Arrange pieces of rebar to create a frame for the statue. These can be cut to size with a hacksaw and either taped together, or for larger statues welded. Rebar is a steel rod used to reinforce concrete and does not need to accurately depict the final statue, just give a basic shape for the mortar to bind with.
Cover the rebar frame with 14 gauge chicken wire to give the frame a more three dimensional feel. Secure the wire in place with twist ties. Again this does not need to be an accurate representation of the finished article, just a solid frame to work on.
Mix four parts sand with one part cement and add water to create mortar and then add a lightweight aggregate, such as vermiculite or perlite, to make a thicker building material. Consult manufacturer’s guidelines for how much aggregate to add.
Pack the rebar and chicken wire structure with this cement using hands or a patching trowel so the basic frame of the structure is formed. Leave to dry for 24 hours.
Combine one part plastic cement with three parts sand and ½ part mortar clay. Mix the dry ingredients together and then add water gradually to create a very thick paste.
Use hands, trowels and sculpting instruments to build up the stature using this material. Add it in thin layers, leave to set overnight and then add additional layers until the statue is complete. The rebar and chicken wire frame is strong enough to support a lot of weight as long as each layer is allowed to set properly. Go over the final layer of cement with a wire brush to create a criss-cross pattern which will allow the sticky concrete to bind.
Add a small amount of lime to a standard mix of mortar to make a sticky cement. Apply this as the final layer to the statue as the lime protects the concrete from the weather and gives a smooth finish. Apply this layer to the damp concrete underneath.
Leave the cement to dry out completely over a week with the statue covered in damp towels to slow the drying process. If the concrete cures too quickly then it will crack.