How to Make a Makeup Brush Holder

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Make your own countertop makeup brush organizer.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

When your bathroom or vanity drawer space is limited, try adopting a countertop organization system for your makeup brushes and eyebrow grooming tools. Create an easy and attractive way to enhance this new routine by crafting a DIY makeup brush stand out of a block of wood. As an added bonus, you also can add a place for a small vase of flowers. Here's how to make your own.

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Things You'll Need

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Begin the project by purchasing and laying out all of the necessary supplies.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller
  • Wooden block, 7-inch-by-3 1/2-inch-by-2 1/2-inch
  • Drill press
  • 1-inch forstner bit
  • 1/2-inch forstner bit
  • Safety glasses and mask
  • 120-grit sandpaper
  • White acrylic craft paint
  • Plastic painter's tray
  • 2-inch foam paintbrush
  • Small detail paint brush
  • Craft acrylic paint in a variety of colors
  • Masking tape
  • 3/4-inch diameter glass votive vase

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Step 1: Choose Your Bit

Measure the diameter of your thickest makeup brush and then find a bit to match.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Choose a forstner bit to match the diameter of your largest makeup brush and attach it to the drill press.

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Step 2: Measure and Mark Holes

Use a ruler and pencil to make marks on the wood where the holes will go.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Use a ruler and pencil to measure and mark the holes for each makeup brush on the top plane of the wood block. Mark four holes an equal distance from each other and the edge of the block. Then make a single mark for a larger hole to the other end of the block. This will be for the glass vase.

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Step 3: Drill Holes for Brushes

Drill small holes into the top of the wood block for the brushes to go into.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

While wearing proper safety attire, drill the small makeup brush holes into the top of the block.

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Step 4: Drill Hole for Vase

Drill one larger hole into the wood block for the vase to go into.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Outfit the drill press with a 1-inch forstner bit and drill the larger hole for the vase. Sand down any rough edges on the block surface and holes with 120-grit sandpaper.

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Step 5: Paint the Block White

Acrylic white paint gives the wood block an even color and finish.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Add white acrylic craft paint to a plastic painter's tray and coat the block with a layer of paint using a 2-inch foam paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry to the touch for 30 minutes, and then add a second coat. Allow the final coat to dry for at least three hours.

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Step 6: Create a Design With Tape

Give the block a bit of added personality by creating a design on the side with masking tape.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Tear off small pieces of masking tape and add them to the front side of the block in your desired pattern. Be sure to press the tape down firmly on all edges with your fingertips to avoid paint seepage.

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Step 7: Paint Your Design

Add painted stripes in different colors to the side of the block.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Use a small detail paint brush or 1-inch foam paintbrushes to add color to the block with craft acrylic paint. Allow each coat to dry for 30 minutes and continue adding coats of paint until you can no longer see the white finish beneath the color.

Step 8: Allow the Block to Dry

Give the block 24 hours to dry before styling it with brushes and a vase.
Image Credit: Carrie Waller

Remove and discard the masking tape immediately before the paint dries, and allow the painted block to dry for at least three hours before handling. Finish by adding makeup brushes and a glass votive vase filled with water and flowers to the respective drilled holes.

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