I often get asked “How do you carry your paint brushes?” Even though it is mentioned in the listing of my kit here, I thought it was worthy of a separate article.
Well, I only really use one brush these days which is the Rosemary & Co Series 772 1/2 inch Sable blend Dagger with short 7″ handle (more about that brush here). As this particular size is not available in a travel brush (yet – a smaller version does come in a travel size) I simply carry it in a toothbrush container.
I have sharpened the end of the brush to shorten the handle (note. this is also handy as a drawing tool) and then the brush is secured in place by a bit of blu-tac. It is such a simple solution (thanks to Chris Haldane for the idea) and it works perfectly for me. I can fit another brush in there but I only need the one dagger.
I also have one or two travel brushes (as backup) which I carry in my pen case. I am currently using a Mead Five Star pen pouch which has been great.
BTW the fact that I have gotten around to writing this today was prompted by seeing a large size toothbrush holder in Woolies. I think it’s time for a cleaner look – don’t you think?
To make this post really useful to everyone I am really interested too) I would love to hear how you carry your brush/es.
19 Comments
Hello Liz
I recently bought a travel version similar to the paintbrush you mention at #uskmanchester2016 from Rosemary and Co. It’s so useful to be able to protect it using the handle.
http://www.rosemaryandco.com/watercolour-brushes/pocket-reversible/pocket-sable-nylon-dagger?filter_name=Dagger
I like your idea of the toothbrush holder,and I wonder of there are any containers in Muji that would be useful – there often are!
Best wishes
Jean
Thanks Jean, they make the smaller size in a travel brush (which is lovely) but I need the 1/2 inch one and that would need a much bigger barrel. I just updated the test so it was clearer in that regard.
Yes Muji might have a good container but the great thing about the toothbrush ones is that they already have ventiliation holes – they are designed for brushes!
Enjoy your brush!
I use a toothbrush holder for my pencil and leads, it never occurred to me to trim the end of my brush for storage in there, but now I will!!!
Thanks for the info!
Denise~
Thank you Thank you. Sometimes my supplies seem so precious due to their expense that I am reluctant to modify them to suit my needs. Thank you for this post!
Daiso have a long one which is ventilated for $2.80.
Hi Liz, thank you for the update on the toothbrush holder. I got one when you first mentioned it but have not used it. I was worried about the tip of my brush. Did not know about the blue tac or holes for ventilation. So now i know how to use it to the best advantage. Thank you! I have travel brushes which I keep in a bright orange soft case I purchased from Jetpens. More of a pen case which keeps my brushes in place and protects the ends at the same time. I get worried about losing a travel brush and the bright orange is so I can find them.
I use a cardboard paper towel spool, flattened and stapled together at one end. Holds several brushes, but I do have to keep it upright to keep from falling out. I like your idea!
Hi Liz, thank you so much for this post. I’m definitely going to try this out.
Hi Liz,
I use a florist tube to carry my brush when I only have a couple to carry. Sometimes two brushes in the same tube if they’re small. The rubberized cap helps keep the tip from being crushed.
Love this idea too. Thanks.
I use a small diameter piece of PVC pipe cut to length to allow brushes some headroom. I close both ends with rubber tips for chair legs.
I use a wooden chopstick holder – same shape as the toothbrush holder and unscrews in the middle. Because it’s wood, it seems to breathe enough for my needs.
I’ve tried a few different things to carry my brushes in but agree that toothbrush holders are the best solution. I would rather cut the end off my longer brushes than carry a larger holder.
thank you everyone for your ideas!
Hi Liz
I have been carrying it like that since I discovered your classes and blog. So handy and practical ! Thank you ?
Isabelle
I like using a small straw mat that can accommodate several brushes of varying lengths rolled up in it but not touching each other. Then just rubber band it. A cheap sushi mat works for smaller brushes. Really wide flat brushes might need their own roll.
Thanks for sharing Dori!
I carry mine fastened with an elastic band to a ruler that is longer than the longest brush. That way the bristles don’t become bent.
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