from Concept to Finish: Part 2

My friends Jon and Colleen's cake topper was a fun one for sure.  They requested a koala bear and panda bear since they kinda look like their chosen animals.  They met during a christmas party where there was champagne tasting and Jon wanted his two cats to be a part of the piece.  Mortimer, the chubby one, isn't a huge fan of Colleen... or anyone for that matter.  Roxanne, the one perched on Jon's head is holding mistletoe as a subtle hint to their beginnings. ^_^


Ideations/Brainstorming:

Sculpting process: I use an epoxy clay called MagicSculpt.  It's a two part epoxy, a resin/hardener that you mix together in even parts and you're left with a nice clay that you have about an hour of working time.  I quickly learned in the beginning to make the sculpt in small batches, otherwise you're left with a lot of clay that becomes unworkable quickly. =)  When it fully cures, the clay becomes a rock hard resin which can be sanded/drilled/carved.  Really cool stuff.

Pre-paint:

Finished product!  I'm pretty happy with how this piece turned out and I hope Jon and Colleen liked it as much as I had fun making it. ^_^

For my buddy Jon; so happy that you found the love of your life and all my best to you and Colleen in the wonderful journey you've embarked on together.  ^_^  Thanks for letting me make this small token of my esteem for you guys.  May it be a small reminder of your love for each other and in the words of Jon and echoed by Colleen.... all the "mirth and merriment" that the future has to offer you guys =)