I am a very poor artist. I am also blessed because while I paint and raise our seven children, my husband provides for our financial needs. But even still, with our "little family" we are quite in the area of "poverty level." I want to contribute to our financial income by selling my work. I paint and create Christmas ornaments. The problem is, the supplies are quite expensive. Most everything that I can paint on I find around the house, outdoors, or from thrift stores. But finding good quality brushes is another story. I use q-tips, toothpicks, make up brushes and ribbon to paint often, but sometimes, I truly need a good brush. So I thought of my resources and realized I give hair cuts to my kids every month. Do you think its possible to use human hair to create a paint brush? And if have done this before, you could provide instructions or a link? Thank you!
2006-06-12 03:33:28 · 9 answers · asked by Lovemyfamily 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
Most cities has a Michael's craft store. They have a very wide variety of brushes in both the art dept. and craft dept. I'm sure you could find brushes within your budget. They sell variety packs for around $5 that are really pretty good brushes. Don't give up on your idea of looking for alternative painting tools, you may start a trend with some off the wall idea you come up with. That is a sign of a true artist....imagination.
2006-06-12 17:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by Mandalawind 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Much will depend on what kind of paint you are using and the amount of fine detail you wish to illustrate. Some paints have chemicals in them that will eventually destroy or clog any paint brush that is not cleaned promptly. (Hint, if using solvent based paints you can wrap a brusg in Saran Wrap and put it in the freezer if you dont have the time to wash it. Look for a Pearl Art store or catalog, they have inexpensive brushes of reasonable quality. Expensive brushes are assembled by hand one curved hair at a time around a central straight hair. When buying a good brush, test it by swishing it in water and snapping the water out. It should come to a single point. Ask around if anyone has bood used brushes they are willing to donate to you, be specific as to the kind you need.
2006-06-12 12:44:44 · answer #2 · answered by paul_design 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walmart has really good craft quality brushes for cheap. Just take care them, keep them clean and they will last a long time. Personally I think human hair is too soft to use a paint brush and will get sloppy. Wait for Christmas or your Birthday to ask for some good brushes so you won't feel guilty about spending the money. Good luck, I hope you can sell many great paintings.
2006-06-12 13:09:16 · answer #3 · answered by Stoneface 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, I think it's possible. Anything is possible. You know that by being creative. Take a pencil or pen without the ink in it. You could possibly run the hair through the pen not all the way, ( you could cut off each time your are done painting ) pull it through again. You could try taping it to the pen/pencil. Or using twine, wrap it tight around the hair and pencil and then taping it into place? I would be interested in knowing if this works. Good Luck
2006-06-12 16:55:43 · answer #4 · answered by teambargain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible to use human hair. But at the same time it doesn't give you that quality you would like to have. Reason for this is simple its too flexible and fragile. Even if you cut it short its brittle and paint tends to stick to it even if you wash it out. What you can do is go to a farm who has pigs ask the owner if you can cut a bit of hair off and used that instead. Use the hair in the ear of the pig.
2006-06-12 10:51:36 · answer #5 · answered by Libby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use good brushes is key to good art. Why don't you check out e-Bay because I remember seeing people selling paint brushes in lots. Even the good brand brushes are extremely cheap. It is possible to use any hair for brushes but you may not get good results.
2006-06-12 13:02:25 · answer #6 · answered by Bruce__MA 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Human hair would be ok but it would be very hard to make the brushes, they have to be attached and not fall out they have to be shaped, they have to be cut, it is not that easy. why don't you spend 25 bucks on good quality brushes and it will make your work better and faster, invest in your bussiness.Few good brushes can last a life time if good care is given to them.
2006-06-12 20:29:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to your local Dept(Walmart) store, you could buy a very cheap(for a few dollars) set of brushes. As long as you clean them well after each use, they last for many years. A lot cheaper than buying Q-tips.
2006-06-12 10:55:52 · answer #8 · answered by Gidget 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep, and a good idea, thank you i will use that idea if you dont mind as i am in a similar situation as you
2006-06-12 10:38:45 · answer #9 · answered by arizonaprincess2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋