Unpredictable Marks for Unpredictable Bodies: Make Your Own Brushes

I like to create my own mark making tools, especially from things that I find around my house or collect on my walks. It helps me create my own visual language—the brushes and their marks are unique to me. They also push me to focus on the process, be curious and play during my creative practice. You don't have to go on a walk to find things to use as a brush. Check around your house for rope, string, sponges, ribbon—anything you can hold in your hand or tape onto the end of a stick—including a chop stick—will work. This practice has a higher energy rating than others, however, you spread the steps out over time to pace yourself. Here are some possible SUPPLIES to make your own brushes: Things from nature: Sticks, pine boughs, pine needles, long grasses, pinecones Things from your home: string, cardboard, ribbon, Q tips, chop stick, fabric strips Anything from that might make an interesting mark or impression. String, wire, duct tape—something to hold things together. I used wire and painter's tape. Scissors, wire cutters (if using wire) Read the full post with my reflections on Substack: https://crookedpathstudios.substack.c... Grab your free Guide to Safe Art Supplies for Chemically Sensitive People: https://crookedpathstudios.substack.c... Join my Wayfinding community on Substack, a therapeutic arts community for women navigating chronic illness: https://crookedpathstudios.substack.c... Visit my website: https://crookedpathstudios.com/