Homework

The work on the Fox & Hounds Pub project continues on two fronts. We put in as many hours as we can on site of course. But we also are working in the shop prefabricating various pieces. Two signs are currently in production. The first of the beer signs is coming along nicely. The carving is now done and the sculpting about to begin.

These signs will all be at a touchable level. They need to be able to withstand some abuse. With that in mind I glued in a steel rod to reinforce the neck of the turtle. The sculpting epoxy that will form the details is almost as hard and strong. It should be able to handle the endless pats on the head it will get.

The two halves of the restaurant sign are now carved and ready to be glued together. I welded two eye bolts to a steel pipe which will be laminated into the middle - just in case someone decides to do a chin-up on it after a couple of beers. 

The mantle for the restaurant is the next piece on the drawing board and in production. Stay tuned...

-grampa dan

Good ideas never go away

Good ideas never go away. Back in the mid-1980's while we were visiting Japan I saw a brick wall built in a curve. I loved the idea and tucked it away in my brain for future reference. I've dusted it off from time to time but for whatever reason the projects never came to be. But I was determined to use it when I could. On the Fox & Hounds Pub project I suggested it once more, drawing it into the concept art for the entry. The owners loved it! Today I finally got to carve that curved brickwork into the fiberglass reinforced concrete wall.

It will be a few weeks yet before it is cured enough to apply the paint but it looks pretty good already!

I can hardly wait to see it all complete and in color. Stay tuned...

-grampa dan

Sculpting a tree or two

Today was our first day doing the sculpting at the Fox & Hounds Pub. The two trees at the entrance to the restaurant were the first to get the treatment. We use a special mix of fiberglass reinforced concrete for the task. It is troweled on about an inch thick and then allowed to set until it is stiff. Then using a variety of tools we quickly carve it to the desired shape and texture. Carving is fun for me... and one of the owners wanted in on the fun. Debbie put a few texture lines into the tree for good measure.

In one day the entrance area of the restaurant/pub was transformed to a place of magic and delight.

Tomorrow we'll sculpt the first of the walls to set the tone and standard for the entire area. It's going to be a whole lot of fun!

-grampa dan