In a long ago post I mentioned a piece that had some technical issues which needed to be addressed. Using a shelf mocker box with corresponding mocking ceramic head and arms, I worked this piece until the stumbling block of how to attach the hands to the wire mechanical movement came into play. And there it sat...for months. I knew I had to get past the blue painters tape, the arms were falling off by this point. Having tried to drill a tiny hole through the arm, nope, then simply wrapping wire around the arm, again nope, it was time to try 2 part epoxy. I felt this was the last resort because if I mess up the mixing process or attach the hands in the wrong position, or as in the past, have the piece shift while drying becoming non functional, having only one set of hands kept me from moving forward. As you can see I had some reservations. As it often happens, the piece spoke and I heard the lady in the box whisperer that it was time, she was ready to come out and play. I dug the epoxy out of the bottom of my stash and made my plan. The wire to attach the arms were sticking out of the appointed holes ready to be cut to length, the first commitment to make me sweat, next was filling, but not over filling the minute hole in the arm, and lastly finding a way to have the epoxy set in the correct position while hanging in open space, really sweating now. Each step attended to, now to wait.
With a large bit of trepidation I removed the stabilizers and gently spun the handle. The arms stayed in place and they move as envisioned. Whooo! She is just the perfect mix of whimsy and weird. Her arms swivel in and out with a bit of up and down making it gloriously creepy. The arms "click" against the wood adding another layer of depth to the piece. I hate that I waited so long to man up and use the epoxy. I still think I will always sweat a bit when I use it though.
Yesterday was the wedding of my Godchild and his lovely wife. The love shared was a great reminder to hold hands with the ones you love. This marks the beginning of our busy season sharing time with family and friends. Hugging grandbabies, soccer games, Arrowmont, holidays, I even entered us in a 1 day craft fair just to keep us on our toes. The new year will be here before we know it. Enjoy all that is brought your way.
Time for Sunday brunch and the news paper... yep, we are old school.
Peace,
Hilari
