Michael’s Treasure Hunt: Unearthing Perfect Brushes for Scribes and Art Enthusiasts

Hey there, fellow scribes and art enthusiasts!

I just had an exciting trip to Michael’s, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you! I’ve been away from painting scrolls for a while due to some pesky peripheral neuropathy that affected my hands, but guess what? It’s improving and I think I found the perfect inspiration to get back into the game – three fantastic brushes!

Michael’s has this system where they categorize their painting supplies by skill level, both in-store and online. Their Level 1 is all about budget-friendly items for beginners and dabblers. They’re perfect for SCA group children’s activities, school projects, and classes, but I needed something more advanced.

Enter Level 2 – my sweet spot! These brushes are designed for serious students and hobbyists like me. The spring in their brush hair, those tight points, and the larger handles – just perfect. Oh, and the best part? The price is a total steal! I’m guessing they have at least some synthetic hair if not totally, which is ok with me.

Michael’s also has a Level 3 category. I would consider those if I were sure I was back in the scribal game. They are more for professional artists.

Choosing brushes can be tricky. There are so many options out there in terms of type, shape, fiber, manufacturer, cost, and wearability. Most of my brushes are round pointed brushes, but I’ve also fallen in love with the shorthaired, round brush that some folks call spotted round.

Here’s a little secret: when I find a brush that I think could be “the one,” I use my trusty water bottle (yes, I brought it into the store!) and slightly wet the brush head in it. Then, I check how the brush hairs behave – do they come to a crisp, sharp point without any stray fibers? That’s another sign of a winner!

Once I have my new brushes at home, the real fun begins. I like to play around with them on whatever paper scraps I find – junk Bristol paper, pergamenata scraps – you name it. I want to feel the pressure needed for each specific stroke and make sure the brush responds just the way I like.

If a brush doesn’t quite hit the mark, no worries, I don’t toss it aside; I’ve got a trick up my sleeve. I clean it gently using a plain Ivory soap bar, making sure the bristles are coated with it. Then, I shape the brush with my fingers and let it dry with the soap still in the bristles. After a day or two, I rinse the soap out thoroughly. If it still doesn’t behave, it gets downgraded to mundane tasks or applying gold size.

Remember, choosing the right brush is an art in itself, so don’t rush the process. Take your time to test them out, like I did with my trusty water bottle trick! And if you end up owning a brush that doesn’t quite fit your criteria, don’t fret – you can repurpose it for other needs.

In conclusion, my trip to Michael’s was great fun. I couldn’t be happier with my “level 2” brushes! They are the perfect tools to reignite my passion for painting scrolls. And, I’m hopeful my peripheral neuropathy won’t stand in my way anymore.

Now, dive into the world of creativity, armed with determination. No matter what level you’re at, remember that art is a journey of growth and discovery. So, let’s make some beautiful scrolls together, brushstroke by brushstroke!