the "Altered Brush project"

May sound crazy but the bathrooms in our new studio space are BIG and the blank white spaces are begging for art. As I started making decorating decisions I knew I wanted to do something FUN and unusual. If the rest of the studio is filled with bold color and art, then why not the bathrooms? Then while browsing Pinterest I stumbled upon a really whimsical & fun altered paintbrush by artist Mindy Lacefield.

Mindy's original brush on pinterest

I knew immediately what I wanted to see the large blank walls filled with brushes like hers.

Then I thought, “that is a hell of a lot of paintbrushes.” So that’s when I decided to contact Mindy as well as call on my artist friends to help me start off this collaboration and I sent each of them a plain wooden brush. Now as I have started to get some of the the brushes back I am gobsmacked. The brushes are PURE ART and I am overjoyed to share the first ones returned with you today.

brush by tejae floyde

brush by tracie lampie

brush by julie fei fan balzer

my brush (like i had to even tell you right? lol!)

But then I thought, that’s not going to fill the walls, what if I made this a global collaboration? it would be really fun to not only invite my artist friends, but also the general public. So that a small piece of creative goodness from across the globe could be a part of the shared creative experience (in the toilet, lol)

So we are taking The Altered Brush Project global!

"The Altered Brush Project"

display your creativity, market your skills, join the art collaboration and own a place in the studio.

1. Purchase one of our brushes & a spot on our wall. For your purchase you will receive one of our unfinished paintbrushes, space to display your altered brush and market yourself in the studio (price includes the cost of shipping).
2. Alter the brush anyway your creative spirit takes you. They can be as simple or elaborate as you like NOTE: do not obstruct the hole in the handle so that it can be hung on the wall
3. Sign and date the back of the brush giving it your artists’ signature!
4. Attach your personal calling card (business card size) with any information about yourself you feel comfortable sharing that hangs through the hole in the brush handle
5. Mail or return the brush to the studio:

donna downey studios
501 s old statesville rd.
huntersville, nc 28078

i will share pictures of every brush we get back and how they look on the walls as the collaborative art installation grows!

Join "the Altered Brush Project" collaboration TODAY!!

US Artists $15        International Artists $20

Comments

[pammie~k]

fabulous brushes! love! it will be hard to keep people OUT of the bathrooms

[homegrownhospitality]

super fun!!! what a great idea!

[Lisa Baker]

Oh honey. I am so IN! :)

[joe]

Wow!!! what a great idea!!!
I think just like pammie-K!!!

[Linda]

AWESOME IDEA! I'm so IN:)

[Sherry]

This is so awesome...I LOVE IT!!!!!!

[Barbara Hernandez]

OMG! Brilliant idea. I love these, so creative and whimsical. I instantly recognized Julie's and of course yours. They are all so great! Can't wait to see what comes next.

[Michelle Gregory]

very cool. i'm looking for decorating ideas for my new house.

[Kathy Layton]

I love this idea for the walls in the bathroom! What a wonderful way to get art on the walls! Your studio is a working piece of art, can't wait to visit and see for myself. Thank you for all that you do to inspire me....

[Jennifer Brannon]

What an A-MAZING idea! I can't wait to do this!! (I love your brush best, Donna... those colors are awesome!)

[Dira]

I ordered mine today...can't wait to Dira-ize it and send it back!! Thanks Donna...love the idea...

[Jan]

What a fabulous idea....so looking forward to seeing what people come up with and seeing the walls covered...LOVE the ones here.

[Karen Ellis]

Mines here...
http://www.thearthousestudio.ca/2012/08/painting-up-some-fun.html

And on its way to you *smile*

[Angie Blom]

Get out of here!!!!!! These are freaking AMAZING!!! You are brilliant... Love!!!

[Kathy Gledsdale]

This is a fantastic idea and what wonderful results fabulous!

[Nicole Maki]

Oh, WOW!

I am so in!

[Kim Boken]

That is AWESOME!!!!!! Genuis Idea!

[Becky @ Pieces of My Life]

I am so in and will have to visit to see my brush on the wall.

[tiffin]

i don't think i have ever hit the purchase button so fast! loving this idea and can't wait to get started. thanks!

[Antoinette]

These upcycled brushes are beautiful..wonderful heart-art...just loverly...you are so talented.

[kate Vickers]

Cool idea! I love this! :)

[Holly]

Such a great idea. Can't wait to see the rest.

[Marjie Kemper]

Such a creative idea.... love it!

[Jessica Shelton]

This is the next best thing to Pancakes and Syrup!!! I love this idea Donna. The brushes you have showcased are phenomenal!!!
:O)
Jessica S

[faygie]

what a super idea for your studio. can't wait to see all the wonderful creative work.

[Coral]

I probably shouldn't read your blog at 5.30 in the morning. I've just jumped in an bought my brush - argh! I haven't done a project like this before but I am practicing courage and taking the leap. Now for the brainstorming.....

A special thank you for allowing international artists to participate - my brush will be flying all the way to Australia and back again. Big hugs for giving us the rare opportunity to join in the fun.

[sandeeNC]

::taking a deep breath::...I'm in :) waving hi from the hills of North Carolina!

[Erin]

wonderful idea.......just ordered by brush! so stinking cool will this idea be!!!

[France]

My order is placed, you'll have one coming from Candiac! Qc, Canada...

[Dawn Jones]

Finally got mine ordered! Have a couple designs sketched out...so fun! Thanks for the opportunity!! Your bathrooms will be fantastically fabulous!

[ida]

COUNT ME IN!! i love this idea. Yes, GF, your art is recogizable but i do not know those lovely poppies. Please share info...are they in the store? I'll order them along with the brush. I have to see your new place. xo

[[email protected]]

Funtastic!! Love this idea! Count me in!! Wow just amazing at all the ideas already!!

[Melita]

This is such an amazing idea! i just bought my spot and am already thinking on how I want to make my mark with this brush...and I cannot wait to see the talent mine hangs beside!!

[Pat Healey]

OMG - what a great idea! The brushes so far are fantastic, and I can't wait to see them and your wonderful new Studio when I come there next February. You guys are so clever :-)

[Legacy of a Single Girl]

I'm in!

[Susan]

You are freakin' amazing!! This is Brilliant!!

[Sharon Y (sharona62)]

What a crazy, fun idea! Love, love, love it! Looking forward to seeing what is created.

[Mary Harris]

OMG!!! What a great idea!! Donna you always come up with such awesome ideas!! I cannot wait to see what everyone creates! I just love the ones you have now! WOW

[tejae heart shaped art]

So happy to see you ladies jumping in on this! It was a blast to make and I know you're going to have fun too! Can't wait to see all of yalls!!

[Elizabeth]

OMG This is really gorgeous, I'm in!!

[Barb in AK]

Just too darned creative! Paintbrushes! Who would of thought :-)

[Lynn]

ahhhh this sounds so fun! Fabulous idea!!!!

[Sarah Kipling]

Absolute flippin genius! Awesome in so many ways! You know, some of the best things in life start with Pinterest, True Story!

[Skirting Boards]

This looks so great because you manage to become creative and make things more functional serve as decoration.

[Monica]

Brilliant! Looking forward to being a part of it!

[twilight jewellery]

We didn't think that this is possible until we see this sample. First thing in our mind that this is just a trash, this can be useful again as a beautiful wall decor.

[Vanessa Takeushi]

ooohhh.. so nice!!! Very goog! Congratulations fo Brazil! kiss

[Gayle]

Great idea! I love that the art is on a brush instead of just paper. I can see creativity and inspiration being sparked in the minds of these artists!

[Sue Clarke]

Such an original idea. I wish I was close enough to use the ladies room at your place.

[Linda k]

this is such a brilliant and creative idea!!! So glad I saw this on Julie Balzer's blog with the link. I SO adore your poppy brush (my fave flower!).

2? if I may- is there a deadline for this project and sign up(I'm currently on vacation)
also-where did you get those poppy flower heads you used?
TIA :)

[Beth Parker]

I'm in! I love this idea!

[Sue]

Everyone has said it, "what a great idea", looking forward to seeing the many brushes that are going to be coming and you will need more than your bathroom walls to display them! There isn't anything we can't beautify with art!!!
Good job and thanks very very much for sharing.

[Faith]

I didn't see a supply list for yours. Would you please share which paintbrush you used? Thanks!

[angie]

this is such a fun idea!!! can't wait to try it!

[Sherri Caramico]

LUV this idea! I just ordered my brush and can't wait to play!

[Douce Eilof]

What a great, great idea!!! I really hope to participate to this fabulous activity! I just bought my brush...with some other stuff (I had to stop myself!)! Can't wait to transform the brush into my style!!!! Thank you son much for sharing your love of creativity!!!! Merci de partager ton amour de l'art!

[plumbing supplies]

When art and utility collide in a good use! The way you've done it was fantastic.

[bathroom lighting options]

These are really great! I think it's just one of a kind design, and they look real good. I honestly haven't seen anything like it, ever. Thank you for this opportunity.

[Francoise]

BONNE IDEE, MAIS AVEZ VOUS UNE IDEE AVEC DES BROSSES A DENTS ,J,Y PENSE DEPUIS UN BON MOMENT. MERCI
[email protected]

[WAJI]

WONDERFUL INDEED

[Tobey Gable]

Hello! Just happened to stumble upon this by way of Somerset Studio's email and blog. Since this was originally posted in 2012, do you have updated pictures of what the wall looks like with all the brushes? Would love to see the finished product. I actually was going to go buy a brush until i disappointingly found out it was from 2012! The brushes you showed here are completely and incredibly awesome! Such talent in our world, huh?