In my mind, the best crafts are made with materials you already have at home. Recycled materials are even better! I don’t have a big budget for fancy art supplies, so most of the time I’m just using what I already have. Cardboard, paper, and paint have got to be my all-time favorites. I am always amazed by the projects you can create with such simple supplies.

I was working in my studio the other day when I took a second and really noticed the beautiful colors on my paintbrushes. I wish I could have kept them that way! Instead, I had the idea to make my own paintbrushes out of paper and paint and turn them into a garland. I hung the finished garland in my studio and I love looking at it as I work. This project is super simple to do yourself – I’ve included a printable template below to make it even easier!

• Printable Paintbrush templates (about 10 printed and cut, download here)
• Colored construction paper
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Colored string
• Masking tape (to hang)
• Pencil

The following instructions are for one paintbrush, so repeat using different colors to make the complete garland.

Step 1
Pick two colors of construction paper. Use the template to copy the middle rectangle shape onto one of the colored papers. Trace the bottom edge of the paintbrush template onto the other colored paper, adding some waves to the top edge to look like paint. On this same paper, draw two long thin strips as shown. Cut out all the shapes and glue them directly to the template.

 

Step 2
Punch a hole into the handle of the paintbrush and put the string through the hole to make a garland. Repeat with the rest of the finished paint brushes.

Step 3
Hang the finished garland on your wall with tape and enjoy!

Happy crafting!