14-10-2017, 08:38 PM
1
Rocking horses
On the assumption that it is OK to post pics of arts and crafts ...Rocky, made for Master Fruitcake The Elder (MFTE) using traditional methods. I had to teach myself many new skills, from wood carving to leatherwork ... to patience.
The body and head is made from pine planks, the legs from beech for strength and springiness, and the stand is from an old fireplace surround.
The horse was then sealed with rabbit skin glue, then covered in gesso (gilders whiting, the same stuff from which ornate picture frames are made) mixed with the same glue.
It was then finished with water based varnish for the stand and lead free paint for the horse, learning how to dab the dapples with sponge wrapped in stockinette in the process.
I also made the saddle, bridle, and reins, the swingirons and mounting brackets.
Twas a labour of love.
Originally installed and well played with in MFTE's bedroom.
He is now growed up and left home but doesn't have room to put it on show, so it currently lives on our landing. Please excuse the scary ventriloquist doll.
This is Harriet Horse, made for MFTY ( ... Younger)
We adopted him when he was three so I needed to make Harrier fast. Consequently she was made from jelutong, which is a very light wood with the carving properties of balsa wood. The stand was made from sturdy douglas fir.
I still had all the patterns and jigs from Rocky, and managed completed her within a couple of months.
14-10-2017, 08:47 PM
2
Re: Rocking horses
How lovely - and how clever, Fruitcake. Your two boys must have been so proud to have such wonderful toys made by their dad - and I bet they had many happy adventures on their special steeds.Those will be handed down to the grandchildren in time - I am sure.
|
|
