Make a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster

With @SpecialBuster, make a rainbow brush by attaching colored yarn to a craft brush, then paint vibrant streaks and explore color blending safely.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster

What you need

Craft paintbrush, colored yarn, scissors, craft glue or strong tape, washable tempera paints, paint palette or paper plate, cup of water, paper towel, paper or cardboard to paint on, newspaper or table cover, old shirt or smock, adult supervision required

Step 1

Put on an old shirt or smock.

Step 2

Cover your workspace with newspaper or a table cover.

Step 3

Ask @SpecialBuster to join you for this rainbow craft.

Step 4

Cut six to eight pieces of colored yarn about 6 inches long using scissors.

Step 5

Line the yarn pieces up in rainbow order on the table.

Step 6

Tie the yarn pieces together at one end in a tight knot.

Step 7

Secure the knotted end to the base of the brush by wrapping tape or adding a small dab of glue.

Step 8

Trim the yarn ends so they are even and about 4 to 6 inches long.

Step 9

Put blobs of washable paint onto a palette or paper plate.

Step 10

Dip the yarn ends into one paint color and blot the extra paint on the palette or a paper towel.

Step 11

Paint a long sweeping streak across your paper using one smooth motion with the yarn brush.

Step 12

Try color blending by dipping half the yarn into one color and half into another then paint a new streak to watch the colors mix.

Step 13

Let your rainbow painting dry completely.

Step 14

Share your finished rainbow brush painting on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have colored yarn for the rainbow brush?

If you can't find colored yarn, cut six to eight 6-inch strips from old T-shirts, ribbons, or crepe paper and follow the same steps to tie, secure with tape or a small dab of glue, trim to 4–6 inches, and use them as your brush.

My yarn brush keeps slipping or the paint drips—how do we fix that?

If the knot slips or the yarn comes loose, retie a tight knot and reinforce the knotted end to the brush base with extra tape or a small dab of glue, and blot excess washable paint on the palette or a paper towel before making the long sweeping streak to prevent drips.

How can we change the activity for younger or older kids?

For toddlers have an adult pre-cut and tie the six to eight yarn pieces and secure them with tape while older kids can safely cut 6-inch lengths themselves with scissors, trim to 4–6 inches, and practice color blending by dipping half the yarn into one color and half into another.

What are fun ways to enhance or personalize our rainbow brush project?

Decorate the brush handle with washi tape or markers, mix in ribbon or pipe cleaners with the yarn for new streak textures, create layered rainbow paintings, and then photograph and share your finished painting on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster

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Rainbow Brush Tutorial - Letter A

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Facts about painting and color mixing for kids

🧶 Yarn comes in fibers like wool, cotton, and acrylic—acrylic yarn is bright, affordable, and won't melt in water, great for kid-safe rainbow brushes.

🖌️ Paintbrushes have been used for tens of thousands of years; early artists made brushes from twigs, animal hair, and feathers!

🎨 Some pigments were once rarer than gold—ultramarine blue, made from lapis lazuli, used to be extremely valuable.

🌈 Mixing two primary colors makes a secondary color—try red + yellow = orange, yellow + blue = green, and blue + red = purple.

✅ For safe, mess-friendly play use washable, non-toxic paints (look for AP or "washable" labels) and cover surfaces before blending colors.

How do you make a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster?

To make a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster, tie or glue short strips of colored yarn to the base of a soft craft brush in rainbow order. Trim yarn to even length so strands paint consistently. Secure with clear tape or a dab of non-toxic glue and let dry. Dip the yarn-brush lightly into washable paint and drag across paper to create vibrant streaks, layering wet-on-wet to explore color blending. Supervise during setup and painting.

What materials do I need for a rainbow brush with @SpecialBuster?

Materials: a soft craft or foam brush, several colors of yarn or wool, washable non-toxic paints, scissors, clear tape or craft glue, sturdy paper or cardstock, protective table covering, smock or old shirt, a cup of water for rinsing, and paper towels. Optional: a hot-glue gun (adult use only) or rubber bands to anchor yarn more securely and a palette for mixing paints.

What ages is this rainbow brush activity suitable for?

Suitable ages: generally 3–10 years, with adjustments. Preschoolers (3–5) will enjoy painting but need adult help attaching yarn and close supervision with scissors or glue. Children 6–10 can participate more independently, trimming yarn, tying attachments, and experimenting with blends. Not recommended for children under 3 due to small parts and loose threads—use larger, toddler-safe painting tools instead.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making a rainbow brush?

This activity boosts fine motor skills, color recognition, and creative problem solving while encouraging experimentation with color mixing. Safety tips: use washable, non-toxic paints, supervise scissors and any hot-glue use, and fasten yarn ends securely to avoid loose threads. Variations include trying different yarn textures, a sponge base instead of bristles, or dipping alternate yarn colors to create ombré and layered streak effects.

Ready to create?