Spring Bird on a Pedestal

This recycled paper sculpture looks like an old iron piece that has been painted and re-painted. The pastel colors are coated with chipped white paint and a faux patina is applied over the entire piece. It is a bright and cheery reminder that spring is on the way! Learn about the eco-friendly paints and other products used in this project from Eco Green Crafts here.

Materials:

• Eco Green Crafts Bird on a Pedestal Paper Mache sculpture
• Eco Green Crafts Acrylic Paints / Sky Blue, Blueberry, Butternut, Lime, Rose, White, Black, Mulch
• Petroleum Jelly
• Ribbons
• Button
• Heat tool
• Paper towels

Instructions:

1. Put a primer coat of white paint over the entire bird sculpture and let it dry.
    
2. Paint the segments of the bird with the Rose, Lime, Butternut, Sky Blue and Blueberry for the bird (mix the blues for the shade on the example). Let the paint dry.
    
3. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly with your finger on parts of the painted sculpture. Leave some parts alone so the paint will stay on in those spots.
    
4. With quick strokes apply white paint over the entire piece. Do not overwork the paint or the petroleum jelly will mix with the paint and spoil the effect; just once over lightly. Allow to dry.
    
5. Use a heat gun to blister and crack the white paint and use a paper towel to wipe off large sections of paint where desired. Blot up any oils with a paper towel.
    
6. Mix Mulch with a touch of Black to make "raw umber". Add water to make a really thin glaze.  Paint over the whole piece and wipe off the excess with paper towel. This creates the aged effect.
    
7. Attach ribbons and a button to embellish.