Made by Helen VanDeNadort
Hi..
After nearly 4 months I have finally finished my giraffe for my mum in law for Christmas. When she is out on Christmas Eve night, my hubby and I are sneaking it over to her garden.
I used the pattern for Jonni’s Giraffe head, created a frame from wood, and cardboard, homemade clay, paper, plaster and paste. His neck was created by using pool noodles. He has been painted with a sealer binder, weather proof exterior paint, and a Pond Sealer to give it an extra coat of protection against the rain. It hasn’t been in the rain yet so hopefully it works ! His mane and tuffs are real Llama Fibre . This was challenging due to my back and health issues, I suffer with Fibromyalgia and during the process of making it, I got two slipped dics in my back, but he was worth it !
I can’t imagine the neighbor’s reaction when they see a giraffe peeking over the fence! Great job!
Helen……
It is so magical! What a fabulous accomplishment you have created! Your mother-in-law must be very special to you! Has she named her???? Grin
I have started making one also….her name will be Lily. Her head, neck, body and legs are assembled. Now I am starting to finalize the shape of her legs, etc. I am making her to go outside in one of my flower gardens. She will be about 7+ feet when she is finished. I am making her with Jonni’s Paper Cement Recipe. I need to have that finished by the end of October. I live in northern Minnesota, by the Canadian border. I do not want to be cementing her in the snow! Grin I am planning on painting her over the winter. I am enjoying this project so very much.
You are an inspiration to all of us non-artistic people! Grin
Janice
Absolutely brilliant and inspirational. My last attempt failed but ready to start again. May I ask how did you stop it from being front heavy. Sorry I’m a total novice.
Hi Paula
Thank you :).. The trick is to use a light weight wood for the frame. The piece of wood for the neck has pool noodles around it to make it stronger but light weight. Plus most of the weight towards the back is from the clay
Hope that helps. 🙂
https://youtu.be/VNPF-niKK0I
If this is not allowed, please delete 🙂 its a link to my mum in laws reaction when she saw the giraffe in her yard 🙂
Thank you for this. That is a great video (and a beautiful setting). Where is the snow? Obviously she is in love with it. Great job!
Happy New Year.
Hi
Haha yeah it’s currently 38 degrees Celsius here , hot Aussie summer !
Happy New Year ?
Of course it’s allowed! In fact, would you allow me to move your link up into the body of your post? Then it will open up so people can see it right on your page, without clicking the link. It was so much fun seeing her reaction! 🙂
HI Jonni
Sorry for the late reply.. Yes go ahead 🙂
Thanks !
Her reaction made me tear up! So sweet! Amazing job you did. I’m about to attempt a giraffe- not quite as large as yours, and seeing your project was helpful. Fingers crossed that I can be as successful as you were!
Hi Amy
Thank you ?. My father in law has put grass around it and made it look even better now . Good luck with yours , I’m sure it will be perfect ?
That wasn’t supposed to be a question mark after saying thank you in last post !! Haha
This is so amazing! What a great project and really envy mom-in-law. I’m sure she will love it! This was definitely a labor of love! Great job and thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Sharon. She was over the moon ! Loves it 🙂
Fantastic job, and a great surprise for your MIL.
Thank you Lee 🙂
So impressive!!
Thanks Anne 🙂
Oh my gosh! What a sculpture! You did a fabulous job on the sculpt and on the painting. Way to make brownie points with the mother in law! You will now be her favorite! Four months is not a long time to create something this impressive, and especially with all the health issues! (I commiserate with the herniated discs, the pain can stop you in your tracks!)
So super well done! We would love an update after Christmas on how she reacted to your gift!
Hi Eileen,
Thank you so much :). I do have a video of her reaction , not sure if i can post it here though . Its on youtube.
Well, I’m jealous. The bigger thing is what a fantastic job you have done. She will be over the moon. Thank you for sharing. What a project.
Hi Rex + Winn.. Haha. Thanks ! It def took alot out of me, and now my sister in law wants one !! 🙂