Sometimes the ingenuity of people knocks me out. As I was surfing today to find new and exciting ways to save money, I came across a video on Metacafe. It has almost no sound, but it doesn't need it. In just a few minutes, Marek (from Poland I think) shows you how to make a cool airbrush out of old bits and pieces.

Using just an old spray bottle, a plate box (or possibly an empty 35mm film canister?) a razor, plyers, a power drill, glue, old marker, metal straws and rubber tubing, you can make this quite handy and super-cheap airbrush. Take it away Marek.

[direct link to video]

I have also included a diagram, below, to better illustrate the fuzzy image at the end of the video. This shows you exactly how this homemade device works, and it's a lot easier to see this one.

Now, if I'd had that in my college days, it would have made a big impact on my fine art diploma. However, if all that is just too much of a DIY project, or takes too much puff, you can get a very cool result out of the following easily-accessible item:

That's it; a toothbrush. I used this technique often in college and it worked really well.

Just dip the end of the toothbrush into some paint, and then flick the brush with your finger from the tip towards the handle. You'll get a very nice spray pattern, and if you experiment with thicknesses of paint, you'll see fine or more splattery results. I also used it with varnishes and UV inks. This toothbrush technique is also great fro kids, who may not have the lungpower for the homemade airbrush above.

Use a few templates, perhaps a heart-shaped one for Valentine's Day, and spray some red or pink paint onto some cheap card stock. You'll get a very nice effect at a fraction of the cost of those store-bought cards.

Get spraying folks.