Cotton buds instead of paint brushes: 8 amazing projects to try out
Cotton buds are a hygienic "tool" that has been around for a very long time, and is actually used in many different ways. Used for personal hygiene since the 1900s, this stick with its ends covered with small cotton balls is used for purposes as varied as beauty treatments and creating artworks.
In fact, it is possible to use cotton swabs as if they were paint brushes - check out the examples below:
Here you see how cotton buds have been used to create these lilac flowers. Compared to brushes, in fact, cotton buds can be used without the fear of ruining any bristles.
As for the paints used, the ideal types are tempera or acrylic paints, due to their consistency: thanks to this type of paint, the picture will have an almost three-dimensional look.
Another advantage: just take a bunch of cotton buds, secure them with an elastic band, and this way you can "stamp" many flowers of similar size and color. In a flash, you could create a painting of dandelions, like this one.
You decide how saturated (or not) each mark left by the cotton buds is. Furthermore, by using tempera or acrylic paints, you are not limited to working on a white background: use cardboard, or even canvas, in any color!
Tutorial via gluedtomycraftsblog.com
When you want to paint plants whose flowers have the shape of ears, this cotton bud technique is ideal. Go wild creating lilacs, lavender, alliums, lupins and many more.
And there are also many other plants or subjects that can be made created using cotton buds.
Once you are confident with the technique, you can create more complex designs. Check out, for example, how beautiful this cherry blossom tree is.
You can also creat seasonal decorations. From Halloween "monsters"...
…to much beloved characters used for Christmas decorations.
Ready to let your imagination run wild?
