Post #794588 by danlovestikis on Fri, Apr 19, 2019 8:53 AM

foamy, thank you. It's so fun to log and find a comment that makes my day.

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Wish List #8 Phase Four the Last and Number one Diver's Helmet. I put these up as a countdown to number one because this one is more elaborate and expensive. All the other helmets are $275 but this one is $300 because of the lid. I still have to dry and glaze all of these so the finished art is a ways off. I have to go down the list of those who signed up for one but that will be done once they are finished.

Here's Number One. These take three days or more to sculpt the additions.

To make a lid that fits I cut off the top and then I cut off the piece furthest from the top of the helmet. To prevent sticking I put down plastic wrap. Once it fit I

added a top.

Then I carved the straw holes and designs when it was firm.

Just in case it shrunk more than the helmet I didn't leave it on during the drying process. If it gets tight I will sand it to fit.

I made a ball of clay and then began to form the skull.

A week later it was firm enough to carve out the back and then to glue it into place.

I made a ball of clay and pressed it flat onto the helmet. I used sticky clay to glue it.

Days later I was able to carve the clay.

I hand built each letter and number as you saw later on I used the slab technique which sped this up.

I made a snake of clay and attached it to the helmet.

Next I made the ribs and then

I used a mallet for aging the metal.

The lid with the straw holes is now dry enough to take it on and off without the plastic.

In case no one wants the lid I carved the opening so it looks good without it.

The sculpting is all done and ready for inspection.

I didn't make enough to cover the orders so I will be making more of these when I move on to Phase Five. They are fun to make because I do not have a plan when I start.

Cheers, Wendy