More than paint: Flocking

Like so many horse crazy girls, I grew up collecting every single horse shaped object I could get my hands on. Breyers were my favorite, but I wasn't picky. Anything and everything was welcome in my carpet herd. This how I ended up with a small herd of drug store flockies, three of which are still inexplicably in my possession.

What can I say? Despite the bad seams and bald spots, they're cute. Plus, this one has nifty tack!

Over the years, I have been tempted to add other flockies to my collection, in particular the Clydesdale mare turned stallion that was sold through the Sears Wish Book in the early 1980's...

and, more recently, Gawain the flocked unicorn.

It has never occurred to me to create a flockie of my own, but that is exactly what Amaryllis Khat is doing during this year's International Model Painting Party.

Her inspiration is the famous Sand Wash Basin mustang, Picasso.

When asked to briefly explain the flocking process, she responded this way: Flocking is quick and fun! Breyer has a tutorial, but details are left out making it difficult to follow. I use multi-layered technique to create shading and accuracy without seam lines, clumps or bald spots. The first step is to remove your model's mane and tail and prep the body thoroughly.

Since Picasso is a pinto, I drew a rough outline of his pattern.

I sprayed white primer in the white areas, let it dry, then sprayed brown primer in the bay areas.

Now it's time to start the real work. The next step requires paint.  Nearly any type will work, including glues, but spray paint is not recommended. I lay down a very thick and smooth layer, and then I start blowing the flocking on as fast as possible! I work one color at a time, and lots of work goes into repairing areas that are missed on the first pass and blending.

Here's a look at Amaryllis' Picasso at the time of her most recent update.

And here are a few of her other pieces.

Thank you, Amaryllis, for giving us this peek into the world of flocking! If you are interested in viewing more of her work, please visit her Facebook page, Dartang Flockies by Amaryllis Khat.