The ornamental plants in the garden have not yet grown as densely as you would like? No problem, our weatherproof giant butterflies are a great eye-catcher. They are quickly made from kneaded concrete and will keep you in a good mood all summer long.

The kneaded concrete can also be pressed into moulds

What is kneaded concrete?

This handicraft material is a ready-mix, with which unusual creations with a modern concrete look are possible. The flexible material can be processed like modeling clay, without a mold.

You can get ready-made mixes from creative retailers or you can buy them from:

  • cement
  • fine sand
  • detergent
  • water

self made. To do this, proceed as follows:

  • Mix equal parts sand and cement in a bowl.
  • Add 3 to 5 tablespoons of dish soap and some water to this mixture.
  • Mix until the kneaded concrete has the desired consistency.

Material list:

  • Solid drawing paper
  • kneaded concrete
  • weatherproof acrylic paint
  • stable wire
  • 2 old, coated wooden boards
  • about 5 centimeters high wooden slats
  • Sticks to attach the butterflies.
  • sandpaper
  • gloves

Design butterflies:

  • Draw the butterfly wings on the paper with your children.
  • Oil the wooden boards well.
  • Apply a one to two centimeter thick layer of modeling clay, larger than the butterfly's wings, to the slabs.
  • peel off surface.
  • Place the paper template on top and cut out the wings of the moth with a blunt knife.
  • Remove paper, flatten and smooth edges.
  • Freely form the butterfly body and head.
  • Mix some kneaded concrete very thinly, spread it over the wings and body.
  • Now place the boards right next to the body and support them with small wooden slats so that they lie diagonally.
  • Leave to dry for 24 hours.
  • The body and wings should now be firmly connected, with the wings sticking out at a slight angle.
  • Coat a metal stick with modeling clay and attach it to the butterfly body with liquid cement.
  • Let it dry for another day.
  • Then smooth with sandpaper and paint in bright colors with waterproof acrylic paints.

tips

You can use the same principle to make other animal shapes such as dragonflies, cats or rabbits together with your children. Alternatively, you might want to decorate your flower bed with hearts or circles painted with mandalas. Kneaded concrete is also very suitable for this. Your imagination is the limit.

Category:

Garden design