IN THIS LESSON

Want your skeleton to look a little less store-bought?

A quick and easy way to make those inexpensive plastic skeleton and bone sets look a lot more authentic. I recommend wearing gloves, unless you want your fingers to look a bit aged as well.

Time to complete 5-30 minutes (depending on the number and size of bones)

Difficulty level: Easy

Includes instructions and supply sheet.

Bone Aging

When I roam the woods surrounding our house I sometimes find bones from the creatures that call it home such as deer and rabbits. The ground here is made up of red clay, the kind that permanently stains your pants if you happen to step into a mud puddle after a summer storm. So when I find bones they are rarely the glaring white that is represented in my ethically sourced plastic skeleton. To keep things looking authentic I like to age my plastic skeletons with the help from paint sourced at my local craft re-use store. The process is simple and a great activity if you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Supplies

  • Plastic skeleton or bag of bones

  • paint brush

  • tablecloth or newspapers to cover the work area

  • gloves

  • Black or brown paint or stain, depending on whether it will be indoor or outdoor decor.

  • water

  • A container to mix paint in

  • razor blade (optional)

  • Paper towel or old rags

Directions

  • Use the tablecloth or newspaper to cover your work area, it will get messy.

  • Inspect your bones for ridges or other areas that may need to be trimmed with the razor. Obviously…be careful.

  • In your container, squeeze out a puddle of paint about the size of a quarter. Mix in a tablespoon(ish) of water. Stir until well combined.

  • Put on your gloves - otherwise your fingers will get stained as you hold the bones.

  • Using the paint brush, coat the bones with the diluted paint solution.

  • Use the rag to wipe away the excess paint or until the bones have the dirty look that you want.

  • For areas that you want to highlight (such as around eyes or teeth) use undiluted paint to cover the area and then wipe off as much as desired to highlight the crevices.

  • Repeat this process until the bones have the aged look that you want

  • Allow them to dry. If bones are to be used outside, you may want to seal them with varnish.

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