Patchwork Piggy

Hello again,

Today I'd like to share a project that I just completed for a charity event. When I was asked to do this, my first thought was to paint the pig. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a nice even coat on the bisque ceramic, with the paints I had. So I decided to used paper instead. My instructions were also to make sure that everything was glued on securely. So of course, I knew this was a Helmar project!!!

 

 

This a fairly easy project, especially if you remember making those paper mache projects in school!!!  Here's how;

Supplies needed

Helmar: Acid Free Glue, Gemstone Glue, Premium Craft Glue, Crystal Kote Matte Vanish and Acrylic Sealer
Pink Paislee: Patterned paper, Brads, Chipboard Alphabet (commas)
Kaiser Craft: Pearls
Maya Road: Chipboard crown and hearts
Bazzill: Tulle ribbon
Michaels: Felt rick rack, glitter and roses
Other: Ceramic pig

1. First tear the patterned paper into long strips, then tear those strips into smaller pieces. On my pig I didn't want any of the white core of the paper to show. To achieve this look when you tear your pieces, tear the paper towards you on all the edges. TIP: The patterned paper I used, although pink had various shades of pink and a subtle grid pattern, which I think added a little interest to the finished piece.
2. Next cover the entire pig with the torn pieces of patterned paper using the Acid Free Glue. To make the process a little faster I took the lid of the glue bottle and used a medium sized brush to apply the glue directly from the bottle.
3. Use scalloped strips of patterned paper to create the hooves on the pigs feet.
4. The skirt is made by pleating a 1 1/2'' strip of patterned paper and then adhering it to a 3/4" strip of paper. TIP: You may have to glue an additional piece of paper to the pleated strip depending on your pleats, so the skirt is wide enough to fit around the pigs back.
5. Apply the Acid Free Glue to the waist of the skirt (the flat part) and adhere it to the back and sides of the pig. I did not make the skirt go all the way around, it would have been a little too bulky! Use some of the Premium Craft Glue to adhere some felt rick-rack to the skirt.
   
6. Next cut the prongs on the back of the rhinestone brads with scissors and use the Gemstone Glue to adhere them onto the pig to create the eyes. Cover the chipboard commas with patterned paper and then adhere to the pig's snout.
   
7. Cover chipboard hearts with patterned paper and adhere to the pig's derriere using the Premium Craft Glue. Apply all pearls using the Gemstone Glue.
8. Spray the entire pig with two or three coats of Crystal Kote Matte Varnish to seal and protect.
9. Glue two matching chipboard crowns together with the Acid Free Glue (to strengthen).  Then cover both sides with patterned paper. Coat one side of the crown with a thin layer of Acrylic Sealer then sprinkle with some glitter. When dry apply pearls to each point of the crown, then apply another coat of the sealer and allow to dry.
10. Adhere thin strips of pleated patterned paper around the bottom of the crown. Then secure three roses around the crown by wrapping the wire stems around it. Use some Premium Craft Glue to hold in place.
11. Crown your piggy, by adhering the crown to her ear using more of the Premium Craft Glue. Then secure by tying with a tulle ribbon bow.

Jennifer, Helmar USA Team Member