This tutorial was written in 2012. The model used i a My Beautiful Horse Shetland.

This tutorial will show you how to create a sparkly pink unicorn with a synthetic mane and tail.

This tutorial uses synthetic hair extensions for the mane and tail as these were the only bright coloured hair you could get at the time. Now you can get dyed mohair in a variety of bright shades which I recommend using. We've used acrylic paints and plastic gems. I use a Apoxie Sculpt but any two part epoxy putty will work.

Estimated Cost: ​£40.00​​​
Difficulty Level: Medium​

Shopping List

The Basics

Model Horse
Dremel or Sharp Knife
Silicone or Metal Sculpting Tools
Cocktail Sticks (or gen sticking pencil)
Gem Glue (superglue also works fine)
Tacky Glue
​Nail Scissors

Sculpting, Hairing & Decorator

Two Part Epoxy Putty
3mm Flat Back Gems
Pink Mohair or Synthetic Hair Extensions

Paint

Bright Pink
Purple Glitter Paint

Prepping

Step 1

​The first step is to remove your model's mane and tail. I used a sharp knife and a bit of elbow grease to literally pull and cut mine out!
If you are using a model with a moulded on mane and tail use a dremel or hot knife to remove them.

Use a two part epoxy putty to sculpt a dock for your tail. Sculpt a cone shape and then attach to your horse's rear end (in the place a dock would normally be).

Step 2

Now create a slit for the mane. My model already had one! If you don't then use a sharp knife or dremel to cut up the length of the horse's neck.

Sculpting

Step 3

We now need to make our unicorn horn. Mix your putty together in even quantities and make a round ball.

Step 4

Pink the sphere between your fingers and gently roll to create a cone shape. You can give this a slight twist by twisting the top gentle whilst holding the bottom.

Step 5

Because of the plastic on this model I need to create some grip for the horn. So I added a thin layer of epoxy putty to the horse's forehead.

Step 6

Take the cone you made in Step 4 and attach to the forehead of your horse. Use a silicone sculpting tool to blend the horn to the forehead of the horse and create a secure attachment.

Step 7

Your unicorn is now ready for painting! Once the putty is dry apply a coat of primer.
Once your primer is dry paint your model. I went for bright pink for the body and then purple glitter paint on the hooves, eyes and horn.

Seal your model before moving on.

Decorating

Step 8

You will need some small gems to do the cutey mark. I am using plastic flat back gems that are about 3mm in width.

Step 9

You need something to stick your gems on with. Cocktail sticks work well for this but you can also buy special gem applicator pencils.

Step 10

Paint a small heart using purple glitter paint on your horse's quarters.
Start with the first gem in the point of the heart.
Use a cocktail stick to put a small blob of glue on the horse. Then pick the gem up using a different cocktail stick and place it on the glue.

Step 11

Continue this process around the outside of the heart.​

Step 12

When finished you should have something that looks a bit like this!

Step 13

Finish your model. I have added glitter paint to the horn, eyes and hooves. I also added some gems on the eyes.

Step 14

Add another heart to the other side of the model.

Hairing

Step 15

I used synthetic rainbow hair extensions to complete this tutorial but mohair may be easier. First of all brush it out so that you have some long lengths.

Step 16

If you are using synthetic extensions cut them off the holding strip.

Step 17

Cut small sections of hair and then glue the ends together using tacky glue. The glued bit should be flat.

Step 18

We will now hair the tail. Start at the base of the tail and glue a wedge of hair onto the bottom of the dock.

Step 19

Work your way up from the bottom gluing each wedge of hair on top of each other. You should be leaving the underneath of the dock bare.

Step 20

When you reach the top you will have something that looks a bit like this! Cut it to length at the bottom and leave it to dry.

Step 21

Take one of your glued hair pieces and cut it so that it is at an angle as shown. You will need to repeat this for each mane section.

Step 22

Start at the base of the mane and push the wedges into the mane slit. Add a little bit of glue for security.

Step 22

Finish by placing a forelock piece the other way so that it flows over the horse's head.

Step 22

Use nail scissors to trim your mane and tail and tidy them up. If you are using mohair at this point you can use styling mousse to style your hair. If you are using synthetic extensions you will need to just embrace the chaos a bit!

Your model is now complete!

Gallery of Finished Pieces

If you've attempted this tutorial and would like to share an image with us for our gallery please email catriona@chestnutridge.co.uk

Make sure to let us know which tutorial you completed and any information (such as your name) you would like included with your picture.