The Phoenix and the Halcyon

Yes, it is finally complete. 100% done and will be in the mail and on its way tomorrow afternoon.

The phoenix and halcyon Handfasting cake topper for !jaspenelle and her husband. Their wedding is on June 23, 2007, so you'd better go and congratulate them, because they deserve it! Without them, I would not have (once again) been pushed to beyond my sculpting comfort level and into the complete unknown.

I procrastinated and procrastinated on this, worked very slowly, and actually took the time (for the first time) to do some anatomical research. Why? Because the whole project scared me to death! In fact, when I offered to do it, I almost immediately kicked myself for offering to do something that I've never done before for an event that is just so important.

The stress was great (both physically and emotionally), but I feel that the results have been well worth it. I got to learn SO much by working on this. Plus, you all were a great help! Seriously, even the most minor comments about little things were important (such as reminding me of the color order of fire, lol), right up to the reference photos ~Bri-Rock sent me for fire, not to even mention the general encouragement and patience throughout. Thank you!

Aluminum mesh and wire armature secured in a wooden base and overlaid with Super Sculpey polymer clay. It doesn't seem so complicated, does it? Painted with Delta Ceramcoat acrylics and sealed in its entirety with indoor/outdoor varnish. Everything is 100% non-toxic, non-leeching, and food safe (though I do not encourage eating it!).

My mind is blown and I know not what else to say, so there!

*Download for full size (3151x2675)

In progress photos:
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