Strong as the Bear

Various animal sculptures work beautifully such as those of a bear, turtle, coyote, mountain lion, horse, bison, moose, or buffalo. Any of these can be adorned with feathers and shells making them stunning works of art.

Materials: Animal sculpture – this beautiful piece of raku art is by Jeremy and Benjamin Diller 1 ½” styrofoam ball Electric drill Sea shells Tacky glue Jewelry glue Clear acrylic matte sealer spray (if you choose to paint your feathers) Embroidery thread Ribbon – gold or another color which works well with your sculpture Paint – (for the styrofoam ball) – the primary color of your sculpture Feathers – various types and colors to coordinate with the colors in your sculpture. I used one PHTTG, 3 TRQLR different colors, 3 OS-color and small feathers from our assortment of MNP feathers. Plume and wing feathers are easily cut to the desired length and width.

Instructions: Cut the styrofoam ball in half. Indent the cut edge so that it conforms to the shape of the top of your sculpture. Paint it to match your sculpture, let dry, then glue it in place with tacky glue.

Wrap ribbon or raffia several times around the styrofoam ball and sculpture. Secure cut ends with tacky glue.

Select your feathers. Choose colors which coordinate with your sculpture. Feathers can easily be trimmed and shaped to any length and width you desire. The shaft can be painted, or not. If you chose to paint a feather it is best to lightly spray the feather with clear acrylic matte sealer first. Accent the base of the feather with one of our natural feathers from Mother Nature’s assortment. Apply a thin line of tacky glue along the shaft of the accent feather to glue it to the larger wing or plume feather.

Wrap the quills with embroidery thread. Again, choose colors which coordinate with the colors of your sculpture. I think it is best, with this application, to wrap all of the quills identically. Always begin and end at the back of the feather – Use a drop of tacky glue to secure the ends of the embroidery thread.

Insert your feathers into the styrofoam ball. I dipped the quills in tacky glue prior to final positioning in the ball.

The addition of sea shells makes these adorned sculptures le piece de resistance. Use an electric drill to gently drill small hanging holes in shells. Tie them to the base of the feathers with embroidery thread. A drop or two of jewelry glue on the knot allows you to cut the ends very close so that they are not unsightly.

No one will believe that you did not pay thousands of dollars for this extraordinary piece of art. It’ll be our little secret!