‘We are this thing’
I found the initial brief for this project easy to understand. With mentions of past parades and costumes, I was put at ease with how simple or complex we could take the project. Being assigned a group proved useful and daunting, at first we were a bit overwhelmed with other groups moving so fast, but after a while one of us took the reigns and suggested we each be part of a conker nut huddling as a group. With how each piece would have to be the same curving shape that sits on your back. I wasn’t too happy with the design being so symmetrical, plain and complex in depth and functionality. But seeing as the group was going with it I attempted to make it anyway. After seeing how hard it would be (just as I had predicted), and the lack of contribution to its construction, I took it upon myself to get the project moving considering other groups developments. After considering the groups interests, I finally chose to focus on bees, more specifically a three piece bee float that the group could each carry.
Coker sketch and attempt
final sketch idea – bee float
with a new concept, I started by making the base out of willow sticks and masking-tape, followed by my group wrapping it with clingfilm for an easier surface to then paper mâché.
willow base, clingfilmed and paper Mache
whilst the paper Mache was drying, I made cardboard cut-outs of the legs. Thinning them, then taping and stuffing them with polyester stuffing. To finish them off, we paper mâché them finally adding a coat of black paint, ready to be attached to the body later.
x8 cardboard legs stuffed, paper Mache and painted
With the legs done, it was colouring the body next. After some thought, we decided using materials would be easier compared to painting the body. It would create a more realistic feel as well as a more consistent colour compared to painting. This also made making the head easier as all I needed to do was make a ball of material filled with polyester and glue it to the face with a small bit of white pencil to add some detail.
material wrapped body, stuffed eyes with polyester
Almost done, I created two cardboard cut-outs of the wings to make it easier when gluing the willow sticks into the right shape. This part was the most tedious and the shape didn’t stay symmetrical, however I loved how they turned out regardless. The original plan was to add clear plastic between the holes but once finished we decided they looked great without.
x4 willow and hot glue wings
Finally all we had to do was assemble all the parts and make it easier to handle. Using a hot glue gun, masking tape and string, we attached the legs, wings and handle straps to the middle as well as a final coat of white paint on the wings.
legs and wings glued and wings painted white
To finish the project off, our year paraded around campus, we had such a laugh. Walking in a single file buzzing around campus getting stuck in tree branches and flying around other groups. It was such a great project learning about teamwork, bending willow, using materials to cover a rounded object and just having fun with a given theme. I hope to use these skills in future projects.
Final result, lightweight and easy to transport as a group
Parade group photo
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