Folk Art Foam Cat

1. Cover all areas of the form with papier mâché, carefully pressing the papier mâché around the modeled areas and into scored lines (figure F). Let dry.

2. Reinforce the tail with plaster cloth to prevent breakage. Cut two strips about 3/4 inch wide and about 2 inches longer than the tail. Dip into water and place the strips vertically on the tail, starting at the top of the tail and extending down onto the body of the cat. Apply to both the front and back of the cat’s tail. Cut additional strips of plaster cloth, measuring about 1" x 4". Wrap these horizontally around the tail, working from the top to the base. Let dry.

1. Transfer the pattern for the cat’s muzzle area onto the head using transfer paper.

2. Paint the cat’s muzzle and collar Light Buttermilk and the bell Yellow Ochre. Paint the cat with a mix of Raw Sienna, Tangerine and Medium Flesh (2:2:1) (figure H). Let dry. Transfer the pattern for the checks onto the collar, and then paint alternate checks Rookwood Red. Paint inside the ears with a 1:1 mix of Yellow Ochre plus Medium Flesh (figure I).

3. Apply gold foil to the bell following manufacturer’s instructions. Seal with foil sealer. Let dry.

4. To antique the cat, brush on Earth Brown, then wipe off with a soft cloth, leaving enough color to accent the modeling paste. Antique the bell by brushing on and wiping off Soft Black.