DIY Garden Statues

A primitive garden statue can be created for the garden.

An attractive garden statue can add charm and interest to the backyard or patio. Creating a weatherproof statue of concrete can be accomplished with the help of a silicone rubber mold. Those with little art experience can make a primitive-style statue and children can be encouraged to create a statue of their favorite animal. Begin by creating a small garden statue that can be tucked in among the flowers. As you gain experience, you can make progressively larger statues.

Things You'll Need

• 5 pounds air drying clay
• Plastic bucket
• Rubber compound OOMOO 30, pink and blue
• Plastic bowl
• Quick set cement
• Wheelbarrow
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Form the clay into a simple statue figure of a person or animal, eliminating extending protrusions, such as arms or wings. Let the clay dry thoroughly for two days.

2. Place the clay statue in the plastic bucket. Mix the pink and blue rubber compounds together in the plastic bowl and quickly pour the mixture in the plastic bucket around and covering the clay sculpture.

3. Let the compound set for one hour. Pull the rubber compound from the bucket. Cut the compound into two halves with a sharp knife to release the clay sculpture, creating a mold.

4. Mix the cement with water in the wheelbarrow with the trowel until it is the consistency of pudding. Carefully trowel the cement into the rubber mold halves.

5. Connect the halves together by wrapping duct tape around the outside of the rubber compound. Let the cement dry and cure for two days.

6. Remove the duct tape and rubber mold to reveal the completed garden statue.

References

• "The Ultimate Crafts Compendium"; Publisher Joanna Lorenz; Hermes House; 1998
• "Art Fun!"; Kim Solga; North Light Books; 1997