Here's the whole process to it's current stage:
The design plan in actual measurements. I did make a few tweaks when building the design, moved some things more central in the armature to make it more steady.
Here's the spine. Have to thank Stuart for giving me access to some free copper wire, really bends well but isn't brittle.
Cut and joined the joints of the puppet. Those were some expensive joints. Had to cut them with a hacksaw and file them, but they work great.. They really support the figure in spite of it's weight.
Started adding more wire to the spin for extra support, and made the feet. That clay-like stuff you can see is a two part epoxy that hardens. It's really strong, can be drilled into and sanded. Saved me a lot of time and will holds up well.
Added the head, happy with how the jaw moves. Looks a little strange like this, but it won't for much longer! I also added some aluminium wire to the spine. The head wasn't really just holding up with the copper, but the aluminium "rods" kind of act like the backbone, whereas the copper wire is a bit like the tendons and muscle. This process really has been like creating the bones for an animal. I definitely can feel I'm breathing life into the object, it's almost a spiritual connection. I even talk to it sometimes, as gaudy as that sounds.
I just have to keep working on those feet, then I can start foaming the body. Really looking forward to that process, building the armature has been quite a lengthy and difficult task. Ran into many problems but I have overcome them. Foaming and sewing I'm very confident with, as well as how I'm going to construct the face and eye etc. So the rest will be smooth sailing!
