Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I broke down and delved into my new sassy stache this weekend. I'm not sure if this is considered a miniature or not, but it was really small for me. the body is 4" but the total height of the bird is 6.5" I used sassy longpile for the body, alpaca for the wings & tail, and black mink for the wingtip feathers. legs, claws and eyelids are leather, neck is poseable. I'll probably make it one of my leather bases, but I thought I'd like to show it alone first. I'm quite proud of how he balences on the tips of his claws - only one claw in the raised leg touches the ground. it's hard to tell in the photo's, but the top of his head is red, as it should be. whoopers only show the black wing feathers in the outstreched position, but like the idea of them showing here, and used some poetic license
I have to say that the fabric a wonder to work with, although it was a real pain-in-the-ankle to shave those seam allowences. anybody got any tips on that? I'm proud to say that I was able to sew almost the entire body on my machine, with the exception of the back gusset, and I'm amazed at how tiny of a seam allowence you can use. I did mine 3 stitches in from the edge, and I think 2 should be fairly easy. nice stuff
Laurie Lou BearsHe is a beautiful looking bird Kelly and you would never think he is that small 
Laurie :hug:
Newcastle, OntarioKelly,
Your crane is stunning!!!!! You SHOULD be proud of him! Well done.
hugs,
Brenda
OMG He is.... can´t find words for that so smal and so wonderfull, he looks like your large ones . yes you can should be proud .
Manuela
He's gorgeous, Kelly! I particularly like the way you shaped the beak and claws - very realistic 
Chrisx
thanks, folks! I'm learning that when you work this small, pattern counts for a lot. on a bear with 1/4" mohair sticking out, you've got a lot of room to scissors=sculpt. with this stuff, you're right there. when I do this pattern again, I'll make the neck longer and the beak thinner - and maybe downsize it an inch. I don't want to go too small, because I'd like to do one with chicks, and they'll have to be tiny.
Ruby Mountain Bearsagain amazed!!!
Posts: 8,574I am so impressed with this bird....as the mommy of a parrot I can speak to a certain birdy like expression that you captured, beautifully, WHAT ART!!!
feet beak sublime, eyes perfect,
WOW!
Your work takes my breath away!
dilu
Posts: 8,574When I work with sassy I pluck the stuff out of the seam allowances.
or use finger nail or embroidery scissors to cut it and then pluck it
MerBear Originalsno adequate words here
Marion
Chaska, MinnesotaDear Kelly: that is a beautiful whooping crane!!
thanks, ya'll are very sweet. I thought it might be fun to show a progression, so here is a picture of my latest whooping stork standing next to 'early bird' who was my very first long-legged bird, done about 3.5 years ago.
early bird is 7.5" tall, and was originally supposed to be a flamingo chick. I considered him such a disaster that I kept him. also in the pic, to give you an idea of scale, is one of my 6" eaglets
below is the crane standingwith timon, my7" (plus ears) bitty bunny
suddenly, all of my old stuff seems quite coarse, but I think I'm going to like mini's ;-)
Sophie Z'Ours
Gorgeous bird, Kelly!
I cannot wait to see your next critter! 
Beary hugs,
Sophie.
Posts: 83Very pretty bird!!!
Absolutely fantastic! The detail you got in this beautiful bird is amazing!
Kelly,
What a gorgeous bird! I am blown away by the detail.
Hugs,
Pandy Potter BearsStunning work. More miniatures to come? I hope so! :clap:
Waggle BearsStunning bird. Your works continues to amaze.
KezjoyKritterzwow..what a realistic bird!! Amazing..what are the feet made from?? I know it says leather..but is there something in there??..well done!!
Kerrilyn
FederbaerchenWOW I am sitting here with an open mouth, I cannot express how much I love your beautiful bird! What a gorgeous work, congratulations :clap:
wow....fabulous work...such talent :clap:
Lynne 
Baird'sBears
All your birds are to die for, but this little crane is mind-boggling!
You're so right about the importance of pattern on the little 'uns. I do mice, not birds, but the same applies. The gusset is a killer, so I'm working on a different sort of head, one piece with darts.
desertmountainbearDear Kelly, I am a parrot owner and avid bird watcher, have been for many years. You have gotten this exactly right. The chest so puffed out, the tilt of his head, the eyes, the way he is posed. right on the money
Joanne
SunderlandWow ,thats so amazing!!
I can see just gow you progressed.
I would never have thought the legsa were leather, I thought the limbs had been sculpted, the attached to the body.
I sincerly hope I become as good as you one day Kelly!
A Impressed Jackie
'Bear' Bottoms OriginalsAgain, I'm awed by your work! Wonderfu!!!
Kimberly W.
