By Ashley Nariman, Director of Strategic Initiatives, FTC Creative

Every Porch Goose Has a Story

There are two things you should know about me: I grew up in the Midwest, and I have a soft spot for porch geese.

If you're from the Midwest, chances are you know exactly what I'm talking about. Every other porch seemed to have one. They weren't just lawn ornaments—they were tiny neighborhood celebrities dressed for every season and holiday. If your neighbor had a porch goose, you knew what time of year it was before you even looked at the calendar.

Lately, I've started noticing porch geese popping up around my own neighborhood. The first time I saw one, it hit me like a wave of nostalgia. My mom had a porch goose growing up, and it was dressed for every occasion. As a relatively new homeowner with an empty front stoop, I found myself thinking, Wouldn't it be fun to have a porch goose of my own?

My original plan was simple: buy one from a local nursery. Before making the trip, I gave them a call to see if they had one in stock.

No luck.

The employee laughed and told me the geese were incredibly popular and had completely sold out. Then she mentioned, "We get our geese from a local statue maker, and we get restocked pretty regularly."

After I hung up the phone, a thought hit me.

Wait... porch geese are traditionally made from concrete. I spend my days at FTC Creative introducing people to Jesmonite®. What if we made a porch goose out of Jesmonite® instead?

After a little internet sleuthing, I found the local statue maker, Greenman Stone, on Instagram. I sent them an email with the subject line: "A Quirky Local Collaboration Idea."

Honestly, I wasn't expecting a reply.

So when Cameron, the owner of Greenman Stone, got back to me within days and said he was willing to give it a try, I was absolutely thrilled.

Just like that, Operation Porch Goose was officially underway.

A Quirky Collaboration

Our collaboration was fast and simple to coordinate.

Greenman Stone had a beautiful goose mold. We had Jesmonite®.

A couple of weeks after Cameron agreed to the idea, we packed up the car and drove a few hours into the Cascade Mountains to visit Greenman Stone and cast our goose.

Before we got to casting, Cameron gave us a tour of their facility, and it was one of the coolest tours I’ve taken.

Greenman Stone is the largest supplier of statuary products in the Pacific Northwest. Every day, hundreds of statues are cast and delivered regularly to nurseries and garden centers throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. Walking through the production floor, we saw statues in every stage of the process, from fresh casts to finished pieces waiting to be shipped to their new homes.

What delighted me most was learning that every statue begins with an artist.

Each piece starts as a hand-sculpted master, created using a specialized clay that stays workable throughout the sculpting process. This allows the artist to refine every feather, wrinkle, blade of grass, and tiny detail before the design is ever cast.

Their collection is incredible. Otters, black crows, king salmon, Maneki-neko cats, Greenman plaques, woodland creatures, and dozens of other designs fill the workshop. Every sculpture has its own personality, and each one reflects the talent of the artist who created it.

Once the master sculpture is complete, Greenman Stone creates a production mold using multiple layers of silicone and plaster. These molds allow them to reproduce each sculpture with remarkable consistency while preserving the fine details of the original artwork.

The artist behind the goose that would eventually become Jezzy is Marcy Tippmann.

Marcy's sculpture immediately stood out to me when I saw a photo on Instagram. The graceful shape, the detailed feathers, and even the textured base with grass, rocks, and dirt would be a great test for casting with Jesmonite® AC730 micro-concrete.

Standing in Greenman Stone's workshop, surrounded by generations of craftsmanship, I was so excited to see what Jezzy would become. A porch goose with tiny handmade outfits, a little personality, and eventually, the newest member of the FTC Creative team.

Casting Jezzy

This was the moment of truth.

Could we really cast a full-size porch goose in Jesmonite®?

As it turns out, yes. And the entire process was much faster than I expected.

From measuring to mixing, pouring, and working the air bubbles out of the mold, the entire casting process took less than 45 minutes.

The Greenman Stone team handled the casting using their equipment and years of experience, and I was surprised to see how familiar everything looked. Instead of specialized industrial machinery, they were using many of the same tools our creative community uses every day, just on a much larger scale.

A kitchen scale and a household floor scale for weighing materials. Five-gallon buckets for mixing. Smaller buckets for scooping. A heavy-duty drill fitted with an oversized mixing paddle. And, of course, the goose mold itself.

Since this was our first time casting the goose in Jesmonite®, we weren't exactly sure how much material it would require. We started by mixing half of a 30 kg kit of Jesmonite® AC730, following the standard 5:1 base-to-liquid ratio. After pouring the first 15 kg batch, it quickly became clear we'd need more.

So we mixed the second half.

Jesmonite® AC730 already has a fairly fluid consistency, but because this mold has a long, narrow neck and so much intricate surface detail, we wanted to give ourselves every advantage. We added a small amount of super plasticiser, an additive that improves the flow of the mix without increasing the water content. This helped the Jesmonite® easily reach every feather, curve, and textured detail while maintaining the strength and performance of the finished cast.

The mold itself was discussion worthy. Encased in a heavy plaster support shell and secured with ratchet straps, it was far too heavy to move once filled. It rested securely on the ground between a sturdy frame of 2x4s that kept it perfectly upright throughout the pour.

This particular mold also presented a unique challenge.

The goose is cast upside down, meaning the long, narrow neck sits at the very bottom of the mold. With Jesmonite® AC730's quick working time of 20 minutes, every minute counted.

While one team member continuously mixed fresh material, another scooped Jesmonite® into the mold. Wearing heavy gloves, he reached his arm deep into the goose's neck to guide the material into every corner, making sure each detail received an even coating before adding the next scoop.

Once the mold was full, it was time to work out the air bubbles.

There were no vibration tables or fancy equipment. Just a good technique and plenty of muscle.

The team rocked the mold back and forth, then firmly bumped it against the surrounding 2x4 frame over and over again. Every movement encouraged trapped air to rise to the surface while helping the Jesmonite® settle into every tiny detail of Marcy’s beautiful sculpture.

Once the team was satisfied with the level of tapping to remove bubbles, they finished with a process called screeting. Where they use a tool to scrap off all excess from the pour and ensure the bottom will have a flat even surface.

Watching the process was a great reminder that successful casting isn't always about expensive equipment. It's about understanding the material, working efficiently, and trusting techniques refined through years of experience.

Less than 45 minutes after we started, Jezzy was officially in the mold.

Now all we had to do was wait.

Demolding Jezzy

Jesmonite® AC730 is a fast-setting material and can typically be demolded in as little as four hours, with a full cure in 24 hours. Even though we technically could have demolded the goose later that day, we all agreed it would be best to come back the following morning to give everything plenty of time to set.

The demolding process was surprisingly straightforward.

First, the ratchet straps holding the mold together were removed. Next, the heavy plaster support shell was carefully pulled away. Finally, the thin silicone mold was peeled back to reveal our goose.

I was holding my breath.

This was our first time casting this mold in Jesmonite®, and I had no idea what to expect. Would the material capture all of the incredible details? Would it release cleanly from the mold?

Thankfully, it exceeded all of our expectations.

Every detail and texture in the original sculpture transferred beautifully. It was so exciting to see just how well Jesmonite® captured all of those intricate details.

The casting was a success, and now it was time to start turning her into Jezzy!

Acid Etching

We cast Jezzy in Jesmonite® AC730 Silver Grey Granite, so the next step was revealing the beautiful speckled aggregate hidden beneath the surface.

For most of our AC730 craft projects, we acid etch by soaking the piece in white vinegar for 30 to 40 minutes, then scrubbing away the thin surface layer to expose the aggregate underneath. White vinegar is an affordable, readily available, and eco-friendly option that's perfect for smaller home projects.

Jezzy, however, weighed nearly 60 pounds.

Trying to soak a life-size porch goose in white vinegar and scrub it by hand sounded like the path of most resistance. Instead, I decided to look for a stronger product that could be sprayed directly onto the surface.

Before trying anything on Jezzy, I tested Rust-Oleum Concrete Etch on a small AC730 Silver Grey Granite sample. I mixed the powder with water according to the manufacturer's instructions, poured it into a spray bottle, and sprayed the surface. Within seconds, the aggregate began to appear.

Because this product is much stronger than white vinegar, it was important to work quickly. I sprayed small sections at a time, immediately scrubbing the surface so the etching solution didn't remain on the Jesmonite® longer than necessary.

The product directions also recommend working outdoors and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, and a mask. I kept a spray bottle, both soft and stiff bristle scrub brushes, and a garden hose nearby so I could rinse each section as I worked.

From there, it was simply a matter of spraying, scrubbing, and rinsing until I was happy with the finish.

I spent about 30 minutes etching Jezzy, focusing primarily on her neck and body where I wanted the natural stone finish to shine. I spent less time on the base since I knew that area would eventually be painted.Once I was happy with the amount of exposed aggregate, I gave Jezzy one final rinse with the hose and let her dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

Painting Jezzy

After letting Jezzy dry for 24 hours, it was finally time to bring her details to life.

I chose a set of Apple Barrel acrylic craft paints for the job. Before painting the goose, I tested the paints on the same sample piece I had used for the concrete etch experiment. I was impressed by how well the acrylic adhered to the Jesmonite®. The colors were rich and saturated with just a single coat, so I went into the project hoping that would be all I'd need.

Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated.

It was one of those perfect summer days, temperatures in the 70s, a light breeze, and just enough shade beneath a big tree to make painting outside comfortable. I set up a folding table, crossed my fingers that it would support nearly 60 pounds of goose, and got to work.

I was nervous!

My painting experience is mostly limited to school art projects and a few sip-and-paint nights. After everything that had gone into this project, I kept thinking, Don't mess this up.

But there comes a point in every creative project where you simply have to trust yourself and begin.

So I started with the base.

To my surprise, the paint went on beautifully. The colors blended effortlessly, allowing me to create soft transitions between the grass, dirt, and rocks. With a little more confidence, I moved on to the final details: Jezzy's eyes, beak, and mouth.

Using small artist brushes with medium-stiff bristles, I carefully painted each feature. Thanks to Marcy’s incredibly detailed sculpture, the lines were easy to follow. It was immediately clear where the feathers ended, where the beak began, and where each blade of grass or rock belonged. The sculpted details acted almost like a paint-by-number guide, making it much easier than I had expectedAbout 3 hours later, Jezzy finally had a a little personality.

Sealing Jezzy

After waiting another 24 hours for the paint to dry, it was time to protect all of that hard work.

Jesmonite® AC730 is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, so sealing isn't always required. However, I decided to seal Jezzy for two important reasons.

First, I had painted her using Apple Barrel acrylic paints. While they worked beautifully, craft acrylics are not UV stable, meaning prolonged sun exposure can cause the colors to fade over time.

Second, I live in the Pacific Northwest, one of the rainiest regions in the country. Between the rain, changing seasons, and life on the front porch, I wanted to give Jezzy an extra layer of protection.

For this project, I used Flexiguard Sealer, which was a quick and easy final step to help preserve both the paint and the finished appearance.

The application process was very simple.

All I needed was a pair of gloves, a spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle, and a clean, dry paintbrush.

After shaking the Flexiguard Sealer well, I poured it directly into the spray bottle. Because the sealer has a very thin, water-like consistency, a fine mist sprayer works much better than a squirt-style spray bottle. The goal is to apply a light, even coat across the entire surface.

Working one section at a time, I misted the sealer over Jezzy and used a dry paintbrush to gently work it into all of the feathers, textures, and other detailed areas. The brush also helped prevent excess sealer from pooling in any of the recessed details.

I applied two thin coats, waiting about an hour between each application. Since I was working outside on a warm summer day, the sealer dried quickly and the second coat went on without any delay.

After one final 24-hour cure, Jezzy was officially finished.

Well... almost.

Now she was finally ready for the best part: outfits.

Every Porch Goose Needs an Outfit

I've been learning to sew for about eight months, so making Jezzy's wardrobe was the perfect excuse to practice my newest hobby. This was the second time I'd followed a sewing pattern.

For her first outfit, I used a Simplicity porch goose pattern and followed the birthday outfit instructions, minus the party hat. I also added a collar because I thought it gave the dress a little extra personality.

I dug through my fabric stash and found the perfect combination: a fun push pop print paired with a bright lavender and green coordinating fabric. It felt like the perfect cheerful summer outfit.

I had an old cotton T-shirt with a stubborn stain that refused to come out, so instead of throwing it away, I used it as lining fabric for the wings. I was able to cut four complete sets from that one shirt, which means I'm already stocked up for future outfits.

The pattern was designed for a 22-inch porch goose, while Jezzy stands a little taller at 24 inches. Thankfully, it fit perfectly.

With the dress complete, it was time to make the apron.

Unlike the dress, there wasn't a pattern for this piece, so I made it from scratch. I found a thrifted shirt with a sturdy canvas-like fabric that looked just right for a workshop apron. Once the dress was finished, I was able to measure Jezzy's body and sketch out the apron design, including the bib, skirt, and straps. After cutting, hemming, and sewing everything together, it came together exactly as I'd imagined.

I giggled my way through the final fitting. 

Jezzy finally looked like a member of the FTC Creative team.

Of course, no FTC Creative uniform would be complete without a few accessories. I tucked Jesmonite® pigments into her apron pocket, gave her a silicone spatula for mixing, and topped it all off with a pair of sunglasses because, well, it's sunny on the porch.

And just like that, Jezzy was officially to be welcomed to our team!

Final Thoughts

When this project started, I simply wanted a porch goose.

I never imagined it would turn into a collaboration with a local statue maker, introduce me to the incredible craftsmanship behind every Greenman Stone sculpture, challenge me to cast the largest Jesmonite® project I'd ever worked on, and give me the confidence to sew my own goose wardrobe.

Looking back, that's my favorite part about creative projects.

You start with a simple idea, and before you know it, you've learned new skills, met talented people, and created something you never thought possible.

Jezzy is a reminder that creativity doesn't always have to be practical. Sometimes it's okay to make something simply because it makes you smile!

For us, this project also became a perfect example of what's possible with Jesmonite®. Most people think of Jesmonite® for coasters, planters, trays, and home décor. Jezzy proves that with a little creativity, the possibilities are much bigger.

I also hope this project shines a light on the incredible work being done by companies like Greenman Stone and artists like Marcy. Without their craftsmanship and willingness to collaborate, Jezzy would never have existed.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to start planning her fall outfit!