Coming Back From a Creative Break with Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios

Life moves in seasons, and sometimes that means stepping away from the studio. In this episode, Brie and Lauren sit down with award-winning refinisher Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios to talk about what it really looks like to pause, pivot, and then pick the brush back up again.

Courtney Weisel is the artist behind Steel Birch Studios, known for reimagining vintage furniture into sculptural, scroll-stopping works of art. She’s a Golden Brush Award winner whose bold textures, clean lines, and fearless experimentation have inspired creatives across the refinishing community.

Connect with Courtney:

• Steel Birch Studios on IG

Brushes mentioned:

• Artist Brush Set - Small
• Palm Artist - 1” Flat Paintbrush

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Courtney navigated big life changes like moving, motherhood, and shifting priorities, while still holding onto her creative identity
• Why investing in quality tools (like her favorite Zibra brushes; the small artist kit and palm artist) makes the process smoother and more joyful
• Simple ways to restart after a creative break, from reflecting on past work to embracing small steps forward

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

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