Nothing in archives...need a quick tip for mammal feet..
clay on mannikin legs etc.
Do you pre-sculpt or model under skin?
Thanks!
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I find that using Google to search the archives is much more efficient and faster than using the Search Icon to the left.
Type in or copy and paste the following "site:www.taxidermy.net mammal feet" in the google search space and you will get 65 hits to chose from. Yesterday I was trying to find sites on peacock mounting info and the search icon to the left didn't even include all the Margaret banter from a few weeks ago. Just type in site:www.taxidermy.net with a space and then what you wish to search. for example site:www.taxidermy.net skeletons will result in 35 archived messages dealing with skeletons. site:www.taxidermy.net Margaret lists the four times she has been on with that particular spelling of Margaret.
It works every time.
Joe,
I fill the feet with critter clay, shape them
and the put the hide on the form.
I got some EXCELLENT tips at the New York show 2 weeks ago from Bill Becker and Ken Walker!
If I might add, I had a great time and met many nice people there!
To those of you that missed out... Maybe next year?!?
Two tips among many gathered that weekend, were in regard to freezing the clay first. I haven't tried them yet, but they sound good to me!
Bill's suggestion was to coat the end of a toothpick with your desired amount of clay, then place it in the freezer until the clay is hard. When you take the mini corn-dog thing out, place it in the toe (or male appendage), just pop out the pick... and PRESTO. Clay can then be modeled.
It was mentioned that is a good idea to save the tail and freeze it until it is time to model.
At that time, Ken's tip was to model the clay, then, place it in the freezer (you can make a little hook at the base to hang it from the wire racks if the tail is small). When you remove it from the freezer, just insert it into the tail.
This theory is untested by me, but...
It seems that it would be beneficial to insert and leave a wire in the clay tail before freezing for extra support? Sounds good to meeee!
I'm sure that you will find what works for you by common sense and trial and error, but it sure is nice to have guidance from competent people! JOIN YOUR STATE ASSOCIATION!
I hope this helps, and that you find the answers you need if it doesn't.
Good luck!
:-)