Post #252974 by Tamapoutini on Thu, Sep 7, 2006 6:55 PM

And here it goes...

Inner section of mouth has been sunk a level & teeth/tongue drawn in. I often change around the style of the mouth, being a good way to give each some individuality. I will stick with a fairly traditional 'forked-tongue' style for this, (dont know the history of this element, strange seeing as we have no snakes in NZ. 'residual memory' perhaps?)

The ashtray/burr-holder was a gift from the lovely Paipo. Arent we a caring/sharing bunch?

The guidelines just get smaller & smaller Benz...

A suspension hole is drilled on a sloping angle at the top of head...


...emerging deeper at the back of head, to ensure enough 'meat' is left for strength. This was also the traditional approach, amazingly accomplished by neolithic Maori with a 'tuwhiri' or quartz-tipped pendant drill.

And carving-stage complete! Still a little ripply. Shown here with my first ever pounamu beachpebble find!! A beautiful welcome to the Jade Country & still among the best Ive come across.

Another half day or so should see the clean-up & sanding done, & last stage is producing & inlaying the eyes. Ill fling a couple of shots of sanding just for interests sake (yours hopefully, its getting down to the monotonous stuff for me...) and will hopefully have a finished product for you next time...

Thanks for watching! TTT :)