Post #353099 by Hiphipahula on Sat, Jan 5, 2008 3:17 AM

Happy New Year 2008! ... "Hiphip's" Bird of Paradise"

I was so impressed by Tiki Artist Babalu's (aka Rick Henderson) mug "Man o' War and "The Bird" a few months ago I had Babalu twist and turn some ideas and make me up a one of a kind for myself. I received the mug in the mail, opened it and it was AMAZING! That "Cardinal Red" just took my breath away, I knew it would, you don't see that deep true shade often in mug making and I knew it was an extraordinary piece of art.

Back in September of '07 I knew Christmas was coming faster than we ever count on. I was on the search for a "Custom Mug" I could gift to a few collectors that went WAY out of their way this year for me. These collectors never seize to amaze or surprise me. When I could not make a event or just because I said "wow I like that, it suddenly appeared. One collector in general just covers every ones ass in the good deeds she does that are done out of the Love of Tiki everyday.

The clock is ticking, and because he is Brilliant, I got in touch with Babalu, I knew Rick was the talent I wanted. I had this picture in my head all complete. A "BIRD of PARADISE" a twist on the "Bird" So we chatted, and Rick knew instantly what I was envisioning. I told him, "It has to be about the things I love, I am a Landscaper, I love color, plants, birds, nature. I love the Ocean, Tiki, Sweet Cocktails and MUGS! Oh, and I'm Irish, I need a Shamrock on it somewhere".

Many chit chats later we had what needed to be done to make it truly of it's own and limited to 5 never to be made again. Incorporated are the things I love, nature, the ocean, color and tiki. I dig the lil' tiki peeking through, Babalu's signature "Man of War" also peeking through those tentacles, a headdress that mimics the plant and a ever so sweet nectar drink and a Shamrock.

So 16 Glazes later, No Bull and No molds for these fine flocks of feathers, the headdresses are too delicate therefore no 2 alike. Thanks to the talent of Cammo as well who was in on the whole process and made these lovely hang tags or cards and they are Fabulous, Mahalo Bradha...
So no further ado... Hiphip's "Bird of Paradise" By Babalu ... Cammo's right, Babalu is a Genius and I thank him a Million Mahalo's!

(This is where I hope Babalu steps in and explains the whole process, I would like to understand it better myself :) )

[ Edited by: Hiphipahula 2008-01-05 11:17 ]