tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32967701138913118782024-02-02T05:23:24.514-08:00Prop-RageousGary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-3008558910819402582020-04-13T12:45:00.003-07:002020-04-13T13:21:44.323-07:00Molding and Casting Hot Melt Glue<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-TcCYTvRncdI7XWQZI0Y2S_sO0z5jk7S8GtYMHcZP-4Mnjqrte28guh8ElvIwBgdLV2-S6lQhPDvJUrsjjWBqty0FQhx89MgcQYD1M4HZ1DRs2gxMaCjqVyydZUcnNbZSUNf9_r2FBQ-/s1600/IMG_3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-TcCYTvRncdI7XWQZI0Y2S_sO0z5jk7S8GtYMHcZP-4Mnjqrte28guh8ElvIwBgdLV2-S6lQhPDvJUrsjjWBqty0FQhx89MgcQYD1M4HZ1DRs2gxMaCjqVyydZUcnNbZSUNf9_r2FBQ-/s640/IMG_3245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Glue Casting</td></tr>
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<b>The "Problem"</b><br />
We didn't actually have a problem, here so it was more of a hypothetical problem. The premise is:<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">What do you do if you realize you need a flexible casting today, and you don't have access to traditional casting supplies and you don't have time to wait for them to be delivered?</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
This project really came about because I had some time on my hands and was looking for something to do. It wasn't because I needed it, rather I needed to see if I could do it. I have cast hot melt glue in silicone molds before, but I wondered if you could mold in hot glue and then cast hot glue into it. My colleagues, Ainsley Furgason, Mason Wynder and I purposely did not look to the web or anywhere else to see if this had been done before. This project was intended to be a <i>Tabula Rasa </i>kind of project.<br />
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I know some people in the industry who hate hot melt glue. They think it is a tool that is beneath the dignity of the craftsperson. My thought is that hot glue is just another tool. You wouldn't say to a hammer, "Because you are not a screwdriver, you are not a tool." No, you would keep it in your toolbox and bring it out when you needed a hammer. I feel the same way about hot glue.<br />
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<b>Project Goals</b><br />
*Create a mold and a cast from non-traditional casting materials one would normally find in a scene shop.<br />
*If the cast was flexible, that would be a bonus.<br />
*Succeed or fail, blog about it.<br />
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<b>The Process</b><br />
Obviously, the first step is to find an item to mold and cast. Naturally, I found a plastic Halloween costume belt buckle in the shape of a skull and crossbones. Naturally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVtRS0A7JYGiEiQp9abQ4JO3KT10ap8mZvasK3SpiukotMgF9ElLtmUAnYcVFyKb9UDjax2o2L1deBg1Sj8oNnBtVN2hap_K6OLN_ZmSte2viHfp-OIV5qtadGpz4LKRpj60H_NBteenN/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVtRS0A7JYGiEiQp9abQ4JO3KT10ap8mZvasK3SpiukotMgF9ElLtmUAnYcVFyKb9UDjax2o2L1deBg1Sj8oNnBtVN2hap_K6OLN_ZmSte2viHfp-OIV5qtadGpz4LKRpj60H_NBteenN/s640/IMG_3208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic belt buckle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1JwKHMr2GSlrmnWht0KIM4QTrzxYOlupJq1hGYcsgmA8fD1cC6XHmEPWdxaPRrJqUhzKbMw38B1uwCPi3v5LVSbjEbpJYBUVKVN6hlTfU3QRAU3wkUdszJZcC-Pz8i583ouJxDpU0ego/s1600/IMG_3209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1JwKHMr2GSlrmnWht0KIM4QTrzxYOlupJq1hGYcsgmA8fD1cC6XHmEPWdxaPRrJqUhzKbMw38B1uwCPi3v5LVSbjEbpJYBUVKVN6hlTfU3QRAU3wkUdszJZcC-Pz8i583ouJxDpU0ego/s640/IMG_3209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "hardware" has to go</td></tr>
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The buckle part of this plastic bit needed to be taken off, so we used a Dremel Tool to grind it off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-Vli9WePQBAZ2wf-Y6GbtBGP81-AQLM6YEyvf66El87F2S5kY0y5tEQC6Qs6WUyTAZTS-7GicyW96xYdpyxfs-JnQ9z55HuOfg6kJy1KdiB1V63ZxB8_334-26-uOt63IBAKgKFJsy8r/s1600/IMG_3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-Vli9WePQBAZ2wf-Y6GbtBGP81-AQLM6YEyvf66El87F2S5kY0y5tEQC6Qs6WUyTAZTS-7GicyW96xYdpyxfs-JnQ9z55HuOfg6kJy1KdiB1V63ZxB8_334-26-uOt63IBAKgKFJsy8r/s640/IMG_3211.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the unwanted plastic clasp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr87YvGxweVpoBMO6di0zJxzSweRMjNox8gB4ebiT4qvH3aFs5ySqjNSOnCp7RjkaYeMIZ9S2IDSh4IPSv_z0O6Xb7hHdgFe5g1TpYk852culaj-mFqO7FWH0QxhjAocL0VOc0yYuUPwl/s1600/IMG_3212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr87YvGxweVpoBMO6di0zJxzSweRMjNox8gB4ebiT4qvH3aFs5ySqjNSOnCp7RjkaYeMIZ9S2IDSh4IPSv_z0O6Xb7hHdgFe5g1TpYk852culaj-mFqO7FWH0QxhjAocL0VOc0yYuUPwl/s640/IMG_3212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission accomplished</td></tr>
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The next step was to build the box for the mold. Remember, the point of this exercise was to use non-traditional things you might find in a scene shop.<br />
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The box was made from a square of MDF that was larger than the skull. We attached the skull to the MDF with Super 77 spray adhesive. The sides of the box were made from paint stir sticks we had just lying around. We cut them to length on the chop saw and taped them in place with painter's tape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTpxITJcpbherFxHYILczYQM9BhFHKnMyRGXcKvKhiWx8CYr20BAWxIdN4G-Lo-yRExhknGSE7tzZhg06Lgu-STbew6zFtcs-44O-0Gn9U9pKu4d591SiqEZqzfoLZkwhI5IaXedPOvSg/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTpxITJcpbherFxHYILczYQM9BhFHKnMyRGXcKvKhiWx8CYr20BAWxIdN4G-Lo-yRExhknGSE7tzZhg06Lgu-STbew6zFtcs-44O-0Gn9U9pKu4d591SiqEZqzfoLZkwhI5IaXedPOvSg/s640/IMG_3213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap of MDF</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtAEi3gqsc3Z875wOK8Nvc3L6STvA5cTrkozcA1AMwYubJbxTrSMDY2JQO_7rQr2uQfqi-7nkhvMVSCHMEaefqPaKddJtGLqcU07B7x7ABnon9LUXule4jQ1U2I9eC9w4iArQtnUqFuPW/s1600/IMG_3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtAEi3gqsc3Z875wOK8Nvc3L6STvA5cTrkozcA1AMwYubJbxTrSMDY2JQO_7rQr2uQfqi-7nkhvMVSCHMEaefqPaKddJtGLqcU07B7x7ABnon9LUXule4jQ1U2I9eC9w4iArQtnUqFuPW/s640/IMG_3216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super 77 spray adhesive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeuyVnwwQ5Dh51VppbTVGwkO33keFixdbFhgLc-TQ5nRtR0RZyCPEDYf4Kisnp2_2SFxqnWiGn-pA9XEqk5UXuyomDEIz7P7UO2j_GuIaVz85nAjpXJyRRc7eCXxtgwLkRtYo6mcepQgP/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeuyVnwwQ5Dh51VppbTVGwkO33keFixdbFhgLc-TQ5nRtR0RZyCPEDYf4Kisnp2_2SFxqnWiGn-pA9XEqk5UXuyomDEIz7P7UO2j_GuIaVz85nAjpXJyRRc7eCXxtgwLkRtYo6mcepQgP/s640/IMG_3217.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skull attached to MDF</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBudC_vlyKS84y8Tnmokp-ptLf4kh25f7ITKVvFTZ3M6ONO2A0ucBPKs5dWTgJmQAD5ruXjRD3c6XH1nZh3WjeZLYO8UXoMjnTs9Exblx34IMphOHpdBydfJpXFSTbZJCv6LLs3PyKR5nt/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBudC_vlyKS84y8Tnmokp-ptLf4kh25f7ITKVvFTZ3M6ONO2A0ucBPKs5dWTgJmQAD5ruXjRD3c6XH1nZh3WjeZLYO8UXoMjnTs9Exblx34IMphOHpdBydfJpXFSTbZJCv6LLs3PyKR5nt/s640/IMG_3218.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir sticks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxHuyFABB2T-QgM7_OKBgMPQf_nJ6TXGjB7SrCIZDSBb6xmsU2Vmbbxek4_0i3EAyDvdGUUYn70wHEBt45s5cfKIDqCAIyKGqnfHjQUjBxt2DiKiflXE6op2TMbVKvSAwV38vgeEbgu9l/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxHuyFABB2T-QgM7_OKBgMPQf_nJ6TXGjB7SrCIZDSBb6xmsU2Vmbbxek4_0i3EAyDvdGUUYn70wHEBt45s5cfKIDqCAIyKGqnfHjQUjBxt2DiKiflXE6op2TMbVKvSAwV38vgeEbgu9l/s640/IMG_3219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyeball measuring with a screw for a scribe. Really going old school on this one</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiBgeQTe1ywy6cujByxXVdlTUc_vR5Dl8pZUu5z9cnoJYs50wPkaLa-dSQ8oe1HNVBVCvv2FIPqaVDXAlsFD6CQ_9vNavJXCD2YUwLsgJoUCYB1rmfPdp31SJW28IvpercabmvXCSvQIy/s1600/IMG_3220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiBgeQTe1ywy6cujByxXVdlTUc_vR5Dl8pZUu5z9cnoJYs50wPkaLa-dSQ8oe1HNVBVCvv2FIPqaVDXAlsFD6CQ_9vNavJXCD2YUwLsgJoUCYB1rmfPdp31SJW28IvpercabmvXCSvQIy/s640/IMG_3220.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green painter's tape. Blue probably would work</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5PvngWX1VblLQ6gL_-BH5NuI_sac7TwGhvb8hZXzLIW4NMIvPKQELK6qPNLbWj1cfZVrgrpdfEdGEBqkiRQHFOkeE6ZV4YjD3WH_Pr7VLDXLgxxTaY9Zz2wI7k1_irsTSqqajgjd9F-p/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5PvngWX1VblLQ6gL_-BH5NuI_sac7TwGhvb8hZXzLIW4NMIvPKQELK6qPNLbWj1cfZVrgrpdfEdGEBqkiRQHFOkeE6ZV4YjD3WH_Pr7VLDXLgxxTaY9Zz2wI7k1_irsTSqqajgjd9F-p/s640/IMG_3221.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready Freddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iTp4l6N9n10YPDgDP1eiVyxJXrNtZdPDgtgmzxf_6rUYXEYyUo63lQEkS4OxBdC-Ncabh_g4lLOorAdt9ULvrlvT5qHQOnt5y5tDC7z4SZMCFYRNKw-05sMIiPaizp9HlGccqfN-FAm2/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iTp4l6N9n10YPDgDP1eiVyxJXrNtZdPDgtgmzxf_6rUYXEYyUo63lQEkS4OxBdC-Ncabh_g4lLOorAdt9ULvrlvT5qHQOnt5y5tDC7z4SZMCFYRNKw-05sMIiPaizp9HlGccqfN-FAm2/s640/IMG_3222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tape wrapped around the backside</td></tr>
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We made scribe marks on the mold box walls to give ourselves a high glue mark. To do this we set a Sharpie Pen on top of the skull and scribed a measurement on a craft stick. Then we transferred this mark to the walls of the mold box. We figured the thickness of the Sharpie Pen, resting on the skull would give us the thickness of glue we needed at the bottom of the mold to have an intact casting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjPtfUCQ5-GDt_7gxwdLa1zF11wJegHQoVUDiwtGTVtvbqNPX_ydcJzvb6L0cQoyie2-GAzFsBU9paVCKwBHmVolJ_wUwLhhcjYVUQXFIAbrTHnEY_6x1wX_vLAbeGAexXl1QfaBabyrh/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjPtfUCQ5-GDt_7gxwdLa1zF11wJegHQoVUDiwtGTVtvbqNPX_ydcJzvb6L0cQoyie2-GAzFsBU9paVCKwBHmVolJ_wUwLhhcjYVUQXFIAbrTHnEY_6x1wX_vLAbeGAexXl1QfaBabyrh/s640/IMG_3224.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring on a stick</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsugtCP0Cxlatxbl0JNnMY1i7A-L-A1nmtDPdshyn_LMCkljPS45IieJ5yyet2iGZQiXugRP89ivAmHorZzf_lckUzmcKhTfEQA3spnilBDYMKGvMq1pDUdJ-j0mHw6srtJcZKTFvG0UT/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsugtCP0Cxlatxbl0JNnMY1i7A-L-A1nmtDPdshyn_LMCkljPS45IieJ5yyet2iGZQiXugRP89ivAmHorZzf_lckUzmcKhTfEQA3spnilBDYMKGvMq1pDUdJ-j0mHw6srtJcZKTFvG0UT/s640/IMG_3226.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transferring the measurement to the mold box walls </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJb0sKVl9yE1Xv6AzwTmX6D4gDeaCirmePAeAICDgxZwwHktBKROVZ6SckHt01KVsEU3bhHU1yfQ9KuJRdZkL61aumIxg9K8uI1EKD-O6o2IsZb3LTE_uxV351aRk-Pv_7maxcwTAdsJQ/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJb0sKVl9yE1Xv6AzwTmX6D4gDeaCirmePAeAICDgxZwwHktBKROVZ6SckHt01KVsEU3bhHU1yfQ9KuJRdZkL61aumIxg9K8uI1EKD-O6o2IsZb3LTE_uxV351aRk-Pv_7maxcwTAdsJQ/s640/IMG_3227.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A mold needs a mold release, and so in keeping with the theme of materials found in the shop, we used WD-40 and gave it a pretty thick coat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczLq8iQW1aVV262lhodQnRKpkI2mM-FkcC8e4r923UsIr_OPyDSNX09TlSYFUk2X5HPyY4xTsDKp44WPAqQNl0ydENiUCfUyP1gnnmeKYsu9OlPcij26Q_rPHGfD-DlEkTTqm8bTkyVH9/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczLq8iQW1aVV262lhodQnRKpkI2mM-FkcC8e4r923UsIr_OPyDSNX09TlSYFUk2X5HPyY4xTsDKp44WPAqQNl0ydENiUCfUyP1gnnmeKYsu9OlPcij26Q_rPHGfD-DlEkTTqm8bTkyVH9/s640/IMG_3230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WD-40</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hC3iThR_-WwFvw9G3l5byCWjVLd5n2ec8qWd6JnYxTrVXemA8wfgcciz4vE9kP-1CI91-Ir9qcT0Rj7icsob5vGw307_oc4X-9xgFiFY9MNnMiv3AYUggSWDkiGfZm5beOcPgQP12cPI/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hC3iThR_-WwFvw9G3l5byCWjVLd5n2ec8qWd6JnYxTrVXemA8wfgcciz4vE9kP-1CI91-Ir9qcT0Rj7icsob5vGw307_oc4X-9xgFiFY9MNnMiv3AYUggSWDkiGfZm5beOcPgQP12cPI/s640/IMG_3233.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sufficiently slimed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnD-GK3O93k-IrDtJePpFXit-vgi3Reykn8lbjbB3byECFy5LmSwjcB7cRez8p92CTp3HjlMrV4l9yzupVe4md66Sqh4khSeQSI-xHRf1YzlGyhUlDGlOfq0GcMt1nQNnP2VKJzS3pBxir/s1600/IMG_3246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnD-GK3O93k-IrDtJePpFXit-vgi3Reykn8lbjbB3byECFy5LmSwjcB7cRez8p92CTp3HjlMrV4l9yzupVe4md66Sqh4khSeQSI-xHRf1YzlGyhUlDGlOfq0GcMt1nQNnP2VKJzS3pBxir/s640/IMG_3246.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently WD-40 is toxic in California. Who knew? Good thing I live in Idaho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So now we have a problem. We want to mold in hot glue and cast hot glue in a hot glue mold. Seems like hot glue might stick to hot glue. All problems have a solution though. Part of our planning for this project was that we would make the mold of High Temp hot glue and do the cast in Low Temp hot glue.<br />
<br />
As we began filling the box with hot glue, it became apparent that our box was too big and it would take forever to fill it with melted glue. Around the edges, we filled the space with un-melted glue sticks to take up room and facilitate filling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwbQ-UpVItOtvcL3S6xpqUoO6Knf0gLlrppDNEaYQZMi9GM8UXaUFXGqN8SKURgC5kW-O0LTZfyPGYE-K43CzQ8kHJ67z_pKGRKZQMm_RdbduqX2MGqt5HO5QPXBWyPzNUTizBIl54EgX/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwbQ-UpVItOtvcL3S6xpqUoO6Knf0gLlrppDNEaYQZMi9GM8UXaUFXGqN8SKURgC5kW-O0LTZfyPGYE-K43CzQ8kHJ67z_pKGRKZQMm_RdbduqX2MGqt5HO5QPXBWyPzNUTizBIl54EgX/s640/IMG_3236.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi temp hot glue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx_htB-T7Y0VwGtyqIiXPZ1uBCW3JMI8cjq_A9C0Q7O70x1tpzBWLDeBri4CCT24y7LhD6KTv0ILulqcsWZtdlV-u1qtVmvcZQfrqpXr1ecHrIlJq9yWDwa6s0TtmYaZgOAmHDhQwRH-S/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx_htB-T7Y0VwGtyqIiXPZ1uBCW3JMI8cjq_A9C0Q7O70x1tpzBWLDeBri4CCT24y7LhD6KTv0ILulqcsWZtdlV-u1qtVmvcZQfrqpXr1ecHrIlJq9yWDwa6s0TtmYaZgOAmHDhQwRH-S/s640/IMG_3243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Un-melted glue sticks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPqzBXfLsdsyE8Kn_KXkJULA2JV7pE5T-lTV-tAjM9d1HgEDJ69yxJzjqHdOfUES3FTDNS26vzQWKULWspoik2ymuQyzJYdLEM9_2KnHHUzup-9AF-gUDbgMCSzCHmCtEOgKwm18KXeSb/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPqzBXfLsdsyE8Kn_KXkJULA2JV7pE5T-lTV-tAjM9d1HgEDJ69yxJzjqHdOfUES3FTDNS26vzQWKULWspoik2ymuQyzJYdLEM9_2KnHHUzup-9AF-gUDbgMCSzCHmCtEOgKwm18KXeSb/s640/IMG_3244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on four sides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then this happened.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRukmR5Dg1qDeUJfunxlyKz-3BJs5RUrcjDa69Irxzxa9J2DSVU1QOPmmgdO806xNHMoQmSqdo-P6OWuJfN4LB3W-YOVODdWK61Gd9BtbYZG0Jbnbv2nzjFTR0rimGfqYehB6FVr8JFNqv/s1600/IMG_3247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRukmR5Dg1qDeUJfunxlyKz-3BJs5RUrcjDa69Irxzxa9J2DSVU1QOPmmgdO806xNHMoQmSqdo-P6OWuJfN4LB3W-YOVODdWK61Gd9BtbYZG0Jbnbv2nzjFTR0rimGfqYehB6FVr8JFNqv/s640/IMG_3247.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waiting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-b8FEHlN6eBtdR8FMAPxPknXIfs6uA5_Tyut4TedkL9C9UbfYHnFBl5-M6-WBCHom7ivr3ZUB1yHoYuN_lI1J9jsS9AvT1b8biEaLxlY35N3QkvjeiXibd9bCsOAMW4O5eybwecfFByU/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-b8FEHlN6eBtdR8FMAPxPknXIfs6uA5_Tyut4TedkL9C9UbfYHnFBl5-M6-WBCHom7ivr3ZUB1yHoYuN_lI1J9jsS9AvT1b8biEaLxlY35N3QkvjeiXibd9bCsOAMW4O5eybwecfFByU/s640/IMG_3248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">is the hardest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qfCzu-_MDM57yPH0_pdVnKvgxY_cQpJTwFGsb-vEC_yYP495cgvMDQ4Dkchfz8cvdCRm1dxYeoRaRieuLTeOxl9-y9MZb7SU5LncP6oIKuDQUQa1wSOCbJgBr52JAMLt71QiRQ7LIjba/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qfCzu-_MDM57yPH0_pdVnKvgxY_cQpJTwFGsb-vEC_yYP495cgvMDQ4Dkchfz8cvdCRm1dxYeoRaRieuLTeOxl9-y9MZb7SU5LncP6oIKuDQUQa1wSOCbJgBr52JAMLt71QiRQ7LIjba/s640/IMG_3249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">part</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The glue solidified but was still hot to the touch. That much melted glue holds the heat for a long time, so we broke the walls of the mold and sped up the cooling with a secret weapon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxI3YBFFn4_Ddf95-FDznWkFc5qrbfjmTt8sA2qrLe0glRgMAw6FQpCtwX6aSO2IgoxeuRe4ROQbnERAUBsxPAVqdidKKKgVCRJ0Hd9zRILpct-ZONxZuei0dtPLh3qKxWtVoh2F0tlQb/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxI3YBFFn4_Ddf95-FDznWkFc5qrbfjmTt8sA2qrLe0glRgMAw6FQpCtwX6aSO2IgoxeuRe4ROQbnERAUBsxPAVqdidKKKgVCRJ0Hd9zRILpct-ZONxZuei0dtPLh3qKxWtVoh2F0tlQb/s640/IMG_3251.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeling the walls back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbZwxT1RfrhRLUjcZLnAqNfPesuqr0sNshDlKszepHl4QqekOrU966XIiv6yJj-YIkQHsroVEYSB3iAIV6PVqLueuoYKX-3N-EF7BiP54xo329gVa3_9_fCNnOzkwUhPUhJ-uKA-_j6Vn/s1600/IMG_3252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbZwxT1RfrhRLUjcZLnAqNfPesuqr0sNshDlKszepHl4QqekOrU966XIiv6yJj-YIkQHsroVEYSB3iAIV6PVqLueuoYKX-3N-EF7BiP54xo329gVa3_9_fCNnOzkwUhPUhJ-uKA-_j6Vn/s640/IMG_3252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The secret cooling weapon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We de-molded the skull using sophisticated pocket knife technology.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6qs09AgmwJvM1UTali9EWj1jAbPtEr6ICA0p2_E0EhkIk-xhai0pIHafOGFljqFiXfUC-86LsXQOgv7uhtbn3uXc8EkNRvid2Jnet0uQFuOiVoaVtdRnziXTyLTibSrVkTSs_Egkw6Ci/s1600/IMG_3253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6qs09AgmwJvM1UTali9EWj1jAbPtEr6ICA0p2_E0EhkIk-xhai0pIHafOGFljqFiXfUC-86LsXQOgv7uhtbn3uXc8EkNRvid2Jnet0uQFuOiVoaVtdRnziXTyLTibSrVkTSs_Egkw6Ci/s640/IMG_3253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knife work. Might be illegal in some countries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0qVVPj0GVIhjM2644Wn2ME8-D9qmo6hkg_7mlm5-oU-TuoA1v38-3ZuSktAHeOj-1ty-qZFE1EjeIiUMnIzTwGQb0y6vvCVtwvlQ7eMsBxwpxKmn-DgAnXpbVS8okBof5u147bIxFD0K/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0qVVPj0GVIhjM2644Wn2ME8-D9qmo6hkg_7mlm5-oU-TuoA1v38-3ZuSktAHeOj-1ty-qZFE1EjeIiUMnIzTwGQb0y6vvCVtwvlQ7eMsBxwpxKmn-DgAnXpbVS8okBof5u147bIxFD0K/s640/IMG_3260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moment of truth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AJYf1mhmfW7SFHxAAuGQGzEoIRsDcj7BeWDUobmlfgZ97LqCUwPYhAIVvHQZHMcyvGala4A_kdN7BQ6ieys2VgjbJ1aPWu-0KCJTa9rdshkdmLHepp2aNr3Ao7ZQVQH4DcVFYqBy3g6N/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AJYf1mhmfW7SFHxAAuGQGzEoIRsDcj7BeWDUobmlfgZ97LqCUwPYhAIVvHQZHMcyvGala4A_kdN7BQ6ieys2VgjbJ1aPWu-0KCJTa9rdshkdmLHepp2aNr3Ao7ZQVQH4DcVFYqBy3g6N/s640/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popped right out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PFeQSjtMJPT0e40lKgfM3EOFWLxlNYGMsi4_HfMXGhXPWOOJHI4P9zrmbehbbnzMZ95djqUc-w7gDInVQEPNd1h5PSwkrmGb98uao90gUvB-Dko3cFSpFE422aCepOV4eIV4zotKDQof/s1600/IMG_3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PFeQSjtMJPT0e40lKgfM3EOFWLxlNYGMsi4_HfMXGhXPWOOJHI4P9zrmbehbbnzMZ95djqUc-w7gDInVQEPNd1h5PSwkrmGb98uao90gUvB-Dko3cFSpFE422aCepOV4eIV4zotKDQof/s640/IMG_3270.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paint stuck to the mold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqbTmHZwgTImxIaPMmZBwqtGDM7X_Y0lrIpaMZTLdda1q3yD1AijK48QcS4ta0kZcQa71mTdynHIsgBAYetdL0pQMm3woCHGzN6u2UhcxcRirv8tISiJ7xyxz4apRtrZiO2zAijOti7hv/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqbTmHZwgTImxIaPMmZBwqtGDM7X_Y0lrIpaMZTLdda1q3yD1AijK48QcS4ta0kZcQa71mTdynHIsgBAYetdL0pQMm3woCHGzN6u2UhcxcRirv8tISiJ7xyxz4apRtrZiO2zAijOti7hv/s640/IMG_3272.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, a pretty faithful replication</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now the tricky part. How do you cast hot glue into hot glue. The moment of truth was upon us. Low temp glue drizzled into a high temp mold. The first thing, obviously was to coat the mold with a generous coating of WD-40, again. Then using low temp glue we dribbled the glue into the mold, making sure to hit the areas with the most detail and relief first and then back-filling behind.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonTcaPVvBO-0DLiF4FBXS2sb5U24gcTYBNUv_7r1NYnIhf9PfAkeVx_y3dSyjAN_Ada4GbNgczd8zB1PjMVmBLE2EFoodl-5JBe10BVO4GSstuC8SnxBB4f__nAgepVEp7omcuiRIVgWl/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonTcaPVvBO-0DLiF4FBXS2sb5U24gcTYBNUv_7r1NYnIhf9PfAkeVx_y3dSyjAN_Ada4GbNgczd8zB1PjMVmBLE2EFoodl-5JBe10BVO4GSstuC8SnxBB4f__nAgepVEp7omcuiRIVgWl/s640/IMG_3274.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Idaho safe WD-40 not approved for California sale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QxecwhSuYEwfEk4dKxjRS2V7k0FWv8yW8hR-CyYCGIeKiXNPQaNK6FYWYGvU88mOArAh-MPfM3p92OOtGlFc_nYjnVfB7NOqGBd1D0yrLCvcHeiyBOIyiTGbwA4N5cHaxavKN-G84w7q/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QxecwhSuYEwfEk4dKxjRS2V7k0FWv8yW8hR-CyYCGIeKiXNPQaNK6FYWYGvU88mOArAh-MPfM3p92OOtGlFc_nYjnVfB7NOqGBd1D0yrLCvcHeiyBOIyiTGbwA4N5cHaxavKN-G84w7q/s640/IMG_3273.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low temp hot melt glue gun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsN7xJ6cQwgOLsHNrzObCEXnLyOp_YbXPOi_1d94RCpryIhsvnLeCF5pxDnihZTIavLvJtIZiRpuvob1M6o3n0VN1O2Y4LExM3ip85-yA7iInmDBBAXkCbzjX8nw2xXSZCpJYidDHPj4I/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsN7xJ6cQwgOLsHNrzObCEXnLyOp_YbXPOi_1d94RCpryIhsvnLeCF5pxDnihZTIavLvJtIZiRpuvob1M6o3n0VN1O2Y4LExM3ip85-yA7iInmDBBAXkCbzjX8nw2xXSZCpJYidDHPj4I/s640/IMG_3275.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the details first, then back-filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We noticed that the lower temp hot glue didn't level itself as well as the high temp. That was unexpected but not surprising. So we used a utility knife to shave the raised parts off so it would be level with the mold.<br />
<br />
Then the next moment of truth. Would we be able to de-mold the skull? Or would the cooler hot glue stick irrevocably to the higher temp hot glue? Did we waste our time and blow an afternoon? or was this going to work...?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_bjMXGzi4wOwWHg4eQ_mG0TxbwKCY3KaQQSz3YBsmequQhV7MFWw8WE5OB5nf2luvncdqSdsRSqTns1ilqDB2vuF0dyfy6Isegu4PZLO6RKurxpCXEoS53QWx0vauKI-tJAAszu8pnuC/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_bjMXGzi4wOwWHg4eQ_mG0TxbwKCY3KaQQSz3YBsmequQhV7MFWw8WE5OB5nf2luvncdqSdsRSqTns1ilqDB2vuF0dyfy6Isegu4PZLO6RKurxpCXEoS53QWx0vauKI-tJAAszu8pnuC/s640/IMG_3276.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need a shave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl94GaIiHMIVOLQ3eW4yuurndtRWy-VIKLBPZyQbZW53b1cfpglqWg4corqi1xsQTDxbFINRfvK0wdkbwNe2BLpcl_sc3VCiXEBAcdopmuZ4D70TmtfzqEsXEYDvakYivux9b6opdVx08X/s1600/IMG_3278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl94GaIiHMIVOLQ3eW4yuurndtRWy-VIKLBPZyQbZW53b1cfpglqWg4corqi1xsQTDxbFINRfvK0wdkbwNe2BLpcl_sc3VCiXEBAcdopmuZ4D70TmtfzqEsXEYDvakYivux9b6opdVx08X/s640/IMG_3278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It appears to be working!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqS4g0OSOQI553gLvOPd4UJsh4zWZLbsuRWUCykLnCR2ZQ5KiBb4Ie4hiOIKb_STeKOb0DC42ggUPRP48f9Q-W-QYzbcOk85cbbCy16UEdWAM_7WBefWjOtEh9M7PDvDkKeash-3JvT6Y/s1600/IMG_3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqS4g0OSOQI553gLvOPd4UJsh4zWZLbsuRWUCykLnCR2ZQ5KiBb4Ie4hiOIKb_STeKOb0DC42ggUPRP48f9Q-W-QYzbcOk85cbbCy16UEdWAM_7WBefWjOtEh9M7PDvDkKeash-3JvT6Y/s640/IMG_3280.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It worked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfW5Z2qqoxQuy8Rdys4i3xKl9btXeeASxXm7jwbGNdiezai8i25Svs1TGQYR-zH_D1s12L4DIJWZ9TmWfaI40Bl6_t5HE9QoD0gr2IVnoX0vigWQEWwFxT4pM80NBg8kGc7VALcTynymd/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfW5Z2qqoxQuy8Rdys4i3xKl9btXeeASxXm7jwbGNdiezai8i25Svs1TGQYR-zH_D1s12L4DIJWZ9TmWfaI40Bl6_t5HE9QoD0gr2IVnoX0vigWQEWwFxT4pM80NBg8kGc7VALcTynymd/s640/IMG_3284.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This image doesn't show the amount of detail that was achieved . From left to right: Original buck for molding, the hot melt glue mold, the finished casting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The image above doesn't show the amount of detail we were able to achieve with hot glue. The indents between the teeth are visible. Most of the detail transferred. It isn't a perfect cast, but it's really quite good considering the non-traditional way in which we did it.<br />
<br />
So what is the point of this?<br />
<br />
If you have access to Smooth-On or other products, this would be a colossal waste of time. But if you were getting ready for tech week and needed a casting today and didn't have access to the Smooth-On or had to order it in, this could make sense.<br />
<br />
Because it is made of hot glue, the casting is flexible and could be applied to a curved surface. I know there are many traditional products that produce a flexible casting as well. As I said, this is a project that assumes you don't have immediate access to those materials.<br />
<br />
So, if I had to do it over, I would create a smaller box for the mold. This would be less wasteful of both time and product.<br />
<br />
There is paint transfer from original to mold to cast. I don't know what to do to mitigate that or if I even care to do so.<br />
<br />
Eventually, when I am able to go back to work after the shelter at home order is lifted, I will paint the casting and post the picture as an addendum to this blog post.<br />
<br />
The results of this experiment were encouraging and given the right circumstances I would do it again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-22077346671978648872018-06-27T16:26:00.002-07:002018-06-27T16:29:06.358-07:00Steer Skull<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9lqU1YAdP0BTLW8kOceAvytEAfkGMB6Tv6KAehCv140ovE3UVQj5KUt9ou06iBqifudU48I0f3ULSq1s9jjtIv85BCnc8gAnd_V8HHM9ykAxSac7CotKz0cxaOQP_ZjhkQYEMNPGR5UD/s1600/IMG_3746+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9lqU1YAdP0BTLW8kOceAvytEAfkGMB6Tv6KAehCv140ovE3UVQj5KUt9ou06iBqifudU48I0f3ULSq1s9jjtIv85BCnc8gAnd_V8HHM9ykAxSac7CotKz0cxaOQP_ZjhkQYEMNPGR5UD/s640/IMG_3746+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Steer Skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Richard Clifford asked me to craft a steer skull for the set dressing for his set design of <i>You Can't Take It With You.</i> I have never had the opportunity to work on that show, and didn't have an assignment on our production of it. I am at that point in my career where I probably won't have another opportunity to work on this show, and Richard knew that. I think that's why he asked me to build this prop. Plus, skull.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1: Research</b><br />
I did a quick search of longhorn cattle skulls online. I found images of skulls and printed them off. I also searched for dimensions of longhorn skulls and found that the average longhorn skull is 49 cm long by 21 cm wide by 26 cm high. I don't work in metric so I converted the measurements to imperial rule. The average skull is 19.25 inches long by 8.25 inches wide by 10.25 inches in height. The 10.25 inches included the bottom jaw which I was not going to include in my skull. I adjusted the height to reflect the upper portion of the skull without the bottom jaw.<br />
<i>Time: 30 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVjn1KEZ9VHDeJOH-MBG33na6v-POlsX-tuE8e6cxOPq7WbMLRHBZKl3weLcGVOVEC9pE6nJdYeeQ2nIn7FDNszBRw8SkHzjVoxJhbzcEsdzG-Jyp9a2RmbBxRCA5ITShl-ReKRStXsjS/s1600/IMG_3482+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVjn1KEZ9VHDeJOH-MBG33na6v-POlsX-tuE8e6cxOPq7WbMLRHBZKl3weLcGVOVEC9pE6nJdYeeQ2nIn7FDNszBRw8SkHzjVoxJhbzcEsdzG-Jyp9a2RmbBxRCA5ITShl-ReKRStXsjS/s640/IMG_3482+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of research photos with layout lines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 2: Layout</b><br />
I acquired a block of polystyrene bead foam from the local farm store. It was a block of foam that had been used in a freight truck to keep loads from shifting. It was roughly 19" X 12" X 12". I took it to the bandsaw and set the fence for 4" and cut the block of foam to the appropriate size.<br />
<br />
Then I drew layout lines on one of the images and then scaled and transferred those layout lines to the block of foam. Once I had the registration lines in place, I then cartooned out the top of the skull and the side of the skull on the foam block.<br />
<i>Time: 30 minutes </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGjlSb_dp0oYt7HufeWtVtGKz9QlMo_ekvEDi2E-h21YgAYbJWKnDbz9H9tM2OngO0xDlWeQAjArSV6Ifmo3e-cdYCox2FUMOyfbYnZEIscnopZ2lVjeUFQh_en-ROXMFi5RZKFevIOXv/s1600/IMG_3478+%2528682x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGjlSb_dp0oYt7HufeWtVtGKz9QlMo_ekvEDi2E-h21YgAYbJWKnDbz9H9tM2OngO0xDlWeQAjArSV6Ifmo3e-cdYCox2FUMOyfbYnZEIscnopZ2lVjeUFQh_en-ROXMFi5RZKFevIOXv/s640/IMG_3478+%2528682x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foam block. Spray can in image to establish scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94FJcuG1u_QZo-Wlza-KVXMRXYrEyz7sHhMRxeXispg8nlVlmsRbjatFiao8CC2nlzC5YqjkjSMF63ktzOS3Oe8bnni9PXDTBJudKqPspPJFNYvrdL1SbmdsFTcuNcLDskhfzFtS8Dqrm/s1600/IMG_3480+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94FJcuG1u_QZo-Wlza-KVXMRXYrEyz7sHhMRxeXispg8nlVlmsRbjatFiao8CC2nlzC5YqjkjSMF63ktzOS3Oe8bnni9PXDTBJudKqPspPJFNYvrdL1SbmdsFTcuNcLDskhfzFtS8Dqrm/s640/IMG_3480+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the foam block to size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIUfHHA8vI52hBA1RUnY_LIJbSk1l45uPsvXGenkbcLEoC0_UVvg-Q7q1duu58V-h35tFQO_2yxlqVrQH10g2JyDO1gEFjvs3DOPJ_IN5KvvuMwZRvGsrmyFe6_0cm2lS1Jx3680Dw61B/s1600/IMG_3481+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIUfHHA8vI52hBA1RUnY_LIJbSk1l45uPsvXGenkbcLEoC0_UVvg-Q7q1duu58V-h35tFQO_2yxlqVrQH10g2JyDO1gEFjvs3DOPJ_IN5KvvuMwZRvGsrmyFe6_0cm2lS1Jx3680Dw61B/s640/IMG_3481+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sized</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LkjunTRv5AUz6lmldGVMMzXAcU6PpQdhtZK4QtWppUx5TbAKcaUF3pSyf4p-QXf2HltlR5w3VchOkRdSN1QGvOFcCXlfEQr1GTsGNzuv0-43fqE8JRqPNHEOsROuAp-tSjHQyzpBpaxq/s1600/IMG_3483+%2528612x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LkjunTRv5AUz6lmldGVMMzXAcU6PpQdhtZK4QtWppUx5TbAKcaUF3pSyf4p-QXf2HltlR5w3VchOkRdSN1QGvOFcCXlfEQr1GTsGNzuv0-43fqE8JRqPNHEOsROuAp-tSjHQyzpBpaxq/s640/IMG_3483+%2528612x1024%2529.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layout lines scaled from the layout lines on the image</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEYSZ0y1eaZIqQv0G5oo715kM33uwy0U0X0ACR_sejC9BqXShkWItJdsP_bk73avXdpDpHM37oeRQVMoZs5ZKKQTmergUl07g4W5o2d5GeI8BqDe2aX0VT-cLwG2iNB6h0IsbBV92__VG/s1600/IMG_3484+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEYSZ0y1eaZIqQv0G5oo715kM33uwy0U0X0ACR_sejC9BqXShkWItJdsP_bk73avXdpDpHM37oeRQVMoZs5ZKKQTmergUl07g4W5o2d5GeI8BqDe2aX0VT-cLwG2iNB6h0IsbBV92__VG/s640/IMG_3484+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cartoon of the top of the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjGG3FeWF6pJJZXqmT3TIO_MyOxkHg1tKSVNAJgPhtrbcmWf-DKfyHjXjjfK_JxWIuxOHu0xpR0qv68VP2oSAA_7nkJRHlbJnP8ynubfDNL_dnDNeAU6hiJVQK1HV3QFCN24qOO52b4vc/s1600/IMG_3485+%2528656x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjGG3FeWF6pJJZXqmT3TIO_MyOxkHg1tKSVNAJgPhtrbcmWf-DKfyHjXjjfK_JxWIuxOHu0xpR0qv68VP2oSAA_7nkJRHlbJnP8ynubfDNL_dnDNeAU6hiJVQK1HV3QFCN24qOO52b4vc/s640/IMG_3485+%2528656x1024%2529.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cartoon of the side of the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 3: Cutting the Blank</b><br />
I first cut the top of the steer skull on the band saw, being careful to cut each side in a single pass. As I cut the sides, I saved the cast off pieces. When the two top cuts were completed, I reassembled the block of foam and taped it back together. This was done to facilitate cutting the side of the skull.<br />
<br />
The results of this cutting technique was a compound shape cut on the bandsaw that formed the blank that was now ready to be carved and detailed.<br />
<i>Time: 15 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjHY1MgutDBKkNrfccxdN1ikNxUfaH4l-wJKAw9bAd2zramaeXs2YrnGWdOhBYFJGM-kMl5VuVddq1tcRmAfBbChZy1wF8gRFIYQPJXEWyxOulbEDI0X0Kr2gFnAj9jgx7cvEZjnmoM_z/s1600/IMG_3488+%25281024x655%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjHY1MgutDBKkNrfccxdN1ikNxUfaH4l-wJKAw9bAd2zramaeXs2YrnGWdOhBYFJGM-kMl5VuVddq1tcRmAfBbChZy1wF8gRFIYQPJXEWyxOulbEDI0X0Kr2gFnAj9jgx7cvEZjnmoM_z/s640/IMG_3488+%25281024x655%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the top of the steer skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gwWwnoerhIGJ2qt1tUMUqaWbiD6E4Q4qOl5PBfSHU9VUGTDZoVAuglt3RNu1M17w28IF57RwhoieV06U7PvJyCF0dZ931LBhSIg-xaWdqcFxkH_zMydXVkmkdkp4l95UJ2jEcenYoNy4/s1600/IMG_3495+%25281024x679%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gwWwnoerhIGJ2qt1tUMUqaWbiD6E4Q4qOl5PBfSHU9VUGTDZoVAuglt3RNu1M17w28IF57RwhoieV06U7PvJyCF0dZ931LBhSIg-xaWdqcFxkH_zMydXVkmkdkp4l95UJ2jEcenYoNy4/s640/IMG_3495+%25281024x679%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd cut on the top of the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGAC8AWjVEaXAqA3KG7BtN1tckrnhZT7jV5xeki8n9C5qSyn43zjHGvy9Y0XI-9lVNTbR7kRFXaYS6ScdibEQibxAC9eMSUuo6SUgn1lsiIU6ehOKwMmUao73VPz7basQbtHXeugiV1EN/s1600/IMG_3499+%25281024x667%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGAC8AWjVEaXAqA3KG7BtN1tckrnhZT7jV5xeki8n9C5qSyn43zjHGvy9Y0XI-9lVNTbR7kRFXaYS6ScdibEQibxAC9eMSUuo6SUgn1lsiIU6ehOKwMmUao73VPz7basQbtHXeugiV1EN/s640/IMG_3499+%25281024x667%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sides come off in whole pieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ_EG9zqAeR-JMM8LP0C_ok6pvTndehtCrwVbcmqJww1TYlGBWeq2XeqROT8FVmmHzhKeLdLfgOB3hWW2iQmLe84NcnzMK_sPZ3-Rt1QQqDPG7JIfWsg5xMoOQFEIFWWRGyIQ1TwpKYxS/s1600/IMG_3505+%25281024x660%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1024" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ_EG9zqAeR-JMM8LP0C_ok6pvTndehtCrwVbcmqJww1TYlGBWeq2XeqROT8FVmmHzhKeLdLfgOB3hWW2iQmLe84NcnzMK_sPZ3-Rt1QQqDPG7JIfWsg5xMoOQFEIFWWRGyIQ1TwpKYxS/s640/IMG_3505+%25281024x660%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reassembling of the foam block with blue painters tape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXQwZ-ETzFcVQhHCivAw8F1EgF0A5Hff_ZCUQ6djtG9EBxG_fJFwPn3Hvkm7z-mbGTSCEFiaIgMBOJ-6IdyjtOy5or0DeArEE0-131s2BmnItKxMkKVZiGTK17Reirq4NwBRDvXmoItnk/s1600/IMG_3514+%25281024x610%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1024" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXQwZ-ETzFcVQhHCivAw8F1EgF0A5Hff_ZCUQ6djtG9EBxG_fJFwPn3Hvkm7z-mbGTSCEFiaIgMBOJ-6IdyjtOy5or0DeArEE0-131s2BmnItKxMkKVZiGTK17Reirq4NwBRDvXmoItnk/s640/IMG_3514+%25281024x610%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the side of the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbufWqbo_l8v0ijghwuX94E8ZDCeO-Z1mgVg_ugQxsJFXYfaxYyhjbv_yH799Hfvyaimy14D1hfQtndu_Da35lk55YvJsmEYLrs_GHXYLw9Hf647IFs7ke5Uf-srYEHIma8xe4dFncNf0/s1600/IMG_3526+%25281024x645%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1024" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbufWqbo_l8v0ijghwuX94E8ZDCeO-Z1mgVg_ugQxsJFXYfaxYyhjbv_yH799Hfvyaimy14D1hfQtndu_Da35lk55YvJsmEYLrs_GHXYLw9Hf647IFs7ke5Uf-srYEHIma8xe4dFncNf0/s640/IMG_3526+%25281024x645%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd cut on the side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpu2PfPF9wPgL6tpA4SaHAgrXjC13cwY9YyNkhyphenhyphenloS1wKf1ICgrI4HgG6Ps6u_X7uGeyhViodiUJZ3cgi48zc-VuowecsIiKnhchyio0fp1OLVyEnG8XBxxUzhkOAc5PjTYOknFNfyS7L/s1600/IMG_3534+%25281024x595%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1024" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpu2PfPF9wPgL6tpA4SaHAgrXjC13cwY9YyNkhyphenhyphenloS1wKf1ICgrI4HgG6Ps6u_X7uGeyhViodiUJZ3cgi48zc-VuowecsIiKnhchyio0fp1OLVyEnG8XBxxUzhkOAc5PjTYOknFNfyS7L/s640/IMG_3534+%25281024x595%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blank just before the reveal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKXNSXYycvHaiXJNfgl2GWeWAut0E59iF9zVqF4-ZykZsBHZMsUnhReOwtQR3jagn1h0ZjfMm2h38neDM3pY8mK94Q1ZULlvk9ble3KusNHv6MEL0enqA6OIFBokNdY5x_I9dUdX6-LfI/s1600/IMG_3536+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKXNSXYycvHaiXJNfgl2GWeWAut0E59iF9zVqF4-ZykZsBHZMsUnhReOwtQR3jagn1h0ZjfMm2h38neDM3pY8mK94Q1ZULlvk9ble3KusNHv6MEL0enqA6OIFBokNdY5x_I9dUdX6-LfI/s640/IMG_3536+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skull blank revealed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5lCqDMi1lE1s71Wp3B0xvDUKREZcKoWr7W6_4YDEuhM7sE6rBxHrI1bu8nvIT3yKbSQZDFQ3UdTLB3H2_mtkwFiZYvmPahTlES_T5FjRomh6cLQ3BIUCjmqY3jm1ZoxsB6zmRegq5PWi/s1600/IMG_3537+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5lCqDMi1lE1s71Wp3B0xvDUKREZcKoWr7W6_4YDEuhM7sE6rBxHrI1bu8nvIT3yKbSQZDFQ3UdTLB3H2_mtkwFiZYvmPahTlES_T5FjRomh6cLQ3BIUCjmqY3jm1ZoxsB6zmRegq5PWi/s640/IMG_3537+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And on it's side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 4: Carving</b><br />
I roughed out the blank with two different sizes of surform tools. Then I cut the deepest part of the relief, the eye sockets and the space in the skull immediately behind the eye sockets with a Dremel Tool. I also used the Dremel to put the finishing detail on the rest of the skull.<br />
<br />
I carved the teeth with an old soldering iron. I used the entire length of the soldering iron for the teeth, rather than just the tip. I wanted to use the soldering iron because the heat of the iron would cause a smooth skin on the teeth of the cow skull and would help give a better final finish.<br />
<br />
When the carving was done, I cleaned it up with an orbital sander.<br />
<i>Time: 45 minutes</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl1AkZ0Lo10MUALy3CM7QdLJCUuR-VZYXsUw98aj4TCeaQG4balTQlxFPVqpAKIhBEpniMJyNiJe2u5BedjbIlJSNFRnTcpP7kBilWy5PjT2DzHVzMyRxMqxQ1A5IZXnzJv3PeEOSrwfq/s1600/IMG_3547+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl1AkZ0Lo10MUALy3CM7QdLJCUuR-VZYXsUw98aj4TCeaQG4balTQlxFPVqpAKIhBEpniMJyNiJe2u5BedjbIlJSNFRnTcpP7kBilWy5PjT2DzHVzMyRxMqxQ1A5IZXnzJv3PeEOSrwfq/s640/IMG_3547+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surform tool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEv6VUSukphQJTLgBMtNrlpGv8g1bH6_9X2a70F3WKwB-HB2QHXQLRfZDLwFH7lb9z6nZjV92XEL4GuYMkOKVrmDsJv0l9nYGMBoYqk2LLCEsuWJyjB4ZphB8RAFanlTAHqf56lR5HAMP/s1600/IMG_3551+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEv6VUSukphQJTLgBMtNrlpGv8g1bH6_9X2a70F3WKwB-HB2QHXQLRfZDLwFH7lb9z6nZjV92XEL4GuYMkOKVrmDsJv0l9nYGMBoYqk2LLCEsuWJyjB4ZphB8RAFanlTAHqf56lR5HAMP/s640/IMG_3551+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller surform tool for finer work. Notice the research material in the foreground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HlSfge_ggTvm_VfqXkwL7-nMDzEQ9Oppxb-vawvGA7EIUMlDKn6rHnygUMGXR1mV0dr-Ztq0FUiiuVrkDKUvUWedrXEmKdXX6j-t-YRuhlu4wd7btgkUkHnvtdeFXHJBxDGft2eNEKWp/s1600/IMG_3554+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HlSfge_ggTvm_VfqXkwL7-nMDzEQ9Oppxb-vawvGA7EIUMlDKn6rHnygUMGXR1mV0dr-Ztq0FUiiuVrkDKUvUWedrXEmKdXX6j-t-YRuhlu4wd7btgkUkHnvtdeFXHJBxDGft2eNEKWp/s640/IMG_3554+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough carving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcp_VWdS_xe6V8m1fnbTIEiuY4RPybQT5Bmxt3_MLy-k4DGD3RqVgT0MsLDR4z5qFe4ns409yCShAoDVLRdeMPKrSDDEzcCyWIWsT8pSzI_RiPFVkPPrCmVlwqDFmw_SOB2wL7-jMrG30/s1600/IMG_3559+%2528684x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcp_VWdS_xe6V8m1fnbTIEiuY4RPybQT5Bmxt3_MLy-k4DGD3RqVgT0MsLDR4z5qFe4ns409yCShAoDVLRdeMPKrSDDEzcCyWIWsT8pSzI_RiPFVkPPrCmVlwqDFmw_SOB2wL7-jMrG30/s640/IMG_3559+%2528684x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTshjLucWZ5-5fbhbCJg8g8bVO57HHHnIT1ByHe9X4By_EbaT1LLZOxzMPOpTUvMnCVVI_wMVNY6qlMTtu86nDAB8fgwl5bUQVTTPiS9cSfBx_RA68E0OoYOlQMr0VpnLLeaLCn1Q69HF/s1600/IMG_3560+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTshjLucWZ5-5fbhbCJg8g8bVO57HHHnIT1ByHe9X4By_EbaT1LLZOxzMPOpTUvMnCVVI_wMVNY6qlMTtu86nDAB8fgwl5bUQVTTPiS9cSfBx_RA68E0OoYOlQMr0VpnLLeaLCn1Q69HF/s640/IMG_3560+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail with the Dremel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXLJ2JCu47TRnyT_QSw2q8AOlWgyM5muOeqp_LaU2PWtxrxtjGeapTtGqsL056QRIRdsiSHqFvT3LNR0EKxCl41A4Vd_MW6z1hX0Z3WyKyIdotwmTUi131SIRqJJhHbw2nXFaFXxiBheK/s1600/IMG_3563+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXLJ2JCu47TRnyT_QSw2q8AOlWgyM5muOeqp_LaU2PWtxrxtjGeapTtGqsL056QRIRdsiSHqFvT3LNR0EKxCl41A4Vd_MW6z1hX0Z3WyKyIdotwmTUi131SIRqJJhHbw2nXFaFXxiBheK/s640/IMG_3563+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye socket in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPQlz73g6T53j2P4Bl-alcsBmZTWp9lQkTsiFPTzqgAHF2XB080f0JQOLGlzuYYyqRYbV4Hp7xA_wcPhBB00ebp5Yz6xiPQnB704ZfMrZ-7N6KKRnFk8fzL8YkSwigASz74sVDho8Lttz/s1600/IMG_3565+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPQlz73g6T53j2P4Bl-alcsBmZTWp9lQkTsiFPTzqgAHF2XB080f0JQOLGlzuYYyqRYbV4Hp7xA_wcPhBB00ebp5Yz6xiPQnB704ZfMrZ-7N6KKRnFk8fzL8YkSwigASz74sVDho8Lttz/s640/IMG_3565+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldering iron for detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JfEouID3fb3j0pg3fcJuKKeQo8OQzPj8iGTrrZQsftxNO_0Qc9jBP7GqCTi5k2WqEdKie6M35fEHIMBj-Wv6_Q7vAe_d4jOJP4fXVg0wY8Qii_vSyA4IEKoaTRkz12pQmdKaUGieiel_/s1600/IMG_3566+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JfEouID3fb3j0pg3fcJuKKeQo8OQzPj8iGTrrZQsftxNO_0Qc9jBP7GqCTi5k2WqEdKie6M35fEHIMBj-Wv6_Q7vAe_d4jOJP4fXVg0wY8Qii_vSyA4IEKoaTRkz12pQmdKaUGieiel_/s640/IMG_3566+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the length of the soldering iron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML5aaMEWjXqkUs6YZ6cgIeWvuRMFzk_5UwgW15i67vxzgyL4LLXxx1qV1Ms2GMJPznY9lK_ZGv2vH7B-0_QPQFSDzX9Y1BFf0bjVr1WzQlaacUiITillmkd6VOXXeu2sG5r68LOl7hiko/s1600/IMG_3568+%25281024x673%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1024" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML5aaMEWjXqkUs6YZ6cgIeWvuRMFzk_5UwgW15i67vxzgyL4LLXxx1qV1Ms2GMJPznY9lK_ZGv2vH7B-0_QPQFSDzX9Y1BFf0bjVr1WzQlaacUiITillmkd6VOXXeu2sG5r68LOl7hiko/s640/IMG_3568+%25281024x673%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The teeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAN7EWHcrxmRPgk2buh3PCY1V7THuRGuskUqKZ0sVUV4Y9-9sRaPx9eMH-kWA4MCnLroLlERTkkL2xlnoDhv9HfT5UuP1JiQD2lUmHc-YIEcndapyJfGIhCrnZQHk7O9oA7EBwNmSNkg3/s1600/IMG_3571+%25281024x665%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAN7EWHcrxmRPgk2buh3PCY1V7THuRGuskUqKZ0sVUV4Y9-9sRaPx9eMH-kWA4MCnLroLlERTkkL2xlnoDhv9HfT5UuP1JiQD2lUmHc-YIEcndapyJfGIhCrnZQHk7O9oA7EBwNmSNkg3/s640/IMG_3571+%25281024x665%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of the teeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGGylhRo9C2i90cKbxDHUUiCc9Yj_iNdEJi1esAeRQt8cm8duK8G2qLGy1G5oFAr7svtkg0R4MXNEc-98UoBXhx63LNfJ9ozYe7k0nx78W_EW7j3H3XYut_wk-wDI9GKcFkAmEemaKlBa/s1600/IMG_3574+%25281024x642%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGGylhRo9C2i90cKbxDHUUiCc9Yj_iNdEJi1esAeRQt8cm8duK8G2qLGy1G5oFAr7svtkg0R4MXNEc-98UoBXhx63LNfJ9ozYe7k0nx78W_EW7j3H3XYut_wk-wDI9GKcFkAmEemaKlBa/s640/IMG_3574+%25281024x642%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orbital sander</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tsrRStBMjH06NyBpGqI7nlB33xyU9Db2lcND2FlYPxE2I6a0g2yhMkj8a8uZ4i6v3JT9nfc9KQJDddfbnAsdzR1dhvfHA0Et1SbFpGQB9YYMriCozCUIgcW1as8L3Vregc9UcxQTX50b/s1600/IMG_3575+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tsrRStBMjH06NyBpGqI7nlB33xyU9Db2lcND2FlYPxE2I6a0g2yhMkj8a8uZ4i6v3JT9nfc9KQJDddfbnAsdzR1dhvfHA0Et1SbFpGQB9YYMriCozCUIgcW1as8L3Vregc9UcxQTX50b/s640/IMG_3575+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoothed over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK-YTMTVqkMKixHAB2Q1iMER3Mgmgw-kLFe78oQ07LAl5tFFN3itjMilx6r-7X5-JVa3RpMAGeQYr38RWx4pj2aBf0DO71TuirSWxD6hcKA1aEyQsvMZrtNoIv61C7Ee9hykNwFvVzyND/s1600/IMG_3577+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK-YTMTVqkMKixHAB2Q1iMER3Mgmgw-kLFe78oQ07LAl5tFFN3itjMilx6r-7X5-JVa3RpMAGeQYr38RWx4pj2aBf0DO71TuirSWxD6hcKA1aEyQsvMZrtNoIv61C7Ee9hykNwFvVzyND/s640/IMG_3577+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwanxhiINBq8sr5zE8xxEbx7h4RkTHCGaBOIEzmk19q8Aa7nfC4VBE7ynNjD0d4RhcnrLPIODO8xi-sK4jEaoQb98avI4WcfdHKjJjtita3eMpR5iH-zAGXfPZgl9CAJTcjCZad6Bjq5H/s1600/IMG_3578+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwanxhiINBq8sr5zE8xxEbx7h4RkTHCGaBOIEzmk19q8Aa7nfC4VBE7ynNjD0d4RhcnrLPIODO8xi-sK4jEaoQb98avI4WcfdHKjJjtita3eMpR5iH-zAGXfPZgl9CAJTcjCZad6Bjq5H/s640/IMG_3578+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 5: Carving the Horns</b><br />
I have used pool noodles for crafting for many years. They come in various sizes and shapes. Pool noodles are flexible, but hold their shape very well. They are also cheap. The downside of pool noodles is that they are made of polyethylene. It is very difficult to find a paint product that will stick to it.<br />
<br />
From the beginning, pool noodles seemed to be the best solution for the horns in the longhorn skull. I bought a couple of pool noodles from the dollar store. I matched the hole in the pool noodle to a 7/8 inch dowel. It was a snug fit. Pool noodles usually are about 4' long, and I knew I would not be using the entire length, but at this point I was unsure how long the finished horns would be, so I decided to work on the pointy end first and cut them to length when I had more information.<br />
<br />
I marked an arbitrary taper on the dowel and then continued the taper on the pool noodle. When I had what I considered to be the right taper, I headed to the shop and the belt/disc sander.<br />
<br />
I sanded the cone shaped taper into the dowels first, then I cut the dowels to be about six inches in length. Then I cut a small dowel about four inches long and inserted it into the end of the pool noodles. I did this to provide a rigid core to sand the pool noodle around.<br />
<br />
When I put the dowels and the pool noodles together, there was a small ridge between the pool noodle and the dowel, but I considered that would be okay because even at this stage I had decided to even that out with a coating of Fiberglas.<br />
<i>Time: 15 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2PX67qTwG0wqrvine_8LT3iFHiVoL3myaKPMuG27h6XdEujKJ61Qq1Y6LOx3eW5R0Oo3fI4egcRGg0nHRcf7kMxGemseDm7XATlwPLmk5LEJTiFt6ksZ3IPofGR-fxhGRMAmWrlhyphenhyphenIfu/s1600/IMG_3580+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2PX67qTwG0wqrvine_8LT3iFHiVoL3myaKPMuG27h6XdEujKJ61Qq1Y6LOx3eW5R0Oo3fI4egcRGg0nHRcf7kMxGemseDm7XATlwPLmk5LEJTiFt6ksZ3IPofGR-fxhGRMAmWrlhyphenhyphenIfu/s640/IMG_3580+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arbitrary taper marked on dowel and pool noodle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA7wZxuuUx3mmbaF5rA8fmhrU6gr4FTUd1XuHLz01R2RYNoP_-X1i2H693ryPDenRkoJzWrPOIlS783Ck6YdcPXoeyn2fs8IZg8-cIZjOoCapbSZG0bqd0NDr2Db6_OzEB0II2UBYdXSH/s1600/IMG_3590+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA7wZxuuUx3mmbaF5rA8fmhrU6gr4FTUd1XuHLz01R2RYNoP_-X1i2H693ryPDenRkoJzWrPOIlS783Ck6YdcPXoeyn2fs8IZg8-cIZjOoCapbSZG0bqd0NDr2Db6_OzEB0II2UBYdXSH/s640/IMG_3590+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaping the dowel. Notice the safety glasses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkqMhYRUhSVO0lk2HI2hWUu-DKhuRH4z_JtuAG0tX4qNsuyArTE7N70-CETQPAJYALjuS1O6bjmYTYj7qlzc1_J4oqoU_yk5xcYyVO9djBrMipq-Ijdb7kz_rdJhocJAXhBmXOdUVCzuv/s1600/IMG_3593+%25281024x635%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1024" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkqMhYRUhSVO0lk2HI2hWUu-DKhuRH4z_JtuAG0tX4qNsuyArTE7N70-CETQPAJYALjuS1O6bjmYTYj7qlzc1_J4oqoU_yk5xcYyVO9djBrMipq-Ijdb7kz_rdJhocJAXhBmXOdUVCzuv/s640/IMG_3593+%25281024x635%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring for a cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZJiColLJDKVmAURS8LjOvp7ggXpLm_tHwbcbIcz9Hfhfc5WIfBxCtD7mqdzhOFD0ebr3SGCsf64CN5kbIZ1zLXufiVJYd90btlzRsa7PY285Bb8zDLCcyzIEtVSZtGFv9I6ud0d6xybB/s1600/IMG_3594+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZJiColLJDKVmAURS8LjOvp7ggXpLm_tHwbcbIcz9Hfhfc5WIfBxCtD7mqdzhOFD0ebr3SGCsf64CN5kbIZ1zLXufiVJYd90btlzRsa7PY285Bb8zDLCcyzIEtVSZtGFv9I6ud0d6xybB/s640/IMG_3594+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completing the cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsLiFH_qoPWYnL_VWVVfwjgcwAaJtl24xb8ffZ2w6cBoZlAs6ZLJAxETOw3cYR1DE6zemc0PX2TcSXauMMd5EdyiUprwm3XKhiHrUir9M9eBR3aOsyBt_bwnJ2NfZE9EqbAA2nzQIaCDp/s1600/IMG_3596+%25281024x652%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsLiFH_qoPWYnL_VWVVfwjgcwAaJtl24xb8ffZ2w6cBoZlAs6ZLJAxETOw3cYR1DE6zemc0PX2TcSXauMMd5EdyiUprwm3XKhiHrUir9M9eBR3aOsyBt_bwnJ2NfZE9EqbAA2nzQIaCDp/s640/IMG_3596+%25281024x652%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The temporary dowel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVULcPbt-TUA0cZeid2xiHq7k-yU-ERkTndztcMfFwtwXPtKCRwDQ1FXdvWtHlUKzlaTOeIS5LTd6wRFPcbxUdgG6Wa1T_wQPxxBdtqMzwcytQtEire3Fsc3BdkMn5H7fvuXoR50c3Joi/s1600/IMG_3597+%25281024x552%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1024" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVULcPbt-TUA0cZeid2xiHq7k-yU-ERkTndztcMfFwtwXPtKCRwDQ1FXdvWtHlUKzlaTOeIS5LTd6wRFPcbxUdgG6Wa1T_wQPxxBdtqMzwcytQtEire3Fsc3BdkMn5H7fvuXoR50c3Joi/s640/IMG_3597+%25281024x552%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inserted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0Qt-lQ29cv3LI_IiZlYkajCKA67WRrec88A2ihGSQr9kUbrf4VsIroisT3J_aWYQHQL1yuz4RHx7ruZYEHzZoQmHYsiaj7UEnq4ifll02PDCoBq2gONQ5gxxOTk7zyNEluLeWupv9beA/s1600/IMG_3606+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0Qt-lQ29cv3LI_IiZlYkajCKA67WRrec88A2ihGSQr9kUbrf4VsIroisT3J_aWYQHQL1yuz4RHx7ruZYEHzZoQmHYsiaj7UEnq4ifll02PDCoBq2gONQ5gxxOTk7zyNEluLeWupv9beA/s640/IMG_3606+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaping the pool noodle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-VOC054LUugOaMPkx7O_Gtu3CbSR4SlOHc4gwr2dQ5vfKE-wcbAzBF32F_eYCHdJnHjFuMtiYE7jGSSS86c2bEy0pH-ZGP06lmWJ__SySrTzXmOZpV31dorzpzUgs-WsfMQipZ7oKLxD/s1600/IMG_3607+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-VOC054LUugOaMPkx7O_Gtu3CbSR4SlOHc4gwr2dQ5vfKE-wcbAzBF32F_eYCHdJnHjFuMtiYE7jGSSS86c2bEy0pH-ZGP06lmWJ__SySrTzXmOZpV31dorzpzUgs-WsfMQipZ7oKLxD/s640/IMG_3607+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFWFPzOf53meshxUI_HTLBva4Xc0RzFICej6xRmrYnQ3Gl2JtILXBsqE-Up9f8oGv8IwiPLJ5t_Jn2Yaea4SG-jA-hz3k6RMHAmxuDCGTI-B9RKWAP102qOGiNkRGuOXWkW5fA9zmVRMc/s1600/IMG_3609+%25281024x558%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="1024" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFWFPzOf53meshxUI_HTLBva4Xc0RzFICej6xRmrYnQ3Gl2JtILXBsqE-Up9f8oGv8IwiPLJ5t_Jn2Yaea4SG-jA-hz3k6RMHAmxuDCGTI-B9RKWAP102qOGiNkRGuOXWkW5fA9zmVRMc/s640/IMG_3609+%25281024x558%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary dowel removed and the permanent dowel fitted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 6: Creating the Stand</b><br />
I decided to create a wooden base for the steer skull that would be integrated into the skull itself and would provide a sturdy support for the horns. I wanted all the weight of the horns to be carried on the stand, rather than the polystyrene skull. The block of foam I had was medium density polystyrene and therefore not particularly robust.<br />
<br />
I found a couple of scraps of 1X3 and began eyeballing my measurements. I did this by comparing them to the carved foam skull. When I was satisfied that I had it right, I cut the boards to length and shaped the top board on the belt sander. The top board would be the one that would fit just under the top portion of the skull.<br />
<br />
When the pieces were finished, I screwed them together. Finally, I cut a 14" section of the dowel for the support for the horns.<br />
<i>Time: 15 minutes</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi_knhw14gk9qXc-caLxw_2Oe6H4rfYv4UDvSK7060vIbJanx3wUg_m7rk7eKcqn6jj-SD_ZqEn7HeHk1IsHPu5LIVRzUxwFsN0pJVwjVRfqb2h8tbBI9XwVG7KtJ6RKjQMg8ripeJAHe/s1600/IMG_3614+%2528634x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="634" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi_knhw14gk9qXc-caLxw_2Oe6H4rfYv4UDvSK7060vIbJanx3wUg_m7rk7eKcqn6jj-SD_ZqEn7HeHk1IsHPu5LIVRzUxwFsN0pJVwjVRfqb2h8tbBI9XwVG7KtJ6RKjQMg8ripeJAHe/s640/IMG_3614+%2528634x1024%2529.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyeballing the measurement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcQ6VPCC1hp6RiJUTrZDypJ4CKGsurdeNijHU837f3VhJCwcv1r0bIF8Uuv7FlEfoL_FodJpkDoOud0SHcU06On6g8DxpOGCD7qboPj7p57EDuSKZxITBS3VdI4-IwtvhRdneWJTGRSGk/s1600/IMG_3616+%25281024x635%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1024" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcQ6VPCC1hp6RiJUTrZDypJ4CKGsurdeNijHU837f3VhJCwcv1r0bIF8Uuv7FlEfoL_FodJpkDoOud0SHcU06On6g8DxpOGCD7qboPj7p57EDuSKZxITBS3VdI4-IwtvhRdneWJTGRSGk/s640/IMG_3616+%25281024x635%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGLkTUQCSUXam4VkkHMnh3zsmn797mJzz9IGAsU_7RSFj4QTdce7yO862OY-dr_v8xhedM0OZIyPPuEVwynC1NK0QW16OlqJfcJOsHfpoODEzA0TWVbMIZ7EjenKwnt4OwsxPmJFOxzE0/s1600/IMG_3617+%25281024x655%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGLkTUQCSUXam4VkkHMnh3zsmn797mJzz9IGAsU_7RSFj4QTdce7yO862OY-dr_v8xhedM0OZIyPPuEVwynC1NK0QW16OlqJfcJOsHfpoODEzA0TWVbMIZ7EjenKwnt4OwsxPmJFOxzE0/s640/IMG_3617+%25281024x655%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking the curve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2U6FR2qnCZz6mQrcPG1P_76HK14-6NG0_hfh9lH18AlOYz4rcCpG4XDdzO8D0yV-6SD3p-78UYSrRk2tL63Mc5QihErI0qnhANUFbBCdK2_-M3-RIPPxFBqUVbchJVV1PvRchqTB4ken/s1600/IMG_3619+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2U6FR2qnCZz6mQrcPG1P_76HK14-6NG0_hfh9lH18AlOYz4rcCpG4XDdzO8D0yV-6SD3p-78UYSrRk2tL63Mc5QihErI0qnhANUFbBCdK2_-M3-RIPPxFBqUVbchJVV1PvRchqTB4ken/s640/IMG_3619+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The curve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEfCI_1JEtbF-8WSOWnBXyg089uYHTJe3Vwk9NAHqoMLqaRM8ZQVepMuB7PD_e7aGEDbO_40VR-pFL057peVjl0XwMgI3OOBGAcOUmHc__Ve83IaJsXNHJ_JRhiXm-v4BXsAMRTqXis0U/s1600/IMG_3621+%25281024x667%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEfCI_1JEtbF-8WSOWnBXyg089uYHTJe3Vwk9NAHqoMLqaRM8ZQVepMuB7PD_e7aGEDbO_40VR-pFL057peVjl0XwMgI3OOBGAcOUmHc__Ve83IaJsXNHJ_JRhiXm-v4BXsAMRTqXis0U/s640/IMG_3621+%25281024x667%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaping the 1X3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfClOds7dUtTW0DqtlqTKf5dDQMRXjPPpUz88zlSqt2kO4iv7mIKQIrDDwL6ppQr48G5-hcj26J2afjtaKSn55eZVaSOIrtl4R4PiCl_6cv8hROBdB5a_hHQbzjXAWua05xyTBNwwfiVIG/s1600/IMG_3627+%25281024x622%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1024" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfClOds7dUtTW0DqtlqTKf5dDQMRXjPPpUz88zlSqt2kO4iv7mIKQIrDDwL6ppQr48G5-hcj26J2afjtaKSn55eZVaSOIrtl4R4PiCl_6cv8hROBdB5a_hHQbzjXAWua05xyTBNwwfiVIG/s640/IMG_3627+%25281024x622%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">verifying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGfcdzJvo3OA2tZ754VC6jt6hIAMUWCR3WM64TCTrfRi0t4OT0Up-H683fy0r8t42weR4Qtbjo4_yrK0BOGAe5SyQ0d69z20dUMh990o3XK81CGZAoSvkoDAX0hFdETIM6OxqPg9EEQSR/s1600/IMG_3630+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGfcdzJvo3OA2tZ754VC6jt6hIAMUWCR3WM64TCTrfRi0t4OT0Up-H683fy0r8t42weR4Qtbjo4_yrK0BOGAe5SyQ0d69z20dUMh990o3XK81CGZAoSvkoDAX0hFdETIM6OxqPg9EEQSR/s640/IMG_3630+%2528683x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting on the base</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnsYhoX0FYU3-S4QVD6qcdk4TxElmRJGxM8LlmgOxDMWoiG2ZE511XB2YbGYJw-U8XOBg_xSYUpsZBC0jzZAI5WNlTk-JWFheZ1WMVdVp4k38ofWr3L1a8bO4N3loD_F1ydjFETTk6EIv/s1600/IMG_3638+%25281024x632%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1024" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnsYhoX0FYU3-S4QVD6qcdk4TxElmRJGxM8LlmgOxDMWoiG2ZE511XB2YbGYJw-U8XOBg_xSYUpsZBC0jzZAI5WNlTk-JWFheZ1WMVdVp4k38ofWr3L1a8bO4N3loD_F1ydjFETTk6EIv/s640/IMG_3638+%25281024x632%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No technicians were harmed in this process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2pTw83vBWcpZtLcVaF5IS-VmGdZeBIOw0lCcTT13hJJZtsrNi5LWNLlpojz54lwuEaeJ4HxQzgWxOJ3ZFBVvmIdQyPAOd25VLTy3aS-Q_0QGk5YIv03DLzh8tD79kjOn3wxQw89PjocG/s1600/IMG_3641+%2528666x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2pTw83vBWcpZtLcVaF5IS-VmGdZeBIOw0lCcTT13hJJZtsrNi5LWNLlpojz54lwuEaeJ4HxQzgWxOJ3ZFBVvmIdQyPAOd25VLTy3aS-Q_0QGk5YIv03DLzh8tD79kjOn3wxQw89PjocG/s640/IMG_3641+%2528666x1024%2529.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa4GRsry0yB-Xb-wTM6nYqqp26Rxz1w7LIgHb75Bns1WI1Pe-GMO8I4X0ozTYYBAfVOjV9ZVJEYPO4j0pd_4xQpb-BPOtY71dhUDyJk7jLhPSudaHR8tJG9xzRPfCr19EbsCCLi-Jq3_-/s1600/IMG_3643+%25281024x659%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa4GRsry0yB-Xb-wTM6nYqqp26Rxz1w7LIgHb75Bns1WI1Pe-GMO8I4X0ozTYYBAfVOjV9ZVJEYPO4j0pd_4xQpb-BPOtY71dhUDyJk7jLhPSudaHR8tJG9xzRPfCr19EbsCCLi-Jq3_-/s640/IMG_3643+%25281024x659%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the dowel to 14 inches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 7: Attaching the Horns</b><br />
I took a 7/8" spade bit and drilled a hole in the skull where the intersection of the horns would be. I had to drill it from both sides because my spade bit wasn't long enough to bore the hole all the way through.<br />
<br />
I then marked and cut the spot with a Dremel where the stand would intersect with the skull. When that was complete, I placed it in the channel and marked where the dowel would go. Next I drilled the 7/8" hole in the wooden stand.<br />
<br />
Then came the moment of truth. Would everything fit? Since this part was all eyeballed, there was a chance it wouldn't work. luckily, though it did. It all fit together nicely.<br />
<i>Time: 15 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbfNisr5gHC3unJRmuykJjDEwBmq7vY6pdMaS5X93Wnt2oQd2K596oi32MJy8IzhgJJQ3NhlEYxuRhKN8dD4A6j502UjAHVKI3LEpxsjR9KKYRmj94AN51-NS6Q0At0g13iXszVT4TEfe/s1600/IMG_3645+%25281024x642%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbfNisr5gHC3unJRmuykJjDEwBmq7vY6pdMaS5X93Wnt2oQd2K596oi32MJy8IzhgJJQ3NhlEYxuRhKN8dD4A6j502UjAHVKI3LEpxsjR9KKYRmj94AN51-NS6Q0At0g13iXszVT4TEfe/s640/IMG_3645+%25281024x642%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling the hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQkE5Da_nJu5BaHxAZpjp7hcnrz3Dqd6ShEMbj53hs0tScyBH-K6hmlXgAK-FgPX_zEZ35olxhpomv2t_R_dro4D2IeQKvVBrEgKez1B2zjPSWM2BFrwRhH2e5X4KShQt29mOJZB0tEq3/s1600/IMG_3647+%25281024x658%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQkE5Da_nJu5BaHxAZpjp7hcnrz3Dqd6ShEMbj53hs0tScyBH-K6hmlXgAK-FgPX_zEZ35olxhpomv2t_R_dro4D2IeQKvVBrEgKez1B2zjPSWM2BFrwRhH2e5X4KShQt29mOJZB0tEq3/s640/IMG_3647+%25281024x658%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking the spot for the stand to rest inside the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLQY9emM2NCsx4L1qrbwlH310vvdLugENnyzq_n-806ijM_Yw3xQmTY6RpLOwLqwJTN8yfIY7-K50x03Sss0wwopGkd-aHTH_N7iNwO-QQCKrOz2EmGRWMpSPUL9TDlYWjhUuMrBV2idC/s1600/IMG_3648+%25281024x645%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1024" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLQY9emM2NCsx4L1qrbwlH310vvdLugENnyzq_n-806ijM_Yw3xQmTY6RpLOwLqwJTN8yfIY7-K50x03Sss0wwopGkd-aHTH_N7iNwO-QQCKrOz2EmGRWMpSPUL9TDlYWjhUuMrBV2idC/s640/IMG_3648+%25281024x645%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made a decision then changed it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOn3_MBHVAmpr1nd_2zO9RwrfEYhG0czptNlzROCwYcdJRYNxt4DaGquc-AjrhP09KKMvxwqGzBnlI9dnDOpvnpWL6neyZY8e-aaC5dWUbkvZWhG6g6Ip4fdAiRfrkMEZmgsN5H4Slm2Y/s1600/IMG_3650+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOn3_MBHVAmpr1nd_2zO9RwrfEYhG0czptNlzROCwYcdJRYNxt4DaGquc-AjrhP09KKMvxwqGzBnlI9dnDOpvnpWL6neyZY8e-aaC5dWUbkvZWhG6g6Ip4fdAiRfrkMEZmgsN5H4Slm2Y/s640/IMG_3650+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting it out with the Dremel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPHaGkJ_uyxl59lH8HJUHWZtW7hphH9YIn1X3hB5Z4ev4ol4E3P4WPf4_pk2_N99vF4f7R33VJl0eyuspkdxVP6dJ6q1vDhT5XJ5kb2_Otoef02nIKVbVO-6uMyxtGo0C-HQ5GGR0TS3i/s1600/IMG_3651+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPHaGkJ_uyxl59lH8HJUHWZtW7hphH9YIn1X3hB5Z4ev4ol4E3P4WPf4_pk2_N99vF4f7R33VJl0eyuspkdxVP6dJ6q1vDhT5XJ5kb2_Otoef02nIKVbVO-6uMyxtGo0C-HQ5GGR0TS3i/s640/IMG_3651+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final fitting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcFb-ZnVe1GAxOqxZ_SotsZrlXtH7NX4clbcEc4mZbFVaEOCQyFyuAOUzi1urYueRAuJNW5trV8GivEpv3AigSRdob1a6iqAwull_MOvrFL-U8GXAFaQ8hHjTHZT6e29-eI4Zl079X4lg/s1600/IMG_3652+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcFb-ZnVe1GAxOqxZ_SotsZrlXtH7NX4clbcEc4mZbFVaEOCQyFyuAOUzi1urYueRAuJNW5trV8GivEpv3AigSRdob1a6iqAwull_MOvrFL-U8GXAFaQ8hHjTHZT6e29-eI4Zl079X4lg/s640/IMG_3652+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking the stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ65ky2dWukvh25cgFWT9QSFQLCLvllEq5zbuAELgLhc6q2KMeRXIlzY_Usa7cb_FXfHCzNpFQAEV3IuGY-wUx3PpYfM-OdENYotUNNkdsJBJ6OaHXWOGOK3w2OajEATpIi89abl-2WtwM/s1600/IMG_3654+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ65ky2dWukvh25cgFWT9QSFQLCLvllEq5zbuAELgLhc6q2KMeRXIlzY_Usa7cb_FXfHCzNpFQAEV3IuGY-wUx3PpYfM-OdENYotUNNkdsJBJ6OaHXWOGOK3w2OajEATpIi89abl-2WtwM/s640/IMG_3654+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling the stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6s_cTCDP3f3ZNP_rfs7en49DobKtvMn5pUj6M7wKboNj1FmKb0diafHXSCLEwj9NK_2T0NIBJGbucaH6Krm66FmyF82TBxmsnSrMupFlZdpY0iE5p3BbvVulLtvN5eS_nwM8SBHP8U9v/s1600/IMG_3655+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6s_cTCDP3f3ZNP_rfs7en49DobKtvMn5pUj6M7wKboNj1FmKb0diafHXSCLEwj9NK_2T0NIBJGbucaH6Krm66FmyF82TBxmsnSrMupFlZdpY0iE5p3BbvVulLtvN5eS_nwM8SBHP8U9v/s640/IMG_3655+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moment of truth. It fits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 8: Final Horn Assembly</b><br />
I decided early on to use coat hanger wire to shape the horns. I like to craft with coat hangers because they are cheap, they are everywhere, and they are made of stiff wire. I figured I could use coat hangers to help keep the shape of the horns.<br />
<br />
I decided each horn would need four coat hangers. I selected eight hangers and began cutting the hook off, then straightening them and finally cutting them all to approximately the same length.<br />
<br />
Next I made drilling marks on the dowels at the skull and at the end of each horn. Then I put a piece of tape as a marker on my drill bit as a depth gauge.<br />
<br />
After the holes were drilled, I began the wire and dowel assembly by using Gorilla Glue. Then I realized I was too impatient to use Gorilla Glue and abandoned it for hot glue. That being said, I like Gorilla Glue and I use it often. I was just in a hurry on this project.<br />
<br />
When the wires were attached, I eyeball measured the pool noodles and cut them to length with a bread knife. Then I sleeved the pool noodles over the wire and dowel assembly.<br />
<br />
Finally, I drilled a pilot hole in the frame and the main dowel and then drove a drywall screw in to hold the dowel in place side to side and to keep it from rotating.<br />
<i>Time: 45 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL7E6JlDUEcsdi7phXe2Yc-XE24RscvSvAbU9G7K7FhYLX6mpqTVJAcQ61OUVrqOcrDZJrjuHuqaIZiVeLgnxBb9XHyPre8JjCKLYKGRS2xxRW-c5SgwU48TpMK6qpZXrw7BAAS7_qsTy/s1600/IMG_3656+%25281024x645%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1024" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL7E6JlDUEcsdi7phXe2Yc-XE24RscvSvAbU9G7K7FhYLX6mpqTVJAcQ61OUVrqOcrDZJrjuHuqaIZiVeLgnxBb9XHyPre8JjCKLYKGRS2xxRW-c5SgwU48TpMK6qpZXrw7BAAS7_qsTy/s640/IMG_3656+%25281024x645%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire coathangers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp7b39qZi-0NZc2n8N3512TUZq6Kt1iCka4S-0ieBAGzca6z4Tka4aLIWeMcHFfJSDEfisx5oHg0bmXinGRxqbBm9gzF9552xn2i-sIrwBLNBaIiuRqOJ3htiMFTmscR_Yd4q-xODa8wH/s1600/IMG_3657+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp7b39qZi-0NZc2n8N3512TUZq6Kt1iCka4S-0ieBAGzca6z4Tka4aLIWeMcHFfJSDEfisx5oHg0bmXinGRxqbBm9gzF9552xn2i-sIrwBLNBaIiuRqOJ3htiMFTmscR_Yd4q-xODa8wH/s640/IMG_3657+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting off the hook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXfCQUVqEv60mt48JeDBYMif0gquavVs3AVGcQVJk7Mh3CO0DDHaJyKbavd-7dzA5_eVmNdwuRHzcedzRbsYJebbypWj03Vs6dTrV0KpLKCvwFoohjIv9YOiCO0BhCSVU7LlmbhDGvsDk/s1600/IMG_3658+%25281024x598%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1024" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXfCQUVqEv60mt48JeDBYMif0gquavVs3AVGcQVJk7Mh3CO0DDHaJyKbavd-7dzA5_eVmNdwuRHzcedzRbsYJebbypWj03Vs6dTrV0KpLKCvwFoohjIv9YOiCO0BhCSVU7LlmbhDGvsDk/s640/IMG_3658+%25281024x598%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hookless</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUNNlnaCUk0Kn8f7UBM7Pr0la8J0AE_JM-gVM5FyBBUhrd5VidAP1b3roMdmOC4D_KnxitcwbYH0IMNw-1Wxp08sCUDjt5JmEmBgy1TPNjADIl9p5_LH9A6sOYuUXOPs3RHYVddFmjVJv/s1600/IMG_3659+%25281024x616%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1024" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUNNlnaCUk0Kn8f7UBM7Pr0la8J0AE_JM-gVM5FyBBUhrd5VidAP1b3roMdmOC4D_KnxitcwbYH0IMNw-1Wxp08sCUDjt5JmEmBgy1TPNjADIl9p5_LH9A6sOYuUXOPs3RHYVddFmjVJv/s640/IMG_3659+%25281024x616%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straightening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyArpAaCcL43qjgZCzb9-NjljFDsC6KhjZroC2WfGoOH4_SNEUNQJiK2yhHBYs_39EeHf2b12ihz5k1PQ1h2D9f5nX5OGHm19_cRaEew8LoriM8QI2wvtRDaRWTZsTrCmKVfnaCmIIcVf2/s1600/IMG_3660+%25281024x663%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1024" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyArpAaCcL43qjgZCzb9-NjljFDsC6KhjZroC2WfGoOH4_SNEUNQJiK2yhHBYs_39EeHf2b12ihz5k1PQ1h2D9f5nX5OGHm19_cRaEew8LoriM8QI2wvtRDaRWTZsTrCmKVfnaCmIIcVf2/s640/IMG_3660+%25281024x663%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw material</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57z5P4uTrNrEtV4GohpiscNxER0F6GNc6fTOCbONtZbmt9x9IEOGv01CiyxbUKWBikIsQd5s-HK2-gBgXZpbmQ6rbUZVHUr9dYOCQWehSVB7CDBlXTX5MCBQV8iY-Uj5NDEDCV1FAJQfG/s1600/IMG_3661+%25281024x669%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57z5P4uTrNrEtV4GohpiscNxER0F6GNc6fTOCbONtZbmt9x9IEOGv01CiyxbUKWBikIsQd5s-HK2-gBgXZpbmQ6rbUZVHUr9dYOCQWehSVB7CDBlXTX5MCBQV8iY-Uj5NDEDCV1FAJQfG/s640/IMG_3661+%25281024x669%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting to length</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4Wp4jMT4otR6oHdHEfiJpib8xrW5c8MK3DeoFAVqoPQ2_bE5XupGcM_jTbqeMz0IV28xpFL5X16Tulbb8_Z0FpBnCQL19G9NGuhsveitOFm5AuOeofqdqQndJcHPNg7ov46gps0GHf_l/s1600/IMG_3663+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4Wp4jMT4otR6oHdHEfiJpib8xrW5c8MK3DeoFAVqoPQ2_bE5XupGcM_jTbqeMz0IV28xpFL5X16Tulbb8_Z0FpBnCQL19G9NGuhsveitOFm5AuOeofqdqQndJcHPNg7ov46gps0GHf_l/s640/IMG_3663+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Depth gauge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ4s9D-Av4ONqHI6L6k3aXoMmZmnrlAq9fgXpx6084ec9_hs9wWSQhzUiHSO48IDacgvn9YZFnoT11QJto0-AlHTbnjzNmkPmwIC-_UYFCQ6R_T3_Dy9JczSrIYFGhIC4_At67NwJhjmA/s1600/IMG_3664+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ4s9D-Av4ONqHI6L6k3aXoMmZmnrlAq9fgXpx6084ec9_hs9wWSQhzUiHSO48IDacgvn9YZFnoT11QJto0-AlHTbnjzNmkPmwIC-_UYFCQ6R_T3_Dy9JczSrIYFGhIC4_At67NwJhjmA/s640/IMG_3664+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tkPKvuCk87_IiKh5nn9VPmU0afw4rW55U9ePG6hT-jYqfsSNdXbYtzd32kMxERmAqUXBmkv8pg5dzpu3sAxRoidpS46gNdRgy8SZ-JWCR5Jnfr8p5jtNMwFni9Vj2StvfdguZUNausvx/s1600/IMG_3666+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tkPKvuCk87_IiKh5nn9VPmU0afw4rW55U9ePG6hT-jYqfsSNdXbYtzd32kMxERmAqUXBmkv8pg5dzpu3sAxRoidpS46gNdRgy8SZ-JWCR5Jnfr8p5jtNMwFni9Vj2StvfdguZUNausvx/s640/IMG_3666+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtFIworC9HXVKbLcjx4F5zVmDhIM4OuEQoCRSvYdKgAPqV1nSbtTcBjyR4rLL1cb1m1AXKzE9-ljfEYcKA7dmoc1sUSqrvjTvt0RiArwz7ePCIIDPbTOqwYq1ZITOGK5sm-BTVdBa-lsg/s1600/IMG_3668+%2528684x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtFIworC9HXVKbLcjx4F5zVmDhIM4OuEQoCRSvYdKgAPqV1nSbtTcBjyR4rLL1cb1m1AXKzE9-ljfEYcKA7dmoc1sUSqrvjTvt0RiArwz7ePCIIDPbTOqwYq1ZITOGK5sm-BTVdBa-lsg/s640/IMG_3668+%2528684x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorilla Glue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZqljV1p6Rv3QSXK0ubvIz5CDmXyqHkhwDGU-43JQowkoNQIllqQyITThywzi0-k6GtUAbaEHRSvEMaFWz4dcwY2YdLyUBaILMfbsx55aKlFxehqxUr6-xqZKOZc2bRukyx4Ojc0dU2Q-/s1600/IMG_3669+%25281024x637%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1024" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZqljV1p6Rv3QSXK0ubvIz5CDmXyqHkhwDGU-43JQowkoNQIllqQyITThywzi0-k6GtUAbaEHRSvEMaFWz4dcwY2YdLyUBaILMfbsx55aKlFxehqxUr6-xqZKOZc2bRukyx4Ojc0dU2Q-/s640/IMG_3669+%25281024x637%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nah, I'm going to hot glue that. Are my hands really that pink?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpqQVHJPsjAhfVGUqECMZUSirRsD03R0h0pmvW3_2K893rv7DXecPOgglBVnpxTVXjZJUNZSuOMBjUrcMIezzcWBIzCJJ_ER_ifMoRT-ZPnlijqieP9RhZqIu_PWc8tak6lH2laMKwDCA/s1600/IMG_3671+%25281024x646%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1024" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpqQVHJPsjAhfVGUqECMZUSirRsD03R0h0pmvW3_2K893rv7DXecPOgglBVnpxTVXjZJUNZSuOMBjUrcMIezzcWBIzCJJ_ER_ifMoRT-ZPnlijqieP9RhZqIu_PWc8tak6lH2laMKwDCA/s640/IMG_3671+%25281024x646%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire and dowel assembly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEj2ZJux6IjpKsiIFKdG3AZG-lgmztSw5GWribEmMzn57XGNHPSVKSN37i1yPvveEtDXJaA38RBEPjGXM1nlIRH9dFqToUO62rjxjzDc3VdEEjc298GxrawbOs1eFBrwp2FnBQ41vKpiWM/s1600/IMG_3674+%25281024x634%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1024" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEj2ZJux6IjpKsiIFKdG3AZG-lgmztSw5GWribEmMzn57XGNHPSVKSN37i1yPvveEtDXJaA38RBEPjGXM1nlIRH9dFqToUO62rjxjzDc3VdEEjc298GxrawbOs1eFBrwp2FnBQ41vKpiWM/s640/IMG_3674+%25281024x634%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking the pool noodle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNZOSdrAFc0m94wtBOa-wDDAedpZC8uD2ydoB0u0RsZemfBs40IYsHD_BNNQLOc5-vcAwRDvEoMSiJWembmR5cwzVA928S92wuDDHjI_vmu4Do_4WOJejWE1fHor5EeRJ2vOg5gDx8eDW/s1600/IMG_3675+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNZOSdrAFc0m94wtBOa-wDDAedpZC8uD2ydoB0u0RsZemfBs40IYsHD_BNNQLOc5-vcAwRDvEoMSiJWembmR5cwzVA928S92wuDDHjI_vmu4Do_4WOJejWE1fHor5EeRJ2vOg5gDx8eDW/s640/IMG_3675+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the pool noodle with a bread knife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AglYQEZv2kcTSiVXX_zbTipbBc6bPlEEzX6uyuNuAJXz2_UZtij49G1O726Wh1lNgz6QGf8RdMJC5mmMIdO9TzL_KNmBKfmT2Da5k7yAplrov5dU2_sTNzypcBgKuo8odqRpM2ktX3UZ/s1600/IMG_3676+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AglYQEZv2kcTSiVXX_zbTipbBc6bPlEEzX6uyuNuAJXz2_UZtij49G1O726Wh1lNgz6QGf8RdMJC5mmMIdO9TzL_KNmBKfmT2Da5k7yAplrov5dU2_sTNzypcBgKuo8odqRpM2ktX3UZ/s640/IMG_3676+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZmIeFcY3-UOrBaCrFNdCj2vhkW1hkiPxUVlpgVdhcyyT4d2D3Oa64sxkbCwNG-15m9ucB1TSJu1HSxkdvhYhP23v_pLCU3JOgyYKTM3SlGCl5gcm5eyuI60Q3x13ix0i6K0UWwwGZRtK/s1600/IMG_3679+%25281024x665%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZmIeFcY3-UOrBaCrFNdCj2vhkW1hkiPxUVlpgVdhcyyT4d2D3Oa64sxkbCwNG-15m9ucB1TSJu1HSxkdvhYhP23v_pLCU3JOgyYKTM3SlGCl5gcm5eyuI60Q3x13ix0i6K0UWwwGZRtK/s640/IMG_3679+%25281024x665%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very large steer horns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVdmUSTHapNuCf6sInhqIsRlpDjpPYiM93EaCqL4JbHnoAM0THy_gPm579Dw-TLEoprGHyOyScwqW_2sniKl2zIf9EoSUbXBSmt3a04fryKUQiWIylCxaahQPP14_lSfcLb6yZO5MDZtz/s1600/IMG_3681+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVdmUSTHapNuCf6sInhqIsRlpDjpPYiM93EaCqL4JbHnoAM0THy_gPm579Dw-TLEoprGHyOyScwqW_2sniKl2zIf9EoSUbXBSmt3a04fryKUQiWIylCxaahQPP14_lSfcLb6yZO5MDZtz/s640/IMG_3681+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Securing the dowel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 9: Adjustments and Mastic</b><br />
Richard had asked for the skull to be about 3' wide. At this point the skull was closer to seven feet wide. I knew I'd lose some of the width by bending the horns, but I also knew I couldn't bend them enough to make them look good and get close to the measurement he was asking for.<br />
<br />
I contacted him and suggested the horns would probably be wider than 3'. He said the wall they were going on was about five and a half feet wide. I settled on about four and a half feet wide for the finished width.<br />
<br />
Then I disassembled the horn rig and cut about a foot off of each wire and re-glued them. In order to do that I had to clean off the original hot glue, which was gumming up the holes.<br />
<br />
I measured the pool noodles again and re-cut them. Then I sleeved them over the dowel and wire assembly one more time. The new width was far more reasonable. Then I bent the wires inside the pool noodles and formed the horns as symmetrically as I could.<br />
<br />
When I was satisfied with the bend of the horns I applied <a href="http://us.rosco.com/en/product/flexcoatr" target="_blank">Rosco Flexcoat</a> as a mastic. I needed to use mastic on this project because I needed a barrier between the foam and the fiberglas resin. Fiberglas resin will eat polystyrene foam.<br />
<i>Time: 30 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47YhXyjNX-xEbXCStleSwePNa1UjWtPZdwpFG9huGqi0fJAFeniKA5WP3R-ASoOh0yopHys22A5a7Fl_Mtq7VMUnOTZSX-mXEJ4wyCon_iB_JDPycPDGHlSTtbgj-vhNBdCzruyzSDIjK/s1600/IMG_3683+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47YhXyjNX-xEbXCStleSwePNa1UjWtPZdwpFG9huGqi0fJAFeniKA5WP3R-ASoOh0yopHys22A5a7Fl_Mtq7VMUnOTZSX-mXEJ4wyCon_iB_JDPycPDGHlSTtbgj-vhNBdCzruyzSDIjK/s640/IMG_3683+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortened horns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXM0UyqiZv9cibjuTmS68-3Od0T70SJy0A9NA1_V4O9-Qf77h-Ji5Hczf8kA6flKwvjVnLxERJz4ZlZLGabpgpCZmOzTlWFEQ7q8128yhB954NP5uXwpHERU5IaK01nUVhYo1Ti-d_Luv/s1600/IMG_3684+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXM0UyqiZv9cibjuTmS68-3Od0T70SJy0A9NA1_V4O9-Qf77h-Ji5Hczf8kA6flKwvjVnLxERJz4ZlZLGabpgpCZmOzTlWFEQ7q8128yhB954NP5uXwpHERU5IaK01nUVhYo1Ti-d_Luv/s640/IMG_3684+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final bend and applying Rosco Flexcoat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMgEqe1QZ6HOY_cqzxDH_Fu93R5rsOfrl5ce-0zuAFrrwXfJH7P55FCAI4-7OptekrF1exgVA9RpwU0g7xIX_lTb07owgzWReTBFvhhXc9TdEqC-FEY_TtZZg-aWNTptGH2LL8dqPN3BU/s1600/IMG_3691+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMgEqe1QZ6HOY_cqzxDH_Fu93R5rsOfrl5ce-0zuAFrrwXfJH7P55FCAI4-7OptekrF1exgVA9RpwU0g7xIX_lTb07owgzWReTBFvhhXc9TdEqC-FEY_TtZZg-aWNTptGH2LL8dqPN3BU/s640/IMG_3691+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mastic finished with a can of Rosco Flexcoat as a shameless plug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 10: Fiberglas</b><br />
I had never used fiberglas before this project. I had used fiberglas resin, but had never used the actual glass. I found two different types of fiberglas mat, one that was a woven fabric and the other that resembled Chaos Cloth from Rosebrand. I chose the Chaos Cloth lookalike. I figured it would conform to compound shapes better.<br />
<br />
I had a friend there who walked me through the basics of fiberglassing. First I cut the mat into smaller more manageable pieces. Then I used <a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Super-77-Multipurpose-Adhesive/?N=5002385+3293999134&rt=rud" target="_blank">Super 77</a> spray adhesive to attach the glass mat onto the steer skull and the horns. I was especially careful to make sure that the pieces that wrapped around the top of the skull spanned the attachment joint between the skull and the horns.<br />
<br />
When I had the skull all wrapped in glass matting, I began mixing and applying the fiberglas resin. I used a silicon basting brush to apply the resin. I learned that tapping the resin in place was more effective than trying to brush the resin in place. When you brush it, the mat tries to move around with the bristles. The next time I use fiberglas, I will find a way to attach the glass mat a little more securely. It was a little frustrating when it moved around and I had to do considerable cleanup work with it after it cured. Once I had all the resin on the skull, I went home. There was nothing I could do on it until the resin cured.<br />
<i>Time: 1 hour</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5LbyFchBy3YyNkT15pbTqYe5AshAYAIFi7yjKzFnYtZWBzuwNHKGs2m1dn7nLd_KBJ6FgZxiNWNECHIn2rzjNmlJ-D36oTTRUslfHvFFrDX_5UFk1MYInC9Y3NNJCp4z5v6KPwp82ct7/s1600/IMG_3692+%25281024x666%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5LbyFchBy3YyNkT15pbTqYe5AshAYAIFi7yjKzFnYtZWBzuwNHKGs2m1dn7nLd_KBJ6FgZxiNWNECHIn2rzjNmlJ-D36oTTRUslfHvFFrDX_5UFk1MYInC9Y3NNJCp4z5v6KPwp82ct7/s640/IMG_3692+%25281024x666%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the Chaos Cloth lookalike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5XGFjwymxzUpoKial72lRUWtl9r-Mx4ISyQ_CP_j57pBMN7wagFSSGncoeEgU_XNwEJ0hfICe2GB4a9PWe3tLiiuOvQyccSsC4FekKZzNwlCC7z_ydgBXVOm6OWJhyphenhyphenBLDcerQ979s3GM/s1600/IMG_3694+%25281024x680%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5XGFjwymxzUpoKial72lRUWtl9r-Mx4ISyQ_CP_j57pBMN7wagFSSGncoeEgU_XNwEJ0hfICe2GB4a9PWe3tLiiuOvQyccSsC4FekKZzNwlCC7z_ydgBXVOm6OWJhyphenhyphenBLDcerQ979s3GM/s640/IMG_3694+%25281024x680%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3M Super 77</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWh3i397yrdWARSnMTtMBnVeazB9_oczInqIalHNi60xuszWN2l3FLuTo3TAaKfmdhK6S7UtevBroMneHj3DjTEuphLaiehW92CiRVlKnKi8TCAQ9VNSpzY5wTJTbHVpxUVQEhAyrxQGk/s1600/IMG_3695+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWh3i397yrdWARSnMTtMBnVeazB9_oczInqIalHNi60xuszWN2l3FLuTo3TAaKfmdhK6S7UtevBroMneHj3DjTEuphLaiehW92CiRVlKnKi8TCAQ9VNSpzY5wTJTbHVpxUVQEhAyrxQGk/s640/IMG_3695+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glassed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGaOiKYeGd0IIYJ8Pw4f1ULvZz4SAZa06yK-l9rintzKCjaO9lwDpN92jH4FjUgLpynfupVJgPMwUM6Fc7k6adxFo4Tukk8ujcQsT3GlSvHIsJowyPDW75aNwS7PgYTFjnGdHiOfLr0JQ/s1600/IMG_3696+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGaOiKYeGd0IIYJ8Pw4f1ULvZz4SAZa06yK-l9rintzKCjaO9lwDpN92jH4FjUgLpynfupVJgPMwUM6Fc7k6adxFo4Tukk8ujcQsT3GlSvHIsJowyPDW75aNwS7PgYTFjnGdHiOfLr0JQ/s640/IMG_3696+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJdPDgVLb2NHTS0PGVooi4jGYc-A0OCJpdSu3ZIc8lhyphenhyphenMErM1mLdYdRnZYIH9AEOotYKuDL0UGeICgcoi9x30NlvySc8XT7H5P41rNqnN1huC73etDT2sdBJTMSxwLubyuqnALJUfIfVU/s1600/IMG_3697+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJdPDgVLb2NHTS0PGVooi4jGYc-A0OCJpdSu3ZIc8lhyphenhyphenMErM1mLdYdRnZYIH9AEOotYKuDL0UGeICgcoi9x30NlvySc8XT7H5P41rNqnN1huC73etDT2sdBJTMSxwLubyuqnALJUfIfVU/s640/IMG_3697+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding resin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM91GLA-HhYtjP5CK9GIYWSX-iBqaFT1Ms-iH9acLdRwpAr-aDDYjZqamelShBiW04Z0U2pDaV5J0m6zkubhHvgR2EL-p1hkVWr4naLGGT5dr2SiQvix3Atk_EN64pAlutu2okuBSph9J4/s1600/IMG_3703+%25281024x646%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1024" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM91GLA-HhYtjP5CK9GIYWSX-iBqaFT1Ms-iH9acLdRwpAr-aDDYjZqamelShBiW04Z0U2pDaV5J0m6zkubhHvgR2EL-p1hkVWr4naLGGT5dr2SiQvix3Atk_EN64pAlutu2okuBSph9J4/s640/IMG_3703+%25281024x646%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fiberglassed skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 11: Cleanup and Paint Prep</b><br />
The fiberglas did everything I hoped it would. It created a hard shell on the skull and it secured the pool noodle horns in place. Prior to the fiberglas, the horns still had a tendency to flex and bounce. The fiberglas fixed that.<br />
<br />
There were downsides to the fiberglassing as well, though. Since it was my first time, and I had been in a bit of a hurry, there were places where the glass mat hadn't laid down very well. There were also places, especially around the eye sockets where the ends of the glass mat hadn't been covered with resin. Those areas needed to be trimmed. For this I used my Dremel Tool with an aluminum oxide grinding bit.<br />
<br />
Since I was grinding fiberglas and resin, I wore safety glasses, a particle mask and gloves and I worked in the fume hood.<br />
<br />
When the grinding was finished, I used a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/18-in-x-36-in-Tack-Cloth-6-Pack-10506/205754754" target="_blank">tack rag</a>, which is essentially a piece of cheesecloth with sticky resin infused. Tack rags help to remove dust from a piece in preparation for paint.<br />
<br />
I also painted an ivory color inside the eye sockets and a few other places where I felt the polystyrene was unprotected. I did this because my intent was to spray paint the skull. Polystyrene foam melts under the influence of the solvents in most spray paints.<br />
<br />
While that was drying, I changed the bits on my Dremel Tool to a small diamond point bit, and carved the bone plates in the surface of the skull.<br />
<i>Time: 45 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_XhyphenhyphenSEdmeoAEWJ5_BIkpbdw_wtxxlnp5Vqz36OxO3Qq5qBvqbu5_iS3mubr7A1bQVeAm8mR4Rv2JGa8MCwSZzh7XnxHs-6tJs8UFrrfJOHrhiDv9nV4jod9KHtDSv7y6_GDBQANVn6z7/s1600/IMG_3706+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_XhyphenhyphenSEdmeoAEWJ5_BIkpbdw_wtxxlnp5Vqz36OxO3Qq5qBvqbu5_iS3mubr7A1bQVeAm8mR4Rv2JGa8MCwSZzh7XnxHs-6tJs8UFrrfJOHrhiDv9nV4jod9KHtDSv7y6_GDBQANVn6z7/s640/IMG_3706+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grinding the rough stuff with the Dremel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYX_7o7zHm8WFVnXch0PwKWQJZKITrHTdOwgWxFcKGu9Zhse0yzn9xS6Ce7u7D2NG3u5wUEreBLsgV5hX0EN6tdXizsYQzcnBiPlu6ZkWq5R5WXIE-xEKAR-Q1BmamghIIdTxpCUYAudI/s1600/IMG_3711+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYX_7o7zHm8WFVnXch0PwKWQJZKITrHTdOwgWxFcKGu9Zhse0yzn9xS6Ce7u7D2NG3u5wUEreBLsgV5hX0EN6tdXizsYQzcnBiPlu6ZkWq5R5WXIE-xEKAR-Q1BmamghIIdTxpCUYAudI/s640/IMG_3711+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of eye socket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIwEuRg_FkKKegf0qVdU0n4AW7rQZMNh9knNu2SrbUazMSpsgH-vUSLeX-1km4IW24zAGppeW-zKAnU2Ai-o0jV3BzDmqtodQ0FNMFX47yzl_lv0x5qAvlYSktQGlXLxeIyNbgzwFJD1J/s1600/IMG_3713+%25281024x675%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIwEuRg_FkKKegf0qVdU0n4AW7rQZMNh9knNu2SrbUazMSpsgH-vUSLeX-1km4IW24zAGppeW-zKAnU2Ai-o0jV3BzDmqtodQ0FNMFX47yzl_lv0x5qAvlYSktQGlXLxeIyNbgzwFJD1J/s640/IMG_3713+%25281024x675%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tack rag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Djs1O9_9RXmOkofQsF5YuxyYXr9M_1v0_HtXMKNhqEdad5iV9ne-nb0oxaSNLTQXtrJHcCs94pM6aFtElWZiqzmvLR5Bx7LkssWDyjAfXg1BzcLTmSPKICtKEkwVh5ovTCZFGUqplSBw/s1600/IMG_3714+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Djs1O9_9RXmOkofQsF5YuxyYXr9M_1v0_HtXMKNhqEdad5iV9ne-nb0oxaSNLTQXtrJHcCs94pM6aFtElWZiqzmvLR5Bx7LkssWDyjAfXg1BzcLTmSPKICtKEkwVh5ovTCZFGUqplSBw/s640/IMG_3714+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting inside the nasals and the eyes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDynQ69mx022TeS9WD-etufSx7SF_N0SI836VPtj2zsfeL_vyVaYM2z7tmsWy4jb1OyaTEeaLxQFMVWOwu2nEjjOW5gayCqBb_R4qTTf9Nx_jB_oPSXkJJkOwPkxqVAjRXVlInFXeYigD/s1600/IMG_3715+%25281024x678%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDynQ69mx022TeS9WD-etufSx7SF_N0SI836VPtj2zsfeL_vyVaYM2z7tmsWy4jb1OyaTEeaLxQFMVWOwu2nEjjOW5gayCqBb_R4qTTf9Nx_jB_oPSXkJJkOwPkxqVAjRXVlInFXeYigD/s640/IMG_3715+%25281024x678%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the bone plates into the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9u746jBmfJ3CsA28zlXh6kwv-q3O_wBcT_D4k0Ss2nv8UZGdNHikWlb3BG2IgU-yzT1Ft6L7qxS-RSlfXUjq87A_bYfj3AvEIjOA5jKRsgLqUl7soyaetyrxsoDfTncnM08hQWlY6aw6/s1600/IMG_3716+%2528679x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9u746jBmfJ3CsA28zlXh6kwv-q3O_wBcT_D4k0Ss2nv8UZGdNHikWlb3BG2IgU-yzT1Ft6L7qxS-RSlfXUjq87A_bYfj3AvEIjOA5jKRsgLqUl7soyaetyrxsoDfTncnM08hQWlY6aw6/s640/IMG_3716+%2528679x1024%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabrication complet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 12: The Paint Job</b><br />
I am a big fan of <a href="http://dmcolor.com/explore/color-sprays/" target="_blank">Design Master Color Tool</a> in prop building. I used Ivory for the base of the skull and Almond for the base of the horns. Then I applied green frog tape to mask the skull from the horn paint job.<br />
<br />
The horns were painted with a combination of Glossy Wood Tone, Walnut Wood Tone and Chocolate. I wanted the horns to be a little variegated as they were in the research I had found, so I started with the lightest color and worked to the darker colors. When I got to the Chocolate, I used a potato scrubbing brush and dragged it through the wet paint.<br />
<br />
At the end, I added Deep Blue in the darkest parts of the horns for depth and richness.<br />
<br />
Then I went to old fashioned brush paint for a little aging on the skull itself. I used a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2082187355"></span>Rosco Off Broadway, Raw Umber<span id="goog_2082187356"></span></a> wash and wiped and daubed it away so the paint would settle into the deepest recesses of the bone plate joints in the skull.<br />
<br />
For the last step, I painted the teeth of the skull with white nail enamel.<br />
<br />
And then I turned it over to the Properties Department to be hung on the set.<br />
<i>Time: 30 minutes.</i><br />
<i>Total Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHwUkv2eW4gjXN4Lr9KxbOx5Eu7ZSjhdzHu9eEXwC4tEvscSUVYv0BE3ukvZUa8FKK3idL2felCowIOAHDZKzYumzFhN2y7XHbJzfEFOUZhUbvXp_18xQXICoh4Sq0Ho8MVrHZcvGIi2Z/s1600/IMG_3722+%25281024x678%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHwUkv2eW4gjXN4Lr9KxbOx5Eu7ZSjhdzHu9eEXwC4tEvscSUVYv0BE3ukvZUa8FKK3idL2felCowIOAHDZKzYumzFhN2y7XHbJzfEFOUZhUbvXp_18xQXICoh4Sq0Ho8MVrHZcvGIi2Z/s640/IMG_3722+%25281024x678%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design Master Color Tool base coat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAmmKmAb5nD5nLe5BUHPs4WBYwLlCJWJ6nbPwUSi3hKh_taeZOb3psB_ctPm2B1XQ_hSUiPYOLUXr2nYy8m6C8dUqwEm9Pf4PjvU-Z7XZRdvcnD1c6XyJbOhKz4yLeuD8yfiXUUyE0pde/s1600/IMG_3724+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAmmKmAb5nD5nLe5BUHPs4WBYwLlCJWJ6nbPwUSi3hKh_taeZOb3psB_ctPm2B1XQ_hSUiPYOLUXr2nYy8m6C8dUqwEm9Pf4PjvU-Z7XZRdvcnD1c6XyJbOhKz4yLeuD8yfiXUUyE0pde/s640/IMG_3724+%25281024x681%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basing the horns a little darker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q7C3YaKUjcy0TeRtmratz97C0Sft_qDSfmYcP5O00UGouoq4_NIVYfgVfrZ1u3m9c2kT2zj9G24QK40EgRU-O4YFTS6Z3lXE9Hxq54QFjKUD6CP19BsqhsGkndUBK6b4rbLil4OpATsL/s1600/IMG_3726+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q7C3YaKUjcy0TeRtmratz97C0Sft_qDSfmYcP5O00UGouoq4_NIVYfgVfrZ1u3m9c2kT2zj9G24QK40EgRU-O4YFTS6Z3lXE9Hxq54QFjKUD6CP19BsqhsGkndUBK6b4rbLil4OpATsL/s640/IMG_3726+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skull with basecoat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGahTuuJMJ9Litg31vb1cXpb9gVPRLcADxyCISxhbazf2xLVDaKo15WNBRPpnPE_aQfZF9a9X8kyRUSA3UMLZocPG8Cle2nWBADDmP4W2AKo2Y5spA3Tjg287HyM6KSbnRfuPNhR5cN3B/s1600/IMG_3728+%25281024x673%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1024" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGahTuuJMJ9Litg31vb1cXpb9gVPRLcADxyCISxhbazf2xLVDaKo15WNBRPpnPE_aQfZF9a9X8kyRUSA3UMLZocPG8Cle2nWBADDmP4W2AKo2Y5spA3Tjg287HyM6KSbnRfuPNhR5cN3B/s640/IMG_3728+%25281024x673%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frog Tape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGow3a3gZiu-DGPfUsYOqLZtSsXXIxgwZhRzA2WdrzaynT-OJRgNleR4Ziv7N-vR1PVBpPQgHTBg3SPoSwK6-jwt5MwhFn34Botvz9_wkDG2BwEKXouijs7iORS8JVOPqKWbsAfXoY_rTd/s1600/IMG_3730+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGow3a3gZiu-DGPfUsYOqLZtSsXXIxgwZhRzA2WdrzaynT-OJRgNleR4Ziv7N-vR1PVBpPQgHTBg3SPoSwK6-jwt5MwhFn34Botvz9_wkDG2BwEKXouijs7iORS8JVOPqKWbsAfXoY_rTd/s640/IMG_3730+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glossy Wood Tone and Walnut Wood Tone applied</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAIEaLTJSJsPk4reQ776wVQHOz5kFo-v5S38Nx1PFH5FVOJC6Z9_rLhYWwbWSqUj4k7MZ8ZVSU8wNOai6SJRiTg6MbtzrSLLPahNjWuGsIvBFzX2uTlMve_mNvLoDdhtFrYL0Cv8nNyLy/s1600/IMG_3732+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAIEaLTJSJsPk4reQ776wVQHOz5kFo-v5S38Nx1PFH5FVOJC6Z9_rLhYWwbWSqUj4k7MZ8ZVSU8wNOai6SJRiTg6MbtzrSLLPahNjWuGsIvBFzX2uTlMve_mNvLoDdhtFrYL0Cv8nNyLy/s640/IMG_3732+%25281024x684%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray and drag technique for both the Chocolate and the Dark Blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUflXMVYTTS52QCLnlptRwHHoah0dsDQ1oZqSi1ploDcVHorhLU9GX_m9fqQ6qU3McazDRLUwAHuZYr6ih2ruUVYpHTupeRulI-F3Iago4Q6n7OGkLzgReomRJzkNLlMfpr4Y_U-_b4lS2/s1600/IMG_3739+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUflXMVYTTS52QCLnlptRwHHoah0dsDQ1oZqSi1ploDcVHorhLU9GX_m9fqQ6qU3McazDRLUwAHuZYr6ih2ruUVYpHTupeRulI-F3Iago4Q6n7OGkLzgReomRJzkNLlMfpr4Y_U-_b4lS2/s640/IMG_3739+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horns complete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiJZ6AxSglLEfKRc8sPCb7FFslaGl6qgZ7zhXgdTzIbc8pkGuIx8tmmRJaKEYRhi4x7SZwni07Cenm5tTgRTPnxhyphenhyphenfrkChe0Cx7l54uvmtHXR5h76gyXNUBP5T-hY_RTNHcISamgOIAv2/s1600/IMG_3740+%2528682x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiJZ6AxSglLEfKRc8sPCb7FFslaGl6qgZ7zhXgdTzIbc8pkGuIx8tmmRJaKEYRhi4x7SZwni07Cenm5tTgRTPnxhyphenhyphenfrkChe0Cx7l54uvmtHXR5h76gyXNUBP5T-hY_RTNHcISamgOIAv2/s640/IMG_3740+%2528682x1024%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosco Raw Umber wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroujQWUJaxaYjTXkI0I-2IHbr9QanbWHkzupf5pvt_XSqaIKUTFXK8ebVke0bNrsdmdIVQhVFpiccpjK_HUNn43ChGc_h8TELD1Q6xJCFO6yg8AW_abnkFFnnU8uyekJIq9fY_aImy0_x/s1600/IMG_3741+%25281024x679%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroujQWUJaxaYjTXkI0I-2IHbr9QanbWHkzupf5pvt_XSqaIKUTFXK8ebVke0bNrsdmdIVQhVFpiccpjK_HUNn43ChGc_h8TELD1Q6xJCFO6yg8AW_abnkFFnnU8uyekJIq9fY_aImy0_x/s640/IMG_3741+%25281024x679%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx4Un1h71id-X1akyy-gTS2lx5ggCQ3xxZy2JqQlgB0CrtuqP3YyXqXr5BRtE-JpamX-sZ6uQTePfPlhO31JAc8P_jWCIMk2lPsQdGhFeyWuGprB3TOqcka1XvPfIrRpBuZXsBtNNfT5u/s1600/IMG_3742+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx4Un1h71id-X1akyy-gTS2lx5ggCQ3xxZy2JqQlgB0CrtuqP3YyXqXr5BRtE-JpamX-sZ6uQTePfPlhO31JAc8P_jWCIMk2lPsQdGhFeyWuGprB3TOqcka1XvPfIrRpBuZXsBtNNfT5u/s640/IMG_3742+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daubing off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQzoTRACAsB3WjjVuT_rpIACjlY09CR6I1xVPkuGlA7oc6cO5kjMoHMzJm68kb2P793uoiGyZRJvYZUEq7XzybvsJKn7nhxvW0TiZrG33K64-lZ9-OmNwlsYp9h2XBGjNn4tvSV2lLVky/s1600/IMG_3744+%25281024x679%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQzoTRACAsB3WjjVuT_rpIACjlY09CR6I1xVPkuGlA7oc6cO5kjMoHMzJm68kb2P793uoiGyZRJvYZUEq7XzybvsJKn7nhxvW0TiZrG33K64-lZ9-OmNwlsYp9h2XBGjNn4tvSV2lLVky/s640/IMG_3744+%25281024x679%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nail enamel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-Ef1ahXRJtY9YzDihc_nchyZWJftH4wg0CrydWuOEIhchwqaJIQdtUzQLQa9Zn-4swpbu-xx51iqFSTT-afjeMc-5CL375EcMD9Xppi13N_xwWuQS3wmkpKM6AQxVKvm1jqC3Rxqg9gi/s1600/IMG_3745+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-Ef1ahXRJtY9YzDihc_nchyZWJftH4wg0CrydWuOEIhchwqaJIQdtUzQLQa9Zn-4swpbu-xx51iqFSTT-afjeMc-5CL375EcMD9Xppi13N_xwWuQS3wmkpKM6AQxVKvm1jqC3Rxqg9gi/s640/IMG_3745+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goes on the teeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1FFcdrlMBV4i-RxYGnE34sDq4o5I-EN1o5SJ8GxdXrxTztlWFdNG27s2kja5_3mvByspKOVsjQ_UHOzjL_4bMWFlJnSkjlqEyG8nQqSjG9p3EBvwO6NX7g8QQQc2MW-hCVsISGbtKGF4/s1600/IMG_3746+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1FFcdrlMBV4i-RxYGnE34sDq4o5I-EN1o5SJ8GxdXrxTztlWFdNG27s2kja5_3mvByspKOVsjQ_UHOzjL_4bMWFlJnSkjlqEyG8nQqSjG9p3EBvwO6NX7g8QQQc2MW-hCVsISGbtKGF4/s640/IMG_3746+%25281024x682%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned it over to the prop department looking like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_lH-sAWpHnZpC7qxuKqQTtKF_uXlL1Qf9NJ_1LuvbA3bEMFqzWsomckjb9nugGKdqZjD7ZS34-WEhrEX6XAIzmbDriwCfv3xLrMwiFaeEVgE8fAWVRlJjYu4rCzYJSFM7_ssDXYm9C_l/s1600/IMG_3761+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_lH-sAWpHnZpC7qxuKqQTtKF_uXlL1Qf9NJ_1LuvbA3bEMFqzWsomckjb9nugGKdqZjD7ZS34-WEhrEX6XAIzmbDriwCfv3xLrMwiFaeEVgE8fAWVRlJjYu4rCzYJSFM7_ssDXYm9C_l/s640/IMG_3761+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is how they displayed it.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-44536582663264180492015-04-17T23:00:00.003-07:002015-04-17T23:00:47.463-07:00OOMOO® Casting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfKvq2w5v5wF7UvFoZipWV_7Id-JF9iFoe8EV0jfE_n_nh8OBLp8jKHiKcWoXSxDjMl1pPpyBj1dymyqHOb2fGzqVhyphenhyphenQ08w21V-MrPSBB2s8K4bc6yU8S5lVt96mWjBT210bEEHuPTxtt/s1600/IMG_9936+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfKvq2w5v5wF7UvFoZipWV_7Id-JF9iFoe8EV0jfE_n_nh8OBLp8jKHiKcWoXSxDjMl1pPpyBj1dymyqHOb2fGzqVhyphenhyphenQ08w21V-MrPSBB2s8K4bc6yU8S5lVt96mWjBT210bEEHuPTxtt/s1600/IMG_9936+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OOMOO® Casting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For prop class, we spend a couple of days each semester building molds and casting. The product we have used most in our shop is <b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.smooth-on.com/Silicone-Rubber-an/c2_1113_1136/index.html" target="_blank">OOMOO® Silicone Rubber</a></span></u></b>. It is a two part molding medium and comes in two speeds. The one pictured above is the fast kind which sets up in 75 minutes but only has a fifteen minute pot time. The other product we used, which most of the images in this post will be of has a 6 hour demold time and a thirty minute pot life. They are, respectively, OOMOO® 25 and OOMOO® 30. They are a product of the <b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.smooth-on.com/" target="_blank">Smooth-On Company</a></span></u></b>. <br />
<br />
For this demonstration, I asked Ray Versluys, our technical director to teach us some of the finer points of mold making. <br />
<br />
<b>Step #1: The Model</b><br />
The first step of mold making is securing the piece you are going to mold in a frame. This is called the model. <br />
<br />
For the OOMOO® to work properly, Ray said we needed to have at least one inch of clearance all the way around the model we were casting, and the sides of the frame should be one inch taller than the highest point of the relief.<br />
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We built our frame on a luan base with pine sides. First we took measurements, then we did math. We cut the lumber and assembled our frames with a pneumatic stapler.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBn1QXfQy4B72R2yf9uv7SHNbmYrOJc-Enj4igCeZhhOoFAO1ylcHf3WqJ9IXT0gpcFJ3ygY__8O3tOBVUtyPyxW3GSU4AmmP7bmCtuvzDfxLgI7BUFchzoNkUYWWF81ZZNBW2-KuhlAP/s1600/IMG_9874+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBn1QXfQy4B72R2yf9uv7SHNbmYrOJc-Enj4igCeZhhOoFAO1ylcHf3WqJ9IXT0gpcFJ3ygY__8O3tOBVUtyPyxW3GSU4AmmP7bmCtuvzDfxLgI7BUFchzoNkUYWWF81ZZNBW2-KuhlAP/s1600/IMG_9874+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring the pieces we were casting</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio71BU-TmEhbWiO4ibZ62zfe0A41x0ZSuhTNVxVFBKo5nx0KKbgRVDlytDD3N1uf8uMwqyR2-7JkpYl9ogvDuvxhI5CAHcC55Ww4nFfsi5O3d_xEfwa_y2nxmNBgXSnOfgGeB9j5Nl_Lam/s1600/IMG_9881+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio71BU-TmEhbWiO4ibZ62zfe0A41x0ZSuhTNVxVFBKo5nx0KKbgRVDlytDD3N1uf8uMwqyR2-7JkpYl9ogvDuvxhI5CAHcC55Ww4nFfsi5O3d_xEfwa_y2nxmNBgXSnOfgGeB9j5Nl_Lam/s1600/IMG_9881+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the lumber</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86Fvx9-_12wEo0She4upITYsGEhtdETqvfRgfBunQ4_QST7ATY2T20OSfH3Taiapxn9XYZntPuRIyBVF0Dbh0fqJ6Ir1zRlSpjGsqMQxcqWACR8ovuUgulIPx3Lr6P4LdJhWMR_euT-EF/s1600/IMG_9885+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86Fvx9-_12wEo0She4upITYsGEhtdETqvfRgfBunQ4_QST7ATY2T20OSfH3Taiapxn9XYZntPuRIyBVF0Dbh0fqJ6Ir1zRlSpjGsqMQxcqWACR8ovuUgulIPx3Lr6P4LdJhWMR_euT-EF/s1600/IMG_9885+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembling the frames</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQIWKRCDX6YsvulCSjjBQ-jBF50AxI9mkYLgzhyvlud_-HFquH1ubllQyOfIyhjXbA7DdKjKZsDvCNmsDzYayJkoWjgKVklH4XGGZPHHLr2a9J8qmJgA1ED0LL88HCN75j33EiZAfXpBa/s1600/IMG_9882+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQIWKRCDX6YsvulCSjjBQ-jBF50AxI9mkYLgzhyvlud_-HFquH1ubllQyOfIyhjXbA7DdKjKZsDvCNmsDzYayJkoWjgKVklH4XGGZPHHLr2a9J8qmJgA1ED0LL88HCN75j33EiZAfXpBa/s1600/IMG_9882+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attaching the bottom</td></tr>
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Once the frames were complete, we then used hot glue as a caulking around the inside joints of the frames. That was to keep the OOMOO® from leaking out. Even though it is very viscous, the structure of the OOMOO® is very fine so it will fill and find any space. The hot glue was intended to get rid of any of those types of spaces.<br />
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Then we used Super 77 Spray adhesive on both the model and the frame to create a semi-permanent bond. When using Super 77, I like to spray both surfaces, wait for at least a minute and then join the two together. You get a better bond that way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxbPgORf6pHWDUHs314yzaUUDScnHZRHwdGngMfdAbM5h42ojCDL6e5Og1_RtTCbysdhYm-71axO2iKVuvG6ZzHIYdpRx-j1yrTTDiDrwuV27QKqqA9EPLimxJXp0DUEei_S4akNu78UT/s1600/IMG_9889+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxbPgORf6pHWDUHs314yzaUUDScnHZRHwdGngMfdAbM5h42ojCDL6e5Og1_RtTCbysdhYm-71axO2iKVuvG6ZzHIYdpRx-j1yrTTDiDrwuV27QKqqA9EPLimxJXp0DUEei_S4akNu78UT/s1600/IMG_9889+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spraying the model</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ_PP7NQkZZxD1OBteVADFVs2U00h716jqoQFLuNNAjU9SZWidtn8sVvfDlI4zg1yT9dgoo9sGwSYWcNlV-mngfgatIK7QZJFgGL16KsnmWx7woaFrkHftgnLDgBsd6Dg_doVd0HUk1rg/s1600/IMG_9890+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ_PP7NQkZZxD1OBteVADFVs2U00h716jqoQFLuNNAjU9SZWidtn8sVvfDlI4zg1yT9dgoo9sGwSYWcNlV-mngfgatIK7QZJFgGL16KsnmWx7woaFrkHftgnLDgBsd6Dg_doVd0HUk1rg/s1600/IMG_9890+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spraying the frame</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhubzjaJIMiq-k34cO5bC4zkG4RRupi_2b8qDPhUPIDjaLSpk1ARoOV_g9G3qGRl7mUSZjtweWUNHkrBjWiEeWePAidt5pRotp6gnoBIpXy0E8A8KTo_bIo8F8R15_0TSkG_Pajtf4Lih/s1600/IMG_9891+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhubzjaJIMiq-k34cO5bC4zkG4RRupi_2b8qDPhUPIDjaLSpk1ARoOV_g9G3qGRl7mUSZjtweWUNHkrBjWiEeWePAidt5pRotp6gnoBIpXy0E8A8KTo_bIo8F8R15_0TSkG_Pajtf4Lih/s1600/IMG_9891+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whistling the Final Jeopardy theme song</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MLgKdkRZm9Gd31UG2PmN4TuiLzvnBFouer_VraS5XWxKNQGFDLjSqJ_0ELmLpDy-YdtOHjfK_dOhVZxX63vOhXMTFOD47_U9vtdkrMabEdPnPH-Ka2L2iSH01WM2-lUtWlI7tDF1ugP8/s1600/IMG_9893+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MLgKdkRZm9Gd31UG2PmN4TuiLzvnBFouer_VraS5XWxKNQGFDLjSqJ_0ELmLpDy-YdtOHjfK_dOhVZxX63vOhXMTFOD47_U9vtdkrMabEdPnPH-Ka2L2iSH01WM2-lUtWlI7tDF1ugP8/s1600/IMG_9893+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the model in the frame</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vQ9ZX4keEX23ZuUgx074SRSNHuCQeapItXhJxvNt7e1YBrk0oNOCUSwv99x082_7Yrc4M7AfdRYyadTonodYIfkQ_JSRWRVgMKrQNF9aWXoBMIHmenjEZEkm0HEUnqHjCNiiiCBN0127/s1600/IMG_9894+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vQ9ZX4keEX23ZuUgx074SRSNHuCQeapItXhJxvNt7e1YBrk0oNOCUSwv99x082_7Yrc4M7AfdRYyadTonodYIfkQ_JSRWRVgMKrQNF9aWXoBMIHmenjEZEkm0HEUnqHjCNiiiCBN0127/s1600/IMG_9894+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The model in the frame</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbV1mUAs9ao-eTwIv6KSHRb7m8rmJKjtkzxw3TdaWMPIuHw1GdGvASFVK640NF4rJ3NrlNy-eiwOv9X2IBimh4pv1mjmPdn2A0KmIunAsujsxEdtmg_fuObdu7DJKpIkw9rgT8pSbU_Kr/s1600/IMG_9896+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbV1mUAs9ao-eTwIv6KSHRb7m8rmJKjtkzxw3TdaWMPIuHw1GdGvASFVK640NF4rJ3NrlNy-eiwOv9X2IBimh4pv1mjmPdn2A0KmIunAsujsxEdtmg_fuObdu7DJKpIkw9rgT8pSbU_Kr/s1600/IMG_9896+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the other models in the other frames</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_pXhjrCq5qvZPLKeSPCnvYq-8xEfC-Oay_rsJzR83b6oyLTgixgRKc_sz_VUOFe6z0YY4kSX_2ZRGFFtk228FLm_a4ELiqE2wOUqapUVuTnaKHRYj-VLFriMDZKX8KxdtOnBBEcZzsNK/s1600/IMG_9897+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_pXhjrCq5qvZPLKeSPCnvYq-8xEfC-Oay_rsJzR83b6oyLTgixgRKc_sz_VUOFe6z0YY4kSX_2ZRGFFtk228FLm_a4ELiqE2wOUqapUVuTnaKHRYj-VLFriMDZKX8KxdtOnBBEcZzsNK/s1600/IMG_9897+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and again</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBXWuRgGAZH2o3LzQE81hJbuF4dD-ELAPuGJ7MS1UabpxCvFZDvltfp2E0YU4v7DtTvOK5NFIbQ1QJMXqSE2uI0CpX1LSJIiMBsQmpmq0vOjj_ommjoPcX-aOYAW73B8lBjaoor5rB4rA/s1600/IMG_9899+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBXWuRgGAZH2o3LzQE81hJbuF4dD-ELAPuGJ7MS1UabpxCvFZDvltfp2E0YU4v7DtTvOK5NFIbQ1QJMXqSE2uI0CpX1LSJIiMBsQmpmq0vOjj_ommjoPcX-aOYAW73B8lBjaoor5rB4rA/s1600/IMG_9899+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The models in the frames, waiting</td></tr>
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<b>Step #2: Measuring</b><br />
Once the models are secure in the frame, it's time to estimate the amount of OOMOO® you will need to create the mold. OOMOO® isn't cheap, so it's best to mix just enough. If you mix too much it is wasted. If you mix too little it can be worse because you may have to scrap the whole batch and start over. It's tough to try to mix and pour two batches in one mold. Doesn't always work so well.<br />
<br />
The way Ray estimates is to pour sand into the frame with the model in place, then pour the sand off into measuring vessels. When we know the amount of sand that filled the frame, we know how much OOMOO® to make.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVw-oLVMM9j2LjhNEDcByGxshALJ2pCB1vRCpwkbpyQ60d1LVBYql_9ZID17h6z1qp88-tSnrwAI43SRqWzYkda2yKJiC9ytR1JP4OP0KHnda5sv_1H2To2zuhvGhnG_DdK-xt4zU2_rY/s1600/IMG_9902+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVw-oLVMM9j2LjhNEDcByGxshALJ2pCB1vRCpwkbpyQ60d1LVBYql_9ZID17h6z1qp88-tSnrwAI43SRqWzYkda2yKJiC9ytR1JP4OP0KHnda5sv_1H2To2zuhvGhnG_DdK-xt4zU2_rY/s1600/IMG_9902+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding sand to the model</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIrTuWgVK_SRdq16PsMkWPqu1JkIxi6jFuPtGy-BRebFzLrB4LjES-VQYmDIarrDd_7A9vkeUEgKFU5nVGauF3ptUxpxHRFqz_1X6D6XChyphenhyphenCKmVifPeOU0UMwM8EGoJqj52L37djiZtIs/s1600/IMG_9905+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIrTuWgVK_SRdq16PsMkWPqu1JkIxi6jFuPtGy-BRebFzLrB4LjES-VQYmDIarrDd_7A9vkeUEgKFU5nVGauF3ptUxpxHRFqz_1X6D6XChyphenhyphenCKmVifPeOU0UMwM8EGoJqj52L37djiZtIs/s1600/IMG_9905+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screeding the sand to get an accurate measure </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5WIO8KQkRr9Sv12kuUdjq55Z6ny1qRLPAE8hzSUXLnh1kvpVtxwa1NlcJMrIZo16CRnwOe0gaAf6iZ27XuKKgZR6RwTTJ6QM9xaCgj8V8fiScRjM120neozHHIfAKGjiLmpRLIvS-8_5/s1600/IMG_9906+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5WIO8KQkRr9Sv12kuUdjq55Z6ny1qRLPAE8hzSUXLnh1kvpVtxwa1NlcJMrIZo16CRnwOe0gaAf6iZ27XuKKgZR6RwTTJ6QM9xaCgj8V8fiScRjM120neozHHIfAKGjiLmpRLIvS-8_5/s1600/IMG_9906+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring the sand off into a 5 gallon bucket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg5PwyDleq2YdNP7a3mCOeqTAT7ZI1zzuraDX7kDQH8AnjXOCMSjkK1NPFxkqnHf03kWGAO0rHcEAWQrh7M4ELuJpVHd6zuFSQ64IKLhB5odPDqD3HZz8mh6CWVbbgPCEGKb-H50cRsH4/s1600/IMG_9909+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg5PwyDleq2YdNP7a3mCOeqTAT7ZI1zzuraDX7kDQH8AnjXOCMSjkK1NPFxkqnHf03kWGAO0rHcEAWQrh7M4ELuJpVHd6zuFSQ64IKLhB5odPDqD3HZz8mh6CWVbbgPCEGKb-H50cRsH4/s1600/IMG_9909+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pouring of sand into a 5 gallon bucket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXwywJj-rZr5pom7a7PUYA8XIOU-skO6AQ1kPgpJIDxLEY2f8FcrjVfCR0CDPr60ZiEa-NiQkwHUsFQj3hkiBWmSKpudhaRNrjcidB7twQzBiZ44gbdzTZ3yaQSzQNyb87OD0Td1gwuZt/s1600/IMG_9910+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXwywJj-rZr5pom7a7PUYA8XIOU-skO6AQ1kPgpJIDxLEY2f8FcrjVfCR0CDPr60ZiEa-NiQkwHUsFQj3hkiBWmSKpudhaRNrjcidB7twQzBiZ44gbdzTZ3yaQSzQNyb87OD0Td1gwuZt/s1600/IMG_9910+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It can get messy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqZ_HLr105vD6KuSjoNSK6TVU0WEIZWVHbDyuySbRtvvnAdzAKXK_gjCWr1up_LGAmUVgfRtXX0dzFP8YKYPECXGuta7vhhswd9ATREjwZ4fEBc5RYRp2C311hNlTs5JEbRbYd85b7oL1/s1600/IMG_9914+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqZ_HLr105vD6KuSjoNSK6TVU0WEIZWVHbDyuySbRtvvnAdzAKXK_gjCWr1up_LGAmUVgfRtXX0dzFP8YKYPECXGuta7vhhswd9ATREjwZ4fEBc5RYRp2C311hNlTs5JEbRbYd85b7oL1/s1600/IMG_9914+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring the sand into measuring vessels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLWHcEPpBLWXFCO0cPjMIwqzCbUZIHnMC_wN8aJClwnBODcASDstuaK93Ihlmbcs_wK4tXeEw9HNUUFSlEM02UVb9vMkuxLBjzn_zrKjb3liMFu9TAqSRqlXuZ0BDHCXbfuaY0iM1wNU1/s1600/IMG_9915+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLWHcEPpBLWXFCO0cPjMIwqzCbUZIHnMC_wN8aJClwnBODcASDstuaK93Ihlmbcs_wK4tXeEw9HNUUFSlEM02UVb9vMkuxLBjzn_zrKjb3liMFu9TAqSRqlXuZ0BDHCXbfuaY0iM1wNU1/s1600/IMG_9915+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of molds ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step #3: Mixing the OOMOO®</b><br />
When the sand has been measured, we have to do more math. Since the OOMOO® is a 1 to 1 mix, we divide the amount of sand by two. Then we have the amount we need of Part A and Part B.<br />
<br />
I think Part A is the silicone rubber and Part B is the activator. Each of the parts are inert until they come into contact with each other. Once they make contact, a chemical reaction takes place and the silicone rubber begins to form. I might call the chemical reaction an exothermic reaction because it produces heat. (The real reason I used that term is because it sounds just a little pretentious and I like sounding smarter than I am.)<br />
<br />
In the OOMOO® 30, there is a pink part and a blue part. When mixed together they create a purple viscous liquid. It is critical to mix them completely. If you do not, you run the risk of the OOMOO® not setting up completely in places.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv4HdVAycf40qokXkDCN7dD6tU0q7Xw9Us4A4jk06_hSTBYpeUi7oJQIU2K2-5JaD2cYnIVzsP4ZtrDxr5tjaOMtpEODiOZcEd_WF5unE5fMxguvqI9b9Ph3NyT_849z04oDrDhizayOm/s1600/IMG_9974+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv4HdVAycf40qokXkDCN7dD6tU0q7Xw9Us4A4jk06_hSTBYpeUi7oJQIU2K2-5JaD2cYnIVzsP4ZtrDxr5tjaOMtpEODiOZcEd_WF5unE5fMxguvqI9b9Ph3NyT_849z04oDrDhizayOm/s1600/IMG_9974+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNH8-56kOaP0MycGD7J8FRMQnv0Qr6sdnkKNXtVIj9xs76nQeE51z2fzt0pVw4KCfjKknbEkvamNw3frqRf3b906T3kxQRk4f3EfvsWoBZKVLZ7QeLdn7mkr9UmwKLtjtdiUS7jMoYBEkJ/s1600/IMG_9975+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNH8-56kOaP0MycGD7J8FRMQnv0Qr6sdnkKNXtVIj9xs76nQeE51z2fzt0pVw4KCfjKknbEkvamNw3frqRf3b906T3kxQRk4f3EfvsWoBZKVLZ7QeLdn7mkr9UmwKLtjtdiUS7jMoYBEkJ/s1600/IMG_9975+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZP1nBY1rW8fbfrSjfgVeDdtAE6jP3zsfJs8fzHv5bgjvyIsaq0kGM8upALNpWQWLtvxDyesZHvLrs7n1I8ZjEyyUHOPFnHGQ2m4hNEQ0LhfQdIjCZxHIz5SFwOe8K2-8pbA9LlGHRFNC/s1600/IMG_9976+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZP1nBY1rW8fbfrSjfgVeDdtAE6jP3zsfJs8fzHv5bgjvyIsaq0kGM8upALNpWQWLtvxDyesZHvLrs7n1I8ZjEyyUHOPFnHGQ2m4hNEQ0LhfQdIjCZxHIz5SFwOe8K2-8pbA9LlGHRFNC/s1600/IMG_9976+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing with a really big spatula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JR7r_J1dEtE5MgyMWAnQEcfC7LHtMWRFSnHB0cCMnZ_2Q8BpCD9IoZLtG3MWSQnmejI2UVKB9BAZvsSaPw5F3gzU6ALu1DMIlXrMK7r0u0lXFoAhkJoTYdWCi6UWNnoix6CV5SD5aPw6/s1600/IMG_9919+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JR7r_J1dEtE5MgyMWAnQEcfC7LHtMWRFSnHB0cCMnZ_2Q8BpCD9IoZLtG3MWSQnmejI2UVKB9BAZvsSaPw5F3gzU6ALu1DMIlXrMK7r0u0lXFoAhkJoTYdWCi6UWNnoix6CV5SD5aPw6/s1600/IMG_9919+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stirring OOMOO® 25</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi218uHvYMr-9668PKe9BQbzAbAoGJoxuANfHMM467ksn4Sjj9R05xLCdZu_XtO5-c_OCFMOth4fd5X4o5-bAyUJaR-PrSb8KG9kxmkwT7QtJI9AT270eB4yf4hCK6-zdFiZHU7ulwMlCNP/s1600/IMG_9925+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi218uHvYMr-9668PKe9BQbzAbAoGJoxuANfHMM467ksn4Sjj9R05xLCdZu_XtO5-c_OCFMOth4fd5X4o5-bAyUJaR-PrSb8KG9kxmkwT7QtJI9AT270eB4yf4hCK6-zdFiZHU7ulwMlCNP/s1600/IMG_9925+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stirring OOMOO® 30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUukJ4T6cvt5nzz3fcMO8pjU65o7TALiMCezDAL7Z6R1L0Sd0goxCmlrQverjzNahp6D3_dZkRKYoANn1a4gj__eTlDzUVeJGdWNmj-448Sw6yQgxMG95Bwol5Bp03jrZx8kGfknN8FMK/s1600/IMG_9926+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUukJ4T6cvt5nzz3fcMO8pjU65o7TALiMCezDAL7Z6R1L0Sd0goxCmlrQverjzNahp6D3_dZkRKYoANn1a4gj__eTlDzUVeJGdWNmj-448Sw6yQgxMG95Bwol5Bp03jrZx8kGfknN8FMK/s1600/IMG_9926+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jOabON1bcFDi0L4pjXCveT8t1VxrYAevSAV1_jHD_7PYVs2FmbBOa6Yi0NATfa8qQvH9MKgKe3kDZYu1I7lPtMpbIvXGjcXxurew7RZ_IXAktXK9phI9ZRIcX7x_P-61edemygdnkaAc/s1600/IMG_9977+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jOabON1bcFDi0L4pjXCveT8t1VxrYAevSAV1_jHD_7PYVs2FmbBOa6Yi0NATfa8qQvH9MKgKe3kDZYu1I7lPtMpbIvXGjcXxurew7RZ_IXAktXK9phI9ZRIcX7x_P-61edemygdnkaAc/s1600/IMG_9977+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bigger batches call for drastic measures, here we're using a power drill to mix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPS-Q1ZlohG3QJgXE3_KnRWVFcfc4Da-ySwXXycvb_FyclapN98e5txa7msRfj-vWAcL-CbTiYRPjDOgnK93I0fTUSSDq7IlFzp_9FE_tB8ic37rUuM6jRGg4QQtJ9bPKlAcr6Z4UtZO0/s1600/IMG_9978+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPS-Q1ZlohG3QJgXE3_KnRWVFcfc4Da-ySwXXycvb_FyclapN98e5txa7msRfj-vWAcL-CbTiYRPjDOgnK93I0fTUSSDq7IlFzp_9FE_tB8ic37rUuM6jRGg4QQtJ9bPKlAcr6Z4UtZO0/s1600/IMG_9978+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it turns purple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step #4: The Pour</b><br />
Prior to pouring the OOMOO® it is essential to spray a mold release agent over your model so the silicone rubber doesn't adhere to it and stick to it. If you don't, you could destroy your mold.<br />
<br />
Once the OOMOO® is mixed, it's time to pour it over the model. It's best to not go too fast and it's best to not go too slow. A nice steady pour is ideal. As you pour, it's good to direct the stream into the lowest parts of the relief. Once the entire frame has been filled, it's a good idea to tap the sides repeatedly with a hammer to ensure that all the air bubbles rise to the surface. If air bubbles get trapped in the relief, they will create negative shapes that will show up when you cast into the mold. <br />
<br />
Once the investment is poured (that's what the silicone rubber is called when it's mixed) and the air bubbles have been driven to the surface, you need to put the frames aside and let the OOMOO® harden and cure. It's best to put them in a safe place and then go away. It's always tempting to mess with it if you stick around. The OOMOO® 30 takes six hours to cure. You shouldn't mess with it before that time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1oCppuZnho8DPYEz_JgXrfAGX5HwBCUsZVLohzjkqDsc8cRt3VgvYWjmyUtNpAzPknNaCozyIxEweRhiNlQa9_T1yODGQ-3txj7vNLcicVbfHfz2kQmTdXIii9XywZKdus8HjvakiS77/s1600/IMG_9980+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1oCppuZnho8DPYEz_JgXrfAGX5HwBCUsZVLohzjkqDsc8cRt3VgvYWjmyUtNpAzPknNaCozyIxEweRhiNlQa9_T1yODGQ-3txj7vNLcicVbfHfz2kQmTdXIii9XywZKdus8HjvakiS77/s1600/IMG_9980+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring a large investment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BtC6mrr1IrIumVR2JktAb18Dl4W9ZtbNFCkPj0RW_Orar4d_WdVtKUo64b8e5AOYAEwlsi6Bf9waAkhanQMhZxfOyPUYXLm864rVaJNrSBAqUXg7EXGrdfagh-r0N7BrbZd8YZ9CT_X6/s1600/IMG_9981+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BtC6mrr1IrIumVR2JktAb18Dl4W9ZtbNFCkPj0RW_Orar4d_WdVtKUo64b8e5AOYAEwlsi6Bf9waAkhanQMhZxfOyPUYXLm864rVaJNrSBAqUXg7EXGrdfagh-r0N7BrbZd8YZ9CT_X6/s1600/IMG_9981+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing it off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmepkgI_Z7pBevpLJlelWGL7xSCNZKN1gHo92efy-YeVOBRjY5vQ8VVoo4K1Zed6MQPM8dSayvBjH_bFrKZ8C8cy4Jxpp-aZU4W17ada563Ee__mxuLPfa2feJ7XnLgvx0RpauTDYf2XF9/s1600/IMG_9930+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmepkgI_Z7pBevpLJlelWGL7xSCNZKN1gHo92efy-YeVOBRjY5vQ8VVoo4K1Zed6MQPM8dSayvBjH_bFrKZ8C8cy4Jxpp-aZU4W17ada563Ee__mxuLPfa2feJ7XnLgvx0RpauTDYf2XF9/s1600/IMG_9930+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ4OY9lXxD14Li64MT3FglrQq9lW0-yVnIG44_MU1zqEwfyPmb4fp9eLDL7ZoWFINCY1rpVq4cAzS_366XTGY4PMyq4ONW41_gmOLCKHRx7HnUP1cNCaEnyj3T1GxPPZKsAH4Luv4EYI4/s1600/IMG_9933+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ4OY9lXxD14Li64MT3FglrQq9lW0-yVnIG44_MU1zqEwfyPmb4fp9eLDL7ZoWFINCY1rpVq4cAzS_366XTGY4PMyq4ONW41_gmOLCKHRx7HnUP1cNCaEnyj3T1GxPPZKsAH4Luv4EYI4/s1600/IMG_9933+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set to the side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxepdUoyPmiXsOujIAVo-YP9g1Uai9psyO28DXMbmR-XFMysKDxWfW0OpNRpRP4nUEm7IH9Ho263w-T5-wlJVRGdAchSnuRk-DP31wDACQy_wmHtWPB8X456-MIdEynPbsYhP6j5onuUc/s1600/IMG_9937+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxepdUoyPmiXsOujIAVo-YP9g1Uai9psyO28DXMbmR-XFMysKDxWfW0OpNRpRP4nUEm7IH9Ho263w-T5-wlJVRGdAchSnuRk-DP31wDACQy_wmHtWPB8X456-MIdEynPbsYhP6j5onuUc/s1600/IMG_9937+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now is a really good time to clean up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step #5: De-molding</b><br />
This is the fun part. This is also the scary part because what if... What if the model shifted during the pour? What if there were trapped air bubbles? What if we didn't mix it well enough? What if I didn't spray a mold release agent? What if...?<br />
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We broke the wood apart with hammers and pry-bars. When that was done, we lifted the silicone rubber away from the model and we had our mold. At that point, any overhangs that don't belong are trimmed off with a razor knife.<br />
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Casting is essentially a positive image that is then converted to a negative image which is then converted to a positive image. The second positive image is a duplicate of the first positive image. The OOMOO® gives a very faithful duplicate image. I have seen body castings of some of the Smooth-On products that are so faithful, they capture pores in the skin and even the raised flesh where a tattoo is. The Smooth-On family of products are among the best in the industry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlThUvdT8r5yC4tVXw_LS7GB97Ae5JEF_M4KtlDAE44KjpaesnCAt3VJjYrRHf3-1k8HbcEFEFymC8tuRhlB5DdmDSliWHgSXr0ggZEvuoDYO2kPl727ZkiNibnzRAKOF6IZAVIK6Rl0mf/s1600/IMG_9942+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlThUvdT8r5yC4tVXw_LS7GB97Ae5JEF_M4KtlDAE44KjpaesnCAt3VJjYrRHf3-1k8HbcEFEFymC8tuRhlB5DdmDSliWHgSXr0ggZEvuoDYO2kPl727ZkiNibnzRAKOF6IZAVIK6Rl0mf/s1600/IMG_9942+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking the frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCsl9uN_Yy3yFnzwtJAr16MYj2jnq1vw_T04ZL2Ms3LV2kBAQ37usEk6bDEErGFnwOL2irwY1LmH69oMorL8T3akjsLxKrA_7MUY0eC4PkcLhY9tyPgmlCFZsDFp-3Qf4SdczhJU6bjNo/s1600/IMG_9944+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCsl9uN_Yy3yFnzwtJAr16MYj2jnq1vw_T04ZL2Ms3LV2kBAQ37usEk6bDEErGFnwOL2irwY1LmH69oMorL8T3akjsLxKrA_7MUY0eC4PkcLhY9tyPgmlCFZsDFp-3Qf4SdczhJU6bjNo/s1600/IMG_9944+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeling up the silicone rubber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGor9CdiTxV1YlQMto7l_viYl9c_y-RXkWSfLnwxVbZIqlm0VzbbNSX-Jr0zkbnMMHbCG-O5KOyY9tA2_vmu3kImhxE_oTczLehhUFEyhHh-5GbsEBJho8Au7wId5V9hyphenhyphenLt_MRf73WCsY/s1600/IMG_9945+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGor9CdiTxV1YlQMto7l_viYl9c_y-RXkWSfLnwxVbZIqlm0VzbbNSX-Jr0zkbnMMHbCG-O5KOyY9tA2_vmu3kImhxE_oTczLehhUFEyhHh-5GbsEBJho8Au7wId5V9hyphenhyphenLt_MRf73WCsY/s1600/IMG_9945+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's what it looks like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5bC541mESd-NU3EHTo19BqLkq9ENo_u1FNKXeWHyRcXPSgYHTpDvME4SB6r5iZHqYgDdQYYXf5w5iYu8v-Sj3tCset8DGP2hA26BXYaI4tiSj3AISm3Gq35GDFwvhx2f3UphmMWbGkl2/s1600/IMG_9946+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5bC541mESd-NU3EHTo19BqLkq9ENo_u1FNKXeWHyRcXPSgYHTpDvME4SB6r5iZHqYgDdQYYXf5w5iYu8v-Sj3tCset8DGP2hA26BXYaI4tiSj3AISm3Gq35GDFwvhx2f3UphmMWbGkl2/s1600/IMG_9946+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More frame breaking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7tzKYuzpmK7offjLNnDr9mk71X39AGk1Ve7Vfxf_cFIj53KaOx3v79S1F4C9CNzGFWaEYjHtp8Wii0ZKRXQrVCDuMrHALx5rUUSC3kKoTfFUPURRInPP1zxBu1CyJwJO6UoFKqCW7jzD/s1600/IMG_9947+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7tzKYuzpmK7offjLNnDr9mk71X39AGk1Ve7Vfxf_cFIj53KaOx3v79S1F4C9CNzGFWaEYjHtp8Wii0ZKRXQrVCDuMrHALx5rUUSC3kKoTfFUPURRInPP1zxBu1CyJwJO6UoFKqCW7jzD/s1600/IMG_9947+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning up the edges with a razor knife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdve_HrUpDE3Du2__J6sm3CAn3worcKwLNJTXVkirL9BPq19cd8TLSMsej7ygzfhIL3ziBpoeQlkKnyhWXf46N-PySdqSiqbY3euWQ0mgYKoUnqKOP4YvLAlwDo8DV_VrKb9JwtgyQIsqh/s1600/IMG_9948+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdve_HrUpDE3Du2__J6sm3CAn3worcKwLNJTXVkirL9BPq19cd8TLSMsej7ygzfhIL3ziBpoeQlkKnyhWXf46N-PySdqSiqbY3euWQ0mgYKoUnqKOP4YvLAlwDo8DV_VrKb9JwtgyQIsqh/s1600/IMG_9948+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the finished molds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOXLYjIZlUrfEmTIncYKhnIEOMUBWRFvQN0iadA9M7OXDFmOM5VDcmvM2nrFBLtapNzel8aks9r8xXp3Vn7FwenvVLN3yzZ8UlQ8wiWv9uxmZWK0TVGzbFNCtZ-XMroatwrsG5Aq4BKKC/s1600/IMG_9949+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOXLYjIZlUrfEmTIncYKhnIEOMUBWRFvQN0iadA9M7OXDFmOM5VDcmvM2nrFBLtapNzel8aks9r8xXp3Vn7FwenvVLN3yzZ8UlQ8wiWv9uxmZWK0TVGzbFNCtZ-XMroatwrsG5Aq4BKKC/s1600/IMG_9949+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original and the faithful mirror image negative</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step #6: Pete and Repeat--Measuring Sand</b><br />
Now that the molds are completed, it's time to cast them. To do that you have to measure how much casting investment you need. Once again we turn to the sand. We fill the mold with sand, then pour it off into a measuring vessel. Same as before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwlP9mPt8wcP00aW7sClUwvErA9Jr0W2iVu-JtzOZ8kCV2xKnfo7wbbupnz7TALdTFWiXyWKG-Jk6ZCTDw_ps0Z2dCicIO-0lrt78jjGCxMqkrErahA4_LufRT-CdOe3dKXrQSa-PWA1y/s1600/IMG_9950+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwlP9mPt8wcP00aW7sClUwvErA9Jr0W2iVu-JtzOZ8kCV2xKnfo7wbbupnz7TALdTFWiXyWKG-Jk6ZCTDw_ps0Z2dCicIO-0lrt78jjGCxMqkrErahA4_LufRT-CdOe3dKXrQSa-PWA1y/s1600/IMG_9950+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand in the mold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagGYqkSf1gP9l_hALVuR1hZkTSAZA9LJP7T0-c3emWoVrfhcUzmujnj2ruj0lfpyTq_zTAUiGcAZDJ6RtFrrWjWBkzIDNHLNXpZIc9JI2xAer5d7ku1X0UQo3o_cT5YYQH5S7Ec1-N3uw/s1600/IMG_9951+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagGYqkSf1gP9l_hALVuR1hZkTSAZA9LJP7T0-c3emWoVrfhcUzmujnj2ruj0lfpyTq_zTAUiGcAZDJ6RtFrrWjWBkzIDNHLNXpZIc9JI2xAer5d7ku1X0UQo3o_cT5YYQH5S7Ec1-N3uw/s1600/IMG_9951+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sand in the mold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step #7: Mixing the Resin</b><br />
I am not sure what resin product we used, but I do know it is from the Smooth-On family of casting mediums.<br />
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The one we used was another two part mixture. This one is also mixed 1 to 1. Part A and Part B in equal amounts. Once again, it is imperative to completely mix the investment.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwI7XaUi4_rHrJsIMmbWofuW9ViI-0CwBaka9CtHZRgbpegl-QPVNQhsouFXCyD6aurH7m7QabWyuizN9xUqE6Ayxm7UaQ7HkoSbr1NDXz9WkXlCxDRKM9enOi3a2ngpEVd6GzWl6TZt/s1600/IMG_9955+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwI7XaUi4_rHrJsIMmbWofuW9ViI-0CwBaka9CtHZRgbpegl-QPVNQhsouFXCyD6aurH7m7QabWyuizN9xUqE6Ayxm7UaQ7HkoSbr1NDXz9WkXlCxDRKM9enOi3a2ngpEVd6GzWl6TZt/s1600/IMG_9955+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combining Part A and Part B</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibCFgwqTurHqcDpOnIZ0-uaUg-pDIzlfy2ryNG1R9mN-NYEkS7bMe0Qm4QZdvFEiq0bcGd_ZoG-U6Ts_h5nddtP4gwJ6nc2SwVpJ4AufJ46fdSZDhUhzClTbzcZlxHfOz53eRjy5NcyVG/s1600/IMG_9960+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibCFgwqTurHqcDpOnIZ0-uaUg-pDIzlfy2ryNG1R9mN-NYEkS7bMe0Qm4QZdvFEiq0bcGd_ZoG-U6Ts_h5nddtP4gwJ6nc2SwVpJ4AufJ46fdSZDhUhzClTbzcZlxHfOz53eRjy5NcyVG/s1600/IMG_9960+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step #8: The Pour</b><br />
Once the investment is thoroughly mixed, it's time to pour it into prepared molds. We prepare the molds by spraying them with a mold release agent. At this point, you can also brush bronzing powders into a mold. Bronzing powders are finely ground bits of colored metal which, when suspended in different mediums will give the appearance of that object being made of that metal. If you suspend gold bronzing powder into a clear paint, for example it will be like painting with gold leaf. <br />
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Like the first pour, you need to pour a steady stream into the mold. Not too fast and not too slow. As the mold fills up, you slow the pour to ensure you don't overfill. That's messy and wasteful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfoxPYNuB4v9_H-TP4Aslw_aVB08CsmTLLMHSpFCwyS8IslEGi7cc_ycz94D28kgz9ZgkRF7nO0MFnSXNtc06QyCP4BrcWGocytwCM9lxftfb15mE8XgTbVjUHraWhAr3Ndkikng4A0uh/s1600/IMG_9956+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfoxPYNuB4v9_H-TP4Aslw_aVB08CsmTLLMHSpFCwyS8IslEGi7cc_ycz94D28kgz9ZgkRF7nO0MFnSXNtc06QyCP4BrcWGocytwCM9lxftfb15mE8XgTbVjUHraWhAr3Ndkikng4A0uh/s1600/IMG_9956+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molds prepared, the two in the center are coated with bronzing powder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcjRfYSWIvpWlQpvygvdA5YBykJedcBVDe4TrSfq9H-ugHhvR94kAXrQLmS4A6yIjkoYyPeKOqjaG607qPdn-n8Ube45g2r5zuMhzhUhE6i8Vqu1wulyEtq3HoUBIIzI9LRZz5tSqsV8t/s1600/IMG_9961+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcjRfYSWIvpWlQpvygvdA5YBykJedcBVDe4TrSfq9H-ugHhvR94kAXrQLmS4A6yIjkoYyPeKOqjaG607qPdn-n8Ube45g2r5zuMhzhUhE6i8Vqu1wulyEtq3HoUBIIzI9LRZz5tSqsV8t/s1600/IMG_9961+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS405Do2GY4C9uoztV8lKvDiUypxr3io9Lj39FeDTjpu5jR4l_4oCiDuIgtu4haBxFcU0ycaQ4HiWrJRS9s3TkMj6i8J_GRTyul1a5Nd5kIDkJCJSC3a6nha3Xto9ogdn4bLgbC57LFmXt/s1600/IMG_9965+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS405Do2GY4C9uoztV8lKvDiUypxr3io9Lj39FeDTjpu5jR4l_4oCiDuIgtu4haBxFcU0ycaQ4HiWrJRS9s3TkMj6i8J_GRTyul1a5Nd5kIDkJCJSC3a6nha3Xto9ogdn4bLgbC57LFmXt/s1600/IMG_9965+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step #9: The Hard Part, Waiting</b><br />
Once the investment has been poured, you have to be patient and wait for it to harden. Even though it takes a little time, it's cool to watch. You watch for several minutes and nothing happens. Then after that eternity, the investment begins to turn white. Typically it begins where the mold is deepest. Has something to do with the exothermic reaction I think. Where there is more investment there is more heat and therefore the reaction is quicker. As it begins to harden the white color will spread visibly through the piece.<br />
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When the exothermic reaction is finally done, it's time to de-mold the duplicate and see how you did. That's the payoff with casting. That's the best part. The fun part. I love doing this with my class.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXaKMePB25pS_lJvZaQcxzNzU4N8iuhJIXEAa-d2xc8Zm2953OeqNQYMLO5B_aeLjyOaHbbk-hFoXcOzfWGg9bJMnX7gIujZZVqjOR5jXXHGbA1EcKSioZmlYi8sHlWlLfsbGswR0uR4A/s1600/IMG_9966+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXaKMePB25pS_lJvZaQcxzNzU4N8iuhJIXEAa-d2xc8Zm2953OeqNQYMLO5B_aeLjyOaHbbk-hFoXcOzfWGg9bJMnX7gIujZZVqjOR5jXXHGbA1EcKSioZmlYi8sHlWlLfsbGswR0uR4A/s1600/IMG_9966+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now we wait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteZC4PSo2aHZi8RWt4WF8-BRAAROeXSWsV3MaYflKhuwGn79eQ6wd5gSDBU3MHJbMpyia8GkMSUTiHmvU9I6YdR7-Ypo-9Z9UiDzeOTkJniCPUtkcLzGz-fSOQBdw9Mty6Z0SHW7rs1dZ/s1600/IMG_9967+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteZC4PSo2aHZi8RWt4WF8-BRAAROeXSWsV3MaYflKhuwGn79eQ6wd5gSDBU3MHJbMpyia8GkMSUTiHmvU9I6YdR7-Ypo-9Z9UiDzeOTkJniCPUtkcLzGz-fSOQBdw9Mty6Z0SHW7rs1dZ/s1600/IMG_9967+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another one</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x_qqYeoz43KIrzXFDNn8g8VP5Gsk-7ICejxvg3rVlDd856JCG22a8Pb0_G-z1ARin3ut4Oih5Vv8kui6sIjJb84XsrVcX-C8m1dFUb0oJ5AHon7YRoGTRUCKF5SwCem9VXJccUh3LiJ6/s1600/IMG_9968+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x_qqYeoz43KIrzXFDNn8g8VP5Gsk-7ICejxvg3rVlDd856JCG22a8Pb0_G-z1ARin3ut4Oih5Vv8kui6sIjJb84XsrVcX-C8m1dFUb0oJ5AHon7YRoGTRUCKF5SwCem9VXJccUh3LiJ6/s1600/IMG_9968+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exothermic reaction has begun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY3NCt7H0VWW1g4OgIW0pG6OyVC5qdyGxvvAvBSEaURz2phE7_G9jsHx35HVjyU8axGaoideMJB0KzFivEehxqGu0jhwm650MzmLgumi1W59RH85SCeQtUQ1s1AzoVkGMQmF2JBsc1JHR/s1600/IMG_9969+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY3NCt7H0VWW1g4OgIW0pG6OyVC5qdyGxvvAvBSEaURz2phE7_G9jsHx35HVjyU8axGaoideMJB0KzFivEehxqGu0jhwm650MzmLgumi1W59RH85SCeQtUQ1s1AzoVkGMQmF2JBsc1JHR/s1600/IMG_9969+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostly done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS_oqmhaWAi_-MDtNVoscFZign9ksNz-hbL-AYgUQqz7C2kdkU1ZQSEQkWFjJ4EE-ShZ5pERt5fLff4AAiGyuykg8oHUcdkt1E82PKH6VQi68oTitUnsNOAg_V4Yryi4ngk1JJMlYr_Gq/s1600/IMG_9970+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS_oqmhaWAi_-MDtNVoscFZign9ksNz-hbL-AYgUQqz7C2kdkU1ZQSEQkWFjJ4EE-ShZ5pERt5fLff4AAiGyuykg8oHUcdkt1E82PKH6VQi68oTitUnsNOAg_V4Yryi4ngk1JJMlYr_Gq/s1600/IMG_9970+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much all done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tl6Z4Pp3QDB0FIrKL1kaFP1gC7cov76iEjuag6gMSvd2sK8tO__MZz04rofk2omHc6vIs-zWz6T0T2HkwS1Ds_tWI8UKQstIyFTiTQCDtUJOEdlhxHnlnG6zco5tZ4Stz-hrEPz7DMIX/s1600/IMG_9971+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tl6Z4Pp3QDB0FIrKL1kaFP1gC7cov76iEjuag6gMSvd2sK8tO__MZz04rofk2omHc6vIs-zWz6T0T2HkwS1Ds_tWI8UKQstIyFTiTQCDtUJOEdlhxHnlnG6zco5tZ4Stz-hrEPz7DMIX/s1600/IMG_9971+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De-molded </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zmxeqol5d5iAcF96g49SJUdwlCQZpe6gzegJCsbQHa5JMdtpbMCNSNTjdNyZWdj_eDEePHaVv0SUuBRHl7gbKET4CLqx9F9ZbL4wsUKW63VfhudToAdz6yxinGK1SA_89a3fPklC4sWM/s1600/IMG_9972+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zmxeqol5d5iAcF96g49SJUdwlCQZpe6gzegJCsbQHa5JMdtpbMCNSNTjdNyZWdj_eDEePHaVv0SUuBRHl7gbKET4CLqx9F9ZbL4wsUKW63VfhudToAdz6yxinGK1SA_89a3fPklC4sWM/s1600/IMG_9972+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two on the left had bronzing powder brushed in the mold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A good time had by all. We had some fun and we learned some stuff. That's always a great combination.Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-71951683398048989902015-03-28T17:04:00.001-07:002015-03-28T17:04:40.357-07:00Prop Designs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykCG_7oZyUCuYbtbCcueFw0poCtcU6-ifGWLdoqfI9sYt1uAqjwswoas-8g5abXfSunQ3Ix0D6BqIWEMsBHhpYwFtzIVKMufe56El5vEc8xa2p5IKO_v42OWa9I_blVAn75TGB72YHrMr/s1600/090708Gianni_039+(1024x680).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykCG_7oZyUCuYbtbCcueFw0poCtcU6-ifGWLdoqfI9sYt1uAqjwswoas-8g5abXfSunQ3Ix0D6BqIWEMsBHhpYwFtzIVKMufe56El5vEc8xa2p5IKO_v42OWa9I_blVAn75TGB72YHrMr/s1600/090708Gianni_039+(1024x680).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Buoso in the half tester bed</td></tr>
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Sometimes things we need on stage just don't exist. Sometimes they are too expensive to buy, Sometimes things have to be built. For that there needs to be a design. Typically, for bigger things the scene designer designs the prop or furniture piece and either the scene shop or prop shop builds it. For smaller things, sometimes the scene designer gives photo reference and leaves the actual design up to the prop master.<br />
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Here are a few of my designs for furniture or other props<br />
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<b>Half Tester Bed--Gianni Schicci</b><br />
For our production of Gianni Schicci, we decided to set it in the 1950's in a mob home. Old Buoso is dead at the top of the show and we decided to have the entire opera take place in Old Buoso's bedroom. So we needed a particularly cool bed. The director wanted a half tester bed so we could hide Gianni Schicci when he's dressed as Old Buoso.<br />
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I designed a queen size half tester bed with curtains for the show. First I did period research on what half tester beds look like. I decided how big it needed to be to fit in with everything else on stage. I had to figure how to get it off stage in a ten minute intermission because we did two chamber operas on the same night, the other one was Dido and Aeneas. As I was preparing to design the bed, I looked in our inventory and found a whole bunch of old porch posts. I'm sure we'd had them for many years before I arrived. I decided to design the whole bed around those.<br />
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Here are the drawings of the bed, followed by a photo or two.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gJaT7x17x8gfWuwXmnzmXsunPBpONGbpGkT2N4YTsw17xikkHnMSXd14DxO9wJg3dPwgOLh85dnkqza-CzKHLQVHAGntmJvSmyl7SINSbVIuyS2Fhmd0sS7UvTH9jKiZwmfYQUiSmg8S/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gJaT7x17x8gfWuwXmnzmXsunPBpONGbpGkT2N4YTsw17xikkHnMSXd14DxO9wJg3dPwgOLh85dnkqza-CzKHLQVHAGntmJvSmyl7SINSbVIuyS2Fhmd0sS7UvTH9jKiZwmfYQUiSmg8S/s1600/001.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of the half tester bed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPvb-60iENkGfxjxxjalhMyMz4tYyxTy7QUosZwhIcu7RUH5EMm5g6XOAvq991OQAf9zWq1X2tSIlSNuxkNMrDizsj5Q0_1WSE_iobQcGBGy7bfsTc4v4RFTfSS-w8loiAFTdytA_fDWS/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPvb-60iENkGfxjxxjalhMyMz4tYyxTy7QUosZwhIcu7RUH5EMm5g6XOAvq991OQAf9zWq1X2tSIlSNuxkNMrDizsj5Q0_1WSE_iobQcGBGy7bfsTc4v4RFTfSS-w8loiAFTdytA_fDWS/s1600/002.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view and front elevation of the half tester</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6YmgUyOI-uR9GHbdJuo5ERXVR1pNDmP5r0KT-iVC-b-iuPuHbozgtxGArxGdrzyokbyv6keWGPYo8GfORhCzEcEYeYoWm_UBkfY4edAkf0r4DafBIiItyIwOMqLDRBPa_7M0JVxgi8_c/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6YmgUyOI-uR9GHbdJuo5ERXVR1pNDmP5r0KT-iVC-b-iuPuHbozgtxGArxGdrzyokbyv6keWGPYo8GfORhCzEcEYeYoWm_UBkfY4edAkf0r4DafBIiItyIwOMqLDRBPa_7M0JVxgi8_c/s1600/003.jpg" height="640" width="570" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plan view of bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLvRb1MZ_vfqdvtqKkyEpvQWeGu-Y4Dg6D_HyqI4uU3vov0RJ_Ey0gTRkoHYFs0G_pciWsBWSugqgc3aX47v89bUmSKQ3V9G5HjBJ3lIDjwbXHfVVNkWTH7gts6hXOq_2tFQRjvq0yR-r/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLvRb1MZ_vfqdvtqKkyEpvQWeGu-Y4Dg6D_HyqI4uU3vov0RJ_Ey0gTRkoHYFs0G_pciWsBWSugqgc3aX47v89bUmSKQ3V9G5HjBJ3lIDjwbXHfVVNkWTH7gts6hXOq_2tFQRjvq0yR-r/s1600/004.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of headboard and footboard</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5UM98HFQ5nzHUzF2hOcrfP89cQ2v1gTrTBJUazgJt1hMN6CvDq8frZZlDyzW94VK3Vvfiec4UIX1jGZFkY0JbW4INdndKv92tBTkfjs6vnGqRAy8OipPkiZz-hZjbAkv23o8fx9AA-sS/s1600/090708GianiSchicchi_305+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5UM98HFQ5nzHUzF2hOcrfP89cQ2v1gTrTBJUazgJt1hMN6CvDq8frZZlDyzW94VK3Vvfiec4UIX1jGZFkY0JbW4INdndKv92tBTkfjs6vnGqRAy8OipPkiZz-hZjbAkv23o8fx9AA-sS/s1600/090708GianiSchicchi_305+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The half tester bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The Podium--Doubt</b><br />
We did the play, Doubt in the Black Box Theatre. The play was done in a modified round and we needed a podium that looked stately but still was portable enough to be moved on and off stage. Once again I turned to our supply of porch posts. Also in our inventory we happened to have some resin corbels and some gallery rail finials. Some props have a life beyond their original purpose. We have used the podium in several plays since the original.<br />
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Here is the drawing of the podium followed by photos<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixREvZYhenKNf5afw296cIZphp7hAm2ZeCk68j3Vi-5H4cVnnMkm7z_8JfkTbVo79S6D8zwXKlhtRCiNAzh0xA5-IHlnx0-vi2o9kuFrWuq7Yupvw9-oGhkoygxw9znDBCKmZbK4hdfhny/s1600/001+(1024x804).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixREvZYhenKNf5afw296cIZphp7hAm2ZeCk68j3Vi-5H4cVnnMkm7z_8JfkTbVo79S6D8zwXKlhtRCiNAzh0xA5-IHlnx0-vi2o9kuFrWuq7Yupvw9-oGhkoygxw9znDBCKmZbK4hdfhny/s1600/001+(1024x804).jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing of the podium</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlakHZiIYjLuGcnLxb5tHgTbDKaltLCTuhgo0WGT2OgOEgwaUAnBQlZ3G2KWFlke11YCsSMaiwa21u6WjWcQpVdkZ8Npaa0n7m2DmgLPCPdwaz7vA-eV5l_aTUh8tZlUVxVt76dAsF3D2e/s1600/110223Doubt_216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlakHZiIYjLuGcnLxb5tHgTbDKaltLCTuhgo0WGT2OgOEgwaUAnBQlZ3G2KWFlke11YCsSMaiwa21u6WjWcQpVdkZ8Npaa0n7m2DmgLPCPdwaz7vA-eV5l_aTUh8tZlUVxVt76dAsF3D2e/s1600/110223Doubt_216.jpg" height="640" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The podium as used in the play, Doubt</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdyZRrUoeUj-THlSe3EbWopDOhqJA6Ljo9mXlJ-_MDQEEte97xc1AZTFySzOXOrzXGyAZmU9P1NjfjGM0uXKAP9S0xPbLkDQHpCDeokNoxt-52y3RgszlZST1G6FL3j5kn6ENLEOAuWw/s1600/121030_Bielzy&Gottfried_374+(678x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdyZRrUoeUj-THlSe3EbWopDOhqJA6Ljo9mXlJ-_MDQEEte97xc1AZTFySzOXOrzXGyAZmU9P1NjfjGM0uXKAP9S0xPbLkDQHpCDeokNoxt-52y3RgszlZST1G6FL3j5kn6ENLEOAuWw/s1600/121030_Bielzy&Gottfried_374+(678x1024).jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As used in the play Bielzy and Gottfried</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The Prie Dieu--Lamp at Midnight</b><br />
For Lamp at Midnight we needed a prie dieu for the Pope to pray at in her personal chambers. I did some period research and discovered many different kinds of prayer stands. I chose one that was kind of <b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://p2.la-img.com/380/37423/15831996_1_l.jpg" target="_blank">rococo</a></span></u></b> looking, I realize it was a little out of phase historically, but it was portable and had to be schlepped on and off rapidly. I had a few bad 1970's plastic wall shelves that I had picked up at a thrift store a few years ago, so I decided we would Frankenstein them together to create something that would work for a renaissance era Pope.<br />
<br />
After it was built, it was painted and I upholstered it with red velour and gold bullion fringe. When that was done, it just didn't look finished so I took some sewing gimp and twisted it around the center post, reminiscent of the twisted columns at St. Peter's Basilica. After that, I coated the trim with mastic and painted it to match the rest of the piece.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCaBvINKsKh1rKVSKxQR4IRz3keNkM6SEVUC6ebd287uaj3etFimKEuYvLEcmjOvZB-YaUjTT4-4CjF-N1RwTjcprCUwe5pggvhnnkLfCCxtbCqaoAr_y9EV0Kuk7kMtpXL72UJaFa6M6/s1600/001+(745x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCaBvINKsKh1rKVSKxQR4IRz3keNkM6SEVUC6ebd287uaj3etFimKEuYvLEcmjOvZB-YaUjTT4-4CjF-N1RwTjcprCUwe5pggvhnnkLfCCxtbCqaoAr_y9EV0Kuk7kMtpXL72UJaFa6M6/s1600/001+(745x1024).jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plans for the prie dieu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn6581j1WGQMOL1QJXJgILX4k0WMKKhFRg2pQpdO7Xyq0B4nQHgjdGEKihwL3fICiV4-dqnZiE6phMy9VRiVxa914CTmdsm34IvnydKjNvP5Ihs4hUl4aQh4whB1mgqa_dY444Voyb7X6/s1600/150216_LampatMidnight_581+(1024x731)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn6581j1WGQMOL1QJXJgILX4k0WMKKhFRg2pQpdO7Xyq0B4nQHgjdGEKihwL3fICiV4-dqnZiE6phMy9VRiVxa914CTmdsm34IvnydKjNvP5Ihs4hUl4aQh4whB1mgqa_dY444Voyb7X6/s1600/150216_LampatMidnight_581+(1024x731)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prie dieu in Lamp at Midnight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a scene designer who has also been a properties master, designing props is gratifying. Designing props that are used over and over in show after show is especially gratifying. I love taking things that exist already and making them over into something they weren't meant for. Prop people see things not for what they are but for what they can become.Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-15551560180248110292015-03-23T22:37:00.001-07:002015-03-23T22:37:44.655-07:00Art Nouveau Compact--Tutorial<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd4clxtyzvtYIG3UpjhS_yHz6B7w0YwdfRxpN639fodNt3lt02qrnM_x22gC8gBMq4BpZZtkbbVwpMXIDU_9iBq0moccTY7IF5O-vo3a3UcCQ7sbnmek6FHPSW0NVLfPcvkhW6GUG7l48/s1600/IMG_9049+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd4clxtyzvtYIG3UpjhS_yHz6B7w0YwdfRxpN639fodNt3lt02qrnM_x22gC8gBMq4BpZZtkbbVwpMXIDU_9iBq0moccTY7IF5O-vo3a3UcCQ7sbnmek6FHPSW0NVLfPcvkhW6GUG7l48/s1600/IMG_9049+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern makeup compact</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As a prop master, I've had to come up with vintage makeup packages and applicators from time to time. Sometimes I'm fortunate to find vintage pieces, but there are times when they need to be created. <br />
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My wife had a used Covergirl compact for face powder and I asked her for it when it was used up. I had an idea for making an Art Nouveau compact that would be stage worthy. <br />
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<b>Step #1: Research</b><br />
I did a quick google search for Art Nouveau compacts and came up with a couple of images I liked. One was a dragon fly with a blue background, the other was a cast silver piece with bas relief. I decided to Frankenstein the two of them together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-IgUwqjrHAEN79DVOglyCprIUvGSixvWgYGwx5TxxUknr4xqfQyTdj2kdcQEaOs2wKEfPgtua128r5rKNsUCcKlqBlyCQfBhjg8clNcmYvFkqFRr3hUw5LSPbgx3LmMIgFcgEE7OfvLv/s1600/IMG_9039+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-IgUwqjrHAEN79DVOglyCprIUvGSixvWgYGwx5TxxUknr4xqfQyTdj2kdcQEaOs2wKEfPgtua128r5rKNsUCcKlqBlyCQfBhjg8clNcmYvFkqFRr3hUw5LSPbgx3LmMIgFcgEE7OfvLv/s1600/IMG_9039+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image research</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step #2: The Colored Background</b><br />
I chose a scrap piece of red velvet for the background color for this piece. First I turned the velvet over and with a sharpie pen drew the outline on the backside. Then I cut the circle out, but made sure I cut it a little smaller than actual. I don't know if this was good, bad or indifferent, it made sense to me to do it that way.<br />
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When it was cut, I took it to the fume hood in the shop and coated the top of the compact and the backside of the velvet circle with Super 77 Spray Adhesive. I double coated the velvet. I gave two coats to the velvet because fabric is absorbent and I wished to seal the fibers. The second coating was for adhering.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">I can't say enough about having proper ventilation when using solvent based adhesives or other chemicals. If you are fortunate enough to have access to a fume hood, use it. </span><br />
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I waited for a few minutes to let the spray adhesive get tacky and then I put them together, hoping to create a permanent bond. I was successful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRf2YWce1cxfOtCpX0QFwu-TsEe7NTyB2zI5aHK0ZtSODSDqxo354Uwwb9Gmf1naMcQJFdzVuyRPuwbq385r-3JXLIPK2Ou5z7uUGXGvJHCxIfYMXHM_mHtxHbS6ZviPOaHICCfe6kIrd/s1600/IMG_9041+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRf2YWce1cxfOtCpX0QFwu-TsEe7NTyB2zI5aHK0ZtSODSDqxo354Uwwb9Gmf1naMcQJFdzVuyRPuwbq385r-3JXLIPK2Ou5z7uUGXGvJHCxIfYMXHM_mHtxHbS6ZviPOaHICCfe6kIrd/s1600/IMG_9041+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parts</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqrFvOp7KA603ScOrLsyDcFjmG-vPNYfDpHOrvEv72B2qaKtF5SZbjVHzBXCcHWIMJYBujn_H5lKg6RdM1a89F73LsP-0yaRweMP2nme_UjgeQ3mHTQuVK8w9FJV927MK0v00guqpM20u/s1600/IMG_9043+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqrFvOp7KA603ScOrLsyDcFjmG-vPNYfDpHOrvEv72B2qaKtF5SZbjVHzBXCcHWIMJYBujn_H5lKg6RdM1a89F73LsP-0yaRweMP2nme_UjgeQ3mHTQuVK8w9FJV927MK0v00guqpM20u/s1600/IMG_9043+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracing the outline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE2Dk4qCcysE4XgKqARKGqYY-ePjX4W2378xpgIRih7wWCUO2eBf06or9i_e2IuYlok2dODuIFFB0zqTyyGQtyjQKNl2Gc7G75h47r-GNbbXnNwEXpn0RYlnpvrE7zvWP1uXWVU2hDy5S/s1600/IMG_9044+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE2Dk4qCcysE4XgKqARKGqYY-ePjX4W2378xpgIRih7wWCUO2eBf06or9i_e2IuYlok2dODuIFFB0zqTyyGQtyjQKNl2Gc7G75h47r-GNbbXnNwEXpn0RYlnpvrE7zvWP1uXWVU2hDy5S/s1600/IMG_9044+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obvious</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6yVDpGrTKRsx29E6ZrC1QSVk1mYE0vL8rUJ3BJYn3inNempNfqxH24BoQ6nstGrycxPCWHp20W6AeDUcxVB8zvUPNs4bIV8Y0i3fmIS9sEpdsiLNy33wiyR-fMWOQJ-lOFi61aJEFkCx/s1600/IMG_9046+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6yVDpGrTKRsx29E6ZrC1QSVk1mYE0vL8rUJ3BJYn3inNempNfqxH24BoQ6nstGrycxPCWHp20W6AeDUcxVB8zvUPNs4bIV8Y0i3fmIS9sEpdsiLNy33wiyR-fMWOQJ-lOFi61aJEFkCx/s1600/IMG_9046+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the circle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUfR-UC3H7jTKdz17oaHIl36CLW6Oxt4b5doNZ12VprfckTHuoVDMvjRjABH92slw3yzjcG6O4GU3EV9AdxXezXWV7Nor0m7ZyW6fCNI-hcFOztHrtVueaDLNwwMR1DECo2WEIhUw13Bt/s1600/IMG_9047+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUfR-UC3H7jTKdz17oaHIl36CLW6Oxt4b5doNZ12VprfckTHuoVDMvjRjABH92slw3yzjcG6O4GU3EV9AdxXezXWV7Nor0m7ZyW6fCNI-hcFOztHrtVueaDLNwwMR1DECo2WEIhUw13Bt/s1600/IMG_9047+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle of velvet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_WDlDPPOQA_YV0dtFI2vmZEfOSFxXm8IaiHudl4m1M_cP6vyLnx7SOxnSzlIYf_Ph6DDXZtda_s8TGIsWLB4OiKOEShH0nUmQYaW_S5DusQyjaXVbTZSNYa-CHoS2w_S1jx-fwRNfM7r/s1600/IMG_9051+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_WDlDPPOQA_YV0dtFI2vmZEfOSFxXm8IaiHudl4m1M_cP6vyLnx7SOxnSzlIYf_Ph6DDXZtda_s8TGIsWLB4OiKOEShH0nUmQYaW_S5DusQyjaXVbTZSNYa-CHoS2w_S1jx-fwRNfM7r/s1600/IMG_9051+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fume hood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazH1fXDPlNxPZ3LyBU4sfkz80XnElnebIvR6uECJcATb2No_IIVwtVR3kPsWLFlQE38_JHJD3dHrE5deV8M1T_iexkcfwQqMR4GoL2IVRUuMnjU0EHJyMUdJzDcGTNE13s6_FNmeuc6LC/s1600/IMG_9052+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazH1fXDPlNxPZ3LyBU4sfkz80XnElnebIvR6uECJcATb2No_IIVwtVR3kPsWLFlQE38_JHJD3dHrE5deV8M1T_iexkcfwQqMR4GoL2IVRUuMnjU0EHJyMUdJzDcGTNE13s6_FNmeuc6LC/s1600/IMG_9052+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiI5eTBvQRUaWsXUK8aLP8YXaRzEuZcrWyzhca5M1x1BDMFi-KMgN9scrEoZUTXausgRmByejy_BiA8GB7vEGpziGqBw829y6pMuBJwMam9210wUZAaRLhH9YEwQmDzfv1QAcCqzyJkC/s1600/IMG_9054+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiI5eTBvQRUaWsXUK8aLP8YXaRzEuZcrWyzhca5M1x1BDMFi-KMgN9scrEoZUTXausgRmByejy_BiA8GB7vEGpziGqBw829y6pMuBJwMam9210wUZAaRLhH9YEwQmDzfv1QAcCqzyJkC/s1600/IMG_9054+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad always said it was a fool who stated the obvious...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBE0muSFqjSwFmqu9SwA3LPQ70w9J4066tJKP6u7uXoB9Ikke1wJVfZjhkY7EnssdKdxVyDW8HoOz3QZNzL22QT8qo9XeVE43z0JfPt2n0vgyBN8qL9gSaw4_hthYFxbsmmDfv3JV_tkVk/s1600/IMG_9055+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBE0muSFqjSwFmqu9SwA3LPQ70w9J4066tJKP6u7uXoB9Ikke1wJVfZjhkY7EnssdKdxVyDW8HoOz3QZNzL22QT8qo9XeVE43z0JfPt2n0vgyBN8qL9gSaw4_hthYFxbsmmDfv3JV_tkVk/s1600/IMG_9055+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coated with spray adhesive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7hzDa6mtgdkxw2YwJBqZj6mzwd8M0LYXQCzwNxN93eXRwyFX0fzmA0eQWY3TMZ-MQQtqbiiPFBXbsAzBSKoG_7CK4-RgbDHdPhhlgLiw10ogZGP_FboXtQYnzLVgdt4DCR9pkziZrCYR/s1600/IMG_9056+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7hzDa6mtgdkxw2YwJBqZj6mzwd8M0LYXQCzwNxN93eXRwyFX0fzmA0eQWY3TMZ-MQQtqbiiPFBXbsAzBSKoG_7CK4-RgbDHdPhhlgLiw10ogZGP_FboXtQYnzLVgdt4DCR9pkziZrCYR/s1600/IMG_9056+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attached with a permanent bond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step #3: Prepping</b><br />
I noticed at this point that there was a paper sticker on the back of the compact that would need to be removed. I turned to the always handy, Goo Gone for that<br />
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One thing I hadn't accounted for is the fact that velvet is a little stretchy and as I applied it to the top of the compact it became a little misshapen. I used an exact-o knife to trim the edges back to where I thought they ought to be.<br />
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Once the edges were cleaned up, I transferred the image to the velvet with a sharpie pen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7Hjd9htTAT7AaU5o0NIJRLBI-k7MBZVWiGDxzS10nOZk2COJXXL2RTBtRRy8YLt09J5xmd43674rCaP8HBT572KYvXQ9el8xzomH6LakE8-6Q6pUYxq-wbi1V7lXxtQMSbkeXIDCReyL/s1600/IMG_9048+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7Hjd9htTAT7AaU5o0NIJRLBI-k7MBZVWiGDxzS10nOZk2COJXXL2RTBtRRy8YLt09J5xmd43674rCaP8HBT572KYvXQ9el8xzomH6LakE8-6Q6pUYxq-wbi1V7lXxtQMSbkeXIDCReyL/s1600/IMG_9048+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An important ingredient in any prop master's kit, Goo Gone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY4Xw1yzoRbvqoybe7kSkgLtevPU6pwnmYCBIZfahXQBVnM0DawLyuKAPdlb1Rxf3SawD5ejA8-tvHvdahWDYxy3mD2RfwZCkNmsWysaeD-bJlA1XUvvpJyaDQInFZuhSnfbbL3wGdKsx/s1600/IMG_9050+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY4Xw1yzoRbvqoybe7kSkgLtevPU6pwnmYCBIZfahXQBVnM0DawLyuKAPdlb1Rxf3SawD5ejA8-tvHvdahWDYxy3mD2RfwZCkNmsWysaeD-bJlA1XUvvpJyaDQInFZuhSnfbbL3wGdKsx/s1600/IMG_9050+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Label gone. Amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PcDxIwwzBEch2ZYwUdGnMl3mDB757Bxj5Y2f8sY3GixLmH29U0_-xoRtcbIKcTjDOGOSj5XQzstJd5sXGVrrfWgvkURX-h_BvIFkxzGr6T8RI9ZtITgs0fpDs_wmwwJq-UmftG47woRQ/s1600/IMG_9057+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PcDxIwwzBEch2ZYwUdGnMl3mDB757Bxj5Y2f8sY3GixLmH29U0_-xoRtcbIKcTjDOGOSj5XQzstJd5sXGVrrfWgvkURX-h_BvIFkxzGr6T8RI9ZtITgs0fpDs_wmwwJq-UmftG47woRQ/s1600/IMG_9057+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning up the edges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT4Pkn06biPEhFuVtycuVtVv4AgIua0798yTMw5lH474V0dlpheObGAiUf5FkLnbOWKUQxw2xBdQL9Oy782iEvxyVKcmn71n5lNncgVXgIpwF28Uc2d171lRHCuqjTTpAabzFjf23OstJ/s1600/IMG_9058+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT4Pkn06biPEhFuVtycuVtVv4AgIua0798yTMw5lH474V0dlpheObGAiUf5FkLnbOWKUQxw2xBdQL9Oy782iEvxyVKcmn71n5lNncgVXgIpwF28Uc2d171lRHCuqjTTpAabzFjf23OstJ/s1600/IMG_9058+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transferring the image freehand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzCZjLRy83AQUSNc7QUVbVhaRf15lMIJ3P0yiVglx77mqn2M8cFrLO2qrP_bTRN3xyPxUUhOiFQGqTDpZloNc5WBnQ3KbkB9nUGI3JsXHPQWdYxlAAtQeX39HeTklVgRVItRCO0jCsIMZ/s1600/IMG_9061+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzCZjLRy83AQUSNc7QUVbVhaRf15lMIJ3P0yiVglx77mqn2M8cFrLO2qrP_bTRN3xyPxUUhOiFQGqTDpZloNc5WBnQ3KbkB9nUGI3JsXHPQWdYxlAAtQeX39HeTklVgRVItRCO0jCsIMZ/s1600/IMG_9061+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The image</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step #4: Hot Glue</b><br />
Hot glue fell out of favor among prop artisans and costume craftspeople in the nineties. I think it's been having a slow rebirth in the prop field.<br />
<br />
I like to use hot glue as a sculpting medium when making certain props. It's a great way to get something 3D in a hurry. I used two sizes of hot glue guns when doing this project. A large one and a small one.<br />
<br />
Hot glue works best for distance work. If this were something I had to put on film or very close up I would use a different medium. However, at a distance it works quite well. At a distance broad brush strokes show up better than fine detail. Close up work demands the fine detail. Fifteen feet away, though this piece becomes stage worthy.<br />
<br />
With the line work drawn in, the hot glue step becomes more of a paint by numbers proposition. Fill in the black parts. <br />
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Hot glue is notorious for leaving behind little spiderwebby strands. It's important to wait for the hot glue to completely cool before removing them. I used a toad sticker to get the leftovers off of the piece.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJkknAkZQkZGrRf8bevZvtAOC0KGMfvlFcwnkIileVb2OQybmnk-VthfBg41q4LlKqSRBS0Xy_ZySUmkYSVZhWVWN7bHKqSObS8xZjkAgQNHpeRgYrCUcpfV_qA3z8wXGFIpfKUBTgFpf/s1600/IMG_9062+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJkknAkZQkZGrRf8bevZvtAOC0KGMfvlFcwnkIileVb2OQybmnk-VthfBg41q4LlKqSRBS0Xy_ZySUmkYSVZhWVWN7bHKqSObS8xZjkAgQNHpeRgYrCUcpfV_qA3z8wXGFIpfKUBTgFpf/s1600/IMG_9062+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large hot glue gun for the broad strokes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DZdKWsd5cGOmpXywXV_qUaD8r5F0-n6qSxR7Na-qMgFrg-2VJtHy8Df_-cwOY0i8sqg9kGOFJ6QXruAWkxSlyHnWmBzd-0cO02ti5Xu1LCNbqssyqnrTRb4WWCUDbQx2eLmxXOhu3cGO/s1600/IMG_9063+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DZdKWsd5cGOmpXywXV_qUaD8r5F0-n6qSxR7Na-qMgFrg-2VJtHy8Df_-cwOY0i8sqg9kGOFJ6QXruAWkxSlyHnWmBzd-0cO02ti5Xu1LCNbqssyqnrTRb4WWCUDbQx2eLmxXOhu3cGO/s1600/IMG_9063+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller glue gun for the smaller detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmPX_31DL01cJ1qoFe-asIV7EvIK4eJ_praWMn_g5IiXDclmTLt8UBE3IPJzZPQGerfMvoH8sxZzMfQMfVBrElJCdYiHQr78h-7Ta-1pccnFMRBbpSqtQsxJa7Z5rdFGTvMV89UWMwu3c/s1600/IMG_9064+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmPX_31DL01cJ1qoFe-asIV7EvIK4eJ_praWMn_g5IiXDclmTLt8UBE3IPJzZPQGerfMvoH8sxZzMfQMfVBrElJCdYiHQr78h-7Ta-1pccnFMRBbpSqtQsxJa7Z5rdFGTvMV89UWMwu3c/s1600/IMG_9064+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glued </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYcB1cKKknoGJp7BZXInX8ecVrCW_UEWdhGc3syOBpuqqcX9jqOrDumUmk1LITkFmBmdKmmtHmYJNQrXGb3y9FS8a_-h6Zd23Arprfa9o3mqbHEQjgAWAamrzctDCbAUuQWGFa_WZMMMj/s1600/IMG_9065+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYcB1cKKknoGJp7BZXInX8ecVrCW_UEWdhGc3syOBpuqqcX9jqOrDumUmk1LITkFmBmdKmmtHmYJNQrXGb3y9FS8a_-h6Zd23Arprfa9o3mqbHEQjgAWAamrzctDCbAUuQWGFa_WZMMMj/s1600/IMG_9065+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toad sticker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step #5: Gold Leaf</b><br />
This step can be done with any color metal leaf. I had originally intended to use silver leaf but discovered I didn't have any on hand. Since this was a prototype prop, I went with what I had.<br />
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I started on the bottom of the compact and gold leafed that, then I moved to the sides. Once they were done I moved to the hot glue on top.<br />
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The first step of gold leafing is to apply the metal leaf size. Basically it's an adhesive. I have gold leafed with spray adhesive before, when I was in a hurry. It works okay, but I think the effect looks better when a brush on size is applied.<br />
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The size goes on with a milky color. When it dries to the touch and the milky quality has turned clear, it's time to apply the metal leaf. It's imperative to keep your hands free from the adhesive when you are applying metal leaf. If you don't, it sticks to you and causes messes and problems. Keep your hands clean.<br />
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Lay the sheet of metal leaf on the size very gently, then press it straight down into the size. Once you are certain you have a good bond, then you can get a stiff paintbrush and burnish the metal leaf. This does two things, first it completes the glue bond and second it gives the metal leaf a luster.<br />
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Once the metal leafing is finished, inspect the piece to make sure there aren't any spots where the metal leaf missed. Cover any missed spots by repeating the process. When you are satisfied with the metal leafing, the final step is to seal the metal leaf. The company that makes the size also makes a sealer. It's important to seal the metal leaf, especially if you are using imitation leaf. The metal leaf will dull over time and oxidize to something really ugly. I've had a little experience with that actually.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtSKbwJWL175fDgWO_pAlcgyR6OF0XUIds0dFLNBPRor0Kt1O8wLHh8GSAPsU9jHCP-vlB01Ikqcbwwf-nWhKiNDBvu7jy4tugd3q_Xyf1DMpf1NMoiwozMTU2Z2vB2JtJ1JzSAE_cch9/s1600/IMG_9066+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtSKbwJWL175fDgWO_pAlcgyR6OF0XUIds0dFLNBPRor0Kt1O8wLHh8GSAPsU9jHCP-vlB01Ikqcbwwf-nWhKiNDBvu7jy4tugd3q_Xyf1DMpf1NMoiwozMTU2Z2vB2JtJ1JzSAE_cch9/s1600/IMG_9066+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal leaf size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUA6plGWNvmsrK2MpwQSUo7gjlqwqtnt2IpqVj6OJzeCa8Tz5ZkDC1Gjs81jGFg60yqls4TPmoycLwQvWScw7bdjhLP34fdDNdkoQWb73c2jojTOLL2319byRQSHGdAQFcUadHukKU7V9/s1600/IMG_9068+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUA6plGWNvmsrK2MpwQSUo7gjlqwqtnt2IpqVj6OJzeCa8Tz5ZkDC1Gjs81jGFg60yqls4TPmoycLwQvWScw7bdjhLP34fdDNdkoQWb73c2jojTOLL2319byRQSHGdAQFcUadHukKU7V9/s1600/IMG_9068+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold leaf package</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGt9YD5gRwbyfwl31Yh9NdbNxZGQXFobM0iPEhEcUb6gR0pgU3xoc0yPvf7aaugYAF9-7Dy7yBMudhetYTXHeAwkyuiys5V90-XtJpV2lAoWqrCJ2vzFMg7FcB6-82IEOCCsINAApNW6H/s1600/IMG_9069+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGt9YD5gRwbyfwl31Yh9NdbNxZGQXFobM0iPEhEcUb6gR0pgU3xoc0yPvf7aaugYAF9-7Dy7yBMudhetYTXHeAwkyuiys5V90-XtJpV2lAoWqrCJ2vzFMg7FcB6-82IEOCCsINAApNW6H/s1600/IMG_9069+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the size has turned clear, apply the metal leaf gently to the surface, then press straight down into it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF36PqlHtCazovrbG6RMDeAGjPX0aZ7qZnN4KFwPKRTeb15kbp_5z-5ehq5Je83jDXjMLemVV5rLkiLeZLoWJgQ5X34YnGu7dGWu7vvEVwRYsyKuSlnBHHPPOvwTZFpWe7vGqdAiWm8Tps/s1600/IMG_9070+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF36PqlHtCazovrbG6RMDeAGjPX0aZ7qZnN4KFwPKRTeb15kbp_5z-5ehq5Je83jDXjMLemVV5rLkiLeZLoWJgQ5X34YnGu7dGWu7vvEVwRYsyKuSlnBHHPPOvwTZFpWe7vGqdAiWm8Tps/s1600/IMG_9070+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2y6E6j0QJA8GEZa2XXgWPywKI-PUgtOny0jkPk4eJCzEKHp8ZcBKpBJ17wssgPzvpXknMZbK7vk_htTxbgZKBhoNxZiHDxi54kxS9s6J2LkgAM4pCuFRPedkKLMnWGZF-2RNCrC_8FsU/s1600/IMG_9071+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2y6E6j0QJA8GEZa2XXgWPywKI-PUgtOny0jkPk4eJCzEKHp8ZcBKpBJ17wssgPzvpXknMZbK7vk_htTxbgZKBhoNxZiHDxi54kxS9s6J2LkgAM4pCuFRPedkKLMnWGZF-2RNCrC_8FsU/s1600/IMG_9071+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the size to the sides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_ZrGBNakeg9Jz4iCK3JDdSGEmlUPM1RrsLEZ-uP24T71LMOWB4VUlhtZmJhVviFQlJfk6a5m89O0mwpeg3efc1TJoC_drxmf0o4V1FU-yxvA0LKU78ggqMQj-ox_EQXIgSIPOMx97NvU/s1600/IMG_9072+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_ZrGBNakeg9Jz4iCK3JDdSGEmlUPM1RrsLEZ-uP24T71LMOWB4VUlhtZmJhVviFQlJfk6a5m89O0mwpeg3efc1TJoC_drxmf0o4V1FU-yxvA0LKU78ggqMQj-ox_EQXIgSIPOMx97NvU/s1600/IMG_9072+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal leaf applied, ready for burnishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfcORkUWOT2bxyt7is7AbBf7fAXOGWwPdx7r56XnywAJ7iqADnEEck-_CO356Lo78eo3TjiT9GrNkvxGkxmpfZSj3WinZqPs4tbMTmAde1gLc0vYlFQtGyO6fOMUJcQONPy_nGZ3SGF4T/s1600/IMG_9073+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfcORkUWOT2bxyt7is7AbBf7fAXOGWwPdx7r56XnywAJ7iqADnEEck-_CO356Lo78eo3TjiT9GrNkvxGkxmpfZSj3WinZqPs4tbMTmAde1gLc0vYlFQtGyO6fOMUJcQONPy_nGZ3SGF4T/s1600/IMG_9073+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the size to the hot glue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrBYmylR2y0Hc80YYGK42o5b8a9nmexeq_fc0OFZ8Vp-J92RRTQTeJqfk-p5crpbWV2ThP9AnIdYwmjLxwoeMtH1_dDsPv43yRHhgO516N5ZXia8fUlSWnSM9SUdj5Ik8GUNyF0IfazoB/s1600/IMG_9074+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrBYmylR2y0Hc80YYGK42o5b8a9nmexeq_fc0OFZ8Vp-J92RRTQTeJqfk-p5crpbWV2ThP9AnIdYwmjLxwoeMtH1_dDsPv43yRHhgO516N5ZXia8fUlSWnSM9SUdj5Ik8GUNyF0IfazoB/s1600/IMG_9074+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal leaf applied to the hot glue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFoO4_iKeQUBkK0SDp8Caebhw7IDk6TBG87-wqNKSUHlZSVTjj7Vpyv5H_a6apW8ct_QZ5yCzf1JDSfrIuD144DjgTPDRHnb7ulQUMAUBOXquM-LjYULBmyqwajmTbOBfM6RYEvK0jubn/s1600/IMG_9075+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFoO4_iKeQUBkK0SDp8Caebhw7IDk6TBG87-wqNKSUHlZSVTjj7Vpyv5H_a6apW8ct_QZ5yCzf1JDSfrIuD144DjgTPDRHnb7ulQUMAUBOXquM-LjYULBmyqwajmTbOBfM6RYEvK0jubn/s1600/IMG_9075+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIJ0InZ-Y0t7iLuxLuFn87xHyiOSLVij6gt9-Nx22YeW4uIKxQAF50uFsfZUFeCGreckQeccZi_mAKVJphq1lJ-rgp8M6vNWq_mSNGyRT-bveECW8D5NryNBGGwYLfydeqRxJ39ka63g4/s1600/IMG_9076+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIJ0InZ-Y0t7iLuxLuFn87xHyiOSLVij6gt9-Nx22YeW4uIKxQAF50uFsfZUFeCGreckQeccZi_mAKVJphq1lJ-rgp8M6vNWq_mSNGyRT-bveECW8D5NryNBGGwYLfydeqRxJ39ka63g4/s1600/IMG_9076+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished piece</td></tr>
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So, this was a prototype, and I think it is definitely stage worthy. This is project I will attempt again. I think next time I'll take greater care with the hot glue and maybe choose a pattern that isn't so specific. This was an enjoyable project for me. I hope the readers enjoy it.Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-82949305178074627832015-03-21T23:28:00.001-07:002015-03-21T23:42:48.062-07:00How to Hack a Bigmouth Billy Bass--Tutorial<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmFlNjmZWTUtU_uwmDM_1izFV43QnU1G-vU2w68gO2aPDLcVaABb7-ZmUMEfyyZiHJNrrpAcZZFfG7EjaJ-AS6Wv2jVfCmeNdQyrk6QTaB4NWJY7xQUleTiz2xyMS4tFXOiwq5ni51Lc_/s1600/IMG_8834+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmFlNjmZWTUtU_uwmDM_1izFV43QnU1G-vU2w68gO2aPDLcVaABb7-ZmUMEfyyZiHJNrrpAcZZFfG7EjaJ-AS6Wv2jVfCmeNdQyrk6QTaB4NWJY7xQUleTiz2xyMS4tFXOiwq5ni51Lc_/s1600/IMG_8834+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<b>The Genesis of This Project</b><br />
Several years ago I attended a lecture by the Prop Master at the San Diego Opera. He was talking about some of the odd places he had picked up props. For one show they did, there was a market place with a fishmonger. He looked around for good prop fish, and there weren't a lot of them in those days, and remembered the greatest piece of Hillbilly Kitsch, the Bigmouth Billy Bass.<br />
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He remembered that when you go to the store, you push the buttons on the bass and it would sing, except sometimes it wouldn't. Who knows why, the battery may be dead, short circuit, faulty workmanship, whatever. He wrote to the company and told them who he was and what he did for a living and where, then he inquired as to what they do with the Bigmouth Billy Bass's that get returned for some reason or another. He didn't hear back from the company and kind of forgot about it. A few weeks later, a semi-truck backed into the loading dock of the San Diego Opera and offloaded several pallets of rejected Bigmouth Billy Bass's. <br />
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I made the quip in the Q&A, "So when we need a Bigmouth Billy Bass, we should write to you." After the session was over, he walked over to me and handed me my very own Bigmouth Billy Bass.<br />
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During his presentation, however, he mentioned that they could be hacked. He didn't say how, just that they could. <br />
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Challenge accepted.<br />
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I have a buddy in the Physics Department on campus that I consult with when I have science questions. I tell my technical theatre students all the time, "You thought this was a class on technical theatre. You were wrong, it's Physics." Technical theatre is all Physics based. I thought, when I took my beginning Physics class in college, "Well that was cool, those were cool tricks, but when would you use something like that?" Then I became a theatre technician and I understood.<br />
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Together, David (my Physics buddy) and I dissected the Bigmouth Billy Bass and created a hack for it. It's really quite simple actually.<br />
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<b>Step I: Acquiring Bigmouth Billy Bass</b><br />
I don't know if Bigmouth Billy Bass is still being manufactured or not, but I see them in thrift stores frequently. I also have picked up a Travis the Trout, a Frankie the Fish (Frankie the Fish was a gift) and a Larry the Lobster who also sing. There are singing Deer mounts and I found a singing moose one time. I think they are all made by the same company and the electronics are very similar inside all of them. <br />
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Bigmouth Billy Bass ends up at thrift stores for a couple of reasons. One: They stop working. Two; They are kind of tacky and people get them as gifts and send them away. Personally, I think if you pay more than about four bucks on a Bigmouth Billy Bass at a thrift store you're being cheated. Most of the time, when they stop working, it's a battery issue. Either the batteries have run out of power or they have failed and leaked corrosion into the battery case. Bigmouth Billy Bass runs on four C batteries.<br />
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<b>Step II: Demolition</b><br />
The first step on this hack is to remove the fish from the plastic mount. On the back of the piece are six small phillips head screws. When they are removed the back comes off and reveals the insides of the piece. <br />
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There is a small printed circuit board that is attached with phillips head screws. It needs to be removed. There is a mounting bracket that attaches the fish to the plastic with screws and they need to be removed as well. There is a small speaker and two switches that also need to be detached by removing screws. The first switch is a slide switch. That one arms the circuit. The second switch is a momentary push button switch. That fires the circuit.<br />
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In addition, there is a motion or light sensor, a battery mount and a DC power attachment that are all soldered in place. Those are disassembled by cutting the wires. At this point, I like to cut the wires as far away from the printed circuit board as I can. Only cut the wires to the motion sensor, the DC converter and the battery housing. Cutting other wires will come later. I'd like to say that the wires are all color coded but I've dug into several Bigmouth Billy Bass's and the only wires that seem to have consistent color coding are the power supply wires, universally red and black.<br />
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Because of the lack of universality of the wiring, it's a good idea to keep track of what color of wire goes to what apparatus. When we did this yesterday, we wrote it on the board. I sometimes will take masking tape and write on it and then put that on the wires as I clip them.<br />
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IMPORTANT: <br />
1. Clip the wires as far away from the PC board as possible.<br />
2. Keep track of what the wires go to.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXpXHTJ_Tjh8igL631akRz1PIE4DTVMHhzUeasl3hqSIxvTVdx47go9lW8sO8_FfuZlBwC_lGef5jk9kCTireBExIhDbmEczdqJOZ2GMX3_KSTBOAdxTzqzjTchuFPKL1VmBZ0h-z0B5v/s1600/IMG_8836+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXpXHTJ_Tjh8igL631akRz1PIE4DTVMHhzUeasl3hqSIxvTVdx47go9lW8sO8_FfuZlBwC_lGef5jk9kCTireBExIhDbmEczdqJOZ2GMX3_KSTBOAdxTzqzjTchuFPKL1VmBZ0h-z0B5v/s1600/IMG_8836+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the six screws on the back. Notice the thrift store tag. I think I paid two bucks for this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfeLdokHOSiV-GNHrYsAY8YG3DfLcZlVDSVNDHCpW-ZQEPlt70eWWMbQpVKHtgiSw9GFbY3kexLPHQcTUJPUHY1MnJG_Gl3TpnQKHfQrPbM0CZ9GFwiK_-pwvcWzJuvP1zMfkfLZgdHy5/s1600/IMG_8838+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfeLdokHOSiV-GNHrYsAY8YG3DfLcZlVDSVNDHCpW-ZQEPlt70eWWMbQpVKHtgiSw9GFbY3kexLPHQcTUJPUHY1MnJG_Gl3TpnQKHfQrPbM0CZ9GFwiK_-pwvcWzJuvP1zMfkfLZgdHy5/s1600/IMG_8838+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifting the back off. Note the wires still attached</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RhCEoNqwkA1Sa6o_VCwNccVH5iI-9ouBe8bi9M9PzwMwD7C0y0z2w9SVxDei1TYAgTOOwl8z9cXHM4B4Gq89kNIv6UrETGzvjt8HyTW_pEzJkkVe8K0rFFJuRVcUNheh0W0n723gt_C/s1600/IMG_8841+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RhCEoNqwkA1Sa6o_VCwNccVH5iI-9ouBe8bi9M9PzwMwD7C0y0z2w9SVxDei1TYAgTOOwl8z9cXHM4B4Gq89kNIv6UrETGzvjt8HyTW_pEzJkkVe8K0rFFJuRVcUNheh0W0n723gt_C/s1600/IMG_8841+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the speaker</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFGrOZn07u1c3z8bxO6oTItU153MagExHF-FZqvIj50f7vlzuHZ3swNM0IJ3U-emTLzI3S5-Qk-7PM2G2K_YBRRDEsO330VY86U61bjV-cpXXvXx70sJNeLgGmErR2Die4k2Evql2cS90/s1600/IMG_8843+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFGrOZn07u1c3z8bxO6oTItU153MagExHF-FZqvIj50f7vlzuHZ3swNM0IJ3U-emTLzI3S5-Qk-7PM2G2K_YBRRDEsO330VY86U61bjV-cpXXvXx70sJNeLgGmErR2Die4k2Evql2cS90/s1600/IMG_8843+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the arming switch in the foreground which was detached by removing two screws</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_Q3kAInyvETwwAgLWILMeikNsL8RgtZfPs12O5vpomT_5KztMpHLmzxSP4k6V6n7ti5fnaEBWCuXLAGjBz8g8Rj4nUdb98i7hNO1CuqZava5IIFgfc_PMGMgd-VGnENwMjVeSY_Z5iqF/s1600/IMG_8847+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_Q3kAInyvETwwAgLWILMeikNsL8RgtZfPs12O5vpomT_5KztMpHLmzxSP4k6V6n7ti5fnaEBWCuXLAGjBz8g8Rj4nUdb98i7hNO1CuqZava5IIFgfc_PMGMgd-VGnENwMjVeSY_Z5iqF/s1600/IMG_8847+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detaching the PC board</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKQ_0upBaBhj-ajx3hAXx8JeAvqxquGe6cebmI-JoPCrDL-52p49B2nxJZPlnRbvEBJW5A3_Lq2_Xv7XEXkjs8MPvjXpO2-DA0qTLgEzjFRmOEYfABU0WtlblfriJj_YPI69kssr_pjRq/s1600/IMG_8848+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKQ_0upBaBhj-ajx3hAXx8JeAvqxquGe6cebmI-JoPCrDL-52p49B2nxJZPlnRbvEBJW5A3_Lq2_Xv7XEXkjs8MPvjXpO2-DA0qTLgEzjFRmOEYfABU0WtlblfriJj_YPI69kssr_pjRq/s1600/IMG_8848+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clipping the power supply wires</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4kOsGSTFQcmWh6xkvWhKAitLogrQVVdnypiGb6qMNIgyjseWNZTcM8AKAjKNLnrzKklqFTlKH0HJqZWri3jMP0b_W3uQPi_8GDN1B4mcTjdLQyRdki3Cc6-k0K9QKLOZ7u-QyuiHHCDS/s1600/IMG_8851+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4kOsGSTFQcmWh6xkvWhKAitLogrQVVdnypiGb6qMNIgyjseWNZTcM8AKAjKNLnrzKklqFTlKH0HJqZWri3jMP0b_W3uQPi_8GDN1B4mcTjdLQyRdki3Cc6-k0K9QKLOZ7u-QyuiHHCDS/s1600/IMG_8851+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the mounting bracket</td></tr>
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Finally, once the screws have all been removed and the power supply, DC adapter and motion switch wires have been cut, it's time to break the mount. I use tin snips. It is always a good idea to use eye protection when doing this step as the plastic is brittle and has a tendency to fly about a bit. I only cut as much as I need to. I don't want to carelessly snip a wire at this point. I cut from one edge of the mount to the center square hole and then twist the plastic to release the fish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTrujxuVAjLGkkC3CJxUg6T0hqe_TCXNeEqtcBKPdpy8o6ErC7LYr775vcMPQjjqGN_zdA1JsTTEhf0WK6ECQaWvZbLP-CGrpSWQOIzTWxj0Ok2ewBO8MCSR7V5NesbpT-2uMocKj2Tqb/s1600/IMG_8854+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTrujxuVAjLGkkC3CJxUg6T0hqe_TCXNeEqtcBKPdpy8o6ErC7LYr775vcMPQjjqGN_zdA1JsTTEhf0WK6ECQaWvZbLP-CGrpSWQOIzTWxj0Ok2ewBO8MCSR7V5NesbpT-2uMocKj2Tqb/s1600/IMG_8854+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the plastic housing with tin snips</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM8Ak0wnpPE0x0W6FoL9lcivMpyfq8SrYhZQstqDLIGfK62QpXj5QORhodUlfsZvGtanyOiEY9iKtJ6ocgPdBmFVBy7jXEy1eoVDoS4JQznsTQemBfGfHaBLzZwxnDbr9BLggOgIjN6c_/s1600/IMG_8857+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM8Ak0wnpPE0x0W6FoL9lcivMpyfq8SrYhZQstqDLIGfK62QpXj5QORhodUlfsZvGtanyOiEY9iKtJ6ocgPdBmFVBy7jXEy1eoVDoS4JQznsTQemBfGfHaBLzZwxnDbr9BLggOgIjN6c_/s1600/IMG_8857+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Releasing the fish with brute force</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMXz77ImaoMhgBdqUXeZbkA3rRLMDfmjlH9xhCGmCmGQgD06s4s9ELwzRKLWmfQylgb9thyphenhyphenxyW2j-F_Ku1RL-mzZCZF34SLIABU1aLm8qqxo5ZPUMDI1sUB_S5xSlhHNNnCoOf0knNXF6/s1600/IMG_8860+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMXz77ImaoMhgBdqUXeZbkA3rRLMDfmjlH9xhCGmCmGQgD06s4s9ELwzRKLWmfQylgb9thyphenhyphenxyW2j-F_Ku1RL-mzZCZF34SLIABU1aLm8qqxo5ZPUMDI1sUB_S5xSlhHNNnCoOf0knNXF6/s1600/IMG_8860+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish is now free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step III: Wiring the Power Supply</b><br />
Bigmouth Billy Bass is notoriously wiggly. He moves in ways that real fish don't, so part of this hack involves making him less animated. We want Bigmouth Billy Bass to flop a bit and then gasp for breath. We don't want him to move like a singing fish. The regular Bigmouth Billy Bass runs on four C size batteries. C and D cell batteries have the same voltage. My Physics buddy and I experimented with reducing amperage and discovered you can run Bigmouth Billy Bass on two C or D batteries. He doesn't flop wildly anymore, rather he looks kind of like a fish out of water. Like he's supposed to.<br />
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Bigmouth Billy Bass has three servomotors, one for the tail, on for the body and the third for the mouth. I think it's important to identify which wires drive which servos, particularly if you wish to eliminate one of them, such as the tail. I think if you were making a basket of dying fish and wanted some movement, I'd have some fish that all they did was gasp. Other fish would bend and gasp while some of the others would do all three movements. I like variety. It's very easy to fix the movement, all you have to do is clip the wires. Movement gone. I'd always leave long enough leads so you can come back and reattach them at a later date, however.<br />
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The first step of the wiring process is attaching the power source. I like the battery holders from Radio Shack. I use either the <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-4-d-battery-holder/2700396.html#.VQ3llfnF86w" target="_blank">four cell </a></span></b>or the<b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-d-battery-holder/2700386.html#.VQ3ljPnF86w" target="_blank"> two cell</a></span></b> battery holders. When I use the four cell, I sometimes will wire around the last cell so I hack it to make it a three cell holder. Gives me variety in movement.<br />
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Join the red wire to the red wire and the black wire to the black wire. Add solder. Done. I twist my wires together, then place the tip of the soldering iron on the bottom of the wire joint. When it has sufficiently heated, I add solder to the top and let it flow through the wire joint. When it cools, I bend it flat and add a covering of electricians tape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqqWIlzv1Mwg0807MRh6ESE0SyqXKq9yWSP_7_Sb3VpYkhN8R97lk1myUI5PO8plq2Ijv_cXxnM89AtC6BRVCc4wVLbxhUE_xq1GYnLfUBFId47D5Kbw9t7UGNko7IxzVWjRJ3hvgBAtf/s1600/IMG_8862+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqqWIlzv1Mwg0807MRh6ESE0SyqXKq9yWSP_7_Sb3VpYkhN8R97lk1myUI5PO8plq2Ijv_cXxnM89AtC6BRVCc4wVLbxhUE_xq1GYnLfUBFId47D5Kbw9t7UGNko7IxzVWjRJ3hvgBAtf/s1600/IMG_8862+(1024x683).jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Identifying which wires attach to which servos</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHCc5dKoFk2uIMrT5G9YChSkbny4Y9uoULD6pHle2WR5uIum82qaesvaaVjIuLU88XUl6d3ex3bo4GHwywzeDKzz5i3FJN9MnQjGoWq5jXvVe3PlHxVtxlAZ7bPFECCIkpmzur1oACTTM/s1600/IMG_8888+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHCc5dKoFk2uIMrT5G9YChSkbny4Y9uoULD6pHle2WR5uIum82qaesvaaVjIuLU88XUl6d3ex3bo4GHwywzeDKzz5i3FJN9MnQjGoWq5jXvVe3PlHxVtxlAZ7bPFECCIkpmzur1oACTTM/s1600/IMG_8888+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radio Shack battery holder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGvfiVE9AnaSeCnAvsi9JXisRilpxrpLjtd2xE7Vpwk2HRGum7e6wXf1M1xfbaXQhsn-Mz5Zh4mG5mtFOB7b_oggGqx3ZivZLsEhGGyCKyT4ftzz3s0fmHrtRgNGs2LKG6HMBFTMlhfnc/s1600/IMG_8893+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGvfiVE9AnaSeCnAvsi9JXisRilpxrpLjtd2xE7Vpwk2HRGum7e6wXf1M1xfbaXQhsn-Mz5Zh4mG5mtFOB7b_oggGqx3ZivZLsEhGGyCKyT4ftzz3s0fmHrtRgNGs2LKG6HMBFTMlhfnc/s1600/IMG_8893+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripping the ends of the wire leads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloytAMYoFhNIGW9F85OEuvvt0rdljWulYwSLqreWIURdjCeOEMRBv6402hyphenhyphenal7nMeCzWWPyoVHvyQj358kma9AoYU23Qx5T4xzoOxXQ-Wr8zw_roLjnkHqub1uFVckKdPm8aQkJm0Z8z7/s1600/IMG_8898+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloytAMYoFhNIGW9F85OEuvvt0rdljWulYwSLqreWIURdjCeOEMRBv6402hyphenhyphenal7nMeCzWWPyoVHvyQj358kma9AoYU23Qx5T4xzoOxXQ-Wr8zw_roLjnkHqub1uFVckKdPm8aQkJm0Z8z7/s1600/IMG_8898+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisting the wires together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIToCmVJ8PfY5XXZtSGgVxyclIb_Ch2jSpkVpOyHVr4MqS4DbZK8Rbjc5Fg3Hg0AAL9OaxS0qorp1U-piLonSVNyBd5DVemii2_oIi29AZdmWWcEmLqKSfIQOg7RacgySlstMB3OFvEDSj/s1600/IMG_8902+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIToCmVJ8PfY5XXZtSGgVxyclIb_Ch2jSpkVpOyHVr4MqS4DbZK8Rbjc5Fg3Hg0AAL9OaxS0qorp1U-piLonSVNyBd5DVemii2_oIi29AZdmWWcEmLqKSfIQOg7RacgySlstMB3OFvEDSj/s1600/IMG_8902+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating the black wires with the soldering iron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYR_NbsrVpxS6GHzCxmmkm3X9J2qVeLFpDxWu1mWrDNj0IuBG0XVJCc0R1rLFL-hRHXzUSe4qu-FF_Hasz5lszPlUt3FD233rUT-690qJZ2N2tus4IVQsAlIIgSRBWp10jRSxpqIHC1LV/s1600/IMG_8903+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYR_NbsrVpxS6GHzCxmmkm3X9J2qVeLFpDxWu1mWrDNj0IuBG0XVJCc0R1rLFL-hRHXzUSe4qu-FF_Hasz5lszPlUt3FD233rUT-690qJZ2N2tus4IVQsAlIIgSRBWp10jRSxpqIHC1LV/s1600/IMG_8903+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add the solder. When it flows it's done. I draw the iron along the solder joint when I detach to make sure I don't take the solder with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3ZoB0J71sec0vdrGRseLpqOHz0hLHfGXKMYY8eUyN9-UtOUUo2Z-x0NPGpcM5wMOIdkx8y1WpxxKvjGl3geXQa84R4VFcQ3XivdXHxkpO1spB7Mdxe1pTFg23YhlWA3YmnewD7SntCs9/s1600/IMG_8912+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3ZoB0J71sec0vdrGRseLpqOHz0hLHfGXKMYY8eUyN9-UtOUUo2Z-x0NPGpcM5wMOIdkx8y1WpxxKvjGl3geXQa84R4VFcQ3XivdXHxkpO1spB7Mdxe1pTFg23YhlWA3YmnewD7SntCs9/s1600/IMG_8912+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldering the red wires</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrrn-eZuvkUNlnh0kGQg-NcSE4HdXnzN0jVODuHwUGIJxhM2E7C0bsQaUNBcU0i0KSWEbTdPoPSKKk_axl_Xp_C8-sF9AE4F_Ln4TUeq3h-ahgFtKCosYcdNFbvZ3rgtjUdtNEHER3CMQ/s1600/IMG_8914+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrrn-eZuvkUNlnh0kGQg-NcSE4HdXnzN0jVODuHwUGIJxhM2E7C0bsQaUNBcU0i0KSWEbTdPoPSKKk_axl_Xp_C8-sF9AE4F_Ln4TUeq3h-ahgFtKCosYcdNFbvZ3rgtjUdtNEHER3CMQ/s1600/IMG_8914+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The solder joint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step IV: Wiring the Switch</b><br />
The first step in wiring the switch is to identify which wires on the PC board were attached to the original push button switch. In this case, it was the yellow wires. I like small momentary switches from Radio Shack. They work well. A momentary switch is like a doorbell. Push it and release. Like a doorbell, the Bigmouth Billy Bass needs only a moment to complete the switch circuit and the rest of the action drives through. In other words, you don't need to have the switch depressed the entire time you want Billy to gasp for breath. I purchase the switches that are "Always Off". that means that they have to be depressed in order to complete the circuit. They also have "Always On" which when depressed it interrupts the circuit. When buying switches for this hack avoid the switches that say "Normally Closed." Those are the "Always On" switches.<br />
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I took an electronics class in high school many years ago. Alright, decades ago. A long time ago. I learned about heat sinks in that class. A heat sink is a clamp you put on an electronic component before you solder it. The point of the heat sink is to put it between the delicate parts of the component and the soldering iron. What happens then is the soldering iron heats the portion of the component you need to solder to but the heat sink wicks the heat away from the sensitive parts. Then you don't damage your component.<br />
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I like to use the heat sink for switches because I'd hate to burn a switch out while soldering it. Just makes extra work. Once the heat sink is in place, the soldering is like the soldering for the battery pack. Join the wire to the lead, heat up the area to be soldered, apply solder, remove heat, repeat for the other side, done.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNyMiw5ci00Pbr4HHdLp6bbr_xjoVXIq4COPQCLFTc9dbAtqRhp4oQipRgvJwqALEzTNe9wRFe-Upic-Wkub02q4_LkNTh5AcC5o1aR7e-KtgUhJYLASC1Pvu8oYtWV9M2d4CbYpJXp-S/s1600/IMG_8917+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNyMiw5ci00Pbr4HHdLp6bbr_xjoVXIq4COPQCLFTc9dbAtqRhp4oQipRgvJwqALEzTNe9wRFe-Upic-Wkub02q4_LkNTh5AcC5o1aR7e-KtgUhJYLASC1Pvu8oYtWV9M2d4CbYpJXp-S/s1600/IMG_8917+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momentary switch, (normally open)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC5nkLgP7Ufjq31akzFX1OD_4r8WfwX_diroqBfm_lGxE-DeZWR07OC6d03JrwWKS9f6W63bfnh7gha1e0gyQdIErGajIJw5U888N4vumsDmGkaysmwAJd8PnXcIR5d3bRxKK5Bs7n6iF/s1600/IMG_8918+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC5nkLgP7Ufjq31akzFX1OD_4r8WfwX_diroqBfm_lGxE-DeZWR07OC6d03JrwWKS9f6W63bfnh7gha1e0gyQdIErGajIJw5U888N4vumsDmGkaysmwAJd8PnXcIR5d3bRxKK5Bs7n6iF/s1600/IMG_8918+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Threading the wire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf_4nhQsuKqvrptaSp6t7cM4pCHoL_Z6oJvcMAMGIWsnNJNC6gsgQZtAb8wCddKdyoTqZkDkj6_gAmOGuLqd3kdeMiWXcHwhaoTdQxUDcHYF3RNJN-abYegpVBS3tAxUOlEHBP-5tQTj3/s1600/IMG_8922+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf_4nhQsuKqvrptaSp6t7cM4pCHoL_Z6oJvcMAMGIWsnNJNC6gsgQZtAb8wCddKdyoTqZkDkj6_gAmOGuLqd3kdeMiWXcHwhaoTdQxUDcHYF3RNJN-abYegpVBS3tAxUOlEHBP-5tQTj3/s1600/IMG_8922+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire twisted on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfXJoOUyEShIAHi7IVHT9gwxjS5MgjNLigortLIWwBayTq3ccKDcwlDunWptR8yVnHBDPYEJXMWmTGU8RRvrlzwZbVBR_7aUvc9X2Mn1-ankbfM5pzc4yaOI9gqTZ4woXsgkSw6B9wuFL/s1600/IMG_8923+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfXJoOUyEShIAHi7IVHT9gwxjS5MgjNLigortLIWwBayTq3ccKDcwlDunWptR8yVnHBDPYEJXMWmTGU8RRvrlzwZbVBR_7aUvc9X2Mn1-ankbfM5pzc4yaOI9gqTZ4woXsgkSw6B9wuFL/s1600/IMG_8923+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the heat sink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR36a5q8CsHg51rJ5t7NRgVjI5JhIHBaGAAng0UIo00ealE3eLAceHpPXz6sKo0uFdpv-WCZHkG5yzhsB4C4JfR57FHFd7z7CdhnQCT0eDFctfaB5RoD5gj_wThwJCvZgVU6H5IHYr6BK/s1600/IMG_8925+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR36a5q8CsHg51rJ5t7NRgVjI5JhIHBaGAAng0UIo00ealE3eLAceHpPXz6sKo0uFdpv-WCZHkG5yzhsB4C4JfR57FHFd7z7CdhnQCT0eDFctfaB5RoD5gj_wThwJCvZgVU6H5IHYr6BK/s1600/IMG_8925+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heat sink serves to hold the piece in place. Notice the heat sink is between the component and the solder area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLykzV-N4p5NnHCjtQPH9k8wro93dnVOIYQijTtlp9XtzclGohABArk96FrMBlWgI_Z8nDbO0Yq0YQmOoMXYlTbwZFqTsL1oIkl0qWRBKmSgVvZbjR6LFVpD9LSbK1tbVo1I8IGezD9ySC/s1600/IMG_8928+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLykzV-N4p5NnHCjtQPH9k8wro93dnVOIYQijTtlp9XtzclGohABArk96FrMBlWgI_Z8nDbO0Yq0YQmOoMXYlTbwZFqTsL1oIkl0qWRBKmSgVvZbjR6LFVpD9LSbK1tbVo1I8IGezD9ySC/s1600/IMG_8928+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add solder. Voila</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Step V: Testing and Cleanup</b><br />
This is the moment of truth. Add batteries to the battery pack and push the button. Normally when I do this hack, I take the speaker off before this step. I wanted to demonstrate, though how the hack worked this time and I left the speaker on. I demonstrated the fish with the speaker, then I removed the speaker by clipping the wires close to the PC board and demonstrated it again. What I showed was that the fish is still singing, or at least being driven by the music card on the PC board even though you can't hear it.<br />
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When I had demonstrated those two things, I cut off any of the other extraneous wires, all the redundant stuff to clean up the Bigmouth Billy Bass who now just gasps for breath.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1LVp1ckRJCMhmzk_9bx61StIvBiC7TphPzkl9Fn59h3Myiq62w0JM6cBPclRYyMMoUsxH-1xBbWFDWvBqrQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The fish with sound. As you can see, the movement of the tail is less than the fully amped counterpart. It makes the movement a little more realistic. The body doesn't bend as much either because the servos aren't drawing as many amps as they would with four batteries.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu91nbb0T_E1OKtx3BXQG9ecZtw74eP-s-S5MpUaM5L1CqgcYHHZ-ixq5L-bconm_BO-zDsNRz1Pefdsum6DLLoAPz7vWMh2hlFDpyv6W3SmazOGPFXYwMag0MRi0fPW7Tts1-Wpzy-4W/s1600/IMG_8953+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu91nbb0T_E1OKtx3BXQG9ecZtw74eP-s-S5MpUaM5L1CqgcYHHZ-ixq5L-bconm_BO-zDsNRz1Pefdsum6DLLoAPz7vWMh2hlFDpyv6W3SmazOGPFXYwMag0MRi0fPW7Tts1-Wpzy-4W/s1600/IMG_8953+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the extraneous wires, including the speaker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbAC9Djv6GWu5z-DCosAbfp_p-FF5RhTHJ3xwPp48zg2ZjwHLchSYLOyrKYRc-pthoqlUkb-w1VcE2iMSy3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The fish without sound</div>
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When we did Shakespeare's The Tempest, we had several Bigmouth Billy Bass's and a Larry the Lobster all hacked and mounted on serving trays that the Ariels fed to the shipwrecked sailors. We had five Ariel's, If one Ariel is good then five are obviously better.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGntslncn7kGWEbT_UcQw4c9Q5fRmlBYFzKE229nTVRlMGl9d_VD1NDYseoJYq2FtHix3GHLead59vihPUpZ6JrqF8GwPCwzTzJQqWWFVHwUyBut9C2um_bwftqk9JhlRNZGUFPjT3V1r/s1600/130226_Tempest_381+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGntslncn7kGWEbT_UcQw4c9Q5fRmlBYFzKE229nTVRlMGl9d_VD1NDYseoJYq2FtHix3GHLead59vihPUpZ6JrqF8GwPCwzTzJQqWWFVHwUyBut9C2um_bwftqk9JhlRNZGUFPjT3V1r/s1600/130226_Tempest_381+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Ariels with a tray of food which contained a hacked Larry the Lobster</td></tr>
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This has been a fun project to do and it's a relatively easy hack. If you don't spend too much for Billy, it can be done for less than ten dollars.</div>
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As a bonus, here's what Larry looks like, hacked.</div>
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<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-74091484511784573562015-03-11T16:06:00.002-07:002015-03-22T00:02:37.533-07:00Prop class journal: Skull day In Prop class this week we've been working on making skulls!
The students enjoyed working through the process and crafting and creating their skulls. Each student came up with their own concept for what they wanted their skull to look like and a back story, how the person died and where it rotted. Here are some pictures from class!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFv_zu4SAsu-Yf6g5k35QBni36LMeelnXLYXSybSjyLhTaq3E6C0DaNR-7qX67OhJ99Lk5Cx74TbwBfZ772GeOMU2yvyqX4YuSHYCFpQTScMfyxukzDVGs8tjpMTbxtv-mtT1PB2bLxU/s1600/0304151603b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFv_zu4SAsu-Yf6g5k35QBni36LMeelnXLYXSybSjyLhTaq3E6C0DaNR-7qX67OhJ99Lk5Cx74TbwBfZ772GeOMU2yvyqX4YuSHYCFpQTScMfyxukzDVGs8tjpMTbxtv-mtT1PB2bLxU/s320/0304151603b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here a student is demonstrating how she broke her skulls' jaw to give it a slack-jawed feel. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLepG4H2DI53Qh7z5pYMmKfXy-zK0vv8RkB5Pgjz1ZJpBX60YNbMVHelaAW1EUdxZL8kurfyHcAwp2UjbO6jBdZE0B98LZ8WF9n3DaT09pQSnkhH2xj6FX1cgjtk-n3gdFnEZnXhpkm0/s1600/0304151603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLepG4H2DI53Qh7z5pYMmKfXy-zK0vv8RkB5Pgjz1ZJpBX60YNbMVHelaAW1EUdxZL8kurfyHcAwp2UjbO6jBdZE0B98LZ8WF9n3DaT09pQSnkhH2xj6FX1cgjtk-n3gdFnEZnXhpkm0/s320/0304151603.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next step is to cover the skull in nylons. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiufZucm_qUeeo4kNd1JLD9cO8MvCEnVndvceyFzChg7vzgpcMBZAIGCtz-cC_aYSUTxH23xDmp9Xuk_uxlmqtGxVZh0g0jxCLEcQUmmXfbejDIAUAGh5pJss2jAlwt2y_ZPNUXbosfvo/s1600/0304151558b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiufZucm_qUeeo4kNd1JLD9cO8MvCEnVndvceyFzChg7vzgpcMBZAIGCtz-cC_aYSUTxH23xDmp9Xuk_uxlmqtGxVZh0g0jxCLEcQUmmXfbejDIAUAGh5pJss2jAlwt2y_ZPNUXbosfvo/s320/0304151558b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here a student is posing with her nylon covered skull. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0IYdQvsnZ6Gb4egf-2phREFgw2RyxkwSGMZjFnR5axBUrrVRrEV3t7yfJL2m4pQSwgvkXpsi6lYvJQ_zv42zWpeTdo2EH5AaRGjLHcwJk9YuveLXfuIKazPmHRVuCz9mvUWvWB9hQfQ/s1600/0304151603c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0IYdQvsnZ6Gb4egf-2phREFgw2RyxkwSGMZjFnR5axBUrrVRrEV3t7yfJL2m4pQSwgvkXpsi6lYvJQ_zv42zWpeTdo2EH5AaRGjLHcwJk9YuveLXfuIKazPmHRVuCz9mvUWvWB9hQfQ/s320/0304151603c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next step is to cut and rip the nylon to simulate ripped and decaying skin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWAmA2ekzCZsdTKbrzY92gdN4zjAkjpmQnXdYy_7KPMKrPonW7bknVk70O3P_PMWOFm4-ZTs16Z-9u_K5O8JANnQ1heaPWFUm7uUlbbCQntP_pM5GbZz8EHRqsCxyX7D_CSavzA4Lxlk/s1600/0304151608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWAmA2ekzCZsdTKbrzY92gdN4zjAkjpmQnXdYy_7KPMKrPonW7bknVk70O3P_PMWOFm4-ZTs16Z-9u_K5O8JANnQ1heaPWFUm7uUlbbCQntP_pM5GbZz8EHRqsCxyX7D_CSavzA4Lxlk/s320/0304151608.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is fabulous. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieThQwNR7gKSDhNo9w1oPv2h-SEzxtzoGd4-MUJ34EkKfYpHUWxeWMoe0leRWfhA7ytd3o0aoc0bfEKL9Qgy3IvnSirHi72bPRSMlOBfkM2wMWCmc3vHxPjZB_jqkTfgO3Uc6q5F2zHzE/s1600/0304151632a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieThQwNR7gKSDhNo9w1oPv2h-SEzxtzoGd4-MUJ34EkKfYpHUWxeWMoe0leRWfhA7ytd3o0aoc0bfEKL9Qgy3IvnSirHi72bPRSMlOBfkM2wMWCmc3vHxPjZB_jqkTfgO3Uc6q5F2zHzE/s320/0304151632a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next step is to cover the skull in mastic with a paint brush, a crappy one. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZtAC365mY_JCSNrKbTqvl8ebmvzNT1CfWKz9BWhLsmr7TDGrgcnF7hcYoAp73SDxWvd1FJ1p-etqwOIHwIgcYqNLGI0sQsE67ZENvpONgUNWDNpuB_MqGwJqiZcoxEwgQSskcDKcST0/s1600/0304151632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZtAC365mY_JCSNrKbTqvl8ebmvzNT1CfWKz9BWhLsmr7TDGrgcnF7hcYoAp73SDxWvd1FJ1p-etqwOIHwIgcYqNLGI0sQsE67ZENvpONgUNWDNpuB_MqGwJqiZcoxEwgQSskcDKcST0/s320/0304151632.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After that you can add hair, moss or anything you want to stick on your skull. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyuK-NTxZnoxa04wsNtcpYDxxjw3n-DjkDHOKYE2kICLKy7yRMSsfWen-SkXm5gOfeBCY2XowRaKSKZNo3tNyRKnm5HyPgx2m-os_xvI84bRBYd9QsfdrOiz7lxbFwu8dCYLnhSn7Zqs/s1600/0306151600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyuK-NTxZnoxa04wsNtcpYDxxjw3n-DjkDHOKYE2kICLKy7yRMSsfWen-SkXm5gOfeBCY2XowRaKSKZNo3tNyRKnm5HyPgx2m-os_xvI84bRBYd9QsfdrOiz7lxbFwu8dCYLnhSn7Zqs/s320/0306151600.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then spray pain and scary your roommates!! </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-5469738907874621912015-02-19T22:08:00.000-08:002015-02-19T22:08:55.058-08:00Haunted Mansion Candelabra<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsYg9BbeyEqnv4NYsqFYrrJj3FA2mx6HLDO31PkJg4R9iprGpNj__xrFWBOmjVelna-21xb1aSWTjHzWNtKpFNzxEp5Ge0d3DL99xfOIRfhIqOgsDsslXot5CALZLIvMqeHvchyW2wHM0/s1600/IMG_8688+(680x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsYg9BbeyEqnv4NYsqFYrrJj3FA2mx6HLDO31PkJg4R9iprGpNj__xrFWBOmjVelna-21xb1aSWTjHzWNtKpFNzxEp5Ge0d3DL99xfOIRfhIqOgsDsslXot5CALZLIvMqeHvchyW2wHM0/s1600/IMG_8688+(680x1024).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haunted Mansion Candelabra</td></tr>
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Halloween is the propmaster holiday. When I'm not working on a specific show, I turn my creative energies to building props for Halloween. <br />
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I found a cheesy '70's candelabra in a local thrift store. It was a four arm candelabra with a fifth candle holder in the center. The base was turned wood and the arms were made of bent pencil rod. It needed to become cooler. Personally, I think skulls make just about everything better and so...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH_7_s8g-OJL2kWF9vuHpg88m391sf1hi2MLlBTO03ZgOXkKEZt9ODW_mZ4YqErbPx70cS8xOQ1M_1u-YD4oRXARMZmFz84W5NfZh5spXG3XcRWam3Uli6JiVFss1UgyKgct_6e3CFm6x/s1600/IMG_8670+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH_7_s8g-OJL2kWF9vuHpg88m391sf1hi2MLlBTO03ZgOXkKEZt9ODW_mZ4YqErbPx70cS8xOQ1M_1u-YD4oRXARMZmFz84W5NfZh5spXG3XcRWam3Uli6JiVFss1UgyKgct_6e3CFm6x/s1600/IMG_8670+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesy, 1970's thrift store candelabra</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPEfZU1WRcJet0Q_W6QOE8Gwn7VAEqNBK0MBoWrkvO6LO8C0MZvmmErE-msvn4ufdaFYq5ClUOXTw637mwuIiR_xwk43NLysKCJbibS0lOleYK1T8LniWmxzd0SiDuR_bkBaBAVMeAZ1J/s1600/IMG_8673+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPEfZU1WRcJet0Q_W6QOE8Gwn7VAEqNBK0MBoWrkvO6LO8C0MZvmmErE-msvn4ufdaFYq5ClUOXTw637mwuIiR_xwk43NLysKCJbibS0lOleYK1T8LniWmxzd0SiDuR_bkBaBAVMeAZ1J/s1600/IMG_8673+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skulls</td></tr>
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I just happened to have a few small foam skulls and a handful of mini plastic skulls laying around. My thought was that if one skull was good, then five were surely better.<br />
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<b>The Process</b><br />
The first step in the haunted mansion candelabra was to set the larger skull on the central post. To do this, I sawed the skull in half with a steak knife, then carved out channels for the skull to fit around the pencil rod.<br />
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Once the parts were cut and fitted, I reassembled the skull around the center post and fixed it with hot glue. If I were to do this project again, I would use low temp hot glue. I think there would be less melting of the foam. Nevertheless, it worked and I was able to attach the skull to the middle of the candelabra.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWELDS14hBHU3O0-nOovcerlbnz8FDxBjPnAfe5QevdgRb2St4Y_BQcv-3_tVk81rsLoxPs6ua_m64SDC1rhycaR2sn91jO_oVmlFSAQE_LmnTETXZ1nBWbJlhTttyZq_r5P7Gm1AmH6my/s1600/IMG_8674+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWELDS14hBHU3O0-nOovcerlbnz8FDxBjPnAfe5QevdgRb2St4Y_BQcv-3_tVk81rsLoxPs6ua_m64SDC1rhycaR2sn91jO_oVmlFSAQE_LmnTETXZ1nBWbJlhTttyZq_r5P7Gm1AmH6my/s1600/IMG_8674+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawing asunder the foam skull</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQd9WKBwiIHNdO1BknVYh_FqYh-GKQoKRWlWawrf1rJtdcobMN6pD2KGH-DkKyQgbJc-Cw5POKlEpisgky7BLX5ZggfsgJGZnTThw0hqrWvCk2tkl6JSc_g77MzuUA9nFw8mks0mzn6Sb/s1600/IMG_8675+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQd9WKBwiIHNdO1BknVYh_FqYh-GKQoKRWlWawrf1rJtdcobMN6pD2KGH-DkKyQgbJc-Cw5POKlEpisgky7BLX5ZggfsgJGZnTThw0hqrWvCk2tkl6JSc_g77MzuUA9nFw8mks0mzn6Sb/s1600/IMG_8675+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What that looks like</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwPjmBcDRQMqMzrkNHkktME-EnRzGyi6YkLGTJpbe17wMkdSU0ORjO8p5Y-_6Vq2E5_rzabfmidc5QQiPRFBvKb9AmURfJVkVshppHmOEfMwSm0rABAdMBirh9E7X1CbX5lDO23B1Z3YB/s1600/IMG_8676+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwPjmBcDRQMqMzrkNHkktME-EnRzGyi6YkLGTJpbe17wMkdSU0ORjO8p5Y-_6Vq2E5_rzabfmidc5QQiPRFBvKb9AmURfJVkVshppHmOEfMwSm0rABAdMBirh9E7X1CbX5lDO23B1Z3YB/s1600/IMG_8676+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting the foam skull around the post. Measurements were made and scribed with a sharpie pen and the channels were cut with an exacto knife</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqJKqlr1wL_VcmH-9fe8nTQtsH2Mk8-cJ8CARCWFMRjy2woo9AH6dDK6WlH9HYyBwbUPirabqmU4ltjw84YY-fONE5Ccb3rADWiZascWIE0rbY31btngyWV6P8mqlwKzoBVcTixItkax-/s1600/IMG_8677+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqJKqlr1wL_VcmH-9fe8nTQtsH2Mk8-cJ8CARCWFMRjy2woo9AH6dDK6WlH9HYyBwbUPirabqmU4ltjw84YY-fONE5Ccb3rADWiZascWIE0rbY31btngyWV6P8mqlwKzoBVcTixItkax-/s1600/IMG_8677+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once I was satisfied with the fit, I applied hot glue to the post and fitted one half of the skull to it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAvbRxhRH-PN-D9y3bGvZ-kqFGU9i_PcbEU3At67WMemAcG7oTdTHTnqJmGvllzdS5P4wcuI_HQMwuhuSB29FDL5GRXxNAzUAYQYc5UrqrbjlbO56OlYatjR0iYDwuJPTn9UgwFuUDHEp/s1600/IMG_8678+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAvbRxhRH-PN-D9y3bGvZ-kqFGU9i_PcbEU3At67WMemAcG7oTdTHTnqJmGvllzdS5P4wcuI_HQMwuhuSB29FDL5GRXxNAzUAYQYc5UrqrbjlbO56OlYatjR0iYDwuJPTn9UgwFuUDHEp/s1600/IMG_8678+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next the other half of the skull was attached with hot glue. Low temp hot glue<br />would have worked better</td></tr>
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Next came the mini skulls on the arms of the candelabra. I used hard plastic, hollow mini skulls from a Bag O' Skulls I acquired at a Halloween shop. The first step was to drill a hole the same diameter as the pencil rod through the top and bottom of the skulls.<br />
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Next, along the back of the skull I joined the top and bottom holes with a cut line made with an exacto knife. The cut line allowed for the back of the skull to be spread and placed around the pencil rod. The original drilled hole then snapped in place around the metal.<br />
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After that, each of the skulls are situated on the pencil rod and the interior of each skull was filled with hot glue. I then placed the candelabra upside down so the mini skulls wouldn't shift while the hot glue set.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhronAN3kr77fiWAG7t4Bebq3LvYa1B7lhZcVJMpU_K1LSCWi5syxn2FFw88SQyrMfi702Am2hJuJmKQ472Y2D3KVRC3K0Y35iROf8nfjIAipdSnYQb3JCIQ8JzdRD_BMnA5Qd2itAs-kOb/s1600/IMG_8680+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhronAN3kr77fiWAG7t4Bebq3LvYa1B7lhZcVJMpU_K1LSCWi5syxn2FFw88SQyrMfi702Am2hJuJmKQ472Y2D3KVRC3K0Y35iROf8nfjIAipdSnYQb3JCIQ8JzdRD_BMnA5Qd2itAs-kOb/s1600/IMG_8680+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling the mini skull</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw1JE2SvpD8brBgqFhZj1Y8uZ3LZCV5YbUE7nEzlkzKXCGVAasBZRwOmvyftvaDv-iYXzR0RsRtnnLVvCqFUxfAxgH8aJ0sVKlosUekbtS2eLmvVtudAXdxC1dXb0wuLg0ZqQ3-F0XuCa/s1600/IMG_8681+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw1JE2SvpD8brBgqFhZj1Y8uZ3LZCV5YbUE7nEzlkzKXCGVAasBZRwOmvyftvaDv-iYXzR0RsRtnnLVvCqFUxfAxgH8aJ0sVKlosUekbtS2eLmvVtudAXdxC1dXb0wuLg0ZqQ3-F0XuCa/s1600/IMG_8681+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connecting the dots with an exacto knife</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveVXEWdHmiiuHy7vQPQ_5QjXUEZFeufLge9f9Nr9SrRINVfZbnYqEY1TESP_463C9vUaN9Y-cqAOf3ebM-uFENzK7UjtODQYPJiYZ56oFzvGSDIqE3dRfEpkLe4UVARUejNtsTdKHnySD/s1600/IMG_8682+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveVXEWdHmiiuHy7vQPQ_5QjXUEZFeufLge9f9Nr9SrRINVfZbnYqEY1TESP_463C9vUaN9Y-cqAOf3ebM-uFENzK7UjtODQYPJiYZ56oFzvGSDIqE3dRfEpkLe4UVARUejNtsTdKHnySD/s1600/IMG_8682+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the mini skulls</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wO4Tw2OxFkwDGMaHcidAbSne43C98qqyBnNeYIq7r4qjMvAcUhihOmyepy0770LiTUvY5VU6qgngcosCYJD4L2OP7l3d4VAFC636AAOvPsF7NRqt0PfZJYBakwg4wy9DlBLZJAja5ND_/s1600/IMG_8683+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wO4Tw2OxFkwDGMaHcidAbSne43C98qqyBnNeYIq7r4qjMvAcUhihOmyepy0770LiTUvY5VU6qgngcosCYJD4L2OP7l3d4VAFC636AAOvPsF7NRqt0PfZJYBakwg4wy9DlBLZJAja5ND_/s1600/IMG_8683+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the mini skulls with hot glue</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYj3c3NgdesUBL93MyB12FnzbVzuDK4t-AA8ZQqm4AJmcU2EDfA6rZlbF6w3O3zxGipdQl2nInXrY-1ncf7ewFXIfUpiCmSD9XN9XNPM8W0cpijA6O74ggMR0r6_lUAhgixWX12l1r3_C/s1600/IMG_8684+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYj3c3NgdesUBL93MyB12FnzbVzuDK4t-AA8ZQqm4AJmcU2EDfA6rZlbF6w3O3zxGipdQl2nInXrY-1ncf7ewFXIfUpiCmSD9XN9XNPM8W0cpijA6O74ggMR0r6_lUAhgixWX12l1r3_C/s1600/IMG_8684+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allowing it to set upside down</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wWNnHmlB7otGjfWz2yC8uamsPLFtnmWgGLHipPQAE6UMMYfNGMNDYNun-rR_XT3_5HpHlIFAmBZGEL2k-p3e6cQhWMz9AwWLtra-2_2WxlP0pYTK9asXglsgKrcUNG9k9a5DcHQNW9SX/s1600/IMG_8685+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wWNnHmlB7otGjfWz2yC8uamsPLFtnmWgGLHipPQAE6UMMYfNGMNDYNun-rR_XT3_5HpHlIFAmBZGEL2k-p3e6cQhWMz9AwWLtra-2_2WxlP0pYTK9asXglsgKrcUNG9k9a5DcHQNW9SX/s1600/IMG_8685+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR4mJpgRqZMBx8IU8EpbBPeuaUm2gPAiAtVfaUY-0o9Oo2umkx9cS7sjzXbZ8h411VYS1OGY8l7IrQO6ZcV1PBP-kb30l1AoFG9efzc1acmhWu7L6vW2zyTRgVBdM6AOGkUOc6a1dSHdZ/s1600/IMG_8687+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR4mJpgRqZMBx8IU8EpbBPeuaUm2gPAiAtVfaUY-0o9Oo2umkx9cS7sjzXbZ8h411VYS1OGY8l7IrQO6ZcV1PBP-kb30l1AoFG9efzc1acmhWu7L6vW2zyTRgVBdM6AOGkUOc6a1dSHdZ/s1600/IMG_8687+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just happened to have a couple of wall mounted candelabras and gave them the same treatment. Why not?</td></tr>
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<b>The Paint Job</b><br />
I have a technique for painting cast iron that I thought I'd like to use on this project.<br />
<br />
Step one: Base coat.<br />
I used Krylon flat black spray paint for my base coat. Normally I would use mastic on the prop prior to painting it. I didn't have any so I overlooked this step. I figured the paint on the foam skull would be robust enough to withstand the solvents in the spray paint. The mastic would have been a more sure barrier. Next time I won't forego this step. The foam skull reacted to the solvents a bit. Not so much that it ruined the effect, but it wasn't as nice as I would have liked it to be. It gained a pebbly surface. Next time...<br />
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Step two: Workup<br />
For the workup on this process I stood back about 24 inches from the candelabras and misted them with silver spray paint. It's important not to go too heavy with this step. It really needs to be a fine spatter of silver.<br />
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Step three: The finish<br />
The finish coat was a medium coating of Design Master Glossy Wood Tone. If I could only have one spray color and expect to be a properties artisan, it would be Design Master Glossy Wood Tone. It is by far the most useful spray color I have ever used. It is a color tool used in the floral industry, and is more like a spray dye than a paint. It is self leveling unlike most spray paints, and it goes on transparent like watercolor.<br />
<br />
Once the glossy wood tone is dry, the candelabra is done. If you wish to age it or dirty it up, that can be done with a little raw umber, a brush and a rag. See the blog post on <a href="http://proprageous.blogspot.com/2013/03/magical-tomes-part-i.html" target="_blank">magical tomes</a> for that technique.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83y6c5PKEBvx9O9rdGuQgbFv36mU8DZ12M4zfMjyZfB9Pr9fmYyQQMVnkG9DG9FlQdyzo-tprSRVULbl4QQxuTURKXIKPjiPKmCeHSwa3NVFktSOfNiK-4amHpVTnXsAQNTN3YddbqWm7/s1600/IMG_8688+(680x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83y6c5PKEBvx9O9rdGuQgbFv36mU8DZ12M4zfMjyZfB9Pr9fmYyQQMVnkG9DG9FlQdyzo-tprSRVULbl4QQxuTURKXIKPjiPKmCeHSwa3NVFktSOfNiK-4amHpVTnXsAQNTN3YddbqWm7/s1600/IMG_8688+(680x1024).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished piece, ready for Halloween</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-k-z6qJoa_HkUPnKQ1dMC8AIyGOmardY_wx7XYKKGswYUMOAzuAcWBfSPxj9zIz4LBBoJY6ktiujyVGCf45Rz-VKRfVbfzhmK2lRo2Fb9mSiFSVxNSO3IvsEa6eTibpIHNS51SJM7CyK/s1600/IMG_8689+(1024x647).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-k-z6qJoa_HkUPnKQ1dMC8AIyGOmardY_wx7XYKKGswYUMOAzuAcWBfSPxj9zIz4LBBoJY6ktiujyVGCf45Rz-VKRfVbfzhmK2lRo2Fb9mSiFSVxNSO3IvsEa6eTibpIHNS51SJM7CyK/s1600/IMG_8689+(1024x647).jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it's brothers</td></tr>
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<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-22377415171784278882014-05-19T00:58:00.002-07:002014-05-19T07:25:25.103-07:00Medieval Pewter Goblets from Thrift Store Glass--Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LyOpoyzuVZc4kxLfjYb44VYHsCeda55-7L1VOk4pxRc1W-wO5V71pn54mysVuNS03AtvGDBlGOZZjPvpoKOkHbZr7dpHyDHKq09FbOhiZC7c1zrwG1YoaMrut_vuk7uQJKhM_j0DND5p/s1600/IMG_0963+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LyOpoyzuVZc4kxLfjYb44VYHsCeda55-7L1VOk4pxRc1W-wO5V71pn54mysVuNS03AtvGDBlGOZZjPvpoKOkHbZr7dpHyDHKq09FbOhiZC7c1zrwG1YoaMrut_vuk7uQJKhM_j0DND5p/s1600/IMG_0963+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Goblet</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>DISCLAIMER</b>: I DO NOT GUARANTEE THIS PROCESS TO BE FOODSAFE. I RECOMMEND MORE RESEARCH INTO A FOODSAFE COATING BEFORE ALLOWING ACTORS TO DRINK OUT OF THIS PROP.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
Some time ago I was watching a movie or a television show set in medieval times. One of the characters was drinking from a metal goblet. Problem was, I recognized the pattern of the goblet as a piece of dollar store glass stemware. Obviously a prop artisan had crafted the piece. I wanted to figure out how it was done so I went to the thrift store and bought a heavy glass water goblet and experimented. When I was satisfied, I taught the process to my props class. Here is the tutorial with pictures from that class.<br />
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<b>Step #1: Obtain The Glass</b><br />
I found that heavy glass goblets from the 1970's worked really well. I found a dozen of them at a thrift store for something like 75 cents apiece. The pattern I found was called "King's Crown". Sometimes it's referred to as "Thumbprint". This is a pattern that has been around for decades. In the thirties and forties the glass was pressed in clear with the top flash painted cranberry. Sometimes the lip would be gilded.<br />
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The ones I found were pressed in the 70's in avocado glass.<br />
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<b>Step #2: Prep The Glass</b><br />
I only wanted to craft on the outside of the goblet. I chose to keep the inside pristine, away from any coatings in case someone decided to drink out of it. So the inside is still clean glass. It's only the outside of the goblet where lips would contact it that there is a concern.<br />
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To prep the goblet, I took two inch wide painter's tape and completely covered the top of the goblet. I pressed the edges tightly to the rim and also made sure that the seams were covered with another piece of painter's tape. When it was covered, I used an X-Acto knife to trim the excess tape away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ta8nNbaXmTqxmA1FA3WUxM2x-VXY3SK6mmpDjP-HnkMV184GrVY1XyEJEUXpZ9tBv7hPw1kNzAvlhAy0IHdXbOwgsyLqqp4zvCV7FGPztBUiuQZBH5W51nwT0qM1O4GyytS8Tf1jr3O6/s1600/IMG_9479+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ta8nNbaXmTqxmA1FA3WUxM2x-VXY3SK6mmpDjP-HnkMV184GrVY1XyEJEUXpZ9tBv7hPw1kNzAvlhAy0IHdXbOwgsyLqqp4zvCV7FGPztBUiuQZBH5W51nwT0qM1O4GyytS8Tf1jr3O6/s1600/IMG_9479+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taping the opening</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8NogbA4Mxo_KxSpW0Lr1zhTKQx1284rhzBl4Z64ho74OAcKSOql5j1NjiJT22KWWJhjTz7OMv7Oa8Gs-N3C7MqpTSheAxlVAGGvOrcKjn1jrEscTut3Ex9Lnzo4HHQhOhlI_LOeoOxPB/s1600/IMG_9481+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8NogbA4Mxo_KxSpW0Lr1zhTKQx1284rhzBl4Z64ho74OAcKSOql5j1NjiJT22KWWJhjTz7OMv7Oa8Gs-N3C7MqpTSheAxlVAGGvOrcKjn1jrEscTut3Ex9Lnzo4HHQhOhlI_LOeoOxPB/s1600/IMG_9481+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming the tape</td></tr>
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<b>Step #3: Base Coat</b><br />
I then took my goblet into the scene shop and painted it in the fume hood. I placed the goblet top down on a plastic turntable and sprayed it with Krylon Flat Black. <br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">*Always spray paint with proper fume prevention. Either a cartridge filter mask or in a commercial fume hood. It's not enough to just hold your breath.*</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
I used flat black because I expect some of the base color to show through when I apply the next step.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUtjGDdYR7ve1bO9e9edYMF6Lfj0yUBOxMxmcuTgMvKq4HzUSc_GqkitLm58SW2XW-XI1dWmAxx8K9t67NvzeVjV8DUKUU_bP4zmuFnkeXBXFjDzBHYy27JFOLDu3fEeHl1_WSXcn_v1/s1600/IMG_9485+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUtjGDdYR7ve1bO9e9edYMF6Lfj0yUBOxMxmcuTgMvKq4HzUSc_GqkitLm58SW2XW-XI1dWmAxx8K9t67NvzeVjV8DUKUU_bP4zmuFnkeXBXFjDzBHYy27JFOLDu3fEeHl1_WSXcn_v1/s1600/IMG_9485+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray painting the goblet flat black in a fume hood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvevdQQc1OGYstb8ZgXzEtOslbjn7_I4ufNJy7Wo44cBeQFqFMXquvaIOz21w8_-gxKGZNHKmL4RigOyi5Ar5eHOyOlG8Lljsnv9CZRc8TgkkgBZNPKeVSISSjxa-O5oPmMnEBpu2kUbT5/s1600/IMG_9492+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvevdQQc1OGYstb8ZgXzEtOslbjn7_I4ufNJy7Wo44cBeQFqFMXquvaIOz21w8_-gxKGZNHKmL4RigOyi5Ar5eHOyOlG8Lljsnv9CZRc8TgkkgBZNPKeVSISSjxa-O5oPmMnEBpu2kUbT5/s1600/IMG_9492+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goblet base coated. Notice the absence of paint on the painter's tape</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8_UoqoUDo5eIVEo79zO0tgV-yjI5wF4x9_R5zQ5GxQGW5Bxxp4msc7ePTkHa2dOlV3z4RfMp_CZvutPc1PGyrnuU35_sh69pfqYfVgLIDT3YgNZoyL_CIv1rNr5xcnVcIA-Jsh0DbTQK/s1600/IMG_9493+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8_UoqoUDo5eIVEo79zO0tgV-yjI5wF4x9_R5zQ5GxQGW5Bxxp4msc7ePTkHa2dOlV3z4RfMp_CZvutPc1PGyrnuU35_sh69pfqYfVgLIDT3YgNZoyL_CIv1rNr5xcnVcIA-Jsh0DbTQK/s1600/IMG_9493+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same thing, upside down</td></tr>
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<b>Step #4: Applying the Metal Leaf Size</b><br />
Once the spray paint was dry and cured, I brought the goblet back to the studio for the next step. With a small scenic fitch brush I painted the top portion and the stem portion with metal leaf size. The metal leaf size we used will dry tacky and clear within five or ten minutes of application. When it becomes clear it is ready for the next step.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTJDo8PvqhdS7JGhWQ2x5BmgJAtAEzJ9VT3CJK6_oQePksuSqQb0OYrlOUGY0NOHkP5xqc22u4q3hX4JMb9lEJOGnGHQLZnmyhjwI_lNzftsuS_DnaTOwk5aoWFmNqyORi7QsuGP1Kqts/s1600/IMG_9489+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTJDo8PvqhdS7JGhWQ2x5BmgJAtAEzJ9VT3CJK6_oQePksuSqQb0OYrlOUGY0NOHkP5xqc22u4q3hX4JMb9lEJOGnGHQLZnmyhjwI_lNzftsuS_DnaTOwk5aoWFmNqyORi7QsuGP1Kqts/s1600/IMG_9489+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the metal leaf size. Notice the really cool skull ring!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWL-YXrIfABl_Q0xBeKeKYoU4OLOn9V9LfDQvtqm8Pe6xjjzkrIerXrVyU1VTdM6DiGGIaBHRa6t0BlPb2XufyIN52S1A6fIC1TNm1XA75CAuILYHWL-9t2nWKMPJrQcE_m-hVCZFJ7fU_/s1600/IMG_9490+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWL-YXrIfABl_Q0xBeKeKYoU4OLOn9V9LfDQvtqm8Pe6xjjzkrIerXrVyU1VTdM6DiGGIaBHRa6t0BlPb2XufyIN52S1A6fIC1TNm1XA75CAuILYHWL-9t2nWKMPJrQcE_m-hVCZFJ7fU_/s1600/IMG_9490+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal leaf size applied, waiting to dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step #5: Applying the Metal Leaf</b><br />
I chose imitation silver leaf for the bulk of the project. If you have never used metal leaf, it is essential to have clean hands when handling it. Otherwise it sticks to you and creates a mess. Some people use a special brush to take the metal leaf out of the package. I just use my hands. I'm almost never doing something so intricate that I need to use the special brush.<br />
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When you have the piece of leaf in hand (or brush) begin laying it over the metal leaf size. When it is all in place then gently press the metal leaf into the size. Metal leaf can be expensive so be economical in your use of it. Make sure you use enough but not too much. Also don't use too little. <br />
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Metal leaf is also very fragile and is very lightweight. When you are using metal leaf, even a slight breeze can take it away from you. I demonstrated this property to my class.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRX_0dP3h1sxLqDRpGNzOWVDW1BT0TATU-VKgm2HXsFJ0_kiSsRE5vvYWiug1dPlaFDy30xHJcc1OelJNCfQRAC29nimzZLA8q1nSxvERklY_ItQMQN3d_9NL5s7SLxraexjjZIUN_3k2/s1600/IMG_9502+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRX_0dP3h1sxLqDRpGNzOWVDW1BT0TATU-VKgm2HXsFJ0_kiSsRE5vvYWiug1dPlaFDy30xHJcc1OelJNCfQRAC29nimzZLA8q1nSxvERklY_ItQMQN3d_9NL5s7SLxraexjjZIUN_3k2/s1600/IMG_9502+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It floats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H-HkWNyWo4cZNoBWKoOMae3IKVpUtSDKGnM6-j-LE9kxspWngU4KF0VA_dGBqXNNuUNJAtr4yhX7at10auzye8PTo_Oy4wkaCl2v7MWB-ssRQNkKN8AXEfa8rBI-o72XsHMX2nWOOkZC/s1600/IMG_9507+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H-HkWNyWo4cZNoBWKoOMae3IKVpUtSDKGnM6-j-LE9kxspWngU4KF0VA_dGBqXNNuUNJAtr4yhX7at10auzye8PTo_Oy4wkaCl2v7MWB-ssRQNkKN8AXEfa8rBI-o72XsHMX2nWOOkZC/s1600/IMG_9507+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hyseGTO-YHU5B6Ul8XJ0AsEjOgAZy6WvL9ZaOJ4j12BnkY64RGH6j6UcFnzl02kMDbiOKe3zT6MsmRXso2KVMw9AaXXwOVfhal-N6mvyYNCpdysZUKE4vx-9BIrklspDIKwsHpRjxQWO/s1600/IMG_9508+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hyseGTO-YHU5B6Ul8XJ0AsEjOgAZy6WvL9ZaOJ4j12BnkY64RGH6j6UcFnzl02kMDbiOKe3zT6MsmRXso2KVMw9AaXXwOVfhal-N6mvyYNCpdysZUKE4vx-9BIrklspDIKwsHpRjxQWO/s1600/IMG_9508+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the metal leaf to the size</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_powPnnWYmRWudSosOvwQaqYAK9UkZbeOFlLhhScJpIt4pTbibLj8s4uJRivzp7s67llHI5eOqjokdJvQoCA6_hGkgTlbuhUr2TTVAsJjhTRs7LUVbAIlcs9pdUumlRx7Wc_x6Va7W8WL/s1600/IMG_9510+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_powPnnWYmRWudSosOvwQaqYAK9UkZbeOFlLhhScJpIt4pTbibLj8s4uJRivzp7s67llHI5eOqjokdJvQoCA6_hGkgTlbuhUr2TTVAsJjhTRs7LUVbAIlcs9pdUumlRx7Wc_x6Va7W8WL/s1600/IMG_9510+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressing it into the size</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiej6YziHMwYXaxPxrtzxSTNqhBWTeSI7QJUUragDtfGwx_t7cOQ88Nmaq4SKED9zEaEiEXBo8Sroo6ZkCmNfEboqHam1IKcUoKZVPa3d9sB41ZFr4q68FIO8nrYmdIsGaKB0e85Sz_oit/s1600/IMG_9513+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiej6YziHMwYXaxPxrtzxSTNqhBWTeSI7QJUUragDtfGwx_t7cOQ88Nmaq4SKED9zEaEiEXBo8Sroo6ZkCmNfEboqHam1IKcUoKZVPa3d9sB41ZFr4q68FIO8nrYmdIsGaKB0e85Sz_oit/s1600/IMG_9513+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling in as we go</td></tr>
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<b>Step #5: Burnishing</b><br />
Once the metal leaf is in place I take a clean, semi-stiff brush and burnish the metal leaf. The first step of burnishing is to tap the end of the brush all over the object you are leafing. This does two things. First it presses the metal leaf into the size a little better than just doing it by hand and second it gets rid of the excess metal leaf.<br />
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The second step of burnishing is to beat the piece with the brush in a side to side motion. As if you are painting it really fast and really hard. This serves to "polish" the metal leaf. It doesn't matter if a few black spots show through. In fact for stage it is even a little better if a little black shows through on edges or corners.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZdjBU7Pi-VyRa_AVpwAwS3nec8QzfYI_IviQL8xwBSV_6nvs-rdBPZF4P0cBpqeMyRZ_f00lEahgc_2FdRJb7g-Wlw-9c243005jrZV3_s4Q8MelOygv0WYkxcQaPOliB_uWXhiAWdbp/s1600/IMG_9517+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZdjBU7Pi-VyRa_AVpwAwS3nec8QzfYI_IviQL8xwBSV_6nvs-rdBPZF4P0cBpqeMyRZ_f00lEahgc_2FdRJb7g-Wlw-9c243005jrZV3_s4Q8MelOygv0WYkxcQaPOliB_uWXhiAWdbp/s1600/IMG_9517+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnishing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKeETrME9XzkReAF_y2nKcPJwYz54Eq9qa2PRNy4haalSPttY31nGJxMk5z-KjreBaHveVl-YpiH84zctvB1IXD8_r7CZCn_FAML91dgNbjBBaxGfNOCIO0u6NdpLRuJ5HIQHi0rrsR6X/s1600/IMG_9521+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKeETrME9XzkReAF_y2nKcPJwYz54Eq9qa2PRNy4haalSPttY31nGJxMk5z-KjreBaHveVl-YpiH84zctvB1IXD8_r7CZCn_FAML91dgNbjBBaxGfNOCIO0u6NdpLRuJ5HIQHi0rrsR6X/s1600/IMG_9521+(683x1024).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnished</td></tr>
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<b>Step #6: The Other Base Coat</b><br />
I wanted the middle of the goblet, where the thumbprints are to be gold instead of silver. This was for a variety of reasons. One, I thought it looked better to be two toned. Two, it was a better project if it were more complex. Three, I was able to teach a different method for base coating.<br />
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Silver oxidizes to black which is why I used flat black for my base coat. Gold, on the other hand does not oxidize at all, but gilders usually put a reddish brown base coat under gold leaf which makes it appear antiqued. <br />
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I used an artist acrylic Burnt Sienna paint for the secondary base coat. I thinned it a little so it would flow a little better and then I painted it on carefully where I wanted the gold to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih28buRy1q3866WFbdqUEBz2tmom4wDWgaCwfzVVEdYdK13Chsxp_mCzjOtnu2f_0TYHLxCZos3uJ88qkupL2M27gIsjWS_6EXUePH1y4hyln457NX7lhSbQ3ehFvv_mvSqU1Czo1pvvOA/s1600/IMG_9524+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih28buRy1q3866WFbdqUEBz2tmom4wDWgaCwfzVVEdYdK13Chsxp_mCzjOtnu2f_0TYHLxCZos3uJ88qkupL2M27gIsjWS_6EXUePH1y4hyln457NX7lhSbQ3ehFvv_mvSqU1Czo1pvvOA/s1600/IMG_9524+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secondary base coat</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaUa3HOmyBbRXVgCcmo55iNwjfGJyhxc5dbuyz-hUaaS2b3Ri6OLlds_B38DYqyb56i_4uFlqXgpwojeCNKfd815k73Ru1IgDKHu41QKioLOqU07R1O2z_QloWd1e_25QMdPnjxFaR_Sh/s1600/IMG_9531+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaUa3HOmyBbRXVgCcmo55iNwjfGJyhxc5dbuyz-hUaaS2b3Ri6OLlds_B38DYqyb56i_4uFlqXgpwojeCNKfd815k73Ru1IgDKHu41QKioLOqU07R1O2z_QloWd1e_25QMdPnjxFaR_Sh/s1600/IMG_9531+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">complete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step #7: Metal Leaf the Gold Part</b><br />
Once the acrylic paint is all the way dry, I painted it with the metal leaf size. Once that was dry and clear but still tacky I applied the imitation gold leaf. Then I pressed it in and burnished it. From this point it's really just following the steps from the silver leaf.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCs8pSusDzRdKZmcQPWZj68Hi07bC0mIWww0-bbOfRK3PGucmO34mz8lp_qzJOx6np3AJEnHN0GLo1ZGPEoj_xiMNxKW7xxWN-lyK9FkXHIr6jlrw1pAEOvwGWKKnZ6DWsBuBBFnIPclv/s1600/IMG_9534+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCs8pSusDzRdKZmcQPWZj68Hi07bC0mIWww0-bbOfRK3PGucmO34mz8lp_qzJOx6np3AJEnHN0GLo1ZGPEoj_xiMNxKW7xxWN-lyK9FkXHIr6jlrw1pAEOvwGWKKnZ6DWsBuBBFnIPclv/s1600/IMG_9534+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the metal leaf size on the red part</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj618eD27mcMIZ6wOLkGNN6YM5ONvBACgE2GCaiQ5-NEEzG2fMnCUW0HZbzkKBpzGcUr7i1UXXbShI5C_0afd9uWTokoJnh3-lUkuY7Sq66q8cCxWECWnF2kR6bqx8R4uTAPgwNmdzuJTfl/s1600/IMG_9539+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj618eD27mcMIZ6wOLkGNN6YM5ONvBACgE2GCaiQ5-NEEzG2fMnCUW0HZbzkKBpzGcUr7i1UXXbShI5C_0afd9uWTokoJnh3-lUkuY7Sq66q8cCxWECWnF2kR6bqx8R4uTAPgwNmdzuJTfl/s1600/IMG_9539+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the imitation gold leaf</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-z4woFIOYbQsE_f38vlLNmFcSmQeR4mvnrUnvGyfOecujHUp9b7VDzM-wOiUMFnKjR9Up2rwfUXNtLBOMykPyjlxIUX2mdF_HlXCt17Bwh7MIg0pC827VDjsNsmLhLeF72JeAEN4JM8b/s1600/IMG_9540+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-z4woFIOYbQsE_f38vlLNmFcSmQeR4mvnrUnvGyfOecujHUp9b7VDzM-wOiUMFnKjR9Up2rwfUXNtLBOMykPyjlxIUX2mdF_HlXCt17Bwh7MIg0pC827VDjsNsmLhLeF72JeAEN4JM8b/s1600/IMG_9540+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine tuning the imitation gold leaf</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OrSnZ26jvy10teZ8OclW-CMlcpD8O8epqZIPTHcXTqimYIElLKZ5PHOAtvRjr96bJLDnsdT77GuLxlonAwGR7noO-6wZSqL-S7bGU-ahH4GrmbZlFMOzeEGq640C62SgWe0ps2NujtUf/s1600/IMG_9543+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OrSnZ26jvy10teZ8OclW-CMlcpD8O8epqZIPTHcXTqimYIElLKZ5PHOAtvRjr96bJLDnsdT77GuLxlonAwGR7noO-6wZSqL-S7bGU-ahH4GrmbZlFMOzeEGq640C62SgWe0ps2NujtUf/s1600/IMG_9543+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnishing the imitation gold leaf. Notice the specks of gold flying around. This is normal.</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Step #8: Finish</b><br />
To finish this project, I coated all the metal leaf with an acrylic sealer which I bought at the same time and place as the metal leaf size. It is actually a product designed for just this purpose. The imitation metal leaf has to be sealed or it will oxidize and turn dull, even black.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">I make no guarantee that the metal leaf sealer is food safe.</span><br />
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Finally, once everything is dry it's time to remove the painter's tape. and the project is finished.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFKASonmr3O6QurK5br3glZV94KogaWcIMiN2N06lAUv5mao5uMTcKMQeba09FoiDpBPi0yd7uv7PAcWvEKbS-jD0PkbMyYNN-3HwgKjVOXRk_2EP_eySTcJckQwVEps1yt7e0BsLs_yH/s1600/IMG_9551+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFKASonmr3O6QurK5br3glZV94KogaWcIMiN2N06lAUv5mao5uMTcKMQeba09FoiDpBPi0yd7uv7PAcWvEKbS-jD0PkbMyYNN-3HwgKjVOXRk_2EP_eySTcJckQwVEps1yt7e0BsLs_yH/s1600/IMG_9551+(1024x683).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr>
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The inside of the goblet is still clean. I do not know if the metal leaf and all it's chemicals is safe for more than incidental contact.<br />
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Once the goblet is to this stage it can be aged and jewels can be attached with E-600. You can make this as spectacular or as utilitarian as you choose.<br />
<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-24497954654516938002013-05-16T21:58:00.000-07:002013-05-16T22:09:55.188-07:00The Apostle Altar--Tutorial<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8CqtW_azMmdFG4dcNUNJNx2rOp4Ljq7L4QYecEZuj1YlEVoClY6H9LJO6UFv0jJf1qYxsLjEjPPQUb1EKV6T-NFpawAg-mvO6d7xv-PJIR7qWEOpgqNwfSla1814a10Y9wDg86YWJHN6/s1600/IMG_7074+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8CqtW_azMmdFG4dcNUNJNx2rOp4Ljq7L4QYecEZuj1YlEVoClY6H9LJO6UFv0jJf1qYxsLjEjPPQUb1EKV6T-NFpawAg-mvO6d7xv-PJIR7qWEOpgqNwfSla1814a10Y9wDg86YWJHN6/s640/IMG_7074+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apostle Altar</td></tr>
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<br />
<strong>The Apostle Altar Tutorial</strong><br />
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The design of our production of <em>Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead</em> required an Apostle Altar with a fast trap set in it. This production was set in a ruined parish church.<br />
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<strong>Design</strong><br />
I designed the altar to be 6'-0" x 3'-0" x 2'-6". The walls and top of the altar, as well as the pilasters, trim and arcade were built by the scene shop. I was responsible for the "carvings". I wanted each panel to have a single Apostle of the original 12 Apostles in it. The names of each Apostle would appear under his figure.<br />
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<strong>Execution</strong><br />
<u>Step #1--Bearding</u><br />
I chose to "carve" the apostles out of G.I. Joe and Ken dolls or other eleven inch male action figures. The first step in the process was to give the usually non-bearded action figures a beard. The beards were sculpted out of hot glue. I bearded all of the Apostles except for John the Beloved because he is usually depicted without a beard in Medieval paintings.<br />
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A few of the Ken dolls had fiber hair rather than molded plastic hair. For these, I matted some of it down with hot glue.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtn-OQSpHCQ-wVHEBFksyvmiG6VAQYzIVftp3WnSCOTDTTW3Dn9EpMb2FizjxxxRxusySsCtacTU9l1NZmfuOo6jmzUAZUQqc0fV5Mhl3eHvrSNPEtR9h4o1EHM1bonUJtTATvBaMO8v2/s1600/IMG_6972+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtn-OQSpHCQ-wVHEBFksyvmiG6VAQYzIVftp3WnSCOTDTTW3Dn9EpMb2FizjxxxRxusySsCtacTU9l1NZmfuOo6jmzUAZUQqc0fV5Mhl3eHvrSNPEtR9h4o1EHM1bonUJtTATvBaMO8v2/s640/IMG_6972+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing a beard on Peter</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY9J5fUTlBcGf-k2uaE3zugL-nsMTlMTgMwR8_5sg8dhXzkwhDTVd5tfwN5HpTxXx3qB3nRF50PbvYpcb6XlKcHpFFE1piGjLhHnlMbTsxAu-8R_6gRC5Lt3IX-nUMfLmvqWNokKs2Kve/s1600/IMG_6980+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY9J5fUTlBcGf-k2uaE3zugL-nsMTlMTgMwR8_5sg8dhXzkwhDTVd5tfwN5HpTxXx3qB3nRF50PbvYpcb6XlKcHpFFE1piGjLhHnlMbTsxAu-8R_6gRC5Lt3IX-nUMfLmvqWNokKs2Kve/s640/IMG_6980+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hot glue, naked, bearded, G.I. Joe Apostles</td></tr>
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<u>Step #2--Sawing Usunder </u><br />
In order to get the relief of the altar to appear as if it were carved from a single piece of stone, the action figures needed to be flat on the back. This was done on a band saw. I found that I only needed to shave off the back of the head the neck, the back and the buttocks of the action figures to achieve this look.<br />
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When using a band saw, be sure to use the blade guard, safety goggles and ear protection. Also make sure your fingers are well away from the blade. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdpIoyb4fNqxuGzPww1gOPYrOItJrH7CpQh822SJtnlbulTABi7lYC0_icndO-BAJwh9laEqSQ149TBFmEhxzqYZ6VIhL2xnnGPXkDoiR8S0z_pSvN4UUbScZLmPCpHXy9YpiD-SX7cv0/s1600/IMG_6989+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdpIoyb4fNqxuGzPww1gOPYrOItJrH7CpQh822SJtnlbulTABi7lYC0_icndO-BAJwh9laEqSQ149TBFmEhxzqYZ6VIhL2xnnGPXkDoiR8S0z_pSvN4UUbScZLmPCpHXy9YpiD-SX7cv0/s640/IMG_6989+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first cut is the cruelest</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbtwY5HIJR5vr0Hc28Ix-d858ZS-obku2Y4hgJjg0pgc3oP4-_ofGi4lGudaazu1i3B2YIAabHOq4S6xTPjbW9k93tbQXldw8542WOngSum1jBpgHf01w2hRGuIQTehtAuqN8-SnvNjEN/s1600/IMG_6992+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbtwY5HIJR5vr0Hc28Ix-d858ZS-obku2Y4hgJjg0pgc3oP4-_ofGi4lGudaazu1i3B2YIAabHOq4S6xTPjbW9k93tbQXldw8542WOngSum1jBpgHf01w2hRGuIQTehtAuqN8-SnvNjEN/s640/IMG_6992+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaving the buttocks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBa_WGwUd3i8bBGXV72lGIS-q08pV3BUOZ1KO4ZS64myaQgwI4cNQuCP99TFaA6OtkWQeZpU22fHJsTpJLuok7NxVxZ5mxjTeNQr3CuEmr2aPaCi5mlT-qKwH_ICW2WJgbyiV07MvE2cT/s1600/IMG_6994+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBa_WGwUd3i8bBGXV72lGIS-q08pV3BUOZ1KO4ZS64myaQgwI4cNQuCP99TFaA6OtkWQeZpU22fHJsTpJLuok7NxVxZ5mxjTeNQr3CuEmr2aPaCi5mlT-qKwH_ICW2WJgbyiV07MvE2cT/s640/IMG_6994+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the inside of a naked eleven inch action figure looks like</td></tr>
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<u>Step #3--Placement</u><br />
There is a little artistry involved in placing the action figure Apostles. Which Apostle goes where, how are they posed, etc... Since Peter is traditionally the leader of the Apostles, I placed him in the front, flanked by James and John the Beloved. On the end of the altar, as far to the left of Peter as possible, I placed Judas and cut him so his head would be turned away from all the other Apostles. I also left off the halo on Judas. The action figure I chose for Judas was one from one of the "Boy Bands" because I consider them to be a sin against Rock and Roll. On the far right of Peter, I placed Doubting Thomas.<br />
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The figures are placed and fixed with hot glue. When I did another project with action figures, I tried several different adhesives, including five minute epoxy and E-6000, but none of them worked as well or as fast as hot glue. We glued the cut edges of the back of the figures and placed them, then posed their arms and hot glued them in place.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxLpFSERZML5-wnxoSXL6uP-A5yMa7_o8oXyoEZkAlb51gluKyOy0fE2Vsue3p6DJJ2IYgFz4N9CTOJejJNwhmA_zkPJFZbszCG8pdjAEGQeUGsHkYkaaHL-hORpSj-StqWhb05xcEdDb/s1600/IMG_7013+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxLpFSERZML5-wnxoSXL6uP-A5yMa7_o8oXyoEZkAlb51gluKyOy0fE2Vsue3p6DJJ2IYgFz4N9CTOJejJNwhmA_zkPJFZbszCG8pdjAEGQeUGsHkYkaaHL-hORpSj-StqWhb05xcEdDb/s640/IMG_7013+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the cut edges of the action figures</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuL60VAPawOvtOXanRvUfwuXmDrPYG9XWDctXFnzsiXVShcEFBEtBEElSLMp53QBM8DF1fmfrHT8fUH9YD9oWeV77RPdnFl8BEDi_qIa5rulmYkqEKkqBwb3GwUAZm7Bz-Hq6OIxc81Z3/s1600/IMG_7014+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuL60VAPawOvtOXanRvUfwuXmDrPYG9XWDctXFnzsiXVShcEFBEtBEElSLMp53QBM8DF1fmfrHT8fUH9YD9oWeV77RPdnFl8BEDi_qIa5rulmYkqEKkqBwb3GwUAZm7Bz-Hq6OIxc81Z3/s640/IMG_7014+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the joints to freeze the figures in a pose</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNPPqvh5qKiUB91QLB-HK09eH8L4rIcJkpkBQdrYMuSJ3dZVjjJS0NahRhIq-Razhn_kk_uAWwIkMMLopch0M0lpuJegynSyrxTOqiJRTQC-f9avTOk9HXY9Bp8VscF35A8paJBapA1c2/s1600/IMG_7015+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNPPqvh5qKiUB91QLB-HK09eH8L4rIcJkpkBQdrYMuSJ3dZVjjJS0NahRhIq-Razhn_kk_uAWwIkMMLopch0M0lpuJegynSyrxTOqiJRTQC-f9avTOk9HXY9Bp8VscF35A8paJBapA1c2/s640/IMG_7015+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front. Peter is third from the left</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaT21yq719otLxXRuf5Eeg-E11Mge-6HGKo4Ype9Livonkp75Cxs3T_BZkial5OlCg0p78VF6BUHviV5pnLAFmeyT0AwJgSwhJsd4Bhu5aOkEdvAwq2sbDobiZzJt1VwKaautcc4VUv9S/s1600/IMG_7016+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaT21yq719otLxXRuf5Eeg-E11Mge-6HGKo4Ype9Livonkp75Cxs3T_BZkial5OlCg0p78VF6BUHviV5pnLAFmeyT0AwJgSwhJsd4Bhu5aOkEdvAwq2sbDobiZzJt1VwKaautcc4VUv9S/s640/IMG_7016+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side on Peter's right</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkAk02wJBubacybaEkveO-k7HSPjG8hXExRYlCbzuU_3Y8eBaeV6rGjDTG9dxcn6izWUrQ-kXhwvN17zUVwQtEyNzB5DUdoHGWvTzIgQBfDXWp0JKBYBiLoDOklaXZLFea64_arE4ps_9/s1600/IMG_7017+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkAk02wJBubacybaEkveO-k7HSPjG8hXExRYlCbzuU_3Y8eBaeV6rGjDTG9dxcn6izWUrQ-kXhwvN17zUVwQtEyNzB5DUdoHGWvTzIgQBfDXWp0JKBYBiLoDOklaXZLFea64_arE4ps_9/s640/IMG_7017+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side on Peter's left</td></tr>
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<u>Step #4--Dressing the Apostles</u><br />
I got a scrap of wool tweed from the costume shop because I thought it would replicate stone in scale fairly well. I think it did the job.<br />
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The wool is first cut in a trapezoid with the top being between three and four inches across. The next step is to cut a V-shape where the neck of the garment would be. After that, the garment is shaped around the arms and shoulders so it looks like a tunic.<br />
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Folds, creases and draping are then hot glued in place and the garment is fitted on the action figure. At this point, you can determine how long the tunic needs to be, and if G.I. Joe's feet are going to show.<br />
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Once it is cut and glued to the correct shape, the garment is fixed in place with... Hot Glue!<br />
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For some of the action figures, I added a strip of cloth around the waist for a belt, others I added sleeves to and almost all of them got a head covering of some biblical sort. These were all made with scraps of the original wool tweed<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ypSLKjF_MOb9YHR09Z6-kY6ZOD_HPbAfu4FawtW5dQQtWOUuzjTnSSapXrMYBJT_i9puOV2rshGbyifUYTiBvpwu_5FWEZQ5R98Ql-v2sG3zpesgiWVEndJQ3tbDO_GdPafIsO2d3mZ_/s1600/IMG_7021+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ypSLKjF_MOb9YHR09Z6-kY6ZOD_HPbAfu4FawtW5dQQtWOUuzjTnSSapXrMYBJT_i9puOV2rshGbyifUYTiBvpwu_5FWEZQ5R98Ql-v2sG3zpesgiWVEndJQ3tbDO_GdPafIsO2d3mZ_/s640/IMG_7021+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shape of the tunic</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaNLaOHe0VzqIQ2pZFhWzk7RD-nyp1V-pvk842W6_q4qV8fIrDoC4DxP9aaGGlWn60OhsHdW5YC5TlD48AAI-gFhtmDcDlnzLx7UvTsx-tTFeFqVqTWBi1EGDliahQ_7xNso_Fmzd7pQn/s1600/IMG_7023+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaNLaOHe0VzqIQ2pZFhWzk7RD-nyp1V-pvk842W6_q4qV8fIrDoC4DxP9aaGGlWn60OhsHdW5YC5TlD48AAI-gFhtmDcDlnzLx7UvTsx-tTFeFqVqTWBi1EGDliahQ_7xNso_Fmzd7pQn/s640/IMG_7023+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the V-neck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBHQUN5bPaQoE9TpIkiYY3LwRqLKvKo5RhdXqMq24cneD_StRb5ceGGMEnZvTmdp5bMsETfj0v9hyphenhyphenjB_8091qriorWLRnmYUW0hpcaocjkEtfk3lK9hRIpWve2Z-KcCuJmPeiDgC56sGt/s1600/IMG_7024+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBHQUN5bPaQoE9TpIkiYY3LwRqLKvKo5RhdXqMq24cneD_StRb5ceGGMEnZvTmdp5bMsETfj0v9hyphenhyphenjB_8091qriorWLRnmYUW0hpcaocjkEtfk3lK9hRIpWve2Z-KcCuJmPeiDgC56sGt/s640/IMG_7024+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engineering the folds with hot glue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G-H3C_7vQhf5CyEzqm3opw2AcoSjP-65Yz8jAX3fBRgZNZ9_YZRQWpnunUKfHVB7CNOw_Cww0cVzAaW12eSY91PFtOfnAA7PCLiYPr_rtXMPbeaDx6-aGB6bRLntFUQLmff8xatdRFVI/s1600/IMG_7027+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G-H3C_7vQhf5CyEzqm3opw2AcoSjP-65Yz8jAX3fBRgZNZ9_YZRQWpnunUKfHVB7CNOw_Cww0cVzAaW12eSY91PFtOfnAA7PCLiYPr_rtXMPbeaDx6-aGB6bRLntFUQLmff8xatdRFVI/s640/IMG_7027+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The folds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUQenrBsjKDTM9LncATWDGLsP-vQ68nN9n4Y9T50EWocOSnFanAujWHnj7Bj7T-M-IuNyzfbHobxuuiYCpSnaKoSNZfLFvJpIL4b8Vysiee79IntaSbxXfYQMLkZAeiVFLwMicvitA5nR/s1600/IMG_7028+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUQenrBsjKDTM9LncATWDGLsP-vQ68nN9n4Y9T50EWocOSnFanAujWHnj7Bj7T-M-IuNyzfbHobxuuiYCpSnaKoSNZfLFvJpIL4b8Vysiee79IntaSbxXfYQMLkZAeiVFLwMicvitA5nR/s640/IMG_7028+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the tunic on Peter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b12xeApl1rkQhtS0vq6L8EL56my_3LMV7T8VI6Pz1Qbr-KiWSszrc1I_5uQnhZjpK7FM7BgLSA_tvnNJGlfr_ei9QV7pSBE73LNvNw1igdhnrYSy4WnxXu7eEnE7eWW3u8_kraO4sKzw/s1600/IMG_7030+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b12xeApl1rkQhtS0vq6L8EL56my_3LMV7T8VI6Pz1Qbr-KiWSszrc1I_5uQnhZjpK7FM7BgLSA_tvnNJGlfr_ei9QV7pSBE73LNvNw1igdhnrYSy4WnxXu7eEnE7eWW3u8_kraO4sKzw/s640/IMG_7030+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the tunic on Peter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttr22NRUUj0duGAlK5xnFpBDGWuFuEfIsHr5g4GzL5eeCGFuOMLqYzM2WknQJTybDlmfZFtxu94YGJHj_x0iwYjgOH_9PAtUmn3o-Ne_-fhpNfA1XGUtnBsXSz8jHYDSd29KlR2TmGE7a/s1600/IMG_7034+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttr22NRUUj0duGAlK5xnFpBDGWuFuEfIsHr5g4GzL5eeCGFuOMLqYzM2WknQJTybDlmfZFtxu94YGJHj_x0iwYjgOH_9PAtUmn3o-Ne_-fhpNfA1XGUtnBsXSz8jHYDSd29KlR2TmGE7a/s640/IMG_7034+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter with sleeves added</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCA7Mx3xs1STFouhKNT9RVW_EduRuGzMjbuD8x6i7Rxb_9iWEYOfybGnwzEnv7VU2sHGmwuOI1MYSMhAqD8JlcpySPVZL_PAE6oRYFOKXLiG4ipoBkr9OmJiSP0rqBVcV_GT1c7sjSjp3/s1600/IMG_7035+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCA7Mx3xs1STFouhKNT9RVW_EduRuGzMjbuD8x6i7Rxb_9iWEYOfybGnwzEnv7VU2sHGmwuOI1MYSMhAqD8JlcpySPVZL_PAE6oRYFOKXLiG4ipoBkr9OmJiSP0rqBVcV_GT1c7sjSjp3/s640/IMG_7035+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the headwrap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpU-bIwoCDD7C50DOd64m7O3G-IK8Aa62C_gpEDh9ZuQYKtVpubqqXrC6QSM_W3A-HHrzraQFSgEr_tYs8fsG6B-qqYsioxaLuzOgxyl9GxWtvbDX79oS_MeU-3I1II3AyebpEVcUjdul/s1600/IMG_7036+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpU-bIwoCDD7C50DOd64m7O3G-IK8Aa62C_gpEDh9ZuQYKtVpubqqXrC6QSM_W3A-HHrzraQFSgEr_tYs8fsG6B-qqYsioxaLuzOgxyl9GxWtvbDX79oS_MeU-3I1II3AyebpEVcUjdul/s640/IMG_7036+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB26GP17d5iIs-5mklAoX5xv8kjxoDMjLIxujNTbYP0z-8bomT7fk6MhwcOnWtFRzC31iXEPjCBLYNpg-sB5MuPXU_usyOebH-pc5Hhxvm94R2AuIsDIcBw_A2GSGRbgW8sBEInLHU-Ss3/s1600/IMG_7037+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB26GP17d5iIs-5mklAoX5xv8kjxoDMjLIxujNTbYP0z-8bomT7fk6MhwcOnWtFRzC31iXEPjCBLYNpg-sB5MuPXU_usyOebH-pc5Hhxvm94R2AuIsDIcBw_A2GSGRbgW8sBEInLHU-Ss3/s640/IMG_7037+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main side of the Apostle's Altar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u>Step #5--Mastic</u><br />
Like many other prop projects, I like to paint a mastic over them. I do this for several different reasons. On the Apostle Altar, I used the mastic to stiffen the fabric so it could be painted to look like stone. I also used mastic to give a uniform painting surface to the piece. On the Apostle Altar I have several different surfaces. I have blue polystyrene foam, luan, painted wood moulding, MDF, PVC, fabric and the plastic the G.I. Joes are made of. These different surfaces needed to be primed with a common substrate so they would accept paint the same way. That is why I use mastic.<br />
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We used Childers CP-10 Vi-Cryl mastic.<br />
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For the fabric, we thinned the mastic with water in order to get it to spread easier without moving the fabric too much.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgKMBG_zh3BJ1eDXuF_EzyhWOaOF48wh-3G2iKqMKKGjKJGGwmbIwDWGvdCiqs4CIBdWOC4WCJzADT2A0wG_fUvRZ8SWOzM1GLe1pN-wc7Qyr4wK_26QJX97oUiHzVnPh4fxSAYodGZNe/s1600/IMG_5631+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgKMBG_zh3BJ1eDXuF_EzyhWOaOF48wh-3G2iKqMKKGjKJGGwmbIwDWGvdCiqs4CIBdWOC4WCJzADT2A0wG_fUvRZ8SWOzM1GLe1pN-wc7Qyr4wK_26QJX97oUiHzVnPh4fxSAYodGZNe/s640/IMG_5631+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukEeVG31ZcemJzlr2jn-QwcJy5pao7szOYRyA_jFuk1QKz4mVP0Vo4CYRGDryqrurmHmdUZVrlTQNwg6vlL3zmwPEpIzwOKMN30pUEjemdWGj5VPut18Unm3hA6LR8Sj0sHYIPK96MbUZ/s1600/IMG_7038+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukEeVG31ZcemJzlr2jn-QwcJy5pao7szOYRyA_jFuk1QKz4mVP0Vo4CYRGDryqrurmHmdUZVrlTQNwg6vlL3zmwPEpIzwOKMN30pUEjemdWGj5VPut18Unm3hA6LR8Sj0sHYIPK96MbUZ/s640/IMG_7038+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA65XY9tRe_XM81eMZJAhjv9yzT7_4ltcfFkl8w6JDUA9lt5nrCvg5r2_CZznhkdAST9-u7HFbFv7dwHlpAfViDnBcEabVGixFZDg7FUDYilk5fVXhoS_S6txRD5elY-iX0J3oXbi1803/s1600/IMG_7041+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA65XY9tRe_XM81eMZJAhjv9yzT7_4ltcfFkl8w6JDUA9lt5nrCvg5r2_CZznhkdAST9-u7HFbFv7dwHlpAfViDnBcEabVGixFZDg7FUDYilk5fVXhoS_S6txRD5elY-iX0J3oXbi1803/s640/IMG_7041+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apostles with mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u>Step #6--Bad Latin</u><br />
I wanted the names of each of the Apostles to be inscribed in Latin below them. I went to a free translation site on the internet and typed in each of the Apostle's names. I got some of the Apostles names in latin and some in English. I didn't check other sites, I just went with the first one. I regretted that because it isn't consistent. I'm one of very few people who will notice this fact during the play, but it will still bug me that I wasn't more thorough. <br />
<br />
I cut the bad Latin under each apostle with a soldering iron. If you attempt to cut polystyrene foam with heat, be aware that anytime there is heat transfer of polystyrene you release Hydrogen Cyanide gas into the atmosphere. Make sure you have proper ventilation when cutting foam in this way. If you can smell it, you are being poisoned by it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKrAtGVGzV3MxkwVN6N5A3EPR8qjoD5GR6XTZjdSnR4i9nXVrjS8cvCImW5acFZQ5-VO0l3M9rHzlY5eLHWEYpz0l__xxoSYeQSsP-GJPhaLsqPBAR27bw3_DKrylq3NzbQXg7EaxM598/s1600/IMG_7042+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKrAtGVGzV3MxkwVN6N5A3EPR8qjoD5GR6XTZjdSnR4i9nXVrjS8cvCImW5acFZQ5-VO0l3M9rHzlY5eLHWEYpz0l__xxoSYeQSsP-GJPhaLsqPBAR27bw3_DKrylq3NzbQXg7EaxM598/s640/IMG_7042+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inscribing the bad Latin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<u>Step #7--The Paint Job</u><br />
After the altar was primed, the scenic artists painted a base scumble with several different colors of paint. It looked particoloured. Then they painted a workup with Burnt Umber paint in a natural sea sponge.<br />
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At this point, I was bad and added another element. I added halos to eleven of the twelve Apostles. I used plastic shower curtain rings that I flattened on the belt sander and hot glued them into place. I didn't put a halo on Judas for obvious reasons.<br />
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The painters went in and put mastic on the halos and based them and gave them a workup like the rest. After that, several thin washes of Raw Umber were applied until the particolour was obscured but not lost.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk6ahjPJHNvqmfuzD0dPOVN_tHm2rq1tT3H2hQohl0RJtznkNXjc6J-UppGjEzcK99vOgB_7z_i-oLMTaMczidntASolLVoXsCW_g_pkmvgr2H6RYeBLq5lYS2KMGbmOU0g90KxLWRb2c/s1600/IMG_7053+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk6ahjPJHNvqmfuzD0dPOVN_tHm2rq1tT3H2hQohl0RJtznkNXjc6J-UppGjEzcK99vOgB_7z_i-oLMTaMczidntASolLVoXsCW_g_pkmvgr2H6RYeBLq5lYS2KMGbmOU0g90KxLWRb2c/s640/IMG_7053+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The particoloured altar with workup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErUP8eB-oYw7IRHtr-VhmZ4omkMLSMvU4pFdhlvbj3Dd9uBPY9_GOaoR6xydUMSGvrw_3e0tvlyDBrRzsbf86O40z_zeNptKZeilp_AKKoaR4_GTP9EZnwnLX6kEmYqK_tC2OWE0qmfVH/s1600/IMG_7066+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErUP8eB-oYw7IRHtr-VhmZ4omkMLSMvU4pFdhlvbj3Dd9uBPY9_GOaoR6xydUMSGvrw_3e0tvlyDBrRzsbf86O40z_zeNptKZeilp_AKKoaR4_GTP9EZnwnLX6kEmYqK_tC2OWE0qmfVH/s640/IMG_7066+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The altar with shower ring halos and the first washes of Raw Umber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkNAdL3kubktCkE1lpy_6n7epdGpV6zlravtQfM35G65PXu9FruDTKAOi1-R3vRBWlruf0JQZSlBsanGv4EvFXPh3Lr4K9HoDAALbSHIVSiRm2slD281k9XbgM33lk3dZkYw16m2QrF3Z/s1600/IMG_7069+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkNAdL3kubktCkE1lpy_6n7epdGpV6zlravtQfM35G65PXu9FruDTKAOi1-R3vRBWlruf0JQZSlBsanGv4EvFXPh3Lr4K9HoDAALbSHIVSiRm2slD281k9XbgM33lk3dZkYw16m2QrF3Z/s640/IMG_7069+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Apostle Altar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This was a fun project to craft. It was the work of many people. The carpenters, the scenic artists, a few tech students and me. I enjoy repurposing action figures to make something special like this. I will craft with them again.Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-68044041553170507582013-04-21T18:23:00.000-07:002013-04-21T22:14:39.506-07:00Skeleton Hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYxFrwuSLqXegiulGATRooQW0cfzPTV0QgwEAPtoo8syApl9n5cAzOZTNOYVd7eBZqzpLqoEE7KjnEhVRIcyGpsYOT2N976pNZtKxJVHX956sEiGcXuwjDX_aoj5gi12-F0iKjtH4lGgF/s1600/IMG_6860+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYxFrwuSLqXegiulGATRooQW0cfzPTV0QgwEAPtoo8syApl9n5cAzOZTNOYVd7eBZqzpLqoEE7KjnEhVRIcyGpsYOT2N976pNZtKxJVHX956sEiGcXuwjDX_aoj5gi12-F0iKjtH4lGgF/s640/IMG_6860+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skeleton Hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Skeleton Hand Tutorial<br />
<br />
I had an idea about a year ago to make a fully articulated, poseable skeleton hand. I thought about it, did a prototype of a bone, thought about it a bit more, saved some parts and thought about it a bit more. I finally created a prototype last week and felt gratified that it worked out well so I made it's brother last night. This time I captured the whole process in photos. Here is the odyssey.<br />
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Research<br />
One of the first steps in any project is the research. I wished to have my hands be as accurate as possible, or at least as credible as possible. I started with <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://zombietronix.com/calculator_simplehand.php" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Zombietronix.com</span></strong></a><strong><u> </u></strong></span><span style="color: black;">which is a haunt site with some really cool bone proportion calculators. I also researched hand proportions and found the following, from </span><span style="color: blue;"><strong>hippie.nu</strong><span style="color: black;">. I added a few of my own lines and numbers.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NRX3TbGjwJ6uxuI9J1ArmFRiau35pqMLyU_c3_SjbR7At_NmZmhAoNqmQUtvAIUv4nQNpXQKIt4fm2pSDXmkmoju5yXAns2U_HsVcQfzGeo5xigBilFRnFiBQXhLO-ipVLszwM2eHURr/s1600/hand+proportions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NRX3TbGjwJ6uxuI9J1ArmFRiau35pqMLyU_c3_SjbR7At_NmZmhAoNqmQUtvAIUv4nQNpXQKIt4fm2pSDXmkmoju5yXAns2U_HsVcQfzGeo5xigBilFRnFiBQXhLO-ipVLszwM2eHURr/s640/hand+proportions.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand proportions diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Skeleton of the Skeleton<br />
I have crafted with clothes hangers for many years. They are predictable. I know what they can do and what they cannot do. I chose clothes hangers to be the superstructure for the skeleton hands. The toughest part about the superstructure was to design the wire placement to accommodate the carpals, the meta-carpals and phalanges. <br />
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I printed several hands from the Zombietronix page and developed a wire map for the skeleton hand. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil59M4GbAe-TV1Sex821XNpsCGO_68MIQVOz2LgkPq08IJwh_cRCmS7G5hNzHjE7XDzpf8E3dtxY9F2vqp-LEBH54BdFY_Kf3VC50vlMbG6-YXOuQeM3YLbQ9FgR3pcHQekUKFmBedmM3b/s1600/wire+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil59M4GbAe-TV1Sex821XNpsCGO_68MIQVOz2LgkPq08IJwh_cRCmS7G5hNzHjE7XDzpf8E3dtxY9F2vqp-LEBH54BdFY_Kf3VC50vlMbG6-YXOuQeM3YLbQ9FgR3pcHQekUKFmBedmM3b/s640/wire+1.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire #1 diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3oY4hWlyicI8hN-PhgSGMJ6Le8P5v8iEQ3UNrZ5DRKNp_B4f9LZ9PH0bz-H7HCu7kEUUY-m537sEIGqVZdlfW62RZOOV8XzvJsy7hvwmT8TvFIrNG3qTVlTmikAJHZ92EW_JERt54XWs/s1600/wire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3oY4hWlyicI8hN-PhgSGMJ6Le8P5v8iEQ3UNrZ5DRKNp_B4f9LZ9PH0bz-H7HCu7kEUUY-m537sEIGqVZdlfW62RZOOV8XzvJsy7hvwmT8TvFIrNG3qTVlTmikAJHZ92EW_JERt54XWs/s640/wire+2.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire #2 diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd50yGz3baphsHK_i4yh3iO_ggDxymrOOtuzzukI3-awEGT9HgexeIuwVGoS5OuWZEmYvTjXzauW8gsSRlFyZq4sEZ0MOZavWfwP9M_04KrPAW3KnNK5mw9MsLYbByg7O46RL1yHVR7BiZ/s1600/wire+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd50yGz3baphsHK_i4yh3iO_ggDxymrOOtuzzukI3-awEGT9HgexeIuwVGoS5OuWZEmYvTjXzauW8gsSRlFyZq4sEZ0MOZavWfwP9M_04KrPAW3KnNK5mw9MsLYbByg7O46RL1yHVR7BiZ/s640/wire+3.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire #3 diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B5thaORIYu2H0oHW9gCeub9-cZvCx02ws_AJNo2Ob8uP9G-ECbezEp-t7KU5QVRdBIcCUvfHW6JFduRQZj8yOyoKvHZ88sUMtXweWhyphenhyphensUYhCWcSMKUdnb1uWtf4Bw3QHshPhXmTiEVOB/s1600/wire+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B5thaORIYu2H0oHW9gCeub9-cZvCx02ws_AJNo2Ob8uP9G-ECbezEp-t7KU5QVRdBIcCUvfHW6JFduRQZj8yOyoKvHZ88sUMtXweWhyphenhyphensUYhCWcSMKUdnb1uWtf4Bw3QHshPhXmTiEVOB/s640/wire+4.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire #4 diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjArD4V-2CToRMWPyeZyC9CvOxjCtDVXHmiRrUCgnFhzJQ2U8jqFHmAYW9R_wfL03xX3Dw85_P6mcFxZuPwGIfApJh0oHchAOTl2wz4IGSJFg0v1Uji5SOVjyMSRNcfnxtXwBXcK-Cghi/s1600/mini+wires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjArD4V-2CToRMWPyeZyC9CvOxjCtDVXHmiRrUCgnFhzJQ2U8jqFHmAYW9R_wfL03xX3Dw85_P6mcFxZuPwGIfApJh0oHchAOTl2wz4IGSJFg0v1Uji5SOVjyMSRNcfnxtXwBXcK-Cghi/s640/mini+wires.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-wires diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The superstructure is made from 3 heavy guage wire coat hangers with the top cut off and straightened. The next time I make these I will use non-coated coat hangers. The rubberized coating got in the way sometimes and I had to strip it in places to get the bones to fit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_qAz3fsaS8XawmsMMVU-dWCwr6MUW6Cfjt36fjNXEu5p8AGx13YOKVW2urlBT5KGUd6CTHX7_km2BZB0yRRBL0p2f1zuuRm9rRfFVBTdy2b6ExphTpwM6bb1yjDTVuBi_HLUjO3-Ccr/s1600/IMG_6864+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_qAz3fsaS8XawmsMMVU-dWCwr6MUW6Cfjt36fjNXEu5p8AGx13YOKVW2urlBT5KGUd6CTHX7_km2BZB0yRRBL0p2f1zuuRm9rRfFVBTdy2b6ExphTpwM6bb1yjDTVuBi_HLUjO3-Ccr/s640/IMG_6864+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting off the tops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y3YLnYYHZp9dLXed7g-BkqQVRxKN9V0k1mvylIDrbi3VxMcqbortYvjcEpzjFD_zY6gXoOiEbsFAl73DIh9OjpRj1rbYzAN-0zRG0G_Ru5DgWO356eEUSAdCxeHcwYZt1ljLDffPUJIN/s1600/IMG_6867+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y3YLnYYHZp9dLXed7g-BkqQVRxKN9V0k1mvylIDrbi3VxMcqbortYvjcEpzjFD_zY6gXoOiEbsFAl73DIh9OjpRj1rbYzAN-0zRG0G_Ru5DgWO356eEUSAdCxeHcwYZt1ljLDffPUJIN/s640/IMG_6867+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOateEKDnvdWF43Pq_XmfrbkJIq3alEyzCVio_mkMVqwy3UqE6qFTnMJd74vCfhCl4_upnEYQhhpHZjk9HQ0mhwqcb6L4IJvHoOkPoZuYBAsB45UnhxOlj_7I9NSPJ4E37tux7wrKnMXV/s1600/IMG_6868+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOateEKDnvdWF43Pq_XmfrbkJIq3alEyzCVio_mkMVqwy3UqE6qFTnMJd74vCfhCl4_upnEYQhhpHZjk9HQ0mhwqcb6L4IJvHoOkPoZuYBAsB45UnhxOlj_7I9NSPJ4E37tux7wrKnMXV/s640/IMG_6868+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straightened</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next step is to bend the wires and begin attaching them to one another. This is done entirely by bending. No external fastener or adhesive is used in this process. The parts are bent according to the drawings. These can be made as large or as small as you wish, within reason. I made my hands about the size of an NBA player. They're scarier that way. <br />
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The wires that make up the thumb and the middle digit extend to become the radius and ulna bones. Don't cut them to length until you know how much of the arm you need for your project. Cut them to length at the end of the project.<br />
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To attach the wires to each other, bend small circles with long nose pliers about the diameter of the wire where the wires would intersect on the drawing. It's important to note that each circle twist takes about 3/4 of an inch of wire, so you must add that much length times how many twists you need for each wire. That distance stays constant no matter if you are making small hands or large ones.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXACYvgtL_D7cFhOoB_Y_ltkebPZbkTmHdRmWfDUkFjBc9k5kxvVLEwAFUPu45MaDYK3rqfwKsAfu0GVG2TV6reipEmgLdUD7PIhFHBU4ZGTMl04w_nvnLOfhN5xGmOdyPhIB_PP0KHqg/s1600/IMG_6869+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXACYvgtL_D7cFhOoB_Y_ltkebPZbkTmHdRmWfDUkFjBc9k5kxvVLEwAFUPu45MaDYK3rqfwKsAfu0GVG2TV6reipEmgLdUD7PIhFHBU4ZGTMl04w_nvnLOfhN5xGmOdyPhIB_PP0KHqg/s640/IMG_6869+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thumb bend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhyphenhyphenDXVnOFVfkpOrWVVFc-FloUW0ca0SRFkdzv7A24d88Mf27SZTZtES1Q8kndvB-T8vsZLQdU0ukk5UAUU3B03Pn47aElS8WV_SyEcuJdr95VEJpq5fQS-Od3hZPIyc9XxwS8dKI2gO87/s1600/IMG_6871+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhyphenhyphenDXVnOFVfkpOrWVVFc-FloUW0ca0SRFkdzv7A24d88Mf27SZTZtES1Q8kndvB-T8vsZLQdU0ukk5UAUU3B03Pn47aElS8WV_SyEcuJdr95VEJpq5fQS-Od3hZPIyc9XxwS8dKI2gO87/s640/IMG_6871+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bending the loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXrEndmk7AtV6TWcItGHJuZC6XwZa5ogklERi3Dh-nvcF1rHIMqD2TtWPhKZ-q7GiMt-lf7koVpaItAv0FkLoUkDej2lfzHQ-NHzQzXrNOKvOA1pS3bHVIp-bY9j_04obO6YSmKTmGTC7/s1600/IMG_6872+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXrEndmk7AtV6TWcItGHJuZC6XwZa5ogklERi3Dh-nvcF1rHIMqD2TtWPhKZ-q7GiMt-lf7koVpaItAv0FkLoUkDej2lfzHQ-NHzQzXrNOKvOA1pS3bHVIp-bY9j_04obO6YSmKTmGTC7/s640/IMG_6872+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjKvRo_lo3ON6k0uaGQUmmG6naXR1SUV4a-xW3uVCCK9gZEQJ93uTX7UtINTqxlwy0fO5Qm-agyzAaUjLhViVNDzh_XtkA4J4lMevC13MfbZQpUQWqCH_E0IBo-DCrZYNki3WlFgoTxQo/s1600/IMG_6873+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjKvRo_lo3ON6k0uaGQUmmG6naXR1SUV4a-xW3uVCCK9gZEQJ93uTX7UtINTqxlwy0fO5Qm-agyzAaUjLhViVNDzh_XtkA4J4lMevC13MfbZQpUQWqCH_E0IBo-DCrZYNki3WlFgoTxQo/s640/IMG_6873+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle digit wire inserted in the loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNNmQIKourGbIpTiECgawBTw0KkEFareYDd4jPk4R3666fonwquFVH9jIAt4pdKh-36-VTCzVcmJFVT_ikH-NTu2KbMAZjN97RzFNZ9jl501v19bQ3rOuTDhmCLaKlPW9AAXcu-n1LMT9/s1600/IMG_6874+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNNmQIKourGbIpTiECgawBTw0KkEFareYDd4jPk4R3666fonwquFVH9jIAt4pdKh-36-VTCzVcmJFVT_ikH-NTu2KbMAZjN97RzFNZ9jl501v19bQ3rOuTDhmCLaKlPW9AAXcu-n1LMT9/s640/IMG_6874+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second loop around the first loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNASGIwizP1GVtq7NgRQzYZbU_23OMg70JlqKpsHnJXgsk_S9HYAJLttbQMhOIKdA-kgVf1cq-LiZYPeqczW3GWNXc0G5yZ3gvFkf8AoXGM_jA63TLF_3tkyrxbKwegGBQxSGwSaTgGLG/s1600/IMG_6875+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNASGIwizP1GVtq7NgRQzYZbU_23OMg70JlqKpsHnJXgsk_S9HYAJLttbQMhOIKdA-kgVf1cq-LiZYPeqczW3GWNXc0G5yZ3gvFkf8AoXGM_jA63TLF_3tkyrxbKwegGBQxSGwSaTgGLG/s640/IMG_6875+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The forefinger and the pinky finger wire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUhhyphenhyphens_H_dyfOk1HW7MWrADBqPSelikJpv-0cpQYX1icJtNupN5iqbdPCIMXy_EO7DYT4mXc7jN3H5JJ_-HtvF-qvG90m65vDICA7RPrGYTRpdG-CzTFr6xavk317m_qWiVtVvDt_rM30/s1600/IMG_6876+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUhhyphenhyphens_H_dyfOk1HW7MWrADBqPSelikJpv-0cpQYX1icJtNupN5iqbdPCIMXy_EO7DYT4mXc7jN3H5JJ_-HtvF-qvG90m65vDICA7RPrGYTRpdG-CzTFr6xavk317m_qWiVtVvDt_rM30/s640/IMG_6876+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loops. Next time I'll make these loops going opposite directions, one vertical the other horizontal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaIJNemUCdaEkJ1H58OlpEO7_5LDBACvLyVIxsjKvNRT83rED09kJobvNAfkFXvJ4stxkb1Nt13kiLlgENPQJ6CPbzt4IT7CBLynll2KojxPmItqU5vxkdAqIo2FI7kbG00ltHAfzZ3Jy/s1600/IMG_6877+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaIJNemUCdaEkJ1H58OlpEO7_5LDBACvLyVIxsjKvNRT83rED09kJobvNAfkFXvJ4stxkb1Nt13kiLlgENPQJ6CPbzt4IT7CBLynll2KojxPmItqU5vxkdAqIo2FI7kbG00ltHAfzZ3Jy/s640/IMG_6877+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the forefinger and pinky finger wire with loops</td></tr>
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The next time I make this project I will make one of the loop bends on wire #3 vertical instead of both of them being horizontal. I believe it will make a more stable platform. As it was, when the final project was done, it was plenty stable. It would just make it more stable in process.<br />
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Before you assemble any more of the armature, you need to create and install some of the carpal bones. This part of the process is part superstructure and part finish work. <br />
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The carpal bones are made from different size wooden beads with the handles of milk jugs melted onto them with a heat gun. Make sure you get beads with big enough holes to string on wire coat hangers.<br />
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This project takes a lot of milk jugs. You will need to save them up for awhile until you have enough. Better yet, have all your sympathetic neighbors and relatives save them for you. When I get a milk jug, I rinse it and immediately cut off the handle and recycle the rest. No sense having a ton of milk jugs hanging around. I store the handles in a box or bucket and build them up until I have enough. Pretty painless actually.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfp2JwSfHw_3-7DZRUQpYHpgw9L_4QyvdZJBUBMjiC0qyse4jq_ZiMyYNzssY3zHqRc1RYKCBrUQB98OZDBoHI1IzSZeUG6w_Gqbl2nOHv1Thoa11uZwFaCzGrWOOf2yFjwhfweYnD49P/s1600/IMG_6862+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfp2JwSfHw_3-7DZRUQpYHpgw9L_4QyvdZJBUBMjiC0qyse4jq_ZiMyYNzssY3zHqRc1RYKCBrUQB98OZDBoHI1IzSZeUG6w_Gqbl2nOHv1Thoa11uZwFaCzGrWOOf2yFjwhfweYnD49P/s640/IMG_6862+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The humble milk jug</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiIf6C97vDLBAt6wVCqXQ2oQ2VTQsFTrLfeqF8fIq0HArrwfy5ZvIxDj6i-QhqFYb9kdad5NwxGoNNYBY8AZKzfksc8wKLdaBiWPHEzaExNFBXB_VAopSyykXnxojC47S3z1wdUbXLGFB/s1600/IMG_6863+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiIf6C97vDLBAt6wVCqXQ2oQ2VTQsFTrLfeqF8fIq0HArrwfy5ZvIxDj6i-QhqFYb9kdad5NwxGoNNYBY8AZKzfksc8wKLdaBiWPHEzaExNFBXB_VAopSyykXnxojC47S3z1wdUbXLGFB/s640/IMG_6863+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the handle off</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSO5-VgF4Nk6PZ24P7wMxk-o2_rvtRQTZo5emJgAUbdlAqPb2WOEFY_ttSXrus8hC570MBLtGliABkt9qcZAc0YC4eJ_yIwtRZYD5ES54rGSQfwe1-ZJ4COOdS0mVNi2okVGC2HJNwSyF/s1600/IMG_6879+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSO5-VgF4Nk6PZ24P7wMxk-o2_rvtRQTZo5emJgAUbdlAqPb2WOEFY_ttSXrus8hC570MBLtGliABkt9qcZAc0YC4eJ_yIwtRZYD5ES54rGSQfwe1-ZJ4COOdS0mVNi2okVGC2HJNwSyF/s640/IMG_6879+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melting part of the handle to a wooden bead with a heat gun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR95WE3Flj7KQvdsYcRQKp0mL0Pfgq8O0fHdHhposKiYfXwPb-1BTAGO5DDKnYG-REl2xLl7htHO2qt-WdCxD12g2lIf_94ZkcFLAEWmXm4JWz_SxGwdIrK0BDl4SyaPqlrqJKXrCeHAL6/s1600/IMG_6880+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR95WE3Flj7KQvdsYcRQKp0mL0Pfgq8O0fHdHhposKiYfXwPb-1BTAGO5DDKnYG-REl2xLl7htHO2qt-WdCxD12g2lIf_94ZkcFLAEWmXm4JWz_SxGwdIrK0BDl4SyaPqlrqJKXrCeHAL6/s640/IMG_6880+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gnarly carpal</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwKpTLATsb1Xg6JmPaVLkb_V5oWtUJDPrTrhay5LpDLN-T1JNf8YT2Fd3V1Kp8tFeMfRFiNPoX4HQsO_lWtOrc2FaxXr0Mh378M9ghsyQ2UFDFsVrGAppB-Gfy0iGIDffxea0rh3bI7gd/s1600/IMG_6881+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwKpTLATsb1Xg6JmPaVLkb_V5oWtUJDPrTrhay5LpDLN-T1JNf8YT2Fd3V1Kp8tFeMfRFiNPoX4HQsO_lWtOrc2FaxXr0Mh378M9ghsyQ2UFDFsVrGAppB-Gfy0iGIDffxea0rh3bI7gd/s640/IMG_6881+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first carpal installed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FtVDClXWecX4p1V-tjsehkluNiMNtFBrtstQMyM2JHMc5fvaAFN7fVnEppg0shZN3hGsW3oSOxo-HTorro56sbC9SKp2kNvKtaOH-wJbq7zwAENDTKaMdm1D2euD-ckpglnYTwngEN21/s1600/IMG_6884+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FtVDClXWecX4p1V-tjsehkluNiMNtFBrtstQMyM2JHMc5fvaAFN7fVnEppg0shZN3hGsW3oSOxo-HTorro56sbC9SKp2kNvKtaOH-wJbq7zwAENDTKaMdm1D2euD-ckpglnYTwngEN21/s640/IMG_6884+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More carpals. Note the wire from the ring finger wraps around the wire for the middle finger</td></tr>
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I'm not as concerned with the carpals being exactly anatomically accurate. I just need some mass down there that looks kind of legitimate. The meta-carpals and phalanges are what are going to give this project it's credibility.<br />
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When I put this together, I realized I had missed a bead, and so rather than taking it apart and putting it all together again, I added the naked bead on the lower wire as seen above and cut a section of milk jug out, then cut up the inner seam. Then I wrapped it around not only the bead but also the upper wire. When the milk jug gets to temp, it becomes transparent and sticky. I like to have something to poke at it with to move it around when it is in that state. In this case I used a modified seafood fork. You can also scab sections of milk jug in areas and heat gun them in place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxh4fk3itrewG8eVvGlS69PsgXxw73WdgqOLDF_TET23z3pqrhJ_-rsCcF85Pf5bqoAoeC9RSG_9EHzPrLH53r714Zn_3lg2ihE0-kRIUcdsMQCs02OZR6EMQJuDdqBIDoAUEWuRb1igd/s1600/IMG_6885+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxh4fk3itrewG8eVvGlS69PsgXxw73WdgqOLDF_TET23z3pqrhJ_-rsCcF85Pf5bqoAoeC9RSG_9EHzPrLH53r714Zn_3lg2ihE0-kRIUcdsMQCs02OZR6EMQJuDdqBIDoAUEWuRb1igd/s640/IMG_6885+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting along the inner seam of the milk jug. (The pink handled scissors belong to my wife)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwmQm1m08qDBXJJDvPhl0hzuTY8AdEwDdhjs4OewrzqBkzQV8LaUjBjtZJnlsErozAyGOrEF44oQAke6EsqonBYaJt09hxyz9hoqm_rV3cqPKfDtilSANhYgho4BhuwkySmabqLbY85IC/s1600/IMG_6886+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwmQm1m08qDBXJJDvPhl0hzuTY8AdEwDdhjs4OewrzqBkzQV8LaUjBjtZJnlsErozAyGOrEF44oQAke6EsqonBYaJt09hxyz9hoqm_rV3cqPKfDtilSANhYgho4BhuwkySmabqLbY85IC/s640/IMG_6886+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapping the cut jug handle around the bead and the wire</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pDCzrelzJdZkYsquAIBbQ6LrGix6SZrYl024n7A-BRNS9Dhs2A8mL3JDsDVTuumc791Xy7e7gx6F5tMp01pO-cDYv5_VEcQfLaNBPLmhVza2LY7PmuC66OWby6z6LWjtN_NLoB06S5q6/s1600/IMG_6887+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pDCzrelzJdZkYsquAIBbQ6LrGix6SZrYl024n7A-BRNS9Dhs2A8mL3JDsDVTuumc791Xy7e7gx6F5tMp01pO-cDYv5_VEcQfLaNBPLmhVza2LY7PmuC66OWby6z6LWjtN_NLoB06S5q6/s640/IMG_6887+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heat gunning it to death</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vOwF2tlNywlbX9FpCfzxAGZvDZrwudZGHlzGn8yny00aDiANeJve5di5twiVOrcfM0OGaPDEMV78FknR1fP5cPzsCxRNQT47bWuuIPPC4vgarCaCjLYoPhKSGZfs59SjYjNS2sNcWxcJ/s1600/IMG_6888+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vOwF2tlNywlbX9FpCfzxAGZvDZrwudZGHlzGn8yny00aDiANeJve5di5twiVOrcfM0OGaPDEMV78FknR1fP5cPzsCxRNQT47bWuuIPPC4vgarCaCjLYoPhKSGZfs59SjYjNS2sNcWxcJ/s640/IMG_6888+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scab</td></tr>
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The Bones<br />
Making the bones is pretty simple really. It's nothing more than heat shrinking the polyethylene plastic from the milk jug around a couple of beads.<br />
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I made a jig out of an intact hanger where I straightened the hook part out, then made a stand with the rest of it. You can make a jig however you wish, I had a hanger on hand, that's what I used.<br />
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This is a good time to talk about the size of beads to use in the fingers. As I look at the joints in my own hand, I see that some of the knuckles are larger than others, some of the joints are larger than others. This is true from end to end of individual fingers and it is true from finger to finger. <br />
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I put together a string of beads to show the graduation pattern that worked for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oleWX6pOuEaU_x4G5UQIFb-aKdFNwKtnNpURQWmkwyYLSp4lUIJTmrm4Gbjeu6sJLlr0buyc4F7b9Vh2lgkdar30sKnzEniWOIJVAKKcdy_m1r7-P9wfjQdqUkcylpHixYFsWfGzszAn/s1600/IMG_6915+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oleWX6pOuEaU_x4G5UQIFb-aKdFNwKtnNpURQWmkwyYLSp4lUIJTmrm4Gbjeu6sJLlr0buyc4F7b9Vh2lgkdar30sKnzEniWOIJVAKKcdy_m1r7-P9wfjQdqUkcylpHixYFsWfGzszAn/s640/IMG_6915+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduation pattern for the beads. The meta-carpal begins on the left and the small bead at the end is the end of the phalange</td></tr>
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To make individual bones for the meta-carpals and all but the final stage of the phalanges, take a bead and place it on the jig. Sleeve a section of milk jug handle over the bead and then add the second bead. Understand that the plastic will shrink when heat is applied, so cut the milk jug handle longer than it needs to be. The length of the plastic is something that has to be figured out by trial and error, unfortunately.<br />
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When applying the heat, first crimp one end of the bead, then the other. After that apply heat as evenly as possible along the length of the bone. I use a seafood fork to move the bone around on the jig. The plastic will turn transparent when it reaches temperature and will begin to sink in in the middle of the bone. Gravity also works on the semi-molten plastic and it will begin to deform. At this point, remove the heat and grasp the end of the bead with the long nosed pliers and hold the other end in place with the seafood fork and pull to the desired length. When the plastic turns white again, it has become rigid and can be moved and placed. I'm impatient, so I usually blow on the plastic to try to cool it faster. I don't know if it actually works, but it makes me feel better so I do it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnQ5wybljkn28PWXeqJPwfIQAMMeiC-qL1lB_jHCI5F8dTeamEs7kgLOmpWwmvItCQVoONOvw-CrBddJXQgGWUHImHANzykBhc8NTveODV0CKCZmoL7tH5Om6_2A6gMrtpiE1Cmvkl2sF/s1600/IMG_6903+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnQ5wybljkn28PWXeqJPwfIQAMMeiC-qL1lB_jHCI5F8dTeamEs7kgLOmpWwmvItCQVoONOvw-CrBddJXQgGWUHImHANzykBhc8NTveODV0CKCZmoL7tH5Om6_2A6gMrtpiE1Cmvkl2sF/s640/IMG_6903+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the first bead</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLfVn4Gz9x2j-aMUh7l7oswb01Z4MvYioLmV64algZ7DI6rPIimOgU6vLfOOOZ-V0GtEOqdw4kMTRwwW2JtBi5wcexSlBIpnez308Cu8XwoAS03pIOSQs_4mm3uEWbpNkOKQCDUTrUZkI/s1600/IMG_6904+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLfVn4Gz9x2j-aMUh7l7oswb01Z4MvYioLmV64algZ7DI6rPIimOgU6vLfOOOZ-V0GtEOqdw4kMTRwwW2JtBi5wcexSlBIpnez308Cu8XwoAS03pIOSQs_4mm3uEWbpNkOKQCDUTrUZkI/s640/IMG_6904+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming the milk jug handle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG39FTHZozB3Gn9xT5z6yhgpLSmlyA6H1rH6y8ywq8DmWufr7zdh-Zw9jED1SapfktUw2_3hExZYoMrzrn5qvBtNCCQ5F3pgITT2IAuAWyqqt6DaqpwZrSLDdFIcJGgwg8J0nD15uvpYBp/s1600/IMG_6905+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG39FTHZozB3Gn9xT5z6yhgpLSmlyA6H1rH6y8ywq8DmWufr7zdh-Zw9jED1SapfktUw2_3hExZYoMrzrn5qvBtNCCQ5F3pgITT2IAuAWyqqt6DaqpwZrSLDdFIcJGgwg8J0nD15uvpYBp/s640/IMG_6905+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the milk jug handle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetW_hpBQNx199rZIlT558cGmNGrnSe6peu-TIgGOgCk9FZqwAJOSfhMEFVE1fdJ2nVP0iHsCzeBRKHsniCvzZemEh60PSGYn0NvgeOO9cRtSqV5OATtx8RdGJc_HVumv-DgVaOERxf8WC/s1600/IMG_6906+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetW_hpBQNx199rZIlT558cGmNGrnSe6peu-TIgGOgCk9FZqwAJOSfhMEFVE1fdJ2nVP0iHsCzeBRKHsniCvzZemEh60PSGYn0NvgeOO9cRtSqV5OATtx8RdGJc_HVumv-DgVaOERxf8WC/s640/IMG_6906+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the second bead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaERnPGJiCxLT_3nNn0j5wO95_ZSbsxK7J9uI8ZRguNI3ThRuby8MK4POY620RO5tf0a-A10BPU6BXFHVk_FpK_OW2061AgBrv6nM0ZBlVY9azGV2w63qQbqASAyJCIOoiQEC18Ji39EOh/s1600/IMG_6907+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaERnPGJiCxLT_3nNn0j5wO95_ZSbsxK7J9uI8ZRguNI3ThRuby8MK4POY620RO5tf0a-A10BPU6BXFHVk_FpK_OW2061AgBrv6nM0ZBlVY9azGV2w63qQbqASAyJCIOoiQEC18Ji39EOh/s640/IMG_6907+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimping the end with the heat gun, note the seafood fork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO4hgcKdEVzxsXWd0W23u9Q8ZJgDmIPy6LA966OI2P-BZVCbZgg5XRubMZhguCa-6JLVMPtva5Db4xeGG4uRD694crpqS0ConB8lb7pTeGWSa7lFkUhJPokqj3ZoIdSyqoc8Rs49iJgdm/s1600/IMG_6908+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO4hgcKdEVzxsXWd0W23u9Q8ZJgDmIPy6LA966OI2P-BZVCbZgg5XRubMZhguCa-6JLVMPtva5Db4xeGG4uRD694crpqS0ConB8lb7pTeGWSa7lFkUhJPokqj3ZoIdSyqoc8Rs49iJgdm/s640/IMG_6908+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimping the other end with the heat gun and the seafood fork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyIkEC2tllY-ewrpFu51k2wZQfMPjTjf6GysSHl8ky_SA_TeCdKYG57HNzfN3fpba7Qpx4aytPnupG-kgr4jHVWt7Bca9WNW__wKhsG8fHjTYNmBlWiv-yt5ZTQpt8PlI8tgF8_IJ5zmU/s1600/IMG_6909+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyIkEC2tllY-ewrpFu51k2wZQfMPjTjf6GysSHl8ky_SA_TeCdKYG57HNzfN3fpba7Qpx4aytPnupG-kgr4jHVWt7Bca9WNW__wKhsG8fHjTYNmBlWiv-yt5ZTQpt8PlI8tgF8_IJ5zmU/s640/IMG_6909+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating the middle, note how it's becoming transparent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzQEejaHLaH5ahf4xtjUnu22VO3ytAiNep5oP3VAkCpR8BVK4E1s4IMiedeEnRf6BQGTVtgdpTbhM2Oo3vxFtL1_6RPAiF9QxRvmGWrgMkHod1DtII8mfAqoZL_EnTzZQLZI2LaxxQ5CB/s1600/IMG_6910+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzQEejaHLaH5ahf4xtjUnu22VO3ytAiNep5oP3VAkCpR8BVK4E1s4IMiedeEnRf6BQGTVtgdpTbhM2Oo3vxFtL1_6RPAiF9QxRvmGWrgMkHod1DtII8mfAqoZL_EnTzZQLZI2LaxxQ5CB/s640/IMG_6910+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becoming transparent and sagging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJBEsBJziqnMzX61NTb_GWP0A_0hVpUOMZC6vpvjwOls2Qyj5SwIp5gKUIc9S2QSarDMd4pLJwthoEPuKSrMfyY2gC0tIwXhW-plG_NULedtFBpYx3qi0arFk5KBU5HvFR44mKx1btOqr/s1600/IMG_6911+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJBEsBJziqnMzX61NTb_GWP0A_0hVpUOMZC6vpvjwOls2Qyj5SwIp5gKUIc9S2QSarDMd4pLJwthoEPuKSrMfyY2gC0tIwXhW-plG_NULedtFBpYx3qi0arFk5KBU5HvFR44mKx1btOqr/s640/IMG_6911+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBMbW-EeZtAmSAk9wZZcFwxptYaW8J1KAp06RRNmK_ORmTcfT4d5TAnLn9lgHnWDBQ4oDV3esPGRfSCRjtVQZZ383_UTNRyGSKUWqBV6LKcTQXMCdR-YqA5Ps9CdlRrI3MBj7uuK8_10R/s1600/IMG_6913+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBMbW-EeZtAmSAk9wZZcFwxptYaW8J1KAp06RRNmK_ORmTcfT4d5TAnLn9lgHnWDBQ4oDV3esPGRfSCRjtVQZZ383_UTNRyGSKUWqBV6LKcTQXMCdR-YqA5Ps9CdlRrI3MBj7uuK8_10R/s640/IMG_6913+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reconstituted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The jig is really important, by the way because you need to line up the holes in the beads in order to sleeve them onto the phalange wires. Which is the next step, by the way.<br />
<br />
As you sleeve your bones onto the wires, pay attention to the length of the fingers. The middle digit is the longest etc... I paid attention to that moreso on the first hand and less so on the second hand. The second hand still works, but it isn't as elegant as the first. Keep that in mind as you bead the wires. This really is just a beading project actually.<br />
<br />
Start with the meta-carpals, then the first two joints of the phalanges.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4se1qXzMSL2c3PgZyuwS1NM0dSpGTetPk-AxlgkrLzFI0eunIhk6vpIQ2-f6NpJQJqjforbNsNQXDbFUcGvgAzBMjoDipWbHiLu7qDUxJwSk0J8cnqOvOy2sgiMP9ehOxf0fjxHmb6sP/s1600/IMG_6891+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4se1qXzMSL2c3PgZyuwS1NM0dSpGTetPk-AxlgkrLzFI0eunIhk6vpIQ2-f6NpJQJqjforbNsNQXDbFUcGvgAzBMjoDipWbHiLu7qDUxJwSk0J8cnqOvOy2sgiMP9ehOxf0fjxHmb6sP/s640/IMG_6891+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meta-carpals installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC6l73u_xtkT3M2ELcQYqbmMh3_ReclAm56WJlf2KFNLNFfQskllhUUwFTnWY2NBhMlCzyFQy3pSa7ie8mFVpO4mI9Sx4b8dMrOnUO2hkUOc8FVzPwyFpJk84qhtwHf5qThIfrYErBFvE/s1600/IMG_6892+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC6l73u_xtkT3M2ELcQYqbmMh3_ReclAm56WJlf2KFNLNFfQskllhUUwFTnWY2NBhMlCzyFQy3pSa7ie8mFVpO4mI9Sx4b8dMrOnUO2hkUOc8FVzPwyFpJk84qhtwHf5qThIfrYErBFvE/s640/IMG_6892+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First row of phalange joints installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEgntxIBwU__qsABn5yraewihb76Rj2UscFWPTnm0XOyBhQ41z_IUlQlpXfUxecotraZRQrRxqWrzWSTH_c1YQIBYQZ4nVWgt5IRw0UfbjEV-BJZb9kLw1lRA-_kfzZozqmFNRFI8EB1b/s1600/IMG_6893+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEgntxIBwU__qsABn5yraewihb76Rj2UscFWPTnm0XOyBhQ41z_IUlQlpXfUxecotraZRQrRxqWrzWSTH_c1YQIBYQZ4nVWgt5IRw0UfbjEV-BJZb9kLw1lRA-_kfzZozqmFNRFI8EB1b/s640/IMG_6893+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second row of phalange joints installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The last joint is also the device where the beading is held into place. Take a small bead, place it on the end of the wire, then cut off the excess wire with the side-cut on the pliers. Leave enough to bend over. This will lock the bones on the end of the wire and it also gives the foundation for the final bones of the phalanges.<br />
<br />
Take a small section of milk jug handle and place on the bead. Heat crimp the plastic to the bead, then move the heat to the rest of the plastic. When it becomes transparent, begin shaping and pressing the end of the plastic around the end of the wire. Try to force some of the plastic inside the hook on the wire before it hardens.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nR74L2orKKOBIxKJlmHH1p5mZ7-VDCfDtG2JlxBCzM9px5g4HqP6an4BM-BU1h18eDQUdt1AS2dSBUHEipnDgN615Vx_3vMkkKhzkPbkn7WdnhfH_ksoy8sG_7sIN1QoA5gwy8MnYNAY/s1600/IMG_6894+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nR74L2orKKOBIxKJlmHH1p5mZ7-VDCfDtG2JlxBCzM9px5g4HqP6an4BM-BU1h18eDQUdt1AS2dSBUHEipnDgN615Vx_3vMkkKhzkPbkn7WdnhfH_ksoy8sG_7sIN1QoA5gwy8MnYNAY/s640/IMG_6894+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small bead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK1vh0KFWCoPFGveY7SVjpxJNQ7u8_OQZHwyusYiBggp5guuPNLqgXK-DC8yhPB1077PgWPsWfNTMmJV5q6Wdk3ljWfIL_TUmP6AGztK-FdND5hYceBrkyn_ifU9uHB3ntyWMMWtQPx3A/s1600/IMG_6895+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK1vh0KFWCoPFGveY7SVjpxJNQ7u8_OQZHwyusYiBggp5guuPNLqgXK-DC8yhPB1077PgWPsWfNTMmJV5q6Wdk3ljWfIL_TUmP6AGztK-FdND5hYceBrkyn_ifU9uHB3ntyWMMWtQPx3A/s640/IMG_6895+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming the wire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yDVz9q8hIlVOrGs0iG6HIKPXZ68tRtkzJYJ4lJOkQYHV3W9rWayJidWJKM7XktFbbkSLXS4efxYakwle-hBfy7yOeSN7L5Bq5he7_htR8AWdspHaonWifN-MNBPukMf5K0KvIPoK0gm5/s1600/IMG_6897+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yDVz9q8hIlVOrGs0iG6HIKPXZ68tRtkzJYJ4lJOkQYHV3W9rWayJidWJKM7XktFbbkSLXS4efxYakwle-hBfy7yOeSN7L5Bq5he7_htR8AWdspHaonWifN-MNBPukMf5K0KvIPoK0gm5/s640/IMG_6897+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bent wire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cS6qu8VnfEV6kNgGNH7mQius8JsFj1YsY6R3kZfXydunEmPPYf_DQCG_vmGlVAq-GaZEBlfk_21WgHfKUt-sQBzrng8P413ys0hQCs04r5jCy1NG8lJAsBtwPUpOYRXkK6VyVxUgx6BF/s1600/IMG_6898+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cS6qu8VnfEV6kNgGNH7mQius8JsFj1YsY6R3kZfXydunEmPPYf_DQCG_vmGlVAq-GaZEBlfk_21WgHfKUt-sQBzrng8P413ys0hQCs04r5jCy1NG8lJAsBtwPUpOYRXkK6VyVxUgx6BF/s640/IMG_6898+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the jig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI3cUl46M3kn55a7C5egZ1Jj8n-yY_t5bznrlW2y8U6uqA-JmZYNhm_EanNAss06iOzrT8EFkJ95usSXyhfowyatSFv2JlhNJJ3gEZIg0GoiCPYSvbjN_bDKVeAGx5RxhgJ0Lenqb18v9/s1600/IMG_6899+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI3cUl46M3kn55a7C5egZ1Jj8n-yY_t5bznrlW2y8U6uqA-JmZYNhm_EanNAss06iOzrT8EFkJ95usSXyhfowyatSFv2JlhNJJ3gEZIg0GoiCPYSvbjN_bDKVeAGx5RxhgJ0Lenqb18v9/s640/IMG_6899+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jug handle on the bead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAD6woGKh9FmEpH9uNbCqfmt0sHwkhTjeLQ0IhDi31EZaFI0MQtCg3wYPypSuQqAVo4mVpGBnYVASppRr2kRPvh7ctWMEsRQ3HapqQNYkLJPx032EmvnqEplkb-ioX-W0DW89T6WGJUDC/s1600/IMG_6900+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAD6woGKh9FmEpH9uNbCqfmt0sHwkhTjeLQ0IhDi31EZaFI0MQtCg3wYPypSuQqAVo4mVpGBnYVASppRr2kRPvh7ctWMEsRQ3HapqQNYkLJPx032EmvnqEplkb-ioX-W0DW89T6WGJUDC/s640/IMG_6900+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7FEvrwDFIkayJb7Rq_5fZHSKNpvSD7c-4a9vKV4-Lm3E33Yu1X8gdPB2W1sGu7rt33HZKwXT8yhygd1OktIRKDaRLnx1_04TMgOgYmiIr4nfhzcNaN-oIo_l9BMkGtxP91mbISf9hTpf/s1600/IMG_6901+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7FEvrwDFIkayJb7Rq_5fZHSKNpvSD7c-4a9vKV4-Lm3E33Yu1X8gdPB2W1sGu7rt33HZKwXT8yhygd1OktIRKDaRLnx1_04TMgOgYmiIr4nfhzcNaN-oIo_l9BMkGtxP91mbISf9hTpf/s640/IMG_6901+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimped and finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Fill in the remaining holes in the wrist, the carpals with more covered beads and a strand of floral wire. I don't have any photos of this step, but it's quite simple really. Just fill in the holes.<br />
<br />
I purchased a ten ounce package of wooden beads from Wal-Mart for $4.97. I did a rough count and determined that within forty beads or so there were about 300 pieces. That comes out to about 1.66 cents per bead. This project takes about forty beads so it comes out to about 67 cents of total beadage per hand. <br />
<br />
I purchased a package of floral wire for $1.49. It had 20 pieces. I used one strand per hand. That comes to 8 cents a hand for wire. That comes to 75 cents out of pocket per hand. Not bad eh? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChYiDeAxbxZa_u5clwou32F0KxBeldwlmpln3Rgz_XucPVIqdbsyHVjRP2VTBIg18JO7GTANTfNPFGE281owuWUb34eD_YhgbhNRDOhv50SjABOka0BCrH6Ey60oRgSeTFtM6AxyVSkwT/s1600/IMG_6865+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChYiDeAxbxZa_u5clwou32F0KxBeldwlmpln3Rgz_XucPVIqdbsyHVjRP2VTBIg18JO7GTANTfNPFGE281owuWUb34eD_YhgbhNRDOhv50SjABOka0BCrH6Ey60oRgSeTFtM6AxyVSkwT/s640/IMG_6865+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wal-Mart Beads for $4.97</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTqSh2M7dpGFnZYUHj0S94ESMW4G7Bh7V2TDAL_t2xlnXk_7SPFrAigxmAi6r8k4N7r7I8N8-sJMlc4iRXCnh-QCAOhVyKrl_uI5IsvzRKo4DwLzRLiX-leS8ucum1IRNC88dO3oE5jmW/s1600/IMG_6866+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTqSh2M7dpGFnZYUHj0S94ESMW4G7Bh7V2TDAL_t2xlnXk_7SPFrAigxmAi6r8k4N7r7I8N8-sJMlc4iRXCnh-QCAOhVyKrl_uI5IsvzRKo4DwLzRLiX-leS8ucum1IRNC88dO3oE5jmW/s640/IMG_6866+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral wire from a craft store for $1.49</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWO_XFnFboMoR6vvc7I9BzRbBacsaAu5r3hkj9XQsA5N6bSH5Vy7Opr8rJNdirl-0xRSARAGUzlSqe96medAyhTzmtc2g2ppL3EwxvOD6b0UGR3fKuTxhUQVTCJNazT5NowlA9o4aaa-5/s1600/IMG_6914+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWO_XFnFboMoR6vvc7I9BzRbBacsaAu5r3hkj9XQsA5N6bSH5Vy7Opr8rJNdirl-0xRSARAGUzlSqe96medAyhTzmtc2g2ppL3EwxvOD6b0UGR3fKuTxhUQVTCJNazT5NowlA9o4aaa-5/s640/IMG_6914+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This was a fun project to create. Know that polyethylene plastic is very difficult to paint. It rejects almost all paint. There is a spray paint by Krylon especially formulated for painting on plastics. I would recommend using that.<br />
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I have about four hours total time in these two hands. I imagine if I made more of them I could knock that back to one hour per hand.<br />
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<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-14671704810193181552013-04-19T10:28:00.001-07:002013-04-19T10:28:56.240-07:00Sneak Preview--Skeleton HandsI built a prototype for a prop last night. I will be working on a full blown tutorial, but first I thought I should give you a sneak preview of this skeleton hand.<br />
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These are fully poseable and articulated.<br />
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It's an idea I had about a year ago, but time and life got in the way. I built it last night and only have a couple of hours into it. I'm convinced that when I streamline the process I can craft one of these in an hour or less. Most of the second hour was thinking through stuff. So here's a few pictures to get the appetite going...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v8Dbhicxpu9weW31TbGVKFZplUgxjci2D1FRQGlezu-sVxnwrNluvQ6luBTqm8kmPQxJn18Da1nbo_4XixPOw5ILlTb8SD6UfhO5b9Z574PnNmWnibpP-vjEcRBgsuQ6Z7EAiCIYe9Vp/s1600/IMG_6860+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v8Dbhicxpu9weW31TbGVKFZplUgxjci2D1FRQGlezu-sVxnwrNluvQ6luBTqm8kmPQxJn18Da1nbo_4XixPOw5ILlTb8SD6UfhO5b9Z574PnNmWnibpP-vjEcRBgsuQ6Z7EAiCIYe9Vp/s640/IMG_6860+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXxRDeyhX9TUE0gXmgHiJ_N9YEaKS5lb5taYW1XIX-1EbXS03JOm4W1c7sm2yyAvWh4g7wnXbbQcMf_fntxoR1WVX3ymfbr-YH45qwP-dI-DINnHGgLWX-UtsLV98FQv6ZCH3w6NorhIt/s1600/IMG_6861+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXxRDeyhX9TUE0gXmgHiJ_N9YEaKS5lb5taYW1XIX-1EbXS03JOm4W1c7sm2yyAvWh4g7wnXbbQcMf_fntxoR1WVX3ymfbr-YH45qwP-dI-DINnHGgLWX-UtsLV98FQv6ZCH3w6NorhIt/s640/IMG_6861+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<object height="1" id="plugin0" style="position: absolute; z-index: 1000;" type="application/x-dgnria" width="1"><param name="tabId" value="{3CFD18D3-49E1-4265-BF4D-D7EC17739102}" /></object>Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-48763690884511748162013-04-04T13:57:00.003-07:002013-04-19T10:30:49.304-07:00The Amethyst Geode Bookcase<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2atcdp_BxvnA4YYxPRKk_rPXcGQTRnjjY1EliRcg3t88roo06lW8oKAJLTVXPUX1KmfVw97K-NFLiIKrYri8atXeYGU5WoZgMu6MG4KHfxbktZjl650PohpK_RtkaI3iRRo6dC0_uKF31/s1600/130226_Tempest_573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2atcdp_BxvnA4YYxPRKk_rPXcGQTRnjjY1EliRcg3t88roo06lW8oKAJLTVXPUX1KmfVw97K-NFLiIKrYri8atXeYGU5WoZgMu6MG4KHfxbktZjl650PohpK_RtkaI3iRRo6dC0_uKF31/s640/130226_Tempest_573.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prospero's Amethyst Geode Bookcase</td></tr>
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For our production of Shakespeare's The Tempest in Winter Semester, 2013 at Brigham Young University-Idaho, I designed an amethyst geode bookcase for Prospero to keep his <a href="http://proprageous.blogspot.com/2013/03/magical-tomes-part-i.html" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">magical tomes</a>. I thought it would be magical for a magical show.<br />
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I wasn't sure we could pull it off, so I came into the shop and created a prototype. In about twenty minutes I had created and placed about twenty-five crystals. I took it to my friend in the geology department and showed him. He said it looked like a cluster of quartz crystals, so I knew it would work. I pointed out to him that quartz crystals were hexagonal and my crystals were octagonal. He reminded me that the audience was going to be thirty feet away and no one was going to count sides.<br />
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<b>Process</b><br />
The process begins with 2" blue foam. I used shop scraps so this technique was essentially free. The blue foam was cut into different sized strips and then cut into blocks on a bandsaw. There is no need to measure. Just do it. No crystal in a geode is exactly like another. They are all different sizes and the faces line up somewhat differently depending on how and when and what conditions the crystals were formed under.<br />
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There was a garbage can placed behind the bandsaw to catch the blanks as they were cut. This process took two full garbage cans to complete. It doesn't matter if the foam is broken up, in fact it creates more realistic crystals if a few of them are "broken".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaS12mS-4wnvE_fFhRsQRWvf4Cvrvvfrjnw2HlaOmszVBOi5B3foxQ1vAttpT5g9yOcTOzo9SOUzhZffvV9jvU94wFgQwBj-tcZHEoISlNJnYdkWlnEI3GfFyMLl5rGcP7FuVGykL6xio/s1600/Crystals+band+saw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaS12mS-4wnvE_fFhRsQRWvf4Cvrvvfrjnw2HlaOmszVBOi5B3foxQ1vAttpT5g9yOcTOzo9SOUzhZffvV9jvU94wFgQwBj-tcZHEoISlNJnYdkWlnEI3GfFyMLl5rGcP7FuVGykL6xio/s640/Crystals+band+saw.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foam blocks on the bandsaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AQOZLr9F9UvMlJChrChZCvNGnGwz7fyCc9leEx1Xqj0fbspD9qRfqsodMS9A096-D_20jUC_juyaO7u6OIdgQgQd6hlQWca8BVgrrOSD-PK-9GVAPPtEfMKreO9LqIpK2Oqm6vA_XlKY/s1600/Crystals+raw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AQOZLr9F9UvMlJChrChZCvNGnGwz7fyCc9leEx1Xqj0fbspD9qRfqsodMS9A096-D_20jUC_juyaO7u6OIdgQgQd6hlQWca8BVgrrOSD-PK-9GVAPPtEfMKreO9LqIpK2Oqm6vA_XlKY/s640/Crystals+raw.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garbage can full of crystal blanks</td></tr>
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<b>Shaping</b><br />
The blanks are then taken to a belt sander to be shaped. It is important to wear eye protection, ear protection and a particle mask when you cut and shape the foam. <br />
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Before you attempt to create crystal shapes, it is a good idea to research exactly what crystals look like so you can replicate them as closely as possible. When you are shaping the crystals it is also important to be focused on your task and think through each crystal face as you cut it. As soon as you start cutting on auto-pilot it's time to stop and have someone else take over. Your crystals will all start to look the same and you will shave off your fingerprints.<br />
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The first step in shaping is to cut the sides of the crystal. First knock the corners off so you have an eight sided barrel shaped piece of blue foam. Quartz crystals are six sided but the foam pieces in this process are eight sided. This isn't really a problem, it's just something to keep in mind as you cut.<br />
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Make sure you hold the foam tightly as you sand and cut. This material has a nasty habit of catching on the sander and jettisoning out of your hands. If you aren't paying attention to what you are doing, this can be pretty exciting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY67QcKR8cLU5bVEDJ3hpqCYl3KRWGfFj-r-5_EtJ9hBWrCmravItqx9-5k3P-NN01bGC6eYlaAjae-gSzT9EqtJaH3PX7GKkSctwFxME5Z7Rx2E5aeogNLNf5x5rJpiRaJNs4wdW5zVlL/s1600/Crystals+sanding+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY67QcKR8cLU5bVEDJ3hpqCYl3KRWGfFj-r-5_EtJ9hBWrCmravItqx9-5k3P-NN01bGC6eYlaAjae-gSzT9EqtJaH3PX7GKkSctwFxME5Z7Rx2E5aeogNLNf5x5rJpiRaJNs4wdW5zVlL/s640/Crystals+sanding+1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanding the sides</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp-Myl_jm4zw80FuW9a0tJdlZk-_Ha_dO9ojzatXXJRg9s8myoGpvnLVhOgwaJ81G8eCzRnUs9TwLCuowwxjAc4VPda6eOhxUX2hQvbNKlMc0tV4qVjTEVh3M_TFIi0TnSVwkvz42BK1j/s1600/crystals+sanding+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp-Myl_jm4zw80FuW9a0tJdlZk-_Ha_dO9ojzatXXJRg9s8myoGpvnLVhOgwaJ81G8eCzRnUs9TwLCuowwxjAc4VPda6eOhxUX2hQvbNKlMc0tV4qVjTEVh3M_TFIi0TnSVwkvz42BK1j/s640/crystals+sanding+2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completing the sides</td></tr>
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Once the sides are done it's time to cut the faces. This is done on the sander as well. This is the point where it is essential that you understand how crystals form. When cutting the sides, the blank was held flat against the sanding belt. When cutting the faces the blanks are held at angles to the belt. <br />
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During the shaping step it saves time if you cut the sides and faces of each crystal before moving onto the next. In other words, don't cut all the sides of all the crystals and then go cut all the faces. It's faster the other way. When you get into a rhythm, you can cut a crystal from start to finish in about ten seconds.<br />
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Finally, once the faces are cut, then you can put the bottom of the crystal against the belt sander and shorten the crystal to the desired height. Make sure all your crystals aren't the same height or your geode will look to uniform.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWFMa8BPsW06R77LzVFnLeW9NrPhgmxHPruy0p1i3_7iN7iZyR6h6F2fsSzpMw5TkroMPoOx0NZZKmcxtRTLVIORc85VSQAM_C245rjg77JxKq9reEg2GBT0gvFz205kAU-11sTqfcdIu/s1600/Crystals+sanding+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWFMa8BPsW06R77LzVFnLeW9NrPhgmxHPruy0p1i3_7iN7iZyR6h6F2fsSzpMw5TkroMPoOx0NZZKmcxtRTLVIORc85VSQAM_C245rjg77JxKq9reEg2GBT0gvFz205kAU-11sTqfcdIu/s640/Crystals+sanding+3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the faces</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxLr_nqcWzRKkfrcQU0EjsuT7_Sia_3axJEhr6GSrOA-L7kZ2tlCXMqnKq4Uf4RzTiVSSe0HnEPAGS0cguKoKq4DiN9UXmn26ZCRpJb-U8nFdXW2Kh4YbpXrXNTyuFmVl8FqbdyMXkQIz/s1600/Crystal+form.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxLr_nqcWzRKkfrcQU0EjsuT7_Sia_3axJEhr6GSrOA-L7kZ2tlCXMqnKq4Uf4RzTiVSSe0HnEPAGS0cguKoKq4DiN9UXmn26ZCRpJb-U8nFdXW2Kh4YbpXrXNTyuFmVl8FqbdyMXkQIz/s640/Crystal+form.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal form</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Painting and Placing</b><br />
When working with foam, I like to coat it before I paint it with a mastic. There are several brands of foam coating material both in and out of the theatre business. All of them work. I typically use Childers CP-10 Vi-Cryl because that is what I happen to have in my shop.<br />
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After the mastic is dry, the crystals are painted with two different lavenders, one light and one darker as a base coat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FpE549iMDOgXhA20HFY5I8-9cU6IqEpMDfLeVn9aiT2m5yf4Pa1w9ZikkCphY8_6Snrq9xbC2RZX7IpJn2ikiCNotPeDqE6tbjbheep43utWwL_KOZ8r7MXci7mvtvtQPaqPtsgd90l6/s1600/Crystal+painting.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FpE549iMDOgXhA20HFY5I8-9cU6IqEpMDfLeVn9aiT2m5yf4Pa1w9ZikkCphY8_6Snrq9xbC2RZX7IpJn2ikiCNotPeDqE6tbjbheep43utWwL_KOZ8r7MXci7mvtvtQPaqPtsgd90l6/s640/Crystal+painting.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two lavenders as base coats</td></tr>
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<br />
Once the crystals are dry, they can be placed. We placed them with <a href="http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_300_voc/overview/Loctite-PL-300-VOC-Foamboard-Adhesive.htm" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Loctite PL 300 Foamboard Adhesive.</a> When using adhesives, always use according to the manufacture's instructions, especially as far as safety is concerned.<br />
<br />
When the crystals are set and the adhesive is cured, the amethyst color is achieved by washes of <b><u><a href="http://www.rosco.com/scenic/supersaturated_chips.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rosco Supersaturated Purple</span></a></u></b>. Repeat this step until the desired depth is reached. A gloss coat in-between washes gives greater depth. <br />
<br />
Since The Tempest is a magical show, we also added a little glitter spray gloss craft paint at the end.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW22XPxYa1I8pj7hbmQP0XntCnKqMMTi06Kd3wqIdlmiRfFLjU1voJjiKIj8vNVCuzx8HFvzL2aJ3a1FedlGjzU_4AM1ohNPwwqOtqaWqZZ88ywmvUUUZhV4wb1eh1ZE3ImtgXhG6LXbf/s1600/130226_Tempest_584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW22XPxYa1I8pj7hbmQP0XntCnKqMMTi06Kd3wqIdlmiRfFLjU1voJjiKIj8vNVCuzx8HFvzL2aJ3a1FedlGjzU_4AM1ohNPwwqOtqaWqZZ88ywmvUUUZhV4wb1eh1ZE3ImtgXhG6LXbf/s640/130226_Tempest_584.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In context</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-61243378504737214012013-04-01T00:00:00.003-07:002013-04-19T10:32:04.046-07:00The Green Man Book<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdaAl4ny85Z1hXoRgzSX-G-P3DRlOk33y2viq50_M2g3DJyxIwzTsinu_EEk0MXcTyHN3syTX7Hb9Wo6uJ16RdyM1BzdU3e1krSBdObZUJtP6o2MRDw1hiOKNyfOfFFxRj0jdC6O6AHhl/s1600/IMG_6148+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdaAl4ny85Z1hXoRgzSX-G-P3DRlOk33y2viq50_M2g3DJyxIwzTsinu_EEk0MXcTyHN3syTX7Hb9Wo6uJ16RdyM1BzdU3e1krSBdObZUJtP6o2MRDw1hiOKNyfOfFFxRj0jdC6O6AHhl/s640/IMG_6148+(683x1024).jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last October (2012) I was in Washington DC doing research for a play and on the last day there I visited the National Archives. While I was waiting for the archives to open, I noticed a green man in the bark of one of the trees. I watched it for awhile and as the sun continued to rise the green man disappeared. It was pretty cool.<br />
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The pagans in Europe would find faces in the bark of trees and believed they had certain powers. I do not know exactly how the pagans worshipped, but I have always found the green man cult curious. I was delighted to have found one in our nation's capital. On the flight back I envisioned how to make a green man book. Here's how it came to be.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Process</strong></div>
<strong>Design</strong><br />
The first step of any prop project is design. You should have some idea of how the item is going to look before you get started. The design can be as elaborate or as simple as you need.to complete the project. In this case, I drew a thumbnail sketch no bigger than 2" by 2 1/2" of the green man book. That was design enough.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnS-otGaXp7_6OV34lMlb4OvAeO8WoIYr1ehC8XgT1iuZnCJLml3A0OLmZbcuI5hh6ip7u3NBGRsxA5PhDxlUORyerb129Min_1-bni43mikC2_mkbO8WRJg8uCi-xzmVv-J65mfOhg67/s1600/IMG_6404+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnS-otGaXp7_6OV34lMlb4OvAeO8WoIYr1ehC8XgT1iuZnCJLml3A0OLmZbcuI5hh6ip7u3NBGRsxA5PhDxlUORyerb129Min_1-bni43mikC2_mkbO8WRJg8uCi-xzmVv-J65mfOhg67/s640/IMG_6404+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design for the green man book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Layout</strong><br />
The book used for the green man book was heavily embossed so I chose to cover it with a scrap of posterboard. The posterboard was attached with a skimcoat of Sobo glue and the design was then transferred in pen to it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ91-vod2GyWsSxWDYPWIlF11es9J4WorwWhp9wv897sE8haRjvCQymFAAV-6liebaWwqDHwM3Rv11gN6ZfEfbriSWdyCDMqpX_vJJRsLPYZ_Grkx3UvhVxua0ZmVltQhlWaZvk-H-28o/s1600/IMG_6388+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ91-vod2GyWsSxWDYPWIlF11es9J4WorwWhp9wv897sE8haRjvCQymFAAV-6liebaWwqDHwM3Rv11gN6ZfEfbriSWdyCDMqpX_vJJRsLPYZ_Grkx3UvhVxua0ZmVltQhlWaZvk-H-28o/s640/IMG_6388+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image transferred with pen on scrap of posterboard. In this case it truly was a scrap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Walmart had some fall silk foliage for a couple of dollars per spray or pick. I bought one and that was sufficient for this project. I bought a pick with multiple branches of fall colored oak leaves. The pick had leaves of three different sizes which were all removed and sorted.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdYkHEX9BsomrnHKOAM5GlzksuR-hv6gUL7DaIDqpGbEmQ3ZcSesZUnzurJP4Hmnw28GaqqJKK-Y0Jzig8WU4-fSHI6q9sxbZhFhon7av5biJv_rmFrpbciZtp__dFSeaIfdOE9p1b-qs/s1600/IMG_6389+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdYkHEX9BsomrnHKOAM5GlzksuR-hv6gUL7DaIDqpGbEmQ3ZcSesZUnzurJP4Hmnw28GaqqJKK-Y0Jzig8WU4-fSHI6q9sxbZhFhon7av5biJv_rmFrpbciZtp__dFSeaIfdOE9p1b-qs/s640/IMG_6389+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall foliage pick from Walmart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Hot Work</strong><br />
The next step was to build up the face with layers of hot glue until the dimension and the relief were to my liking. I used a combination of large and small hot glue guns for fill and detail work. It's important when working with hot glue to allow the hot glue to do what hot glue does and not try to force it to be something it's not. That only leads to frustration. When building up an area such as a nose, it's good to make the first fill throughout the pattern of the nose, then let it harden and cool. After that you can add another layer to distinguish the bulbous part of the nose, or the nostrils. Don't hurry the hot glue. If you try to build up on an area that is still molten, the new glue you introduce will combine with the other glue and create a blob that won't really help you. Be patient when working with the hot glue.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8ovIUzOkwCu-g1dIzyTuqKp6UMw2KPuXvSDr9WQfTiLMEp8R2vDQ86lE-fSdceTAqOZs8XTnen0JQNawg6w9kZwZPC_VhojGolBxP7zafS8Dfn7uu6l1l6IJnKop8H5xNj0FgN9TMGPD/s1600/IMG_6391+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8ovIUzOkwCu-g1dIzyTuqKp6UMw2KPuXvSDr9WQfTiLMEp8R2vDQ86lE-fSdceTAqOZs8XTnen0JQNawg6w9kZwZPC_VhojGolBxP7zafS8Dfn7uu6l1l6IJnKop8H5xNj0FgN9TMGPD/s640/IMG_6391+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large glue gun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-LZnMwP1_Gb50yCdjU_KOJsXEPOYxc8ttXcHsImPjb1pwR4BiuW50sSZni80y4t3v9HbDvf8f5usluzk8i87Yn_CCe9O8w4eD3a9rQW2avVsuoodZwQtEDjBPz8hr2IydQcUl7wJENbf/s1600/IMG_6392+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-LZnMwP1_Gb50yCdjU_KOJsXEPOYxc8ttXcHsImPjb1pwR4BiuW50sSZni80y4t3v9HbDvf8f5usluzk8i87Yn_CCe9O8w4eD3a9rQW2avVsuoodZwQtEDjBPz8hr2IydQcUl7wJENbf/s640/IMG_6392+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small glue gun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first layer of leaves needed to be dimensional to make the relief sculpting of the face more dramatic, so hot glue was applied to the underneath side of them and allowed to cool and harden before they were applied to the book. They were then fixed to the surface of the book with hot glue. <br />
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There was a time when hot glue went out of fashion among prop makers. I think it is time to revisit this very useful, very versitile adhesive.<br />
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The leaves were laid out on the book first until the composition was just right, then glued down. Pay attention to the binding and how your leaves will wrap around it. There is a fine balance between covering the binding and allowing the book to still open. <br />
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It is okay, in fact preferable to have the leaves extend past the edge of the book in places. That will be dealt with in the next step.<br />
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The leaves around the face were beefed up with hot glue on the back but the leaves on the rest of the book were not. The leaves for his mustache and eyebrows were glued on the backside, then folded over while the glue was still molten. This gave them more thickness and definition.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_OPyjCk0GFNzvHbK56R8lsFbh5vyeo_zFfeCiYJbWLBgibeq8TDSEqTq0VbOVtPGEL4H__Y3xI4sIEtjIb3Hwi3VEBkcC3oOIwBpsUxIYik7DZMFRbZBzuC0XN9G8OkdRjsQaBlUA0kU/s1600/IMG_6393+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_OPyjCk0GFNzvHbK56R8lsFbh5vyeo_zFfeCiYJbWLBgibeq8TDSEqTq0VbOVtPGEL4H__Y3xI4sIEtjIb3Hwi3VEBkcC3oOIwBpsUxIYik7DZMFRbZBzuC0XN9G8OkdRjsQaBlUA0kU/s640/IMG_6393+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beefing up the back side of the leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavwBrib0GcLFrABlrs0qxhQGdC810Mey6pZYacU0Bmlvgs2GwSPJSFFSEMwYneMWHthxSdEv9eR7aDG-bCyZTpd_vGP2QlgZxbLAxSEz59wKQ9TwddK3hiMKPqfvXFti_2iklC5ULT3ss/s1600/IMG_6394+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavwBrib0GcLFrABlrs0qxhQGdC810Mey6pZYacU0Bmlvgs2GwSPJSFFSEMwYneMWHthxSdEv9eR7aDG-bCyZTpd_vGP2QlgZxbLAxSEz59wKQ9TwddK3hiMKPqfvXFti_2iklC5ULT3ss/s640/IMG_6394+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial layout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob04Yr9-FhgxYdZ8cfo39cv0puV1Ovtp0dlnmLBfKYEz7Di5eAVJTweRtlZHi6gVO3SNflEZOG5kR2-SpFDKpETK2SgBr52BwcCUpIahPZWlZUP8KEu_LpHk6ekJldYixWSrFBButcJvX/s1600/IMG_6395+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob04Yr9-FhgxYdZ8cfo39cv0puV1Ovtp0dlnmLBfKYEz7Di5eAVJTweRtlZHi6gVO3SNflEZOG5kR2-SpFDKpETK2SgBr52BwcCUpIahPZWlZUP8KEu_LpHk6ekJldYixWSrFBButcJvX/s640/IMG_6395+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg_YE0wPmA2KX_dwHEnHIU41oSZsgNllXJOsl49oE_lSAwLlZGHYJ-z8TKCodQqmQAyJkEGAivuGVjPUEeu3QC-L7tn2WjytG-66s6WsAczHyeVlvFelC1vpQNjLPdYK4sFzVdkKv5zMT/s1600/IMG_6398+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg_YE0wPmA2KX_dwHEnHIU41oSZsgNllXJOsl49oE_lSAwLlZGHYJ-z8TKCodQqmQAyJkEGAivuGVjPUEeu3QC-L7tn2WjytG-66s6WsAczHyeVlvFelC1vpQNjLPdYK4sFzVdkKv5zMT/s640/IMG_6398+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Sharp Work</strong><br />
The straight edges of the book look a little silly with the leaves hanging over in parts and not in others. Using an X-Acto knife, carve the cardboard edges of the book to mimic the profile of the leaves. When finished, beef up the edges of the leaves where they hang over the edge with more hot glue for durability.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW5cTTmArFHKa44ZGZDx6bgu4UpY-0YaZ_YGoxPkFq3fWa_km6zrh1OFaE9UN0zOR23RT2a4aJ28fyED-jQN5825esMsNZpGio6_2xJyQLL86hk_tmV8WSvoIUAjNltDt7GPtZdSVEAL0/s1600/IMG_6399+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW5cTTmArFHKa44ZGZDx6bgu4UpY-0YaZ_YGoxPkFq3fWa_km6zrh1OFaE9UN0zOR23RT2a4aJ28fyED-jQN5825esMsNZpGio6_2xJyQLL86hk_tmV8WSvoIUAjNltDt7GPtZdSVEAL0/s640/IMG_6399+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carving the edge of the book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLWIVM-4QeL2h6Rhwthl5ZNtFUMnTr2H0imIn4gPxfMYy-eprUFpFs0fB8_fhNra70gzQ5C6Hr1KeEQkrOCtreZxXi6Ohbc6J96eJ5SOeAMaDzauZ7pZx6F-77S8RpdbF6HDoXUY7Bc4E/s1600/IMG_6400+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLWIVM-4QeL2h6Rhwthl5ZNtFUMnTr2H0imIn4gPxfMYy-eprUFpFs0fB8_fhNra70gzQ5C6Hr1KeEQkrOCtreZxXi6Ohbc6J96eJ5SOeAMaDzauZ7pZx6F-77S8RpdbF6HDoXUY7Bc4E/s640/IMG_6400+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What that looks like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_q68KCBbQZ8u5PJe643IH42wI0Wlz13yNwTNB2Nn78uM2x1vQkW0zgkZKnXvF1kzpaYb3tiMfMVuSfmgDHaxt4KxMJJTPjEDRBsXzjg3dot1Z42lYoOYKWKaq1ADbgcljUVNVkn3qWQX/s1600/IMG_6401+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_q68KCBbQZ8u5PJe643IH42wI0Wlz13yNwTNB2Nn78uM2x1vQkW0zgkZKnXvF1kzpaYb3tiMfMVuSfmgDHaxt4KxMJJTPjEDRBsXzjg3dot1Z42lYoOYKWKaq1ADbgcljUVNVkn3qWQX/s640/IMG_6401+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beefing up the overhang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Wet Work</strong><br />
Once again, I used Childers CP-10 Vi-Cryl mastic to create the uniform surface on which to paint the book. Just about any water based mastic will do. I happen to have CP-10 in my shop so that is what I use. There are many brands of mastic in and out of the theatre industry. <br />
<br />
The mastic is a very important step and the one I find people try to skip. Their books always look like they skipped this step when they do. Then they wonder why it doesn't look right. Cardboard, silk leaves and hot glue all take paint differently. The mastic provides that uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. Think of it as a thick primer.<br />
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The mastic is applied in a cross hatch pattern and on the hot glue relief, it is okay to go a little heavier to soften the edges of the hot glue and make it look less like hot glue. Make sure you wrap around the edges of the cover with the mastic. Once the whole of the book is covered, let it dry completely before you attempt to paint it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAHivpX8NSsl8Q1z5StPsk5N6BN6tK9rlbsF8dQG429D6y5BYm8YsaB-myIivm4A5vGc8GiX2caiplWDpSXCnn295pn3SIIh9hX8RogmX-MYwZVWBbeDAtamKx1KfOT0MXhmMlNwyJnQe/s1600/IMG_6402+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAHivpX8NSsl8Q1z5StPsk5N6BN6tK9rlbsF8dQG429D6y5BYm8YsaB-myIivm4A5vGc8GiX2caiplWDpSXCnn295pn3SIIh9hX8RogmX-MYwZVWBbeDAtamKx1KfOT0MXhmMlNwyJnQe/s640/IMG_6402+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4pCz95Ir3iByFeIf3_qTEskal0Pwp7VE2HaeaGnyIg4nFmWDkb1RsLKIQajZRw-Mf0kbnYu4Bfo_Ey22sBrm8nQIojIs0VYZ4NvJxHLMAzQRamEcM6iwoSzGRUq82DkEBfpCoiECK9q1/s1600/IMG_6403+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4pCz95Ir3iByFeIf3_qTEskal0Pwp7VE2HaeaGnyIg4nFmWDkb1RsLKIQajZRw-Mf0kbnYu4Bfo_Ey22sBrm8nQIojIs0VYZ4NvJxHLMAzQRamEcM6iwoSzGRUq82DkEBfpCoiECK9q1/s640/IMG_6403+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Paint Job<br />
This time I used two different green spray paints for the base scumble. This could easily be done with brush paints as well. I chose to use spray paint because of the recesses under the leaves. I though it would be easier to cover with spray paint than brush paint. Either way it works. For this one I used Design Master Basil and American Accents green. These were sprayed in patches and there was an attempt to blend them a little at the edges.<br />
<br />
It is important to wrap the spray paint around the edges of the book just like the mastic step above.<br />
<br />
On a lark, when I opened the flammables cabinet to get the spray paint, I noticed some glitter spray and shot a bit of that on for good measure. I think it helped a little. It certainly didn't hurt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFEmpzQpMDEYTB2pRnQnA0Csg1mhMVZ4b7Qr4c10jC1ClwCzSibw-dlmc4as1vdZ1EG1MUhE8kCKF3FFtQgg7RVRJDTvSpewQvNohkTjiXs7rUfGjL2C6gSEj-4DzT-C-rqFka6XRIoom/s1600/IMG_6406+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFEmpzQpMDEYTB2pRnQnA0Csg1mhMVZ4b7Qr4c10jC1ClwCzSibw-dlmc4as1vdZ1EG1MUhE8kCKF3FFtQgg7RVRJDTvSpewQvNohkTjiXs7rUfGjL2C6gSEj-4DzT-C-rqFka6XRIoom/s640/IMG_6406+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design Master Basil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7d8-LkbmfFfqrke4NOLlskqgckY96qsYlbM4EPwfuW7f0PnEmfUgqHR6s8KlGlU3nrwPjnreNNCyuE3yTtyUrRFKvQqrr3JJ_4XHyKDTPQDO_RayIyjzV2miMDUA8I1L8d44ZWBI23fW/s1600/IMG_6407+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7d8-LkbmfFfqrke4NOLlskqgckY96qsYlbM4EPwfuW7f0PnEmfUgqHR6s8KlGlU3nrwPjnreNNCyuE3yTtyUrRFKvQqrr3JJ_4XHyKDTPQDO_RayIyjzV2miMDUA8I1L8d44ZWBI23fW/s640/IMG_6407+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Accents country green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-dlknP1UyNI0iVz8K_P8hKnLhJHytr81C_G4NyjW0SaQc6dPmCpsY_0E_IJvVKhjnruhPkMufGTW1MJk7f5OZlqbjgVheT_7EJZlKGxq3y7P8jn2CDIegwoYr0UEcRu19aABKs-E5BsR/s1600/IMG_6408+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-dlknP1UyNI0iVz8K_P8hKnLhJHytr81C_G4NyjW0SaQc6dPmCpsY_0E_IJvVKhjnruhPkMufGTW1MJk7f5OZlqbjgVheT_7EJZlKGxq3y7P8jn2CDIegwoYr0UEcRu19aABKs-E5BsR/s640/IMG_6408+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished spray paint scumble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxezNBK5wj7Ect4TpIu0liQinIEgOBMJstKOyQF5wCrNXq7i7__VidR2YJ9HqZI3fjOAkzFCUawjdGDw4wr7LAQItOfr5O9vBuW-k8-LtuU5fpRFr_yOs8Eb4aqZkXvfiKxsBTw8el6DpW/s1600/IMG_6405+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxezNBK5wj7Ect4TpIu0liQinIEgOBMJstKOyQF5wCrNXq7i7__VidR2YJ9HqZI3fjOAkzFCUawjdGDw4wr7LAQItOfr5O9vBuW-k8-LtuU5fpRFr_yOs8Eb4aqZkXvfiKxsBTw8el6DpW/s640/IMG_6405+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edge wrap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLyAcHEBCIbsVqqhV7Ks58rgWC_GxD2N9FbMidiPalPxwAWJGfSUhzSyTC6ES4pHXPZA-GrGM9koB_TmZMvg_8Sh0MAnAnw0ulXG_7rOZWfTivCp_DgeNq9pfD6wuGqI6-Yn6d7CXFbuE/s1600/IMG_6409+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLyAcHEBCIbsVqqhV7Ks58rgWC_GxD2N9FbMidiPalPxwAWJGfSUhzSyTC6ES4pHXPZA-GrGM9koB_TmZMvg_8Sh0MAnAnw0ulXG_7rOZWfTivCp_DgeNq9pfD6wuGqI6-Yn6d7CXFbuE/s640/IMG_6409+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glitter spray for good measure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Mottle and Daub</strong><br />
Just like the tutorial for the <a href="http://proprageous.blogspot.com/2013/03/magical-tomes-part-i.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Magical Tomes</strong></span></a>, the leather look is created by spraying Design Master Glossy Wood Tone on the book and daubing it off with a wadded up paper towel. Don't try to remove all the paint, just move it around so it is heavier in some areas and lighter in others. On this project, allow some of it to pool in the recesses of the hot glue relief. This will make the sculpted face seem even more dimensional.<br />
<br />
Repeat this step until you are satisfied with the look.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zwgloWm6KOH42xqN9vuDB_qrl1HUCJJGrjBvtG3t3ztQLa1gKeT7t30KWYUV90LOPnSn3QoNRdBmA6o6_yF2h-A8hKHuw3CMIoQ2YjCKzT0Aktawj6p5ifnmotzzhQXZU4yS8WreXoci/s1600/IMG_6420+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zwgloWm6KOH42xqN9vuDB_qrl1HUCJJGrjBvtG3t3ztQLa1gKeT7t30KWYUV90LOPnSn3QoNRdBmA6o6_yF2h-A8hKHuw3CMIoQ2YjCKzT0Aktawj6p5ifnmotzzhQXZU4yS8WreXoci/s640/IMG_6420+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glossy Wood Tone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGe688muTOQoAMK4kEN21ls55pqHDS3lyJ1eA53W4TkdFBPsTX548xHc3JE7qVP_QRekpm9viE2zw7PnWOTYn2-cuwINUXlgVmvDh0bF4OAubhOjIqZlh_lPH2n6Zj1CvFNup1d1nOPKP/s1600/IMG_6421+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGe688muTOQoAMK4kEN21ls55pqHDS3lyJ1eA53W4TkdFBPsTX548xHc3JE7qVP_QRekpm9viE2zw7PnWOTYn2-cuwINUXlgVmvDh0bF4OAubhOjIqZlh_lPH2n6Zj1CvFNup1d1nOPKP/s640/IMG_6421+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daubing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDzjXHEC5w11mlKNRS56E6I5oK5ym919xWoaQSteL1sJ7DdG06g6EvqrYdeKafTe9JT90iXdS-k1w0fhEob2IGq6QqxpL9WCVxvtnHqd7vKeN_Xn4jYzQlThRxtoNBNr9gXsVAEsZtx2u/s1600/IMG_6419+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDzjXHEC5w11mlKNRS56E6I5oK5ym919xWoaQSteL1sJ7DdG06g6EvqrYdeKafTe9JT90iXdS-k1w0fhEob2IGq6QqxpL9WCVxvtnHqd7vKeN_Xn4jYzQlThRxtoNBNr9gXsVAEsZtx2u/s640/IMG_6419+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pooling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Aging<br />
Just like in the Magical Tomes tutorial, the aging consists of brushing on Raw Umber and daubing it off with a wadded up paper towel. This knocks back the sheen from the Glossy Wood Tone and it adds a healthy layer of grime, as if the book were hundreds of years old and handled by dozens of dirty hands.<br />
<br />
Make sure you don't overwork this stage.<br />
<br />
When you have the grime stage completed your book cover is done. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfFg6ZjsaRkh0M34rM2UeUKtQ1k8WwUgCRulOyDVMdOkM3X91b6CPqVjwa1H-CUqcRPlCa7etYY6ky4QDHQhcIGWrNv3g7QkIS951A-jr3YqHrC4i2RrVmPEqZmtbNHvUirCe6pvJeuUq/s1600/IMG_6422+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfFg6ZjsaRkh0M34rM2UeUKtQ1k8WwUgCRulOyDVMdOkM3X91b6CPqVjwa1H-CUqcRPlCa7etYY6ky4QDHQhcIGWrNv3g7QkIS951A-jr3YqHrC4i2RrVmPEqZmtbNHvUirCe6pvJeuUq/s640/IMG_6422+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Umber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKXq7hdkU8oeK_JQDw9sm_PUf8-zifb_feoLM9X0ghMDZ4IMkBl3rXP2piWPm3nzJlG6it2Q6KPfRw_Eh6g9Ih8xacpzTAY9Q2Bud4Q6T3TqqzHL-2vsg4bzR9gFO4jdx23SS4Y9M0xe3/s1600/IMG_6424+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKXq7hdkU8oeK_JQDw9sm_PUf8-zifb_feoLM9X0ghMDZ4IMkBl3rXP2piWPm3nzJlG6it2Q6KPfRw_Eh6g9Ih8xacpzTAY9Q2Bud4Q6T3TqqzHL-2vsg4bzR9gFO4jdx23SS4Y9M0xe3/s640/IMG_6424+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daub it off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo5Siu1czOCZAIlxyTjLUR41xj986CII9-YzRkaxF8DqkjfsfiWNTQSR-ac1zOL9gThk9NOILAO1IJa2gNhwxaOS1xYqxdtmVHlI7JjZLdDxOgI4E__BGNxCA6z2NIOoLlvPlFoohhxyE/s1600/IMG_6687+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo5Siu1czOCZAIlxyTjLUR41xj986CII9-YzRkaxF8DqkjfsfiWNTQSR-ac1zOL9gThk9NOILAO1IJa2gNhwxaOS1xYqxdtmVHlI7JjZLdDxOgI4E__BGNxCA6z2NIOoLlvPlFoohhxyE/s640/IMG_6687+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished Green Man Book<br />
This prop was used by Prospero in our production of Shakespeare's<br />
The Tempest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-39386120009767136302013-03-28T23:30:00.004-07:002013-04-19T10:33:34.675-07:00Magical Tomes--Bookmaking<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUDnjvAfOT2eNc7VU7YEoZiJ4LwFDXo0rPlEfQWByNv61sHdbcrgyTKhz0dY3al_3h_mFyGoGjILwv0cKq3YWZ2ssthUrEIjAkE11RXfk34E8IQzxktj-7AfqyxE0Qf5Tvs3CyLPtZKjA/s1600/IMG_6684+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUDnjvAfOT2eNc7VU7YEoZiJ4LwFDXo0rPlEfQWByNv61sHdbcrgyTKhz0dY3al_3h_mFyGoGjILwv0cKq3YWZ2ssthUrEIjAkE11RXfk34E8IQzxktj-7AfqyxE0Qf5Tvs3CyLPtZKjA/s640/IMG_6684+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pirate Codex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have had to create old looking books many times and have used the fabric cover technique to less than adequate results. What I always wanted to acheive was the look of tooled leather. In an airplane, somewhere over Nebraska I think I had an idea on how to create the look of tooled leather on a book cover. When I arrived home, I immediately began fleshing out my idea. The Pirate Codex above is the result of my experimentation. Since that time, I have taught this technique to my prop class and have built up a decent collection of old books, some magical, some whimsical. Last semester (Winter 2013) we filled a bookcase in Prospero's cell in The Tempest. Here is the technique.<br />
<br />
<strong>Design</strong><br />
Probably the singlemost important step in the preparation process. I'm still amazed when a student attempts to make a book like this without thinking through what it will look like in the end. It is important to design and draw what you want the book to look like ahead of time. Otherwise what you have in your mind may not appear on the final project.<br />
<br />
Things to consider:<br />
1. How large is the book supposed to be?<br />
2. What is the book supposed to be about?<br />
3. What does the book need to look like?<br />
4. What color of "leather" do you want the book to have?<br />
5. How realistic or whimsical does the book need to be?<br />
6. Will the audience see the inside of the book? (if so, your process just got way more involved)<br />
<br />
This tutorial is just about the book cover. It will not address the contents inside. That is material for a different tutorial.<br />
<br />
I like to pick up old textbooks at the local thrift store. I can get fairly large books for very little money. The Pirate Codex is an old nursing textbook for example. I always have to warn people when they pick it up not to turn the pages because there are pictures of unmentionable diseases in it. I think it cost me two bucks. Unfortunately, I do not have process pictures of the Pirate Codex. I do however have process pictures of several other books that I created for a seminar in Sun Valley, Idaho.<br />
<br />
<strong>Preparation</strong><br />
Many books have embossed lettering on the front cover and spine. These need to be covered or filled before continuing with the project. You can cover them with illustration board, poster board or fill them with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sobo-Premium-Craft-Fabric-Glue/dp/B000XZUAH0" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Sobo Glue</span></strong></a>. To fill the embossing, squirt a generous amount of Sobo on the book cover and use a scrap of poster board as a screed to draw the glue across and into the embossing. Allow that to dry before proceeding.<br />
<br />
To cover, cut a piece of illustration board or poster board into the desired shape and place over the embossing. Fix it with Sobo Glue as well. This needs to dry before continuing as well. I like to place a heavy book over the poster board or the illustration board to hold it in place as the glue drys.<br />
<br />
The Pirate Codex has illustration board above the skull. The book in the photo below has a poster board "moon" covering most of the embossing with Sobo Glue covering the rest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkuKjz-ZzX2zSEae5LCK4vXeRA97Mo5OGfVjdszwWOAbBObrHCkJKco8sx5tdTl7sr1ndlsXd6Zt1jLDGPfltX9fm3Yz80ceHqLKT7mLo2N6ssczGbZF0Wz4Y1GFtTho4rNGacC12FxXr/s1600/IMG_5622+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkuKjz-ZzX2zSEae5LCK4vXeRA97Mo5OGfVjdszwWOAbBObrHCkJKco8sx5tdTl7sr1ndlsXd6Zt1jLDGPfltX9fm3Yz80ceHqLKT7mLo2N6ssczGbZF0Wz4Y1GFtTho4rNGacC12FxXr/s640/IMG_5622+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sobo Glue fill and poster board cover on embossing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Layout</strong><br />
Whatever your design, it needs to be laid out with care. Precision at this stage will make the difference between a good book and a shoddy one.<br />
<br />
Use calligraphy T-Squares, pencils, Sharpie pens, triangles, templates, compasses and anything else you need to create a precision layout on your book cover.<br />
<br />
If you have lettering on the front cover it is wise at this stage to lay it out as well, then ink it with a sharpie pen so it will bleed through the wet stage. <br />
<br />
When lettering, draw out the text box you need to fill on the book cover, then count how many letters in each line of your title. Take into account that the capital letter at the beginning of the word will be larger and take up more space. With the capital letter accounted for, find the center of your word or your title. Fine the center of the text box. Begin lettering by alligning the two center points and work towards each end. Be sure to keep your letters appropriately sized. It may take a few times to get it right, but it is well worth the trouble.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidemXu-cDyVcY8KJ5nBUzbL31MLOrfhMEzv05kvIOMUpzhtF5iWqzy-ycnXF9R3Ks9KMNX8zH8oxuO_01s9_tM_LopxFASBrdaeRXDOTgX_AMOM6mXUEcufOTi1U2uvkOhCG5sZVZnWE7w/s1600/IMG_5609+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidemXu-cDyVcY8KJ5nBUzbL31MLOrfhMEzv05kvIOMUpzhtF5iWqzy-ycnXF9R3Ks9KMNX8zH8oxuO_01s9_tM_LopxFASBrdaeRXDOTgX_AMOM6mXUEcufOTi1U2uvkOhCG5sZVZnWE7w/s640/IMG_5609+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layout, lettering and tools for The Art of Divination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4i2Ab3a8zVpqvljtMFXrZt5oV759I-QMZfMR9ji8vnYdm9UPZU6-5jqxFP-9_rU_B4L95sbAOS772MwlhlYIzqEtQobG62FZeHwhj8ok97orqB-E0hvrkOtwr2CDegcuIXyOQSxVuhnc/s1600/IMG_5647+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4i2Ab3a8zVpqvljtMFXrZt5oV759I-QMZfMR9ji8vnYdm9UPZU6-5jqxFP-9_rU_B4L95sbAOS772MwlhlYIzqEtQobG62FZeHwhj8ok97orqB-E0hvrkOtwr2CDegcuIXyOQSxVuhnc/s640/IMG_5647+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying out with calligraphy and drafting tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbfxncD0baiGX8zc4kAzAySuR8b9DLjxBbeQTYxkzkHKXbwRTnMWHuFqCciRPU6rLzAGFOP3eC_x3bF5Yl_i8L4d1bB3jzNmhvR-arOqjIs23mXDlxu5dQKb6zOU_z06NGa48BFXe6WXN/s1600/IMG_5627+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbfxncD0baiGX8zc4kAzAySuR8b9DLjxBbeQTYxkzkHKXbwRTnMWHuFqCciRPU6rLzAGFOP3eC_x3bF5Yl_i8L4d1bB3jzNmhvR-arOqjIs23mXDlxu5dQKb6zOU_z06NGa48BFXe6WXN/s640/IMG_5627+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reaper book, layout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>The Hot Work</strong><br />
When I would make fabric covered books and try to make them look like embossed leather, I'd build up a physical design on the book with illustration board or found objects, then glue the fabric down over it. No matter how hard I tried, no matter which adhesive I used, I could not get a clean, tight edge around the raised portion under the fabric. Typically the fabric would shrink a little and it really just looked like a bad fabric covered book job.<br />
<br />
This new technique dispenses with the fabric altogether. After you have your pattern inked out, begin building up your design with hot glue extruded directly out of the gun. This stage is a little like paint by numbers because you are just filling in the design. Do not try to rush this stage. You can build up layers, you can use a combination of large glue guns for big fills and small glue guns for detail work. You can apply the glue hot on hot or hot on cold and it's really up to you to know which is most appropriate.<br />
<br />
Your tooled leather book will look a lot more interesting and convincing if you allow variation and don't try for a perfect fill. Refer to the Pirate Codex at the beginning of this blog post. Notice around the top of the skull and above the teeth how some negative space was left kind of randomly. I think this really "sells" the idea of worked leather.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuKHT4uZpkoF179wq6fLzhom0WvEWra2rnn-ux7C-BwyVFJPhGq9ERo5MmfZHK61hrb-X5-sGwFqCWMvXDEtcsV5bliB4GcAwWeaiqKHWblj-4BPwjgSGJPCEi8lPk4eUzsh9Fbcuwiqu/s1600/IMG_5650+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuKHT4uZpkoF179wq6fLzhom0WvEWra2rnn-ux7C-BwyVFJPhGq9ERo5MmfZHK61hrb-X5-sGwFqCWMvXDEtcsV5bliB4GcAwWeaiqKHWblj-4BPwjgSGJPCEi8lPk4eUzsh9Fbcuwiqu/s640/IMG_5650+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hot work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some book designs require a raised border. I've found that sewing trims work really well for that. Small cording with tape works quite well, gimp also works pretty well. The border is attached by cutting a length of cording for a side or end of the book, making sure to cut a 45 degree angle on each end, then hot gluing into place. Repeat until all the borders are complete. This step can be done before the hot glue sculpting or after. No real advantage either way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiudWDvg9jLP2_MJ6zv65vSQTfe12xP9NGAIH1q8hKCvV_pJV8RPTwTmtqNBq5YcJ7X1ZDgna5hzVqTY9zOoFSSBio6_Am0_x68dcyc3JfjsE7g_shbJ6U0J56Mtr0jfDVpy6I7OM2kBy/s1600/IMG_5624+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiudWDvg9jLP2_MJ6zv65vSQTfe12xP9NGAIH1q8hKCvV_pJV8RPTwTmtqNBq5YcJ7X1ZDgna5hzVqTY9zOoFSSBio6_Am0_x68dcyc3JfjsE7g_shbJ6U0J56Mtr0jfDVpy6I7OM2kBy/s640/IMG_5624+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the border</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98nWmzcff8YRajc9dFPhyphenhyphenb_F3ZpDeIYblpyKzEoazywQeFf70AMoqtjKK3PacsRZMFsa54ln7uvbq8Wf9JtaG0ipX3DYesWbn9b7Ex0OdNghPIb5cgosos824G1ueMVYja33j69tTBF02/s1600/IMG_5625+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98nWmzcff8YRajc9dFPhyphenhyphenb_F3ZpDeIYblpyKzEoazywQeFf70AMoqtjKK3PacsRZMFsa54ln7uvbq8Wf9JtaG0ipX3DYesWbn9b7Ex0OdNghPIb5cgosos824G1ueMVYja33j69tTBF02/s640/IMG_5625+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished border</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the distinguishing features of old books is a raised binding. This can be accomplished by hot gluing short strips of sewing trim on the spine of the book. Gimp works well, as does small cording.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsEKCz-AGqw4570pDv6jZ1exC2JgQWLsSm-j0ZJX7IqbSMN-TMxbHKH4vnXfX9SPCymEhi5Mi6Y6HcxSz4EbQ6N0K7MTJ_BdI_Yx7uKKuPFQG88qJcfuMmJeL4aTulWTw6s3tr3h68-Uw/s1600/IMG_5616+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsEKCz-AGqw4570pDv6jZ1exC2JgQWLsSm-j0ZJX7IqbSMN-TMxbHKH4vnXfX9SPCymEhi5Mi6Y6HcxSz4EbQ6N0K7MTJ_BdI_Yx7uKKuPFQG88qJcfuMmJeL4aTulWTw6s3tr3h68-Uw/s640/IMG_5616+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gimp used as a raised binding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>The Wet Work</strong><br />
The wet work is the step that sells the idea of tooled leather. Essentially the wet work creates a substrate that gives a uniform surface to paint on. There are a variety of textures on the book cover by this time. There is the cover itself which could be cardboard or cloth, the sewing trim borders, poster or illustration board and hot glue. Each of these surfaces will take paint differently and so it is imperative that you not bypass this step. If the design work is the most important step in the preparation phase, this is easily the most important step in the crafting phase.<br />
<br />
I use a water base roofing mastic for the wet work. I have used <a href="http://www.jaxsancoatings.com/products/600series/600" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Jaxsan 600</span></strong></a> which is a construction industry product that some theatre prop person discovered several years ago and added it into our arsenal. I have also used <a href="http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/servlet/the-281/Childers-CP-dsh-10-White-Mastic/Detail" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Childers, CP-10 Vi-Cryl</span></strong></a>. This is also a roofing product. Frankly, I can't tell the difference between the two products. There are other theatrical coatings that I think would work, but I can't offer a review on them until I have tried them.<br />
<br />
Apply the mastic to the book cover in a short cross hatch pattern. Try not to make it look like a pattern, however. It's good to give a generous coating to the sewing trim so it is all sealed and filled, and it is wise to apply a thinner coat to the areas of the book where you have inked the lettering. That's so it will show through. I like to go a little heavier on the hot glue and brush across the edges to allow a little mastic to build up at the junction between the book and the hot glue. I think it gives a gentler transition and sells the tooled leather better. Wrap the mastic around the edges of the book as well.<br />
<br />
Both the Jaxsan and the Vi-Cryl take between an hour and two hours to dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-Q7HCu2MH-Fhc5TeXqGgA7C1F4DncA6Bf7weTpdWtJxHwoCtVi4RINCEK7HtLxJ9jOImbYpWZ5FUadSA-h54hyL5873seOBy-TwR3KrERezfRCHaXs-ZPQrnWPK05omo3wCYG_eCEvtg/s1600/IMG_5631+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-Q7HCu2MH-Fhc5TeXqGgA7C1F4DncA6Bf7weTpdWtJxHwoCtVi4RINCEK7HtLxJ9jOImbYpWZ5FUadSA-h54hyL5873seOBy-TwR3KrERezfRCHaXs-ZPQrnWPK05omo3wCYG_eCEvtg/s640/IMG_5631+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Childers CP-10 Vi-Cryl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2w-373PItLbsEC343Fq3BkfWvHD1Kem33pifpRhqRN-gxPSgPWhtjDfvyeFfRXeQpLJfk1fQG1Zl2mbsQIvUOqLU0kSdrkhZiuwm1Y6uWj1PyzOOu3vaCdUwFGUopEzfzRuTQOG6nKWS/s1600/IMG_5629+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2w-373PItLbsEC343Fq3BkfWvHD1Kem33pifpRhqRN-gxPSgPWhtjDfvyeFfRXeQpLJfk1fQG1Zl2mbsQIvUOqLU0kSdrkhZiuwm1Y6uWj1PyzOOu3vaCdUwFGUopEzfzRuTQOG6nKWS/s640/IMG_5629+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross-hatching the mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Painting</strong><br />
**Warning**<br />
Spray painting is toxic and you must protect yourself with proper ventilation such as a fume hood or a NIOSH mask. You should also protect your skin by wearing impervious gloves.<br />
<br />
Painting the book is a multi-step process. The first step is to deal with the edges of the paper. Some books have gold leaf applied to the page ends. This is quite pretty and dresses up a book. The easiest way I have found to do this is to take the book to the fume hood and open both covers at the same time, exposing the page edges. Next, take the pages as a unit and bend them. Spray the gold spray paint across the edges of the paper, then turn the book around and bend the pages the other direction and repeat the process. Doing it this way gives the page edges depth and a much richer look than if you just spray painted them flat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFNBQH4PFqCN-_NBgUdye8z8F1NAVuAzo6ILE6lzduDxDyzVL8SdOEouuZLdEOElRnsGPQdbF3V9HpLccENe5Qq9M3NvPxYSs7-tMPhR7_fIdkpy1_uTtlXF4HhjnpEh69sADrf6zbJKK/s1600/IMG_5672+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFNBQH4PFqCN-_NBgUdye8z8F1NAVuAzo6ILE6lzduDxDyzVL8SdOEouuZLdEOElRnsGPQdbF3V9HpLccENe5Qq9M3NvPxYSs7-tMPhR7_fIdkpy1_uTtlXF4HhjnpEh69sADrf6zbJKK/s640/IMG_5672+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spraying the page edges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next step is to put a base coat on the book cover. I prefer a two color scumble for this task. A scumble is two or more colors applied and blended on the edges. Having different colors in the scumble stage gives the finished book a mottled look which approximates the variations in leather much better than a solid color would. Scumble colors are chosen based on what the finished color of the book will be. If you wish to make a brown leather color for example, a light peach and yellow ochre make a great base coat. Painting a light base coat gives you someplace to go with the next step. You can make the leather as dark as you want it or as light, depending on how light your colors are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtWZXoQ0aFLjB-sUzr2L9d0ARBnlieNU9ENgV1nCfEjSC2PjGCQhZHhbB-Nvw7We5CkBiBkmZ1zdGChk3rMpYvfYp4K7ol073Lh0Zg1YBxn7RG0KNRaE9P1pF0cPDfZiCL5M4ynSM8o-s/s1600/IMG_5656+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtWZXoQ0aFLjB-sUzr2L9d0ARBnlieNU9ENgV1nCfEjSC2PjGCQhZHhbB-Nvw7We5CkBiBkmZ1zdGChk3rMpYvfYp4K7ol073Lh0Zg1YBxn7RG0KNRaE9P1pF0cPDfZiCL5M4ynSM8o-s/s640/IMG_5656+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scumble colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The hardest part about making these books is waiting for the paint to dry and being patient enough for that to happen.<br />
<br />
If you are planning to letter on the front of the book, now is a good time to do so. Gold leaf is a great medium to use for labelling the book. Gold leaf is applied by first painting on the gold leaf size, or adhesive and then letting it dry til clear. Typically, when you apply the adhesive, you have up to an hour of open time in which to apply the metal leaf.<br />
<br />
Once the size is clear, carefully take a sheet of the metal leaf and press it into the size. Excercise care that you don't get the size on your fingers or it will make a long day out of trying to apply the metal leaf. When the metal leaf is adhered to the sizing, take a clean, dry, large brush and begin stippling straight down on the metal leaf. This presses it deeper into the size. Once most of the slag has been broken off, begin burnishing the metal leaf with the brush. The harder you beat it, the prettier it will become.<br />
<br />
I have not yet tried a gold paint pen for lettering on one of these books, but I think it would work quite well, actually. I'd like to try one with a calligraphy tip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWVA1URil9vhFZ8Y9LgOs3hmafZONfIMYGI7HEKcjlzwmlmqApQD0ghyc9ecd8-m6T_kmWlvKVad79klxyImrlUjxQmq4iTNhl_xIJdt8Li_eXICltBRbZsrVWAGI9fqN0-Ne6kzF31g-/s1600/IMG_5665+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWVA1URil9vhFZ8Y9LgOs3hmafZONfIMYGI7HEKcjlzwmlmqApQD0ghyc9ecd8-m6T_kmWlvKVad79klxyImrlUjxQmq4iTNhl_xIJdt8Li_eXICltBRbZsrVWAGI9fqN0-Ne6kzF31g-/s640/IMG_5665+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTgkTUn3djDqdFI-9NzcusRA6QT2Oz3O1FBHTXCxqNTqbI_6OUp8qYr9vDdEKn0qZTMPX7W40f1VZK66GblTPjvyV3QKjefWRhJseF0GGLQXSZbX2Z0yca6L_k6sBsBzacyyCkNuq2tan/s1600/IMG_5670+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTgkTUn3djDqdFI-9NzcusRA6QT2Oz3O1FBHTXCxqNTqbI_6OUp8qYr9vDdEKn0qZTMPX7W40f1VZK66GblTPjvyV3QKjefWRhJseF0GGLQXSZbX2Z0yca6L_k6sBsBzacyyCkNuq2tan/s640/IMG_5670+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some leaf applied. Note the flecks of gold leaf everywhere. This is messy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next step in the paint job is to apply a transparent color medium. I like the wood tones in the <a href="http://www.dmcolor.com/products/?id=21" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Design Master</strong></span></a>, Color Tool line. These wood tones are translucent like watercolor in a spray can. They also have a longer open time than regular spray paint does, and the color tends to spread out a little rather than drying on contact in tiny dots.<br />
<br />
The Design Master colors I have used for this process are:<br />
Glossy Wood Tone<br />
Cherry Wood Tone<br />
Walnut Wood Tone<br />
<br />
If I had to do theatre on a desert isle and could have only one color of spray paint I would choose Glossy Wood Tone. It is by far the most useful spray color medium I have ever used. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqClyCOY78shyphenhyphen7HC66bQh7oR6XWN1UNJjobPNcFlsUJJv-rbrhOhvkHZMOfzvJhwyquT5AjISAx4Cnsb97RD8AIhObkcp-xIEe1XELVQ0orT6t6ggNkohOedDt2hh5hqtRba_G-VAVWlhg/s1600/IMG_6605+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqClyCOY78shyphenhyphen7HC66bQh7oR6XWN1UNJjobPNcFlsUJJv-rbrhOhvkHZMOfzvJhwyquT5AjISAx4Cnsb97RD8AIhObkcp-xIEe1XELVQ0orT6t6ggNkohOedDt2hh5hqtRba_G-VAVWlhg/s640/IMG_6605+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Design Master sprays with a healthy dose of Krylon Flat Black for good measure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The technique in this step is to hold wadded up paper towels in one hand while spraying the Glossy Wood Tone or other color tool with the other. I like to work a small section at a time to prevent drying too soon. Spray a section of the book, then immediately daub at the paint with the paper towels. The idea is to create a mottled effect with the Glossy Wood Tone, so be careful not to lift off too much. Repeat this step until the entire book is coated and you are satisfied with the results.<br />
<br />
Make sure you "wrap" the spray around the edges of the book so all the cover is uniform. Don't worry about overspray on the inside covers of the book. You can always cover the overspray with marbled endpapers if the book is to be opened on stage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfuzawIZqB_fUUSVo9gkH-rLFX-C8WBVx3kOOUg6p0TSHSXuL4EfEJbtbRAqh22q7UYdjtScUNyyxhjG-ZBmHRIagOqJiNIjNflUmFk8U7DwdwtPioZ8oFYrRxM6oOzLNjdco810gdPnn/s1600/IMG_5660+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfuzawIZqB_fUUSVo9gkH-rLFX-C8WBVx3kOOUg6p0TSHSXuL4EfEJbtbRAqh22q7UYdjtScUNyyxhjG-ZBmHRIagOqJiNIjNflUmFk8U7DwdwtPioZ8oFYrRxM6oOzLNjdco810gdPnn/s640/IMG_5660+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray and daub. NOTE: I was demonstrating at a conference here and did not have impervious gloves or a fume hood. Bad me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w4JBRnxkvXuGOcKaav2CXO7rEtQbWGx-C2pInc5-bWzKkqaWn-AeTs49yvtsnxfEdJzCigyvhhFNpChANanUY5t0_OyGrciFkEPFXZfTyJY1ZqhIt79l9TWp0Mgd7uX1l40BlOFUnZxa/s1600/IMG_5659+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w4JBRnxkvXuGOcKaav2CXO7rEtQbWGx-C2pInc5-bWzKkqaWn-AeTs49yvtsnxfEdJzCigyvhhFNpChANanUY5t0_OyGrciFkEPFXZfTyJY1ZqhIt79l9TWp0Mgd7uX1l40BlOFUnZxa/s640/IMG_5659+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half of the book done. Heavy spray in some areas, lighter in others.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Aging</strong></span><br />
Sometimes it's nice to take a sander to some edges of the book cover, beat it or mar it in some way to give it the well worn feel. Distress it a bit. Don't fall into the trap of uniform distressing. Don't do too much but on the other hand don't do so little that it looks silly. Aim for just right.<br />
<br />
One of the coolest things about Glossy Wood Tone is that it is glossy. One of the biggest drawbacks about Glossy Wood Tone is that it is glossy. Glossy Wood Tone is not a petroleum based spray however and you can topcoat it with water based products.<br />
<br />
To overcome the gloss on your book cover, overpaint it with Raw Umber. You can paint straight out of the can, or thin it with water. I've even done it as a wash. As you paint on the Raw Umber, take more wadded up paper towels and once again daub off the excess. Allow the Raw Umber to stay in the recesses of your pattern as grime would on an old, tooled leather book.<br />
<br />
As you daub off the majority of the Raw Umber, a small residue will stay behind and knock back most of the gloss from the Glossy Wood Tone. It will leave behind a dull sheen which makes the book that much more believeable. One application is probably enough, but repeat the step if necessary until you are satisfied with the look.<br />
<br />
Most theatrical paint manufacturers carry a version of Raw Umber. It is one of the most useful of all the colors of scene paint. I would hate to be without it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnnooS2csHzacSOtwi2K4bbj7P1mB9-a47d-wta7uwSeiS1ijB-V4t3yG-YyYvzNUL9IryDV-BQHeaMVOrzFMR3huGNjFZmORr4icx34IBIEK9MYHX_SvL9NCa9-CMAuWddDRuGjxW-cd/s1600/IMG_5668+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnnooS2csHzacSOtwi2K4bbj7P1mB9-a47d-wta7uwSeiS1ijB-V4t3yG-YyYvzNUL9IryDV-BQHeaMVOrzFMR3huGNjFZmORr4icx34IBIEK9MYHX_SvL9NCa9-CMAuWddDRuGjxW-cd/s640/IMG_5668+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Umber painting on, daubing off. Aging the Tome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once it't dry it's done. I estimate between one and two hours of actual working time to create one of these books. Total time is a bit longer because of the dry time of the mastic and the paints. If you are making a bunch of books though, you can always be working on another one while waiting for the first one to dry and so on and so forth.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Gallery</strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtYE-EDNOqU6OcegI8n8Z-nDszotggETQSUCDqKn_akEheel1FuP_ku1OOBo0Owbqu5goiIH6apXUa6_gNCfE2lsdB6OYph8ZA9ZCtFM-FNGUyNDE8QIn_TCmT3mm0kw1WJVJpjsCw2Dn/s1600/IMG_6685+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtYE-EDNOqU6OcegI8n8Z-nDszotggETQSUCDqKn_akEheel1FuP_ku1OOBo0Owbqu5goiIH6apXUa6_gNCfE2lsdB6OYph8ZA9ZCtFM-FNGUyNDE8QIn_TCmT3mm0kw1WJVJpjsCw2Dn/s640/IMG_6685+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venenum--Latin for poison. <br />
Raised hot glue lettering, pink and peach scumble, <br />
oversprayed with Cherry Wood Tone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4svWbFS7as7Mk9HERmO1L0iyf0sEJyfv7UBGMizhivwHMhizVDkjV9y7Hr_Y5GqQpyZME4KmudLVkg3010NhdI435BXi6kzXBHR_aL1u846PJ9YIPsgpD2uYQS8sZnOVafwbqLTMN5WN/s1600/IMG_6686+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4svWbFS7as7Mk9HERmO1L0iyf0sEJyfv7UBGMizhivwHMhizVDkjV9y7Hr_Y5GqQpyZME4KmudLVkg3010NhdI435BXi6kzXBHR_aL1u846PJ9YIPsgpD2uYQS8sZnOVafwbqLTMN5WN/s640/IMG_6686+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bartle's Bestiary of Creeping Things<br />
Dragonfly wings textured with bridal netting, hot glued in place then trimmed,<br />
scumbled in two different light blues then oversprayed with Cherry Wood Tone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgJ-eYHtNuCwhC09hRQCE44tgE__hEqP9lDkVZin58O6HOpbMISI4EmeVAQC8iTa3b2MT17v5xrfFuaScUzVEfsBt6oyrMHAPw-JLa96_WBiPPBQ7sCJt3L8pz5KCQYCETbfbHzeuFNf3/s1600/IMG_6688+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgJ-eYHtNuCwhC09hRQCE44tgE__hEqP9lDkVZin58O6HOpbMISI4EmeVAQC8iTa3b2MT17v5xrfFuaScUzVEfsBt6oyrMHAPw-JLa96_WBiPPBQ7sCJt3L8pz5KCQYCETbfbHzeuFNf3/s640/IMG_6688+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creatures Faire & Foule<br />
I spelled it that way because it's pretentious<br />
peach and yellow scumble, circle oversprayed with Cherry Wood Tone, <br />
balance sprayed with Glossy Wood Tone<br />
gold leaf letters cleaned up with sharpie pen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG8eXnQQYofojlDtKhAFbiTKISZFPXGr_YkUzzmJw1TVXxGbmb2lGFV6VGF8RSCfEIH-uklNfsTasepWyJcluZSXx1mX-ab2C0RBZ7Y0XlFu5JAX-AWs7_88I7Jgm4Rh1uIt7Zx2CH_Rs/s1600/IMG_6689+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG8eXnQQYofojlDtKhAFbiTKISZFPXGr_YkUzzmJw1TVXxGbmb2lGFV6VGF8RSCfEIH-uklNfsTasepWyJcluZSXx1mX-ab2C0RBZ7Y0XlFu5JAX-AWs7_88I7Jgm4Rh1uIt7Zx2CH_Rs/s640/IMG_6689+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cavanaugh's Cosmology<br />
yellow and light green scumble<br />
oversprayed with Glossy Wood Tone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa4_Uq3E5wLGhHp9znJ4jhWuKwVLeyay7IbzhGWI2GSoeiHf4nL7rlRE4B9Y2bDkfxMG8rYn7JeN3-U1jGdBZEZZPmWnm8J_MUpgPmkiHgAtkNLGvOzL5S6ip0euyqQyPEFqZhSfyyCIC/s1600/IMG_6690+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa4_Uq3E5wLGhHp9znJ4jhWuKwVLeyay7IbzhGWI2GSoeiHf4nL7rlRE4B9Y2bDkfxMG8rYn7JeN3-U1jGdBZEZZPmWnm8J_MUpgPmkiHgAtkNLGvOzL5S6ip0euyqQyPEFqZhSfyyCIC/s640/IMG_6690+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winston's Herbology<br />
yellow and pink scumble<br />
Glossy Wood Tone overspray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XjGAGhKFw72p9fBtMD_mhLgW8DUh4aYrcMMLSAtyhrQvAdp6agYuyRe0fKDX9p_dhyphenhyphenf8ZWFzq_bYb6P1lU8B5ariQC1MKOabIYoN_RDrOFYQFMGT7CvjWFnRj_CV20zMNNQ0Q6JK3N82/s1600/IMG_6693+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XjGAGhKFw72p9fBtMD_mhLgW8DUh4aYrcMMLSAtyhrQvAdp6agYuyRe0fKDX9p_dhyphenhyphenf8ZWFzq_bYb6P1lU8B5ariQC1MKOabIYoN_RDrOFYQFMGT7CvjWFnRj_CV20zMNNQ0Q6JK3N82/s640/IMG_6693+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circulum Vite<br />
yellow and peach scumble<br />
Cherry Wood Tone overspray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3HIRavvt1grfwblqZ-X6SBIKWZyUC36B5nX1MvTZMF2SFoFXdeAyHNwUR33cS5OdtcY8ppN6dhTchFPCqCR-WF6FL85ekkkSfzjooL8q1B1WAnIuCUras4ajEI9AIrB9n9tcQgzmzAts/s1600/IMG_6697+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3HIRavvt1grfwblqZ-X6SBIKWZyUC36B5nX1MvTZMF2SFoFXdeAyHNwUR33cS5OdtcY8ppN6dhTchFPCqCR-WF6FL85ekkkSfzjooL8q1B1WAnIuCUras4ajEI9AIrB9n9tcQgzmzAts/s640/IMG_6697+(683x1024).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Libro de los Muertos<br />
two blues scumble<br />
Glossy Wood Tone overspray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3296770113891311878.post-17982822078728957342013-03-17T22:20:00.001-07:002013-04-19T10:38:30.085-07:00Avast Poor Yorick!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW_EH8BJiSFIuf_5PsoiOLAHrwTXFatYzvPsCro_0-ZgMkqYUx282u7p5y35pNWEmISBaYXGi3N1Dv7C45-ih6USpaYWelF9TOWyYFNLxex0ke2xrvRvn7Z0moFAD_PkPETmMTt0G2pla/s1600/IMG_6543+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW_EH8BJiSFIuf_5PsoiOLAHrwTXFatYzvPsCro_0-ZgMkqYUx282u7p5y35pNWEmISBaYXGi3N1Dv7C45-ih6USpaYWelF9TOWyYFNLxex0ke2xrvRvn7Z0moFAD_PkPETmMTt0G2pla/s640/IMG_6543+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rogues Gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Too many good productions of Hamlet have been ruined by a sub-par performance by Yorick. When Hamlet holds aloft a clean, pristine skull that looks like it came right out of the box from the <a href="http://www.shopanatomical.com/Anatomical_Chart_Company_Anatomical_com_s/6164.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Anatomical Chart Company</strong></span></a>, the willing suspension of disbelief evaporates. <br />
<br />
There are many excellent prop builders in the haunt community and I discovered a corpsification/dessication technique from one of them. It's called the <a href="http://www.robertdbrown.com/haunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Skull and Bone</strong></span></a> technique. The original technique used fairly toxic materials which had a long dry and cure time. The props never seemed to lose the odor of the adhesive. I used the original technique a time or two about five years ago and the props still smell of the flooring adhesive. I knew that there was a quicker, easier, less toxic way to acheive the same results by using materials we are already familiar with in the theatre props community. <br />
<br />
You can make your skull as simple or elaborate as you wish.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Skulls</strong><br />
I get my skulls from <a href="http://skeleton-factory.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">skeleton-factory.com</span></strong></a>. The budget two piece skull costs around twenty bucks when you include shipping. The nice thing about this skull is that it does not have a split calvarium.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_FJeFvFZQz-IpBkPuvUc862UXBGUTVUPrhgXKJdiLuJAhdz9lNYizQp8t7swG2bojZRZmwqqOk9GthSkHXagk8HOXKSU32mW5DsT2ZBQFN7Sve0uE16VIcNV61m_XLTRO9IUQfU-QmAU/s1600/IMG_6545+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_FJeFvFZQz-IpBkPuvUc862UXBGUTVUPrhgXKJdiLuJAhdz9lNYizQp8t7swG2bojZRZmwqqOk9GthSkHXagk8HOXKSU32mW5DsT2ZBQFN7Sve0uE16VIcNV61m_XLTRO9IUQfU-QmAU/s640/IMG_6545+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">skeleton-factory.com skulls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Skull Prep</strong><br />
The skulls are easier to work with when mounted on a stand, so the first step is to drill a hole in the base of the skull, large enough to accomodate the post.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30gYIzhYT0WstPK6vs7if8wyBZwwTQBlZ9Gsx7UU-Bl-sHsdLN5zrev7iVkY1VqG-oeIwcI5QDU9Jtk7kj_E86ezWreT_sVc_Q7v5UxjVjwv23jjwa2pZbdUHz3O-eNGYPnWXhI7f5m-4/s1600/IMG_6548+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30gYIzhYT0WstPK6vs7if8wyBZwwTQBlZ9Gsx7UU-Bl-sHsdLN5zrev7iVkY1VqG-oeIwcI5QDU9Jtk7kj_E86ezWreT_sVc_Q7v5UxjVjwv23jjwa2pZbdUHz3O-eNGYPnWXhI7f5m-4/s640/IMG_6548+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling the post hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ-SDF64t2jC2jY650tjkJDYu0UPmjm74e8T80EIYdQVUJuRFwYo5vpyGiiGoBfjz-cWgchc438AzZuwxNQhIx5Gx_CDqq4HtNM7Po8tmBPGtFHB5xW4Qa50LUmf8GwlpZn7QFOA8XXkQ/s1600/IMG_6550+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ-SDF64t2jC2jY650tjkJDYu0UPmjm74e8T80EIYdQVUJuRFwYo5vpyGiiGoBfjz-cWgchc438AzZuwxNQhIx5Gx_CDqq4HtNM7Po8tmBPGtFHB5xW4Qa50LUmf8GwlpZn7QFOA8XXkQ/s640/IMG_6550+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skull stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After the skull is mounted, the next step is to determine the dispositon of the lower jaw. The lower jaw can be left closed, opened, canted to one side or removed completely. The positioning of the lower jaw will add more to the character of the piece than almost anything else you will do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OGGU_B7dSZQlSxUPQ0e9-HAA9pg6uSpnwzp34HU2FFwBH8h-hemz7_bnC1BOsU_9jmZUDTnqdpKbmIvtf36lkC82yFR0aHY_vqKpiCkblOJKgByKqQj6JWqLYiealCJ27KHuW9fpZcfs/s1600/IMG_6561+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OGGU_B7dSZQlSxUPQ0e9-HAA9pg6uSpnwzp34HU2FFwBH8h-hemz7_bnC1BOsU_9jmZUDTnqdpKbmIvtf36lkC82yFR0aHY_vqKpiCkblOJKgByKqQj6JWqLYiealCJ27KHuW9fpZcfs/s640/IMG_6561+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing one side of the jaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W8amxPpBv8xZrF1q3GSOWEBrZJmDRhWIMfsi6vIp9CQhyphenhyphenzuvsSIxCBKHTcn5g_dgeE9hfdDhkES4-ok-X09xfZS7CXWxdfw5HVzrRYDlXYc9euT_8Ypt77l8r-RGC6VNck-gp458JbFJ/s1600/IMG_6557+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W8amxPpBv8xZrF1q3GSOWEBrZJmDRhWIMfsi6vIp9CQhyphenhyphenzuvsSIxCBKHTcn5g_dgeE9hfdDhkES4-ok-X09xfZS7CXWxdfw5HVzrRYDlXYc9euT_8Ypt77l8r-RGC6VNck-gp458JbFJ/s640/IMG_6557+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unhinged</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is also a good time to perform a little dentistry on the skull...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmgZr_swOBY91dUyUByI7N8FGEMPu2iEAkmItRbXbmpZBzznTAsNL9xB6K5ol_3tcXxIYBt9k5nrA7mSRFeQPBb7YnDvA1rMyGShXDzGskn0YAP4iyvhxeCYcq8hjN4WH8XChcxtAtgAG/s1600/IMG_6560+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmgZr_swOBY91dUyUByI7N8FGEMPu2iEAkmItRbXbmpZBzznTAsNL9xB6K5ol_3tcXxIYBt9k5nrA7mSRFeQPBb7YnDvA1rMyGShXDzGskn0YAP4iyvhxeCYcq8hjN4WH8XChcxtAtgAG/s640/IMG_6560+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I was younger, just a baaaaad little kid...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At this stage of the process I like to drill out optic nerve channels and nasal cavities in the eyes and nose with a Dremel Tool. Sometimes I also like to show a cause of death.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6kgC7aj3yLToleB0u4RbIjniFUswCba_27pNuEF9ZR70is3aUIPmMgIJmGDLspJk2OmSXoHK8L2AQrkOwFipTjH8wwWVuwSf7n8A79QuSIRAXFjTgRfRJjz7oRHzfrOmkg1Sw2SnxrRq/s1600/IMG_6603+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6kgC7aj3yLToleB0u4RbIjniFUswCba_27pNuEF9ZR70is3aUIPmMgIJmGDLspJk2OmSXoHK8L2AQrkOwFipTjH8wwWVuwSf7n8A79QuSIRAXFjTgRfRJjz7oRHzfrOmkg1Sw2SnxrRq/s640/IMG_6603+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boarding axe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJkVVQ1KhpKDO-ivfgVVMoNmz6K9e1UMSs2fpCaia52JtxfJF4GUqMna98ze541yb8sXDIu2Heass495w2TmZQLgbPIDjkO9lZZpBlJQ4VG2ZbkMGMeNJ0iqxw33y2s4PJBhGdW-O0M5l/s1600/IMG_6602+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJkVVQ1KhpKDO-ivfgVVMoNmz6K9e1UMSs2fpCaia52JtxfJF4GUqMna98ze541yb8sXDIu2Heass495w2TmZQLgbPIDjkO9lZZpBlJQ4VG2ZbkMGMeNJ0iqxw33y2s4PJBhGdW-O0M5l/s640/IMG_6602+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musket ball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>The Skin</strong><br />
The skin is made by drawing knee high stockings over the skull. Once positioned, cut out eye holes, nose holes, the skin around the mouth and any other places on the head you think bone should show. The eye holes can and should be used to create expression and angst for your corpified Yorick. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg-vU6EG1YJcyx_0St8jfqubhM3k3ngDC_cMBCX5h1Eloln2ptmiXblFMr9zvoorRwSwySXhHv2ssKje1ULFq8mISngLspfCRgnymveDsEmRrDNCa5YgLe7DzrGE-XCXzo_TQFGn4s-KX/s1600/IMG_6569+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg-vU6EG1YJcyx_0St8jfqubhM3k3ngDC_cMBCX5h1Eloln2ptmiXblFMr9zvoorRwSwySXhHv2ssKje1ULFq8mISngLspfCRgnymveDsEmRrDNCa5YgLe7DzrGE-XCXzo_TQFGn4s-KX/s640/IMG_6569+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing the knee high over the skull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbD-VTmlTD3gpIGJch7hwzhFfKX7bxjryq0Hbzoutl-v6ngwgq7LDYLCJbWWcHXlRbrzM1rZ1rd2QRuqPIavwI0wMrr72xIrYC38qWnx_VowX1UgLzICwuVWPIp4Arkmec4qIu5b3TgK/s1600/IMG_6576+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbD-VTmlTD3gpIGJch7hwzhFfKX7bxjryq0Hbzoutl-v6ngwgq7LDYLCJbWWcHXlRbrzM1rZ1rd2QRuqPIavwI0wMrr72xIrYC38qWnx_VowX1UgLzICwuVWPIp4Arkmec4qIu5b3TgK/s640/IMG_6576+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting away </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Goo Stage</strong><br />
This is where my process begins to deviate from the Skull and Bone method. The Skull and Bone technique uses a latex, solvent based carpet adhesive that takes up to a week to dry and who knows how long to cure. I used the carpet adhesive more than five years ago and the adhesive still has an odor. I use a latex mastic called <a href="http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/servlet/the-281/Childers-CP-dsh-10-White-Mastic/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Childers CP-10 Vi-Cryl</strong></span></a>, which is a roofing surface treatment. I have also used<a href="http://www.jaxsancoatings.com/products/600series/600" target="_blank"> <span style="color: blue;"><strong>Jaxsan 600</strong></span></a>. I believe other products that are more theatre specific would work as well, although I have never used them for this technique.<br />
<br />
Essentially, the goo stage is just painting a healthy layer of goo on the nylon while leaving the bones as undisturbed as possible. Chip brushes are cheap and work really well for this. It is important to cover the weave of the nylons in this stage.<br />
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You can also press debris in the goo, such as yard bark, dryer lint or Spanish moss. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O44UjJXLkXBS5jY8tnrqYv3bqpUgIrYZd8SVo6CdS8N0LZ0blgCmPJlf-NJ9bZdJTZ8psnyJKzm9Rti0Jk2s6TehdL2omLLiaGGKVAfYyvaNAGHKxwsPjipohMwFNS_x1uuLA0G5sKQT/s1600/IMG_6577+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O44UjJXLkXBS5jY8tnrqYv3bqpUgIrYZd8SVo6CdS8N0LZ0blgCmPJlf-NJ9bZdJTZ8psnyJKzm9Rti0Jk2s6TehdL2omLLiaGGKVAfYyvaNAGHKxwsPjipohMwFNS_x1uuLA0G5sKQT/s640/IMG_6577+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vi-Cryl Mastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jry9TiB8WCSmqtjD3DqES-dH1OQ4d0yNTz2RC7NwwRAOPaf87I9qsSBg_iJUoui8yDFh2X8P8LZ0QHakdIyafNrLZzlmqrSBXodlBYBZ_bhkWbu8Nz1f995qRuCFmp83hVaANSLoUNl2/s1600/IMG_6579+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jry9TiB8WCSmqtjD3DqES-dH1OQ4d0yNTz2RC7NwwRAOPaf87I9qsSBg_iJUoui8yDFh2X8P8LZ0QHakdIyafNrLZzlmqrSBXodlBYBZ_bhkWbu8Nz1f995qRuCFmp83hVaANSLoUNl2/s640/IMG_6579+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Application of the goo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>The Hair</strong><br />
Applying the hair on a skull is essentially the same technique as creating an old school beard on gauze and latex. Blend the crepe hair you wish to use, pull it apart, trim the edges and put a generous layer of goo on the base of the skull. Put the hair against the wet goo, place a stick over the end of it and pull away. Do this over and over again in layers until you have the desired level of hairiness or baldness for poor Yorick.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX_L5dIKI-Pd_E4R3JiRLGzds4XaDjIv16zwe_lVEDbhAUVMOmFEnxlV09zLszPA2Ly7S1OLYuIVZqkUJerg61kiygTi73owQ1Xs231PyxIHdCmAugdjHZo5ZscAxoyM3wIDPUAle8vRU/s1600/IMG_6581+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX_L5dIKI-Pd_E4R3JiRLGzds4XaDjIv16zwe_lVEDbhAUVMOmFEnxlV09zLszPA2Ly7S1OLYuIVZqkUJerg61kiygTi73owQ1Xs231PyxIHdCmAugdjHZo5ZscAxoyM3wIDPUAle8vRU/s640/IMG_6581+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blending the crepe hair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3_pLKDCMMKUutpb1ALI7Z9EFDuctoUubdZP9UL92BSTnTSiYN_RZhEcfFJzY7iDbhvmoiLO2L-nqsdCjvrAuNLxHAlA4Plj8E9nWbQOtl14eKDOuGPa9ba_wEdZotyM4KymN8fpKGryz/s1600/IMG_6583+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3_pLKDCMMKUutpb1ALI7Z9EFDuctoUubdZP9UL92BSTnTSiYN_RZhEcfFJzY7iDbhvmoiLO2L-nqsdCjvrAuNLxHAlA4Plj8E9nWbQOtl14eKDOuGPa9ba_wEdZotyM4KymN8fpKGryz/s640/IMG_6583+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressing the hair into the goo with a stick and pulling away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-h1dYsNsgmJZQDPIog9Jat_Eoce0mQzOVYJtDuWE-Pgl1XatZc_G5hIvYCImS17d9e3v7uT5TK3C4lY-1zgB8E6xDhD_Wz66sbpLl6aS49ICXjfhxKVOZG8ydN7wzK3MUHT_QxHwIT03/s1600/IMG_6593+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-h1dYsNsgmJZQDPIog9Jat_Eoce0mQzOVYJtDuWE-Pgl1XatZc_G5hIvYCImS17d9e3v7uT5TK3C4lY-1zgB8E6xDhD_Wz66sbpLl6aS49ICXjfhxKVOZG8ydN7wzK3MUHT_QxHwIT03/s640/IMG_6593+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's an angsty looking Yorick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>The Paint Job</strong><br />
The Skull and Bone technique uses alot of oil based paints and stains which once again take a long time to dry. I prefer Design Master Color Tool and Krylon spray paint for the paint job on the skulls. Design Master is a floral spray dye. The best color in the whole line is Glossy Wood Tone. It goes on like watercolor in a can.<br />
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I've always been inspired by the bog men of Neolithic Europe and the mummies of Egypt. I like the brown patination of the skin as it dehydrates.<br />
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Most important when painting with solvent based spray paints is to use them with proper ventilation. A fume hood or a NIOSH mask is most desirable.<br />
<br />
because you will use your hand as a frisket when painting the skulls, it is also imperative wear impervious gloves when working in this technique.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdN0R_Kqcs2XQc6nVZQZnZ4MhArYIj5774UxG0LZ2pYxOwtAdlV0B9gNbG45_9rIJN8xXyCxSWhkH-7IupTPmuTvjoMz7oB6O8KvQzXDxV-3iepKkYMveVAFMHVcdV1ktJX8gxhgqxW3-/s1600/IMG_6604+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdN0R_Kqcs2XQc6nVZQZnZ4MhArYIj5774UxG0LZ2pYxOwtAdlV0B9gNbG45_9rIJN8xXyCxSWhkH-7IupTPmuTvjoMz7oB6O8KvQzXDxV-3iepKkYMveVAFMHVcdV1ktJX8gxhgqxW3-/s640/IMG_6604+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impervious gloves, fume hood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12POD8VLQfvDQiyTG2g4rCjdsuHUDBBQoeF62nXyMrBDquzt-x1Y-PFzHgVQ4gjjGz0BNXdkqxJ6tE8_RzV-qqOL8ZRVen5nJ2BTlTlg5lygJZZAsQ8fwxNaQxmPUjt1xe76C9P3vc3uv/s1600/IMG_6605+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12POD8VLQfvDQiyTG2g4rCjdsuHUDBBQoeF62nXyMrBDquzt-x1Y-PFzHgVQ4gjjGz0BNXdkqxJ6tE8_RzV-qqOL8ZRVen5nJ2BTlTlg5lygJZZAsQ8fwxNaQxmPUjt1xe76C9P3vc3uv/s640/IMG_6605+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The first step is to deepen the eye and nasal cavities. This is done by holding the thumb and forefinger in an O shape, holding it against the eye socket or the nasal passaage and shooting Krylon flat black in. It is not necessary to wait for the Krylon to dry, the next step is to over spray Design Master October Brown into the recesses. This gives back a little life that the flat black robs from the skull. <br />
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Use Design Master Ivory and Flat White to accentuate the bone areas of the skull and Glossy Wood Tone to tone and color the "flesh", once again, using a gloved hand as a frisket. If you wish to have a particularly moldy skull, mist a little Design Master Basil spray over the head. Repeat these steps until you have the skull looking the way you want it to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTWtTV-BtuHtoijpq5EYWrGHFafxn8ZS101_4Uv7L0WSTZJURYZofrtWqS56uBUR0bgWsc_KfEFbrLHOohLC1WAawshCwBYOc-49u9NyNVLgGx_GkJMDa8Do62uYT2Gak0viPbxB5Q5hX/s1600/IMG_6608+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTWtTV-BtuHtoijpq5EYWrGHFafxn8ZS101_4Uv7L0WSTZJURYZofrtWqS56uBUR0bgWsc_KfEFbrLHOohLC1WAawshCwBYOc-49u9NyNVLgGx_GkJMDa8Do62uYT2Gak0viPbxB5Q5hX/s640/IMG_6608+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the gloved hand as a frisket</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JtD_KYpyZ_SfcqevsguaLJCFyzWO-auvdXSMbrzUG2Slsiv-RJGHpgWm1arGZk-QANsv9AMVFmcR40ptfgAMcx4U9ywIua8K5ej2Lzz4bFDh7Zv92NcmmTdnQSEJ_B2HY5ltTI57tWXH/s1600/IMG_6617+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JtD_KYpyZ_SfcqevsguaLJCFyzWO-auvdXSMbrzUG2Slsiv-RJGHpgWm1arGZk-QANsv9AMVFmcR40ptfgAMcx4U9ywIua8K5ej2Lzz4bFDh7Zv92NcmmTdnQSEJ_B2HY5ltTI57tWXH/s640/IMG_6617+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spraying Glossy Wood Tone under the hair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvLhefVqrNofTlib122E1wQPqo2OCp7Kk0QR4eHGgyOkGeFwFS49W1QT4jPVyV8ol-0yQS0g2rMInzkPjF6HhQNFqpJ_ZntheozOg1SOpX81kbLFQ4PmWYtEzbHIiyzIkPqtlpdhO3LUI/s1600/IMG_6618+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvLhefVqrNofTlib122E1wQPqo2OCp7Kk0QR4eHGgyOkGeFwFS49W1QT4jPVyV8ol-0yQS0g2rMInzkPjF6HhQNFqpJ_ZntheozOg1SOpX81kbLFQ4PmWYtEzbHIiyzIkPqtlpdhO3LUI/s640/IMG_6618+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over spraying with Design Master Basil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGyRPxlpwE0RerIqxduxbDxHjxdQmB2_TaAVDoAZ_ttYRhgEmaU3e4F7-vFvJAigzWLmYUEuMefQFKkXrTQUfnniVXLC_1HIoDikg7oENOq5oD8Qu3H16wTBx84p0zkyGawSBgZopVKQv/s1600/IMG_6620+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGyRPxlpwE0RerIqxduxbDxHjxdQmB2_TaAVDoAZ_ttYRhgEmaU3e4F7-vFvJAigzWLmYUEuMefQFKkXrTQUfnniVXLC_1HIoDikg7oENOq5oD8Qu3H16wTBx84p0zkyGawSBgZopVKQv/s640/IMG_6620+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiping the wet spray off the surface of the teeth, allowing it to stay in the recesses</td></tr>
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<strong>Details</strong><br />
Yorick's skull comes out of the grave in the famous Hamlet scene, so there probably ought to be a little dirt on him. This is accomplished by painting a little flat medium on the skull and while it is still wet, sprinkling in Fullers Earth or Texas Dirt. Let that dry for a short time and then take a dry brush and sweep away the dirt that isn't fixed in place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6LK1ATrg0pEsKAqX_RfDliaNdUNXELE4FYjYecq7Pen4RqOM3vd6eNkgCq7yH0bW_rSOGpdnnO9H8jsdjkFn1D4OL1ACmg2ybUgZwCOI1hb90X5rP0Xno0qezrV0mUCCTD5YUAetWpNP/s1600/IMG_6623+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6LK1ATrg0pEsKAqX_RfDliaNdUNXELE4FYjYecq7Pen4RqOM3vd6eNkgCq7yH0bW_rSOGpdnnO9H8jsdjkFn1D4OL1ACmg2ybUgZwCOI1hb90X5rP0Xno0qezrV0mUCCTD5YUAetWpNP/s640/IMG_6623+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosco Clear Acrylic Flat and Fullers Earth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5JytqkrA-u07cIWZzn4hol9dah06nIzg5HnrMU18oFb3mUY72mzQeLiGn2vz1OqqfXJxb0I1KPKBjXc3AdT7YQKcwfCKTL7Fulf_vwk2MQZHbCBcVqDmy_aLJXE0FjlliySQsqgINWNO/s1600/IMG_6630+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5JytqkrA-u07cIWZzn4hol9dah06nIzg5HnrMU18oFb3mUY72mzQeLiGn2vz1OqqfXJxb0I1KPKBjXc3AdT7YQKcwfCKTL7Fulf_vwk2MQZHbCBcVqDmy_aLJXE0FjlliySQsqgINWNO/s640/IMG_6630+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat medium on head and jaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJpPcRsvi42suW33Faa4zaQZvNm-F61Zp_meLigyxicYeNIrzmMU5bRttu2Ha_oyzOxVtYMVd94hNZYexXzJL3KSnKKGzK2QOB0H-k0C8rJlOBk_UcATxBghomyQkNNPYpjamIKJNBA7j/s1600/IMG_6632+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJpPcRsvi42suW33Faa4zaQZvNm-F61Zp_meLigyxicYeNIrzmMU5bRttu2Ha_oyzOxVtYMVd94hNZYexXzJL3KSnKKGzK2QOB0H-k0C8rJlOBk_UcATxBghomyQkNNPYpjamIKJNBA7j/s640/IMG_6632+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkling Fullers Earth into the flat medium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSXhL7CWlTqWDVUyXIE7-AGivGiamOR0x2WPekefUwuwDReKC3wg-Qghq9uxge_m3AGcND1JutYudJJ1CB5cO2O6Un0zv9D89ktclK9U_ybrowxOB9fohdv58wykMYrYd-QOG7gkCQzm9/s1600/IMG_6635+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSXhL7CWlTqWDVUyXIE7-AGivGiamOR0x2WPekefUwuwDReKC3wg-Qghq9uxge_m3AGcND1JutYudJJ1CB5cO2O6Un0zv9D89ktclK9U_ybrowxOB9fohdv58wykMYrYd-QOG7gkCQzm9/s640/IMG_6635+(1024x683).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweeping the Fullers Earth off with a dry brush</td></tr>
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The last step is to cut off the "turkey gobbler" left over from the nylons.<br />
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With the water based mastic, one of these heads can be created from start to finish in a day, easily. The dry time for the mastic is only an hour or two before it can be painted. Total time invested in this particular skull, minus dry time is about two hours.Gary Bensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308576044648596810noreply@blogger.com0