A couple of years ago, I created this Papier-Mâché Bunny. You can find Part 1 ◄here and Part 2 ◄here.
Unfortunately, I didn’t finish part 3! I’m not sure what was going on at the time, but it completely escaped my attention. Judith called me out and so here is the third and final post. Thank you, Judith, for keeping me on track!
I pulled the little fella out of storage, took a few more pictures, and here is the last part for the Papier-Mâché Bunny.
Applying A Primer Base Coat to the Papier-Mâché Bunny
After you have completed all the details on your bunny and have allowed it to completely dry, the next step is applying a base coat of primer. I use Kilz brand latex primer and stain blocker.
Paint a coat of primer all over the bunny except for the soles of his feet. Allow the paint to dry and then, paint the soles and lay the bunny on his back. Then, apply a second coat to the entire bunny in the same way.
Update
I just finished an e-Book with all three of the paper mache bunny posts included. It includes the smaller recipe for paper mache clay and takes you step-by-step from the balloon base to how to paint your bunny. Click below for your own copy.
Tools You’ll Need for Painting the Papier-Mâché Bunny With Acrylic Craft Paints
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Paintbrushes
For painting these Papier-Mâché creations, I like to use a hog-bristle brush for painting the first coats and washes of paint. The coarse bristles help get the paint down into some of the uneven layers of the paper mache.
Craft Paintbrushes
After the washes and the base paintings, you will need softer bristled paintbrushes. You will probably need some flat, round, and detail brushes. If you don’t have these, you can buy a combination set of these inexpensively.
Acrylic Craft Paints
This bunny can be painted in so many different styles and ways. Although I chose to make this little bunny with the idea of the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams in mind, you can paint the bunny in any way you choose. Imagine a calico bunny, an allover quilt patch patterned bunny, or an off-white shabby chic look. Choose to make a really detailed bunny or add very little detail. Make him your own.
Inexpensive craft paints are perfect for this project. I use a variety of brands. You can use whatever colors you choose. For this project, I used:
- Delta Ceramcoat – Light Ivory #02401.
- Apple Barrel – Dolphin Gray #20781
- Apple Barrel – English Country Rose
- Delta Ceramcoat Select – Charcoal #040358
Instead of white paint, I chose light ivory to look like the bunny was well-used. To give it a softer look, I used a pale gray. A more subdued rose is used on his nose and charcoal is used for the ‘stitches’ and the signs of wear on his body and ears. A bright white dot is painted on each eye, which gives it life.
Painting The Papier-Mâché Bunny With Acrylic Craft Paints
First, paint the bunny in the pale, dolphin gray paint, all over. After the first coat is dry, paint a second coat of gray over the top of the first coat.
Decide where you want the edges of the ivory color to be. Then, begin to paint the belly, under the mouth, the neck, and his tail with light ivory. Don’t worry about this initial wash being in the perfect spot. After painting the ivory onto the bunny, I went back and painted over some of the edges making it a smaller area. I wasn’t happy with the look of his face. Compare the pictures and you can see the difference. This paint is very forgiving!
Hopefully, you can see the area between his nose and mouth on either side is painted with a light coat of gray, allowing some of the ivory paint to show through.
The Painted Details On The Papier-Mâché Bunny
A hint of a line painted down the middle of his belly gives the idea of a seam and loosely painted angled dashes make it appear that his belly is hand-stitched. Most of the details, the stitching, and hash marks on the inside of the ears are all painted with watered-down charcoal paint.
Antiquing The
Papier-Mâché Bunny
At this point, I really liked the bunny’s look and debated whether to use the antiquing. Ultimately, I decided to go for it. It gives the bunny a little more of a well-used look. The antiquing medium settles in all of the little nooks and indentations on the bunny.
Just follow the directions on the bottle, apply the antiquing medium, and then, wipe it off with a cotton cloth. I used an old cotton sock. There are always a few without mates, are there?
If you’ve ever had a sibling or child who loved a stuffed animal so much that after multiple washings, it ended up looking pretty rough, you can appreciate the look of the antiquing.
There are ways of making a smoother paper mache, but I love the texture of this paper mache clay.
Finishing Touch For The Papier-Mâché Bunny
A sharp, perfectly shaped, flat ribbon bow would seem incongruous on this little bunny. I went through my ribbon stash and found a slightly crinkled, less-than-perfect ribbon to tie around his neck and shape into a bow. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Dave’s Take On The Papier-Mâché Bunny
When Dave saw the finished bunny, he said, “You know a lot of people aren’t going to like that.”
I asked why, and his response was that is not a very cute little bunny. Wow!
At this point, I had to tell the story of the Velveteen Rabbit and how I feel he is really cute, and the idea is that he was well-loved. I’m not sure I changed his mind. Lol!
What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by! We would love to hear what you think about this post, or feel free to suggest an idea for a project that you would like to see!
How To Make An Adorable Papier Mâché Bunny
How To Make An Adorable Papier M�ch� Bunny
Part 2 – How To Make An Adorable Papier-M�ch� Bunny
How To Make An Adorable Papier Mache Bunny - Part 1, Part 2, and the final Part 3.
Part 3 – How To Make An Adorable Papier-M�ch� Bunny
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Debraaaaa! I was so excited that you finished this so very sweet paper mache bunny. And, to mention me was so sweet that I told my sister about it with so much excited she laughed. I’ve printed all 3 parts [tho some photos didn’t print] and the recipes. I’m accumulating all the materials so this can be completed before 2020 Easter. Hope to have a decent finished bunny to share. Such a fan! Judith
Hi Judith! Am anxious to see your finished bunny! Thank you so much for visiting. You seriously made my day.
Thank you for posting this excellent material. I probably won’t make the bunny even though he is enchanting but I learned much from you.
Oh, thank you, Hazel! You put a smile on my face this morning!