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Ten Penguins

Made by Rex W

I got sidetracked (my middle name). Because I have done around 30 penguins, I thought this was a no-brainer. I’ve worked every day on them since weeks before Thanksgiving. Every turn they have argued with me. There are three sets. One for an 8-month old baby of a friend, the twin set for two girls down the street who love my dog!, and I’m trying to keep a set.

Most of all, however, I want to thank Jonni who first changed my life with “make animal sculptures” where these patterns can be found. Along with walking my dog, paper mache gives me the most joy in life. And thanks to all the artists out there.

The first photo is of all ten. The second is them paired into sets ready to say good-bye. (There is something nice about having ten hanging around.) And the last image is of the babies. I tried to give each one their own personality.

Paper Mache penguins

Ten penguin babies
The babies…

22 thoughts on “Ten Penguins”

    • I wonder where they all went! I’m trying to remember. Then I saw a mother down the street and remembered I gave two to her TWO daughters. I never see her out, but she saw me and said hi. I asked her about them, and she now has FOUR daughters, so maybe I need to make a couple more!

      Thanks, Pat.

      Reply
  1. Wow, apart from the great work of the sculptures the painting is awesome, but the most amazing thing is your tenacity and stamina to make 10, I can only ever make 1 of anything, I only once made a few small macarme owls by demand from relatives.

    Reply
    • Yes. I agree with you. If you make more than one, make them really small!

      Thanks for the memories about the macrame owls. I made a few of those 40 years ago. I love doing knots. Thank you.

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  2. They are great, Rex! Loved them the minute I saw them 🙂
    They remind me of Happy Feet (the movies), because they are so many, and they all show their own personality. The paint is very well done too!

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    • Thanks, Isis. I never saw Happy Feet, except for the previews, but it looked like a fun movie. I followed Jonni’s advice about the painting in her book. The only thing I did differently was add a very tiny bit of cool yellow. It popped the Cad Yellow Light.

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  3. Són preciosos..bona obra …he vist un documental d’ell i són increïbles..dignes d’admirar..moltes felicitats

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  4. Spectacular!
    I just love the little personality of all them!
    I agree with everyone else that you should keep a set!
    Great work ?

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  5. Magnificent Rex! They really are a triumph! You are so generous with your work and it is a joy to see and you have perfected the penguin. They will be well loved. Now, keep to keeping a set for yourself and don’t give it to the next admirer!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Eileen. Teca and I took the two babies with the parents down to the girls down the street. They didn’t answer the door, which is very understandable, but we said our tearful goodbye and left them on the porch. (They were gone when we got back from our walk.) Such sweet girls, and, besides, anyone who treats dogs as well as they treat Teca deserves a special surprise. I took your advice and made a spot for “my” set on the shelf. Appreciate all you do.

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  6. Oh my gosh Rex. I LOVE these!!! I can see all of the different personalities of the chicks. I especially like the form of the parents as they keep an eye on the baby chicks. You make great things! They are going to love the penguins! PS Don’t forget to name the ones you are keeping!

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    • Oh, thanks, Connie. Can you consult with Leroy and ask him what would be good names for them? Appreciate your thoughts.

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      • Leroy was thrilled that you asked his thoughts about names. He said that obviously it is Phil and Mrs. Phil. I said well she needs a first name buddy. He said yup, so I think her name is Ava. What about the chicks? Oh Nora and Dave. I said well, I was going to name my raccoon Dave and he said, it is a penguin Connie…a penguin!! Fine. (Rolling my eyes)

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        • Awesome. Phil, Ava, and Nora. I hate to tell Leroy, but Dave went to live with the girls down the street! Can’t wait to see the raccoon. Give Leroy a hug and a kiss. Thanks.

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  7. They are amazing! As biologists, my husband and I worked with them on Antarctica, so they are dear to us. I love how you translated their awkward grace into paper mache! How big are they?

    Reply
    • Thanks, Margarethe. They are 20″ tall. (Next time they’ll be 10!) I do love them. Great you could be near them.

      Reply

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