the hunt

       Hey there, reader! I'm taking a break from the insane work-train I've been riding for the past week-or-so to show you all what I have been up to, and what I'll be hawking this (black) Friday in Des Moines Market Day special event! I have never travelled for an event like this, so I'm equal parts excited and nervous that it will be a bust! 

       Hey, that was an almost tangent to the photos I have to share! I don't know if these qualify as busts, but I've been making these 'hunting trophies' for a few weeks now, and have enough to feel that they won't easily go over-looked at the event. Check them out! 

       Some of you may have met this noble giraffe before, he and the tiger were made for the Renegade fair in September. Everything else here is new. I used the back yard as a photo studio today, because the fence is closest thing we have to a rich, maple wall, where I guess real hunting trophies might hang. Also, the cloudy day gave me good even light, reflections on the gold and silver leafed plaques are a bugger! 

Sad Rhino is sad. It could almost be a meme!

The glittery deer was a mess to make, but all of the glitter is sealed, so no leavings to worry about!

This friendly croc has the coolest shadow, which you can catch in the group shot below.

Sleepy elephant is sleepy. Sorry, running out of jokes! All of these were cut from birch plywood with my handy scroll saw, and sanded lovingly to a clean, smooth finish. Josh helped. Thanks, Josh!

I love the cross slotted construction, and it shows best on the elephant - his ears look really cool sticking out from the plaque. The gold and silver really add to the 'trophy-ness' of these pieces and, though leafing is kind of a pickle to get right, the work is fun work.

I bought white flocking powder to dust the deer's white parts and antlers with (it would be fuzzy to the touch) but didn't have time to tinker with it for this series. It will have to happen with the next round.

The little fox is so cute, but I think his ears, when viewed dead-on like this, are so funny.

Who could behead such a cute little fox?!

The tiger is the only one who's still awake. Eye's wide open and teeth bared, this one is was the first, and also the only unfriendly one in the bunch.

Each one comes with the my logo on the back, just in case you forget where it came from!

       Of course, they look best in a group, so if you are going to order one, why not order three? These are currently available by inquiry or in person at Market Day, where I'll also be selling masks, prints, and hand-made Christmas ornaments, of which I have no photo right now. Soon! Or check my Instagram feed- that's where you can really keep up with my day-by-day progress on new pieces. 

       Oh! And if you aren't in Iowa, I've got a few events coming up fast here in the windiest of cities. Sunday, December 2nd I'll be at Santa Sunday at 7341 N Claremont, hosted by Margaret Mary grade-school. Then the next weekend, Dec 7th, 8th and 9th I'll be spending three LONG days at the Lakeview Christmas Market, at Ashland and Belmont. That one should be a real treat, with food vendors and artists and crafty-types, all inside a HUGE heated tent. Come out and see me!