Brush + Banter Podcast
Ep 2 with Courtney Weisel

Unlike Zibra brushes, life doesn’t always run in straight lines. Sometimes we need to pause, pivot, or loop back around in unexpected ways. That’s exactly what we unpacked in our latest episode of Brush + Banter with award-winning refinisher Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios.

Courtney is known for turning vintage furniture into sculptural, scroll-stopping works of art. Her bold textures, fearless experimentation, and clean lines have earned her a Golden Brush Award from Zibra, and a loyal following in the refinishing community. But like many artists, her creative journey hasn’t been nonstop.

The Power of a Pause

In our conversation, Courtney opened up about what it looks like to step back from the studio during major life changes, including moving, motherhood, and shifting priorities. We talked about how she managed to return to her craft with a renewed sense of purpose. Her story is a reminder that taking a break doesn’t mean giving up your creative identity. Sometimes, it’s exactly what allows you to come back stronger.

Finding Joy in the Process

Courtney shared that investing in the right tools makes all the difference when she’s ready to dive back in. Her go-to Zibra brushes include:

• The Square Brush: Courtney love this one for drawer fronts and frames.
• The Artist Brush Sets: her favorite for detailing finishes, stenciling, and testing out new blends.
• The 3” Long Handle Flat Brush: Courtney’s pick for smooth paint washes and top coats.
• And for this episode’s project talk, she highlighted the Palm Artist 1” Flat Paintbrush, part of her studio lineup.

Courtney says that these brushes don’t just make projects easier, they make the process more enjoyable.

Small Steps Back to Creativity

So how do you return after a creative break? Courtney’s advice is simple:

• Reflect on past work to reconnect with what you’ve already built.
• Start small with manageable projects to ease back in.
• Embrace experimentation. Creativity thrives when you give yourself permission to play.

What’s Next for Courtney

When asked about her dream project, Courtney couldn’t narrow it down to just one. She’s equally drawn to oversized oak nightstands, a square-framed sideboard she could transform with texture, or any piece with curves that challenge her to think differently.

Want to hear Courtney’s full story, including her thoughts on balancing motherhood and creativity? Tune into this episode of Brush + Banter, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

And don’t forget to follow Courtney on Instagram at Steel Birch Studios to see her latest works come to life.