Abstract: An applicator for creating designs, patterns and configurations in the paint or other material being applied to a surface area, comprising a body portion for the user to hold and a working portion to apply the paint or other material to the surface area. The working portion includes a plurality of absorbent flexible sheet cup members or pods, having radially extending folds which flare outwardly to the outer free end. A thread is drawn through the radial folds at the outer free end portion of each cup member or pod which has been folded over around the outer circumference. The thread is drawn up to bring the radial folds together in close side-by-side relationship, giving a patterned or textured outer free end surface to the working portion of the applicator. A restricting band is drawn up relatively tighter around the mid-section of each cup member or pod about midway between the outer free end and the lower end which is secured to the body portion.