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More Aluminum Mannequin work

Imperial Wheeli... - Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 11:09am

Got a little more done on Monique's head. Apologies to those who have seen this also on another site.

Head1Head1

total of 5 pieces. Top of skull, back of skull, top of neck, bottom of neck and two sides. Ears will be done in the pitch bowl and welded on.

Head2Head2

The face has had a little more tweaking done. I still need to do eyebrows and some texture for eye shadow. A little arrangement and trimming and the face will fit the rest of the head perfectly. Still need the chin and front of the neck.

hair1hair1

This is what I'm going to use for 'hair'. It is VERY fine copper wire from a welding ground cable. Each strand is close to human hair size. I'll probably epoxy it to a mesh that I can Velcro to the skull.


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eligius1427's picture

I really like watching this

eligius1427 - Thursday, August 21, 2008 - 10:19am

I really like watching this piece come together, some of the details(like the eyes) are just amazing. I've been wanting to play around with an english wheel for a while and after seeing this I may try to make that happen in the next few months. Can't wait to see Monique finished.

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE


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warren's picture

Great progress

warren - Saturday, August 23, 2008 - 11:40am

Kerry,
You are making some great process. Face is looking great and nice detail.
Just for what it is worth you might want to second guess using the copper wire as hair. I have tried like type processes and it is very hard to manage. The copper wire will get kinked and flattened very easily. Also being so thin it will start to break. Never an easy way to expoxy with out making too massy at the roots.

Since you are so good at shaping the metal why not just make a wig out of the aluminum? Do some study on how some of the bronze casters do hair. It is all about the look.

www Metalrecipes -- heat and beat to the desired shape, repeat as necessary.
warren


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Imperial Wheeling Machines's picture

Hair

Imperial Wheeli... - Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 6:19pm

You may be right Warren.

That said, I'm going to try it anyway because I've got my mind set on red hair. It will be over an aluminum skin mesh (like a real wig) and be very short. the mesh will have velcro so it can be removed for transport or change. Also the 'hair' will be very short (probably 1 1/2" max) and spiky which, hopefully, will minimize the problems you describe...we'll see.

Kerry Pinkerton
Metalshaper


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