Sunday, January 10, 2010

BIG Canes

After I took Jana Roberts Benzon's Arabesque Cane workshop, I went home and gave it a try--flying solo. Granted, it is on a very rudimentary level, but I did not want to take on too much and get discouraged, so I kept it simple.
The cane is about 4" high and 5" wide at the base. I let it rest overnight and then started reducing it the next morning.
As you can imagine, it takes quite a while to reduce it to a 2", 1" and 1/2" size.
My heart design shifted during the reduction because I spent more time reducing on one side instead of staying consistent on all sides. But, for my first design, compilation and reduction, I was happy and, an extra bonus--I learned from my mistakes.
I made several brooches, just playing around with the designs, texture and building levels. Giving it a two dimensional effect, but still keeping it light enough to wear comfortably is a delicate balance.In the above photo, you can sort of see the face and hat on "Moth Man". I think I have enough room under his chin to add a bow tie.
After I finished these, I went straight to my sketch book and started sketching out designs for the next BIG cane and purchased a couple of tools that really helped with that process. I will post those tomorrow.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! You are inspiring!
I have been wanting to try to make some cabochons and faces in polymer clay, but haven't sat down to do it yet. I need to make time to do that I think soon. Wonderful cane and the off center heart just adds more character to it :)

Anonymous said...

I look for my moment of Zen during my busy working day --- office slave.
You have NEVER let me down to inspire and take me away from the office cage -- oh I mean cubicle.

carole
Compelled crafts