How to make your own paintbrushes for toddlers and preschoolers: DIY simple and inexpensive paintbrushes that kids (mainly toddlers and preschoolers) will love to use. Plus, using these unique paintbrushes encourages the development of fine motor skills.
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DIY Paintbrushes How-To
It’s so easy! Basically, all you really need are clothespins for the handles. (The kind with the springs will work the best.) After that, you can use anything you already have for the brush head. I used craft feathers, pom poms, cut-up felt, crepe paper, yarn, and pipe cleaners. My supplies came directly from my craft closet, but anything that will fit between the claws of a clothespin and won’t fall apart will work!
I simply clipped the object with the clothespin and voila!
Get Creative!
Have your kids suggest items that might work. It’ll get them thinking creatively and might spark your imagination as well.
Items that might work well:
- cotton balls
- fabric pieces
- leaves/flowers
- food (maybe try marshmallows, Rice Krispies Treats, candy, bread, etc.)
- styrofoam
Try adding anything that can be pinched into a clothespin. I’m going to try food as DIY paintbrushes next. I’d like to put together a bunch of candy paintbrushes with Twizzlers, Laffy Taffy, Starbursts, Hershey bar pieces, etc.
*Definitely use edible paint (LalyMom has 13 recipes!) when creating DIY paintbrushes using food!*
I’d also like to try making some with items from outside. It sounds fun to gather everything up with the kids and put together paintbrushes. I’m thinking different flowers, lots of leaves, long grass blades, feathers,
Looking for more great art inspiration?
How to Paint with Blocks and Learn About Paul Klee
Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ Wax Paper Painting
How to Incorporate Famous Artists into Toddler and Preschool Crafts
Group Process Art Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
How to Run a Kindergarten Readiness Class for Preschoolers
Comment below with some unique paintbrushes you’ve made!
