DIY Miniature Sheep

Inspiration

When I was a teenager someone gave me a very similar set as a gift.  It’s quite a charming story really.  I was a part of a small country church.  And in the church was a man who was a mason.  He was thinking about how God is often called the good shepherd, and we’re like sheep.  He fashioned some sheep for all the families in the church.  Because he was a mason and worked with stone all the time, he fashioned them out of some beautiful rocks, with sheep made from putty, and the legs made from construction staples.  It was actually before my time, and I complemented his one day and he insisted I take them as a gift.  I love to bring them out every spring.  Over the years mine’s become a little worn, the sheep were a little discoloured, and my set only had two sheep.

I decided as a spring craft to make some new ones -a replacement for mine, and a few for good friends who would appreciate the story.  Since it’s still snowy I used the original stone, and a little new green moss.  When the snow melts all go looking in the woods, and fine a few good stones for the ones for my friends.

To make my sheep I used polymer clay, and they’re really simple.

How To Make Miniature Sheep

Materials:

• • white polymer clay
  • wire
  • wire cutters
  • black craft paint
  • small paint brush

How To:

Sheep

Form the white clay into some little sheepish blobs.  I worried at first that they didn’t look very sheep like, but I really loved how they looked in the end when there black faces and legs were added, so don’t be too worried.  They should be kind of an oval, with a smaller head.  I formed some looking up and some looking down grazing on grass.

And just for fun I thought it would be sweet to add some babies to mine too.  Spring always makes me think of lambs.  The lambs are made the same way, only smaller.

Legs

After the sheep bodies are formed out of clay, it’s time to add the legs.  I cut small pieces of wire for each leg and pressed them into the soft clay.  Next stand them up and make sure the legs are even enough for the sheep to stand.

Next, it’s time to bake the polymer clay so it will be hard.  Follow the manufactures directions on the package.  I have to confess that the first two batches I tried I burnt, so for sure keep an eye on them.

Paint

Once they’re baked and cooled, it’s time to paint them.  Using a small craft brush, carefully paint the wire legs black, and a small dot for each sheep’s face.

Create a Scene

Lastly after the paint is dry you’re ready to set your sheep up on a hill.  I used a rock with some fine moss glued to it.  You could also make them as a miniature terrarium scene in a glass bottle with moss.

I love how the sheep turned out and the addition of the little lambs.  I set them up on my table to be admired and surrounded them with green plants.  It really does feel like the a little taste of spring.  And if winter refuses to leave, we’ll just have to make our own little inside springs like this, won’t we.  I also think these sheep are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day decor, since Ireland is a land of sheep grazing on rolling green hills.

This DIY was such a sweet reminder of an old friend, and I’m looking forward to gifting some of them as a great reminder of the shepherds love for us, just like he did.

With DIY Miniature Sheep, life really is a party!

You might also like our Faux Concrete Finish Bunnies here.

 

Also check out How To Make Cement Easter Eggs here.

You might also enjoy our Pussy Willow Wreath here.

More Spring Inspiration

And today I’m joined by a fabulous group of blogging friends who are also sharing their Spring DIY Projects as part of the Seasonal Simplicity Spring Series. You’re going to love all this springy inspiration…

The Happy Housie // Lolly Jane // Craftberry Bush
Inspiration for Moms // Rooms FOR Rent

Zevy Joy // Modern Glam // Hallstrom Home
A Pretty Life // Confessions of a Serial DIYer

Jenna Kate at Home // Life is a Party // Tatertots and Jello
Town and Country Living // Place of My Taste

Rambling Renovators // Home Made Lovely // The DIY Mommy // Sincerely, Marie Designs
Paint Me Pink // Amber Tysl

Southern State of Mind // This is Our Bliss // Tauni Everett
Finding Silver Pennies // Clean & Scentsible