GreenMan Aside

Dear All,

Despite what appears on my blog (will get better!), I have been quite busy. I've got SIX baby blankets nearing completion and I've started on TWO lovely shawls with some GORGEOUS yarn I've recently discovered. It shifts color just beautifully and it's a joy to work with.

I've laid my Greenman aside for now. You see, I've decided that I what I REALLY want is to make figures---have wanted to for quite awhile. I've just been too afraid to give it a really good try. In addition to all that, I have mermaids/mermen on the brain, so I've decided to do a series of learning projects for myself. Awhile back, I made two mermaid armatures---and then I got scared to go any further---didn't want to 'mess them up'. Then the husband got REALLY, really sick. So there those two lovely armatures sat. Still, I decided that I still really want to make a few mermaids and I've decided that I really must get over all that nervousness and stop standing in my own way. Now that the husband is relatively well now, I've got the time. I think that my original armatures were too complicated for what I had in mind and I think I need to stick with a few basic poses---just to start. So I've been in my little 'studio' nearly everyday. I made two pretty awesome mermen and one tiny mermaid armature so far in addition to the two mermaids I have already made. I've decided that five is a good round number, so I've got one final mermaid armature to do and she will be part of a pair of lovers I intend as my fourth project. I figure I ought to have learned a few solid things by then.

I really enjoy making the armatures a lot as it gives me a little insight as to 'who' they might become. My wire-based armatures get really complicated pretty quick as I place wires everywhere I want the fins to go. I then crumple up aluminum foil and wire and glue that on, then I coat the whole thing in Aves Apoxie. I've discovered that I can make some marvelous fins using this product. I'll sculpt in the body with polymer clays which I've already mixed. Here's a couple of progress pictures.

Peace Always,

the DragonLady

I Hate Hacking at a Cured Piece!

Well, the Nature Face is cured, but. . . with a large air pocket next to the left eye. (Curses and Buggers!) I don't believe I will attempt a cover-up with neatly placed greenery, so that leaves just hacking it off and refilling it. I never liked doing that with a cured piece, but sometimes that is the nature of the medium. Other than that, it turned out well and I am reasonably happy with the features. I think it's more feminine than male, so that's what I'll run with. I'm not sure if I like the 'texture' bit, but I think it will really add to it once I get all the leaves placed.

Peace All---and thanks for looking!

the DragonLady