This is a Halloween themed design that I’ve carved in the past. The cat’s head is challenging, particularly because it faces the viewer instead of showing a profile. Also, the design includes a strut that will protect the tail during transport. It can be easily removed after set up.  

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The following comments were on the original blog entry. After some technical difficulties, the blog had to be reconstructed, and this was the only way to keep the original comments.

Mark

youdo realize that the base of the tail is only an inch and a half wide. Do you ever carve these designs to see if they actually work before posting them?

Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 10:37 PM

Dawson

Mark,

Yes, in almost every case, I've carved the designs that I post. If I haven't carved a design (like the Bat design), then I base it on other successful designs (like the Swooping owl and Bat, moon, pumpkin designs). When I have a photo of the carving available, then l try to include it. I have carved the Scaredy cat design and it worked well. I calculated the width of the tail's base, and it's a little wider than you wrote, about an inch and three quarters. However, it's still thin and that's why I suggested using the strut to make sure that it makes it to the set up. (the strut is even thinner; less than an inch) Also, there's nothing keeping you from making the base of the tail a little thicker front to back. The silhouette of the carving is the most important aspect and ice sculptures are often carved with the depth somewhat out of proportion. This would provide the extra ice that you're looking for to support the tail while it melts during the event. In addition, the end of the tail will actually melt a little faster than the base of the tail, because it's somewhat isolated from the rest of the sculpture. So the end of the tail will get lighter and need a little less support as time goes on. Finally, it's important to carve a sculpture that meets the needs of your event. If you don't think part of a sculpture will hold up long enough, then you can modify the design or choose another more suitable design. I hope I've covered the issues you brought up but if you'd like to continue the discussion, you may comment or email me: icecarvingsecrets@mac.com. Thanks for taking the time to add a comment.

Sunday, November 25, 2007 - 09:34 PM