Ever found yourself daydreaming about horses? I know I have. I think that all people who are passionate about horses have a flame in their hearts that never goes out. Once you spend some time with horses, you are hooked, and this passion with hunt you for life.
But sometimes we are away from our equine friends, and the best way to remind ourselves of their beauty is through art. Yes, you can incorporate equine elements in your arts and crafts in many different ways. Plus, this isn’t something new, as equine art existed for thousands of years.
So, what are the best ways to incorporate equine elements into art? Is it just paintings? Well, not exactly. We now have DIY things, jewelry, pillows, home decor elements, and much more.
Let’s dive into the world of equine art and find out which is the best way to go.
Why Horses?
If being passionate about horses isn’t enough and you need another excuse to incorporate equine elements into arts and crafts, we got you covered. Horses are not just beautiful to be around. They also carry a deep symbolism and meaning and we can see that through every civilization on earth.
They often symbolize freedom, beauty, and strength, which is why most artist choose horses as a source of inspiration for their crafts. Plus, their movement and appearance bring life and energy to every project, whether we are talking about a painting or a simple horse bracelet.
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You can do a test. Try hanging a horse painting in your home and watch how the whole energy shifts. On top of that, if you are a horse lover, you already have a deep connection with these animals, and art is often the best way to express your feelings.
How to Incorporate Horses In Art and Crafts?
You don’t have to be Leonardo Da Vinci in order to incorporate horses in arts and crafts. Sometimes, you need some inspiration and a path to go for, and the rest is magic and emotions.
The most important question is, what’s your material of choice? Everybody likes to work with different things and in the world of art there are no boundaries except your imagination. You can start with paper, fabric, or maybe wood.
Once you’ve chosen the material, the next step is to go for a specific style. This comes down to personal preference and there are no right or wrong paths. You can go rustic, modern, or perhaps mythical.
The next step is to decide how long this project is going to take, or how much free time you can devote
Craft Ideas to Inspire You
There are many different paths you can go on, but here are some that might inspire you. The first and most common art choice is horse-themed wall art. Even if you’ve never tried painting before, don’t be scared. You don’t have to be a professional painter to create an art piece full of emotions.
Next, we have horse figurines. If you like sculpting, then you should try making horses from clay or using papier-machine for larger pieces. If you are not confident in your sculpting skills, you can always go on the easy route and try getting horse sculpture molds.
Lastly, you can try your hand at equestrian jewelry. This doesn’t require any special tools, and you can start creating pendants or charms with horse symbols any day.
Horse-Inspired Projects to Try
1. Equine Paint Pouring Art
This is an art technique that doesn’t require certain painting skills. The paint pouring technique can produce stunning abstract pieces, that can be combined with horse elements. For example, you can stencil a horseshoe and place that over a large canvas. Then you pour paint in different colors over the horseshoe, let it dry out, and the finish result is incredible.
How-To Tips:
- Start by selecting a horse silhouette.
- Pour your choice of acrylic paints onto a canvas.
- Before the paint dries, carefully place the silhouette on the canvas, letting the colors blend naturally around it.
2. DIY Horse Stamps
Creating your own horse stamps is easier than you think! Use these stamps for greeting cards, wrapping paper, or as part of a larger art piece.
Materials Needed:
- Craft foam or rubber
- A cutting tool
- Ink pad
Steps:
- Draw or trace a horse design on the foam.
- Carefully cut out the design.
- Attach the foam to a block for easier stamping.
- Dip in ink and start stamping away!
3. Equestrian Dream Catchers
Combine the traditional beauty of dream catchers with equine elements. Add horse charms, feathers, or even miniature horseshoes to your designs.
Design Tips:
- Use natural colors like browns, greens, and gold to reflect the outdoor world of horses.
- Add beads and feathers that match the color of your favorite horse.
4. Clay Horse Sculptures
Clay is a versatile medium perfect for creating detailed horse sculptures. Whether you prefer a small figurine or a larger statement piece, the possibilities are endless.
Pro Tip: Start with a simple wireframe to support your clay and add stability to your sculpture.
Getting Crafty with Fabric
If you’re a fan of sewing or textiles, equine elements can easily be incorporated into your fabric projects.
5. Horse Appliqué Pillows
Appliqué is a sewing technique where pieces of fabric are sewn onto a larger piece to create designs or pictures.
- Materials: Fabric, sewing machine or needle and thread, pillow cover
- Designs: Horseshoes, silhouettes of running horses, or a horse’s head
