6. Place the 2 sleeve strips in the starch solution (diluted until it is just like egg white). On one long edge fold under about 1/4" and smooth closed. With the folded side towards the front, wrap one loop around the lower arm right at the and, securing the raw edge under the overlap. Make abut 3 loops of the sleeve, one larger than the other, and work up the arm. Wrap the excess around the neck and shoulders to create some padding and shape. Arrange carefully, but show generous folds and wrinkles. Do the second arm in the same way, try to make them symetrical. At this point you can embellish with bits of lace or doilies around the wrists.
7. Fold the fabric for the cloak in 4, snip the center, just barely. Soak the fabric in the starch. Fold up the hems on all four edges. Place the slit over the wire and tuck around under the arms, bringing the front under the side, and the back a bit forward, letting the bottoms buckle and fold. The back section can roll at the ground. At the shoulders, tuck under a fold and then arrange down the arms to the sleeves. Finish the neck edge with a piece of lace or a doilie to form a collar.
8. Attach the head. Poke the wires into the udnerside of the head about 1/3 of the way up. Set the head with an "expression" of adoration or prayer.
9. Place the veil pieces in the starch soltion, folding up the hems. You can also trim the front edge, or all edges with lace, etc. Place on the figure's head on the bias or staight. You can also fold back a bit, shape, and drape.
10. Allow the figures to dry throughly, which, depending on conditions may take up to 3 days.
11. For angels, cut halos and wings from coarse tulle, or a sheer fabric. Draw your own pattern for the wings. Using glue gun, attach to the back between the shoulders, just below the head. If desired, you can pinch the wings together just above the tail. Secure fimrly with glue. Attach the halos with glue; setting with your own option of whether on the back of the head or on top.
12. Give the figures a very light coat of clear spray. If you used colored fabric that you don't want to cover, then spray throughly with clear to seal the surfaces. Then with a glitter spray or sprinkle if desired. Keep in mind that several light coats are better than heavy. this is achieve by using even strokes abut 8-10 inches from the subject. Only use closer spraying to get deeper into the folds. Otherwise it drips and sags. If you want to spray the madonnas gold, spray after the clear has dried.
TIPS: For the final touch, once the first 2-3 coats are dry, get in close and put it on thick. the thicker the last coats are, the richer they look. For a "porcelain" look, use off white paint. A small "bundle" can be made for her to hold, but put this together before you spray.
The Three Wise Men can be created using rich brocades, satins, velvets, cords, jewels etc. They can be carrying the gifts-- gold, frankincence and myhrr.
STARCH RECIPE: Use heavy laundry starch if availble, or use the following recipe: 1 cup cornstarch or potato starch, 1 cup cold water, 2 qt. boiling water. Combine the first two ingredients in a large kettle stirring well. Pour boiling water over, stirring constantly, mix until smooth over a medium fire. Bring to a boil, stirring until it boils and thickens, and becomes clear. Cover and cool. Dilute about 50/50 or less to use. Keep refrigerated in a tightly closed container.
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