Prop Crafts 1: Walnut (Thumbelina)

For some time now I have been on a search for some good quality props for kids. It is a rather hard task as everything I came across was rather repetitive while I wanted something unique and of higher quality. I have managed to acquire a rather big block of white styrofoam which gave birth to some rather interesting ideas. One of my first creations was going to be a walnut shell. I was looking for some inspiration on how it should look like and it just happened that I stumbled on a story of a small girl which instead of a bed had a walnut (Thumbelina). A little reminded for anyone who is not familiar with this character can be found here. My prop can be used as bedding for a new born baby girl or a boy. To make things rather interesting we can use other photoshoot costumes for the girl. For example a cute princess skirt, flower headband or little fairy wings. For the boy on the other hand we can go with a forest gnome or sweet little reindeer. 

Using a hot wire I have managed to cut the general shape of what I wanted to achieve. After that I have been using a normal short knife to get the details carved out from the foam. To top it up the walnut has been cut in such a way that is it balanced. Not an easy thing to do I tell you. Below you can see the initial stages of where that got me.

In order to make the foam stronger and to cover up the texture of it I have been using paper tissue and PVA glue. Using this technique I have managed to cover the walnut with four layers. After all of that has dried I have applied a last layer using a brown wrapping paper which allowed me to achieve the colour and the structure of the future to be nut. The finishing touch has included painting it with Winsor and Newton Professional Acrylic. To protect it all one layer of Ronseal interior varnish (matt clear) has been applied. 

Since this is my first project of this kind I am happy to announce that it can be used indoors and outdoors as well. Below I have uploaded four photos of the final product for your enjoyment.