Foraged-Hair Watercolor Brush
Roadside-found tail hair (or pet brushings) bound into a real soft-tip brush.
Steps
- 01
Wash the hair in warm soapy water and lay flat to dry, tips all aligned.
- 02
Stand the bundle upright on a hard surface and tap the butt-end gently to even the tips.
- 03
Wrap the butt end tightly with thread, working from the tip down.
- 04
Dip the wrapped butt in glue and slide into the hollow handle.
- 05
Trim the butt flush; let cure 24 hours before use.
Materials4
- — A pinch of soft animal hair — squirrel, rabbit, goat, or your pet's brushings
- — A hollow bamboo or reed handle, ~1 cm diameter
- — Strong waxed thread
- — A drop of wood glue or pine pitch
Safety
Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Roadkill squirrel tails (look ethically) yield the same hair professional brushes use. Pet groomers also throw out perfectly good fiber.