaces. This book is great resource for the artist and crafter who wants to explore using non-toxic earth friendly paints, adhesives and mediums. There is more here than just recipes for paint and adhesives; you'll also find information on how to understand the product safety labels found on art materials and supplies along with web resources for further research. Also included are several green product that encourage you to re-purpose, reuse and recycle what you have on hand. I loved the Papier-mache birds project! Some other projects include making notepads from recycled materials, learn to stretch your own canvas, repurposing unused objects into art and a plastic bag list makers journal.Project and recipe directions are easy to understand and follow and are accompanied by tons of beautiful full color photographs. An artist gallery provides loads of inspiration and eye candy. An impressive comprehensive 3 page list of resources that include where to buy green art supplies, resources for alternative art materials, artist resources and organizations and more is included at the back of the book.

Love this book. Like most ardent crafters, I have a studio full of not-so-good-for-people-or-planet paints, glues and who-knows-what else. While I realize these aren't so great to work with and might cause problems, I never thought (duh!)about making any of these items myself.What I really like about "Green Guide For Artists," are the simple, straightforward recipes, presented clearly and engagingly. Honestly, I could hardly wait to try making many of the items to use in my "Celebrate Green" projects. I'm not a painter, but a crafter in mixed media so the title was a bit intimidating, but even as a crafter, I use many of the items the author covers.One other thought. Some artists/crafters might not see the point of making your own non-toxic materials. It's possible to buy them. But I realized as I was making some glue, that I could choose to look at the "making" as part of the process of creating. It's actually fun and adds a dimension to my work that I don't feel is there when I use store bought.Like other reviewers, I really liked the resource section. Personally, though, the second half of the book featuring art projects , didn't contribute that much. It wouldn't stop me from buying the book, but it wouldn't make me want to buy it either!I recently was interviewed on Fave Crafts radio and mentioned the book as an excellent, helpful purchase. Sure wish it was printed on 100% PCW paper with non-toxic inks. That would have made it even better!

this is a very helpful book. full of information and ideas re: toxicity without making it overbearing and super-scientific and then it gives you alternatives. a good introduction that does not make you feel that you need fifteen more books to pck up where this one left off.

this book is chuck full of ideas for projects as well as recipes for making your own materials that are safe for you and the earth. This one is definitely a keeper.

We purchased this as a gift for our niece's husband who is an artist that is also very interested in sustainable green living. He loved this book and the ideas that it shared. I would highly recommend it to others who have similar interests or for teachers looking to share this information with students.

The book content is great. It’s exactly what I wanted. The book itself was sent with what looks like drink splatters on the page edges (top, side); the book is dinged and banged up on edges but what was worse was the gross splatters on front and back of book, especially the back. Why would you ship a book in this condition? Terrible.

Not what I expected. My fault for not reading the information well enough. It is fine for what it is.

After seeing a copy of this book in a friend's studio, I bought one for myself. The introduction helps us understand why recycling and turning off lights is just the beginning of taking care of ourselves. We must go to the beginning of the process: where did this stuff come from in the beginning? This book also belongs in my permanent collection for the recipes. In addition to ideas for using what we already have, there are instructions for making paint and adhesives, and suggestions for repurposing in the practice making of art.

really great advice and reminders of all we can do without buying stuff and not using any toxic materials. Nicely explained.

Really interesting, has some great recipes for different paints and natural glues that are either low-VOC or no-VOC. Also has paper mache recipe.

A good, interesting, introduction about this subject.

I feel there's a lot of wasted space in the book, it's kinda thin on recipes and useful advice. Most of the book is taken up by projects, none of which were very inspiring to me. It has potential but I was disappointed. There are some recipes for glues and paints which I will try - hopefully I remember to update how those work out - but there could have been a lot more advice for artists wanting to go as 'green' as possible. This is a great start but I'd love to see a bigger, better version in the future.