Post #287245 by Tamapoutini on Wed, Feb 21, 2007 5:01 PM

Ben: You're right, theres nothing a guy likes better than buying a new set of wheels. In which case, I think my manhood must have just fallen off because this was the first vehicle Ive ever bought that actually made me depressed, probably the dearest too, moan... A highly sensible but even more highly un-cool, aqua blue/green, 7 seater 'Prairie Joy'; oh my Gawd. ack! Only Lotto can save me now...

TikiDav: Ah yes, its a tough life being an internationally acclaimed Rock Star, but its all for the fans, y'know... I could use some help actually, but remember the weathers not quite that of California...

Gman: Thanks for spotting those disappearing fingers. Its the first time Ive done anything like them on a pebble piece but they work in just perfectly without needing to 'clip' them off at the ends & thus the piece retains that little bit more of it's pebble-ness. Safely tucked away in the repetoire-bank now... So glad to hear that you guys are enjoying & wearing your stonz!

Hanging around for Flynny...

Im really happy with the outcome of this fella & also really pleased that he is going to a fellow carver/maker/tikiphile. He's got something extra special this one, a really strong 'presence' is the only way I can describe it. The eyes are particularly sucessful & seem to catch the light & hold the gaze in a way that no tiki of mine has ever done?! Dont ask me to explain; I have no idea. spooky. (hope Im not scaring you Flynny... :lol: )
He hangs just PERFECTLY! -I have spent my career trying to achieve that balance-point & bam! an old beachpebble does it for me. Its the extra thickness in the lower quarters that does it; my hei-tikis usually start as an even slab.

Id also just like to point out how much more difficult these pebble pieces are. At no time during the carving or sanding process can I afford to slip! If a diamond burr as much as skittered across the original surface there would be tears - and perhaps a remorseful attempt at somehow rectifying..? (dont worry mate, it didnt happen! there is one weeny 'pit' on the lip/beak but that was there already, I swear...)
There is also the problem of being limited by/dictated to by the stones natural parameters. With this sort of piece, if you want to lower or thin out a particular area, forget it. You are committed to retaining the naturalness & must set yourself certain 'rules' that cant be broken without compromising the concept. In short, I believe a sucessful pebble-tiki to be a particularly 'precious thing' (eh, Paip? not LOCAL??!) - You must know the 'League of Gentlemen' Flynny..?
Coming your way soon mate.

I cant wait any longer. Watch out Flynny; Im coming to Devon!

*No excuses from this man either people. There are some nice Tiki-materials accompanying this spooky stone on its journey... Get that bench cleaned off and ready Flynny; your training has begun...

Jadi Master T3-PO :)