The figures' internal structures rely on these tiny beads.
During the cardstock model fitting I realized these beads were not exactly the same height. They're very close, but the variance made a difference. I have no calipers (that's going on my Christmas list!), but then I had an idea: vice grips! I knew Leighton would delight at this improvisation. Also I felt like he would have done something OCD like measure 75-100 beads to be sure they were equal.
Throughout making this piece, I thought of going to see it with Leighton, and telling him such details. "I measured beads for you!" and he would say, "That is AWESOME!!
The bead on the left is too short. The bead on the right is JUST right -- note I had to put it at an angle to get it in.
Laying out the patterns helped maximize the precious resource of balsa wood :)
Testing stain colors. Red Mahogany, Golden Pecan (one coat), Natural, and unstained. Done at 4am.
Staining the actual pieces!
Gluing with creative weights.
