Nature Art- Creating Wall Decor From Fallen Limbs
I live in Florida where palm trees 🌴 are abundant. Several years ago while walking my dog after a massive storm I saw a downed Royal Palm frond that looked like an elephant to me. So with my 75lb Pitbull on one hand I dragged the approximately 20lb frond 1/4 mile home. With a large hand saw I cut off the parts I didn't want to use & laid the rest on my patio where I shaped it by wetting and molding it. The finished product "Max" is now hanging in my living room where much to my surprise I've been asked many, many times where I bought it followed by much conversation. So, at the suggestion of friends and family I've made a second elephant which is documented here. This one is much smaller & different in that I tried to capture the beauty of the Indian Elephants during the annual festival in Jaipur. Here is my inspiration...
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jul/31/the-extraordinary-painted-elephants-of-india-in-pictures
Here's the frond standing up with my computer open to my inspirational picture right behind it. This is where I cut the ears to better resemble an Elephant
Some of my supplies:
- Mod Podge
- Squirt bottle
- Toilet Paper Roll
- Paper towels
After I shaped the frond I reinforce the back by completely covering it in 2-3 layers of paper towels and Mod Podge in order for this to keep it's form and not crumble over time.
D hooks were added to the back with wood glue and a picture wire laced between them so it could be hung which is another reason it requires reinforcement
Self stick sparkly embellishments from @Dollartree
These will be used on the face & ears
Two sections are cut from the Styrofoam Wreath form then I carve 1 end of each into points that resemble tusks. See below
Here is 1 tusk. The foam was carved and painted ivory. The toilet paper rolls are covered in a combination of paper towel, water, Mod Podge and paint then glued onto the tusk to resemble skin.
Painting the eyes, facial wrinkles and spots.
I reinforced the stickers with clear all purpose glue and masking tape formed the lines needed to paint between. I also used a stencil for the design between the tusks.
Attaching the tusks is the most difficult which is why there's no pictures I laid the elephant down, added glue to neccesary areas, attached the tusk, put a drop cloth beneath and propped it into position until it dried.
I used hot glue for some immediate hold but added wood glue for long term strength.
I was hesitant to post this because many readers don't reside where Palm Trees grow then realized palm trees are not the point; creativity is.
My hope is that you spend more time in nature looking at what art lies within then harness it into something uniquely you.
Enjoy! Kim
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?