I have been an ART teacher for many years and have a rather large collection of brushes that have fallen apart. I have saved them because I was sure one day I would find a use for them. Recently I was looking for a fun after school project to do with my group of "clay kids".

Step 1: Supplies

broken brushes

clay

minimal clay tools

clear glaze

access to a kiln (I have not tried this with air dry clay so I cant advise)

Step 2: Starting the Clay

Begin with a lump of clay the size of an egg. Shape a cone and begin to create the features of the face.

Step 3: Attaching With Slip

Slip is very moist clay that needs to be used to add on details with the clay. I call it clay glue because that is what it does.I put slip on the small balls I used for eyes. I scored (small scratch marks) the tongue, used slip to attach it in the mouth of my brush head .

When features are complete poke several holes in the underside of the cone to open up any air pockets that may have been created.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Carefully press your brush of choice into the head. Jiggle it around a bit to make the hole slightly larger Clay shrinks a bit when it dries and you need the hole large enough to insert the brush back into the opening when it is done.

I bisque the clay pieces and then do a glaze firing. Try not to get any glaze in the actual hole that the brush goes into it will not hold the brush as well in the end.

Enjoy!