Hi Rich,
Thank you. It took several tries to develop a method to produce the stem swells or pseudo-bulbs. I settled on making two halves and welding them together, then I welded rod into each end.
Frank

Howdy brother,

Very nice looking! I do have an orchid with Catleya as first name too, the species name following is metalis. Anyhow, yeah,that was the toughy for me too,making the bulbs appear natural.In my case a forge to that difficult bulb shape and then added texture welding and grind... new ventures. Greetings to you and your inspiring forest. ciao.

Hi Nelson,
Thank You. Long time no hear from Brother. Howz be you? I used some "in the tube bluing" on the steel and gave things a coat of clear enamel yesterday. Way to shiny ! I cut the shine off with some fine steel wool... mo betta, but still needs some dulling.
Interesting winter. It has been mild here in da UP while everywhere else here in the states are getting pounded. Fine with me. We still got plenty of the white stuff though and winter lasts until mid April, sometimes it'll snow in June too.
I sure hope things are well with you.
Peace,eh
Frank

Hi Mike,
Thank you. Many Cattleya seem to have a single leaf. I have seen some with two per stem, so I took the liberty to make two. It seemed to balance things out. I fold formed the leafs, or bent them into a longitudinal 90 degree angle. Then as I flattened them some I hammered on each side to give them a natural profile. Finally I made the leaf curve by placing it over a concave stump and beat them gently. I had to use a metal hammer to get the shape where it attaches to the stem, otherwise I used a soft hammer.Same goes for the bract.
Frank

Hi Jake,
Thank you. I have to fight an obsession with symmetry constantly.
Frank

I have that same issue, Frank. I love the look of asymmetrical, dynamically balanced pieces but everything I draw seems to be symmetrical. Drives me nuts. I'm glad to hear someone else has the same problem. Misery loves company, eh?