Making weatherproof giant butterflies »Instructions

What is kneaded concrete?

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

You can get ready mixes from creative retailers or you can choose from:

• cement
• fine sand
• Washing-up liquid
• water

self made. Proceed as follows:

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

Material list:

• Solid drawing paper
• Kneading concrete
• weatherproof acrylic paint
• sturdy wire
• 2 old, coated wooden panels
• wooden slats about 5 centimeters high
• Rods to hold the butterflies in place.
• Emery paper
• gloves

Design butterflies:

• Together with your children, draw the butterfly wings on the paper.
• Oil the wooden panels well.
• Put a one to two centimeter thick layer of kneading concrete, which is larger than the butterfly's wings, on the slabs.
• Peel off the surface.
• Put on the paper template and cut out the wings of the butterfly with a blunt knife.
• Remove the paper, flatten and smooth the edges.
• Shape the butterfly's body and head freely.
• Mix some kneading concrete very thinly, brush the wings and body with it.
• Now place the boards right next to the body and support them with small wooden slats so that they are at an angle.
• Let dry for 24 hours.
• The body and wings should now be firmly connected, with the wings sticking out at a slight angle.
• Cover a metal rod with kneading concrete and attach it to the butterfly body with liquid concrete.
• Let it dry for another day.
• Then smooth with emery paper and paint it in beautiful colors with waterproof acrylic paints.