Purr-fect Pets
by Juliet Mascarenhas
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 "Hand-painted rock" is not good enough a
term
for these purr-fect pets ... after all they do seem real, or
almost! You will love the way they sit around waiting to be
petted or smiled at. These pets make no demands on your time or
budget which makes them even more lovable. Searching the beaches for
just the right shapes and sizes to make your "pet stones" is
almost as fun as painting them. Your critters could include cats,
dogs, rabbits, turtles, maybe even a
raccoon!
Care Instructions for your
Purr-fect Pet
Never walk
them. Never take them to the vet. Never feed them
for fun.
Give them an occasional dusting and smother often
with love.
Bring them inside on wet days if you don't
want their noses to run!
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MATERIAL:
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1. Smooth stones
of varying sizes. |
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2. Acrylic
Paint or Water Colours - in natural shades. Paint
Brushes. |
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3. Clear
Varnish |
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4. Air-drying Clay
for the ears, nose, etc. |
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5. Pencil, design
on paper - trace out the picture of a real critter
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Before
you begin, spread some newspaper on your work
surface to catch spills and
paints.
2. Prepare
your stones thoroughly before
painting. Wash them to remove dirt and
debris. Dry thoroughly in the
sun.
3. Apply a thick base coat on the stone
of a light or dark colour, whichever is
appropriate.
4. Trace out the
features and outline of your critter with a
pencil.
5. Paint your
design, using at least two coats. Paint lines
and scratches for fur and whiskers. Paint the eyes as true-to-life
as possible. Make sure that you let
each coat dry completely before you go on to paint
another coat.
6. Make the
ears and nose of clay and press onto
the stone, after dabbing on fast-drying glue. Paint the edges of
the ears and the nose with a dark
colour.
7. When
completely dry, use a clear coat of
varnish to give your pet a glossy
finish. Varnish also
protects your pet from un-friendly
weather.
8.
Depending on their sizes, your pets can feature as
paperweights or doorstops or can
be placed near potted plants.
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'Purr-fect Pets' copyright © 2004 Juliet Mascarenhas. All rights reserved.
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