Jack Sintich - How to Build Egyptian Boat Models: Patterns and Instructions for Three Royal Vessels

The model builder should have a solid, well-lighted worktable for this project. You will also need a good-quality cutting mat and a flexible steel ruler in order to make safe and accurate pattern cuts using an X-ACTO knife. Many of these materials can be easily obtained at craft, hobby, and office supply stores.

There are only two things necessary for you to do in order to make the pharaohs sail. The first requires tracing the pattern in the book onto either the papyrus sheet or the parchment paper. The second is to paint the outline of the images on the papyrus or parchment.

It should be noted that each pharaohs sail design and coloring is different. The reason for this is that the art style did change over the centuries separating these great pharaohs. This book provides the necessary patterns and easy-to-follow instructions on how to create each sail in Parts 1, 2, and 3.

To transfer the design onto the sail material, place the sail pattern under the blank sail sheet and gently trace the outline on the papyrus or parchment using a #2 pencil. Then go over the pencil markings with a medium brown, extra-fine point, felt-tip pen. Then paint the sail following the color guide provided for each sail using the water-based acrylic paints listed under Supplies and Construction Materials on page 2. This part of making the sail is fun. You will find that acrylic paint is easy to work with when reproducing the pharaohs likeness and royal cartouches. Another great thing about acrylic paint is when it is dry the colors will closely resemble the heavily leaded paint used by ancient Egyptian artists.

To reproduce the color designs you can make them yourself using extra-fine point felt-tip pens. The colors you will need are green, red, and brown. Or, you can easily cut out these decorative accents located on the inside covers. It will be your choice. Apply a light coat of clear water-based satin varnish to the paper to protect the designs and to give it an aged appearance.