Dino/Bird Fossil
The dino/bird was about 4.5 - 5 feet across. The weight was around 150 lbs. We first made the core with cardboard and then filled out the volume with foil. Remember, the foil is where the actual sculpting takes place. Enjoy this part.
Deep vertical furrows are formed into the final foil at strategic locations. While applying the scratch coat, these furrows are filled in with Pal Tiya Premium to become thicker internal ribs, often called buttressing.
These ribs divert the weight applied to the top of the sculpture downward to the ground, similar to the flying buttresses of the big cathedrals. This allows for a thinner overall coat and reinforcement only being added where it's needed.
This size of sculpture MUST have a scratch coat applied then you can work at your leisure onwards.
This size of sculpture MUST have a scratch coat applied then you can work at your leisure onwards.
There was a chance the sculpture would be climbed on by upwards of 5 people (approx 500 kg). Since the foil will remain within the dino/bird, it is important to add these thicker supporting ribs early in the process.
Is your sculpture going to be climbed on or display only?
Design in pick points or well supported areas which allow a forklift, straps, or people to hold onto, and take the weight of the figure.
You can see more info on building bigger over at our planning page.
Design in pick points or well supported areas which allow a forklift, straps, or people to hold onto, and take the weight of the figure.
You can see more info on building bigger over at our planning page.