Making it your own
There are many ways a model horse customizer can change the appearance of a horse.
I will highlight the three most common methods:
• repainting
• hairing
• remaking/resculpting
First things first
Why would anyone WANT to customize a model?
There are a number of reasons I can think of. If you have another, please add it!
to make a portrait model
A common request of artists is to repaint a model more...0 points
to cover/correct a flaw
Models that are badly scuffed up can be repainted, more...0 points
#1. REPAINTING
Acrylic paints are probably the most commonly used, but some artists use oils, pastels and even colored pencils! Another way of customizing a finish is called etching (more on that here).
When repainting for live or photo showing purposes, great care must be taken to produce a believable color and coat pattern. If you're making a "shelf piece" anything goes!
For showing purposes, even a dot of paint to try and cover up a tiny flaw turns your OF (original finish) model into a CM (custom model) so be careful ... it can really reduce the value of a rare OF!
Want to try it?
Model Horse Paint Your Own Horse Activity Kit
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/16/2009)
Ready to try your hand at painting? Breyer packages the essentials in this basic starter kit.
#2. HAIRING
Many artists will choose to resculpt the mane and tail instead.
This method of customizing is rarely done due to several factors:
- it is very difficult to attach the hair in a way that looks natural
- it is hard to store/transport a haired model and keep it looking realistic
- the glue used often deteriorates and fails with time
- the hair attracts dust and particles and is nearly impossible to clean
Feeling brave?
Breyer My Dream Horse Customizing Kit
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/16/2009)
This kit allows you to paint a model to your liking, and add an artist-quality mohair mane and tail.
#3. REMAKING
Plastic surgery, indeed.
Many artists will admit their early attempts resembling Frankenstein's monster more than a work of art. The trade is difficult work, requiring more than just the knowledge of how to saw off and reattach limbs and the use of tools and sculpting compounds-you also need to have a very good sense of what a horse CAN physically do, what a horse of the type you are creating SHOULD be doing, the correct ratios of head proportion to body size, and length of stride for the gait the horse is to be performing. It is science and art combined.
Along with more than a bit of maniacal laughter.
Are you in?
Breyer Model Horse Sculpting Kit - 4113
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/16/2009)
Here's your chance to showcase your sculpting talent: everything you need in one convenient kit from Breyer.
Model Horse Customizing links
Rate these links, or add your own.
Model Horse Customizing by Ansata, Gallery
LSQ Customized breyers, resins, and peter stones0 points
Model Horse Customizing How-To's
Want to learn the basics of model horse customizin more...0 points
Model Horse Central
Artists page0 points
Custom/Resin Artists
The Online Model Horse Resource Guide0 points
New Guestbook
-
Reply
- AllHorses AllHorses Mar 10, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
- Thanks! I haven't been actively involved in the hobby for a number of years, but I was definitely addicted to plastic horses as a young girl. ;)
-
Reply
- CollectorsCottage CollectorsCottage Mar 10, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
- Great information - another area of horse collecting that I never knew about. Thanks for joining the Collector Clubs group! We're glad to have your wonderful lenses!
Thoroughly cowed?
Model Horse 3-D Paint By Number Kit
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/16/2009)
Intimidated? Here's a paint-by-number kit to ease your worry!
THE MODEL HORSE HOBBY
-
Collecting Model Horses: From Toys to Antiques
-
Model horse collecting has an appeal for all ages. You can collect models starting at under a dollar if you're young, and affluent afficionados can dabble in artist resins worth thousands of dollars. This lens will introduce you to the hobby, along...
-
Model Horse Competitions: Beyond Collecting
-
Model horse collectors share their prize possessions and artistic talents with one another by holding horse shows. Below you will find an introduction to the world of live showing and photo showing.
-
Etching the Model Horse: Beyond Collecting
-
In the mid- to late 90's a model horse customization craze peaked in popularity. Rather than simply painting pinto or spotted patterns on models, some artists began removing factory original paint finish to expose the white plastic beneath by a pains...
MODEL HORSE MAKES
-
Model Horse Makes: Peter Stone
-
Peter Stone Company: A newer contender in the model horse world, but not a new name or face to many.
-
Model Horse Makes: Breyer Animal Creations
-
Chances are if today's Gen X parent remembers owning a model horse or two in their youth, it was probably a Breyer model. Read on for more about the model horse hobby's time-tested line.
-
Model Horse Makes: Hagen-Renaker
-
Hagen-Renaker is probably best known for their very small miniatures in fine china. Read on to find out much more about HR and more collectible scale model horses.
-
Model Horse Makes: Hartland Collectibles
-
One of the originals, Hartland has been making scale model horses for collectors since the 1940s. They currently offer Regal, Heritage and Legacy Series. Read on to learn more about Hartland and more model horse hobby news.
-
Model Horse Makes: Schleich
-
With their inexpensive cost for the quality of craftsmanship and ease of availability, the Schleich scale model horses and accessories are becoming quite popular among young collectors. Read more about the model horse collecting hobby here.
More in ALL HORSES
-
Get paid to write about horses! www.AllHorses.us
-
Join the All Horses group on Squidoo, and write about what you know! You choose the topic. The ideas below are simply suggestions. You are always free to write about whatever topic you wish. Top lenses earn money for the author. Join through my ref...
-
www.AllHorses.us ... this group is ALL about HORSES!
-
Have a horse-related lens? Add it to www.AllHorses.us ... THE group for horse lovers on Squidoo!
-
Model Horse Lenses
-
Model horses are scale replicas, usually cast in plastic or ceramic, but sometimes in other materials. Some collectors amass hundreds or even thousands of models (see collecting lens), and opportunities exist for virtual and live exhibition (see sho...
-
ALL HORSES Headquarters
-
All horses, all the time. Riding disciplines. Horse breeds. Horse training. Raising a foal. Trail riding. Competitions. Jumping. Feeding. Hoof care. Breeding. Fencing. Equine vets. Horseback games. Horses as therapy. Ponies. Drafts. ALL horse-related t...
by AllHorses
Explore related pages
The Art of Soap Carving- Hand carved soap flowers originated in the village of Chian Rai, in Northern Tha...
Etching the Model Horse: Beyond Collecting- In the mid- to late 90's a model horse customization craze peaked in popularity....
Model Horse Competitions: Beyond Collecting- Model horse collectors share their prize possessions and artistic talents with o...
Jump - Van Halen Cover- This lens features the original version of "Jump" by Van Halen and showcases cov...
This Love - Maroon 5 Cover- This lens features the original version of "This Love" by Maroon 5 and showcases...
Faerydae's Art- This lens is dedicated to my artwork - in all it's forms! I've just star...
