From Plastic Mannequin to Gorgeous Garden Art
We love using thrift store finds to create beautiful art for our garden. It's so therapeutic seeing something that was discarded given a new lease on life. Like this mossy garden statue we made a few weeks back.
Would you believe me if I told you she was once a dirty, grimy, plastic, mannequin.
We gave her a faux concrete makeover and added a shapely mossy mosaic corset and a succulent choker.
If you'd like to make something similar here's what you need besides that plastic mannequin 
- Moss
- E6000 glue
- Texture paste and paint
- Mosaic tiles and grout
- Green spray paint
- Faux succulents
- Some garden twine
- 40 grit sand paper
Start by giving her a good scrub with some sandpaper to get rid of all the dirt and roughen her up a little.
Spray the corset area with some green spray paint. It helps hide any gaps when the moss is applied
Once the paint dries glue some mosaic tiles down to create an "outline" for the corset. If you haven't done a mosaic before here's an awesome guide that will help you get started. Apply lots of E6000 glue on the corset area and add the moss.
Apply the texture paste to the neck, bust and legs using a spatula or Popsicle sticks.
Wait for the paste to dry and use light and dark grey craft paints to "dry brush" the texture paste to resemble concrete. Drizzle a little brown in certain areas to age the faux concrete.
Add a succulicious choker made from faux succulents and a bit of garden twine and you're done.
I love how she turned out.
But I would really like to know what you think. Is it something you would make for your garden?
P.S. You can get the detailed step by step tutorial to create that faux concrete effect if you click here.
Comments
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I love her!!! This is such a cool idea. I want to make one for my sunroom. I’m on the lookout for a mannequin now!
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Thanks so much Ayme, hope you find one
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That’s adorable! I decorated a mannequin like this a few years ago for Christmas. Decided this year to take her apart and give her some new life.
Im happy I saw your post as I was drawing a blank trying to think of a new idea for her. Thank you for your share!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
How does it hold up outside with rain etc? But I love the idea.
Please post a photo of it in the garden from a distance so we can get a better perspective. very cool idea.
I absolutely love this idea although my HOA would probably fine me if I put it in the garden. Still, I really like this idea and if I should ever find a mannequin, I'll try it. My ? is this - what is the mannequin made of? Is it a plastic or something else? You did a great job.