What do you guys do to help make the crowns really stand up nice?
I get them decent, but see some that are unreal.
thanks
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You have to clean the skin really well, both inside and out. And you should be using caulk in the head to help get the correct shape. Then, as the bird is drying, you need to work the area the way you want it. As the caulk sets up and the skin dries, the crest will stay how you put it.
You should sculpt in the shape on the head, ( that is using imagination as to what the muscles do on the head, and using your refference). then use calk to give full soft look. remember to not over puff in front of eye, and maintain ocular tunnel to the back of the head. Good luck.
Everybody trys so hard to get the crown on the head to stand up on Woodies...However, 95% of the references photo's I have of wood ducks shows that they are actually quite flat! When I say flat, I mean the feathers are probably at a 35-45 degree angle, but they are certainly not at 90 degree angle most of the time...And, that is what taxidermists usually go for(just something to think of)...Good fleshing and caulking are your best friends with Woodies...
I agree with Rick. Take a good look at some GOOD reference photos. That hood never really "stands up" but has quite a bit of flatness to it. Flesh good, mount, then hit him in the face with a blast of compressed air and everything should flow into place. Good Luck.
I am using artificial heads.
If you are doing everything correctly, and the crest still does not stand up, maybe your bird is not in the best of condition. If the duck's crest is not completely full and long, then you will have a difficult time getting it to stand up.
i usually use clay, and build up on head. have also used caulk. 6 or 2 3's there. use the blow drier and blow it where you want it. works good for me. customers seem to like the fluffed head.
attachment is also important when using an artificial head. In addition to what has been said above, I would make sure that you return the skin to the correct place. I have seen a number of cases where the sakin is too bunched at the attachment line or not quite placed correctly. This error dominos through the rest of the grooming process and will result is a profound challenge in getting what you want. Good Luck