Create a Zebra Terra Cotta Pot Table

Figure A

Steps:

1. Using a hand or power saw, cut the PVC pipe into four 10-1/2-inch lengths for the legs. Note: Use safety goggles when cutting PVC pipe, especially if using a power saw.

2. Cut one 7-1/2-inch pipe for the neck. Cut one end at a 45-degree angle.

Figure B

3. Glue the top rim of the 4-inch clay pot to the top rim of the 4-inch saucer to create the head. When gluing any parts together, it may be necessary to hold them together with painter's tape until the glue sets.

4. Glue the 2-inch pot to the nose of the 4-inch pot. The top rim of the 2-inch pot should fit to the bottom of the 4-inch pot.

Figure D

5. For the eyes, glue the split robin eggs horizontally on either side of the head, directly in front of where the ears will go.

6. Trace the ears onto the foam using the pattern at right. Shrink or enlarge pattern the as necessary.

Figure E

7. Glue the tabs of ears in place on the rim of the 4-inch pot and hold in place with tape until dry.

8. Glue the flat end of the neck pipe to the bottom side of the 4-inch saucer and set the head aside to dry.

9. Turn the 11-1/2inch saucer upside down and glue the four legs in place on the inside.

Figure H

10. Glue muffin pots upside down to bottom of the legs.

11. Choose two legs to be the front two. Glue the angled part of the neck pipe between them to the bottom of the saucer. You will need to tape and support the head overnight as it dries.

Figure I

12. For a smoother finish, you may want to caulk all seams where different pieces are attached. Allow to dry about an hour or according to package instructions.

13. Basecoat the entire zebra with warm white. Paint the hooves and nose in licorice.

14. Paint stripes beginning with the stripe down the back and work randomly down both sides to the head and legs.

Figure J

15. Paint teardrop-shaped nostrils in warm white.

16. Paint eyes beginning with center lid line. Leave the top half of the eye warm white and paint a periwinkle blue iris below. Add a licorice pupil and dot of warm white as a highlight. Outline the entire eye in licorice. When dry, coat with gloss varnish.

17. Using a dry brush and warm white paint, make highlighted areas on the front of the hooves and the nose. Make the areas about 1-inch wide and lightly drybrush from left to right.

Figure K

18. After all the paint has dried, apply the antiquing medium in small sections at a time. Rub off before it dries with a damp towel, leaving some brown in the seams and edges to create a worn, antique finish.

19. Cover the entire zebra with varnish to seal. If you are going to have your table outside, use three to four coats of gloss polyurethane over the table for protection.

Figure M

20. After it is dry, glue on the eyelashes. Glue the fringe trim from between the ears and then down the neck to the back.

Tips:
- Choose the finish you like best. A matte varnish looks great; however, if you want to use it outside, you need the protection of several coats of gloss varnish polyurethane.
- If you live in a cold climate, you might want to bring the table in with the plants for the winter.
- After a few seasons of outdoor use, the eyelashes and trim may need to be replaced.