Randy Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 With a great tip of the hat to Mike Z in Los Angeles for his help and inspiration, we are almost completed with the construction and "clothing" of our largest 2011 Christmas project, a pair of dancing elves...We used Shell Shock quick setting plastic to make the head, ears, hands and shoes, on top of styrofoam (head) and special polystyrene foam for the rest of the pieces that is easy to shape. Once you get the shape you want, then you apply a couple of coats of plastic to harden and solidify the design. That was quite an experience, as you only have a few minutes after you mix the two parts to get it brushed on...My dad helped with some of the metalwork that supports the mechanics of the dancing, and my Mom dusted off her sewing machine and helped with the cool Elf duds...I think we're all a bit relieved that the end is near. What a ton of work!The primary movers for the elves are 12v door lock actuators, and there is one below each leg. The lower body has a balanced pivot mechanism that goes back and forth, and the head is attached with a very stiff spring mechanism made from two back-to-back short bandsaw blade segments so that it bobbles back and forth a bit as well as the elf dances.The number of hours of labor we have into these is phenomenal, very high...But it's been a labor of love and a great chance for me to spend some good quality time with Brandon and my parents each weekend. The elves are starting to come together and look really great! We're still working on the hat support, so that will probably change a bit more soon.Here's a sneak peek photo, with more to come....Randy Attached files Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reitan_family Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Randy that is really nice. Great art work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daren Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Wow! That's awesome Randy. Can't wait to see them in action. I got so wrapped up in Halloween projects my display will remain the same this year. We need more time between holidays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daren Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Wow! That's awesome Randy. Can't wait to see them in action. I got so wrapped up in Halloween projects my display will remain the same this year. We need more time between holidays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Very nice! Looking forward to the video to showcase how they "Get Down and Boogie!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bisquit476 Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Awesome, very nice Randy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundboy98 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Way to go. See you at lights on in a week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Santas Helper Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Randy, that is a great job you did. Can't wait to see the whole project complete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zman Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Randy, WAY TO GO! They look great. I am jealous for sure. Mike Z is a great resource, he knows soooo much. Can't wait to see videos of your guys. Any pics of the creation process? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 When the dust settles, I'll definitely be posting some construction photos and a little story on our website.Since it was a rainy afternoon / evening here in San Diego today, we spent some time getting the second elf ready...Here is a photo of both of the elves with Brandon, who is beside himself with excitement at the upcoming show startup in less than a week....Randy Attached files Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beeiilll Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Randy that is way too cool. What a great job on the elves you have done.I am always impressed by the amount of work, love, and interest you put into the things you do not only for the display but for your children/family and the people who will see the display.Incredible patience and detail to things.God Bless you and yours this holiday season and I hope it is full of joy and blessings for all.Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddH Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 WOW! Really outstanding craftmanship there!! Can't wait to see them in action!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted December 11, 2011 Author Share Posted December 11, 2011 It has taken me awhile with all the display activities going on, but here is a link to our website with photos, videos, and descriptions all about the making of our new Dancing Elves...It was an awesome project....If you're local to San Diego, you should come by and check these bad boys out!!!!http://www.belardolights.com/dancingelves.htmlRandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulanator Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Randy,very nice job, they look great. I bet the kids love em! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts