Picture it: you are painting a pretty flower, but then you need to switch brushes quickly.
QUICKLY! It is watercolor and you have to act fast!
So, you put the paintbrush you were using 'twixt your teeth, and grab another brush to add fine details before everything dries.
But wait! There needs to be one more swab of blue with the big brush that...where did I put that brush? *Searches table top. Finds blue trail leading to the edge and... .*
There it is, on the floor with dog hair, dust, and blue watery paint. It must have rolled off.
And while you were searching for it, you didn't notice, but you kind of painted your shoulder, with that other brush still clamped in your mouth.
What can be done to prevent such a terrible scenario?
Make a paintbrush stand!
With... IDK, stale playdough?
Or a hotdog bun. Or maybe a banana.
Honestly IDC. Just prop ém up on something so you can keep painting the pretty flower.
Happy Painting!
.
.
.
What.
Did I not explain it well enough? I mean, I could tell you how I made that particular paintbrush stand you see it the photo, but it involved so much more than just getting some air dry clay, forming it to look like a cute row of houses, adding charming colorful details, sealing it, and propping brushes upon it.
Here's how I made that paintbrush stand, for anyone still reading.
1. Start with leisure time and mental peace enough to be watching watercolor tutorials in the first place.*
*This first step is essential, because it is how you randomly see one in which somebody rests their unused brushes on a cute tiny row of clay houses. Start by assuming that you need a little rest and that your interests deserve to be cultivated. Go from there.
2. Find the air-dry clay and clay-shaping tools in your craft supplies. Use these items to create a basic little rectangular prism with carved out rooftops, doors, and window frames.*
*This one is nearly impossible if you are a transient and adventurous, yet driven type, because:
A variety of organized craft supplies? Stored where, in my suitcase?
And why are we wasting time on this? Just so we can lose even more time to painting later?
Isn´t there a thesis to work on, or a document to submit, or a notary to track down, or a bus to catch to the grocery store?
3. Etch and paint to make it cute enough to photograph and blog about.
*Hardest part yet. You have to want to make yourself smile.
Do you?
If you just attempted a big family leap abroad, which resulted in all kinds of unintended outcomes, this one might take some time.
Everyone had to readjust to a whole new life that
a) looks nothing like the one they grew up in
and
b) looks nothing like the one you thought you were making for them.
Even if it all ended well, that might bring some guilt. Some self-doubt. Some hesitation to let anything matter too much again.
If you hate yourself, even a little, work through that before attempting the last step.
Otherwise, the little clay houses will be ugly. You may as well use a hotdog bun, in fact.
You have to love that person who will paint pretty flowers.
You have to want her to rest, enjoy creative pursuits, and smile when she sets down her paintbrush.
