I have improved the temlates for the segments slightly by refining the shape a little more & adding the longer claw like 'peeks' too. Simply right mouse click then 'save picture as' just as before to grab a copy of the template. Then print off 5 or 6 of each sizes (re-size to suite YOUR project) then as before glue this onto some cardstock, cut out & follow the video above. You will not need ALL the 'peeks' on the templates. Simply build first then remove unwanted 'claw-like peeks later by trimming them off.
The NEW improved template:
On finally doing the short video for this it occured to me just how to make a more realist giant clam armature. I have more than enough of the materials i need for the new design. Sadly i wont have time to show it to you for a little while i have too much to do right now. I will just as soon as i can how ever.
Below is a close up image a of real giant clam so you can have some idea of how to modify YOUR clam shell. I suggest pulp might be the best option to 'enhance' the armature i have shown you how to make.
So for now have fun. I would love to see any results people have with this first armature version. I won't publish or make public in anyway pictures or videos anyone sends me to look at unless you say i can. Remember have fun art SHOULD be fun.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am making a massive clam shell for a mermaid project and trying to decide the best, cheapest, easiest and environmentally freindly way to do it: I guess if I go to to a printers they will be able to make the template up pretty big for me, and even lazer cut the bits: do you think it'll still worl at that size, and is there any density of card that would be best?
thankyou,
Katie
rollerkitty@gmail.co.uk
Katie: Hi not knowing the actual size your talking about, massive doesn't give too much away i am afraid. Big eough for a human/life sized figure to sit in say?
ReplyDeleteYou will as you correctly/assume require the heaviest grade of card you can get afford to buy. Unfortunately not working to such scales i have no idea what these grades would be.
I do know how ever that size & paper mache have no bounderies. I have seen some amazing constructions.
Assuming it to be large enough to fit a person or life sized figurine in i would advise making a 'single' segment seperately of course but then add a set of supporting 'temporary ribs inside' each segment, ship building style. Layer the outside of this section in the heaviest 'paper' you can get but allow each layer to fully dry before addng another.
To know when each layer is dry simply tap on it with your knuckles 'all over' listening for an 'even sounding' hollow wooden sound. Once you have it thick enough so you think it may finally be self supporting try removing the temporary support ribs 'inside' if it remains a solld section/form then you Just foil copy from that the remaining segements before final build. Remember you'd only require a 'single' segment made up then This way any commercial printing etc costs would be dramatically reduced.
Remember to criss - cross each layer as you go.
Don't build each section to the complete thickness you finally want. You will need to join them together first. Leaving it short of the 'final' thickness gives you room to add more layers to join the segments together then create the 'final' finish & thickness too.
I hope this helps in some way?
If you could get back to me with some kind of 'actual' sizes your planning on working with i could then perhaps work out a better build plan for you? I'd quite like to help anyway i can with this for you. It sounds facinating as i have always wondered just how far a person could go with this medium working to 'my' hollow methods etc lol.
Just remember you'd only require a 'single' segment made up then foil copy from that the remaining segements before final build. This way any commercial printing etc costs would be dramatically reduced.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative video! Any suggestions on how to paint it/finish it?
Thanks!
April
I want to ask my girlfriend to prom and she considers herself a mermaid so I thought this would be a great idea to ask her. Wish me luck! I'm going to try and make this giant clam shell!
ReplyDeleteI want to make one big enough to fit mg 8 yr old. I'm not to sure how to start. She's pretty small for her age. We're going to mount it onto some plywood then put wheels ag the bottom.
ReplyDelete