Art has always played a happy part in my life. I love looking at things that people view as having only one purpose and seeing another life for that piece.  In 2012, I moved to Tampa to take care of my now 94 year old mother. When I moved into her condo I painted everything in sight. Walls were pink and black, while the furniture showed years of love shared with her puppies and many, many cups of coffee.  I went through gallons of paint and lots of paintbrushes. It seemed a shame to just cast aside brushes that had done so much to beautify our home.

I had some faces from RELICS & ARTIFACTS® on my work table near a not so gently used paintbrush and inspiration hit!  My Paint People were born. I love working with old brushes, but I have had great success with Dollar Store brushes too. The beauty of these brushes is that the cheap ones work the best!!!  

Begin by securing your brush to something that can withstand heat. I use what I think is called a Second Hand. Then use pliers to pull small bits of the brush away from the rest and heat them with a heat gun. I have added some polyester fabric bit to some of the brushes to create different moods in the brush.

I always finish the hair first because I use Rhino glue to adhere the faces.  Take note that a heat gun on glue is really hard on your eyes and lungs. When you've gotten the perfect hairdo, it's time to let your inner crazy out. I paint the hair, add glitter, beads whatever calls to you. One of my personal favorites to use are the Bohemian Jewels.  Use acrylic paint to paint the brushes as well as the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® pieces.  My favorite “finishing” products are ICE Resin® and Iced Enamels. 

Aren't Karyn's Paint People just the coolest use of old paintbrushes?  Each one has their own distinct personality.  For more of Karyn's beautiful work, be sure to stop by her Etsy shop, BrushPeople.

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Visage
Relics & Artifacts® Archangels
Relics & Artifacts® Coquille
Relics & Artifacts® Milagros
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels "Peridot"
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels "Diamond"
Ice Resin®
Iced Enamels®
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint