A while back, I bought two busts for $12.99 (each) at a local discount shop. From a distance, they looked fine. You couldn't tell they were feather-light or sort of plasticky. As I moved them around the house, searching for their "home," I affectionately dubbed them Helena and Hunk. At one point, I broke up this duo, and placed Hunk in the pantry.(This is how "he" looked before the "Almond" Rust-oleum.)
Then I started seeing them in other homes--a lot of homes, and even a lawyer's office, so I decided to revamp them. A long time ago, I'd seen a bust with a seashell "head," and it was gorgeous but wretchedly expensive. I never forgot it, though, and last week I bought spray paint (almond,$3.55 ) and shells at Big Lots ($4.00/basket). I already had glue, glaze, and paintbrushes.
So I started spray painting--with lots of "should I's, shouldn't I's. But my pig-headed mood was in full swing.
Over by the fountain, I heard lots of yelling, so I grabbed my camera and ran over to the "menfolk. They pointed to a baby copperhead inside the fountain, its head poking from a tiny hole in the concrete base.
They made ME take the picture, of course, while they stood off to the side, issuing commands. :-) I abandoned Helena and Hunk, and we grabbed the Audubon snake guide. We couldn't agree if our snake was a copperhead or a basic water snake..although it has a distinctive diamond pattern, if you look closely.
I don't like snakes, but I simply couldn't abandon my project. I moved the busts to the back of the truck and started gluing.
As shells popped off and rolled down the driveway, I realized I needed something stickier than Elmer's; but all I had was Gorilla Glue, and my brother talked me out of using it, claiming it had "foamed up something awful" when he'd repaired the outdoor table--which is another design dilemma, but I digress.
So I glued until dark, then brought in my heads. :-) My mother and I thought the shells looked like two people getting ready for the prom--with their hair rolled in old fashioned curlers. Indeed, even some of the shells look like home permanent rods. I haven't glazed Helena and Hunk. And I'm going to check a hobby store for better glue; but here's what I've done so far. They look peeved, don't they? lol
Hi Gollum :)
ReplyDeleteThey really do look great, but this is why I have a fear of them...
http://davelandweb.com/hauntedmansion/VP74-52_SingingStatues.jpg
I loved this ride because of the dancing ghosts in the ballroom, but these heads sing and at about 7 or 8 years old these things kind of stick with you LOL
Honestly though, I like what you did :)
hugs,
rue
These look great, and so au courant!
ReplyDeleteRue, that is one spine tingling link! I want to LOL but I cannot. They remind me of that old movie, Alien, when Ash, the android, loses his head. But they're also like the Joker (which we saw last night).
ReplyDeleteYou absolutely crack me up! I'll bet you are one fun gal to hang out with! Those heads are quite the project, and I can think of few who could pull it off with such fancy. They DO look peeved! Everyday day is definitely a new page with you, dear Gollum. So glad I was introduced! I'm off to the land of grandkids and mosquitos for a bit..hope I can check in and not get too far behind on the blogs.
ReplyDeleteI only have one question for you...is there any end to your talent? You amaze me my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteWeel personally I think they look a lot happier than when they were all bronze!
ReplyDeleteVery nice job. I am posting up pics of my own shell statue. Come by & check it out!
Yep I agree with SVC, they look much happier now! But wow! That was a great deal you got on them! Vanna
ReplyDeleteGG, I saw what seem to be wonderful, old, cushionless white chairs (in the background, on the grass, in one pic) ~~~ and from what I can tell, they're really FAB! SOOOO, I suspect the busts would look super-great mixed in with a vignette or "picnic"-type table out there on the grass, for a special "do"~~~ I envision them surrounded by "whites, beiges n' creamy-colored everything", as well as Grama's old lace tablecloth and china (and a beloved family quilt spread out on the grass, along w/ pillows dressed in faded, monogrammed pillowcases), sparkling crystal goblets along w/ old silver that has that "special" patina only TIME can provide!~~~ Favorite, stylish straw hats from the 20's, a special parasol and a lacy fan grace this site, along with, of COURSE, the obligatory white gloves! (And BTW, personally, I think the "busts with shells" are DELIGHTFULLY QUIRKY, and bring a happy smile to one's face! I ALWAYS wear shells n' pearls on M-Y bust every Friday night, "don'tchaknow!" ~~~ grins!). Anyhooooo, you NEVER, EVER fail to delight us & provide images for our imaginations to "run amuck", girlfriend! THANK YOU sooo much! Warm hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteDear Gollum,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention, how did you manage to type after hours of shell-glueing and spray painting? I for one know the pain and I feel, my fellow artist! Exhausting, oh the things we do for art's sake and to beautify our home (one in the same for some of us.....).
*SVC*
Gollum!!. I have a secret, I collect heads, lol, Italian heads to be more precise, ever since I went to an art gallery and saw hundreds of then in a glass case. I thought they looked stunning so I started collecting them, I have had some very strange questions and looks from security officials at airports and have had to un-pack them so many times I cannot tell you. So I think this might be my favourite post of all haha. and now I know that you collect them to I can admit to my secret collection and be proud. Thanks Gollum, your pair look lovely BTW not at all peeved to me. goodnight, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteYIKES A Snake!!!!. what happened to it??.
hi. just can't stay away. all I have to say is that they look neat. I am also just saying that at least I am not the only one with "big hair"
ReplyDeletetake care of your self...will be back again soon
Love them, I love it when I can add my own touch to something. vickydarnell
ReplyDeleteWow... what can I say, they look soooo good...they look very french and very expensive.I am a huge "lover" of shellls and I would never have thought of this!!! If this was RMS you would be on top rated!!!! Enjoy your day, Chrissy (SEACLIFF)
ReplyDeleteGodo Morning Gollum! I think they look pretty good! Although your Mother was right about the hair rollers. (LOL)
ReplyDeleteHave a Good Day!
xoxoxo
Donna
Morning Gollum, now ain't you sump'en! That's southern talk, you know! Now I am liking Helena and Hunk a lot and love their creamyness and the shell skull caps you've given them. I think you should borrow Mom's (Linda) white fish pitchers and make a very special vignette. I will loan you my shells for little accents. You could set up shop in your bathroom by the bathtub and your bubbly room would look rather Roman/Greekish! No, not geekish, but Greekish! You're just a hoot and I don't think there is anything you can't do! Except maybe tell us who you are! lol
ReplyDeleteBe a heady sweetie today,
Shelia :)
***Happy Monday mornin'!!! Am "running away" this a.m. w/ my hubby~~~ going, just for a few days, to the mountains for some R&R and nice, COOOOLER weather ~~~ n' Surf n' Turf by the lake with a fire, we hope! BUT, just H-A-D to make this request "PUBLIC", GG~~~ The BACKGROUND of "the heads" was INTRIGUING in every pic (!) ~ sooooo, won't you pleeeeease consider sharing even just a little more of your home with us? It looks soooo ENCHANTING!!! Gotta run now~~~ My "Mountain Man" is waiting~~~!!! Blessings to all, Linda
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Gracious Gollum,
ReplyDeleteTwo things, (1) I hate snakes. Having lived in Texas, I am all too familiar with water snakes, copperheads, rattle snakes, and all the rest. Long story short, me hates them with a purple passion! I admire you for getting close enough to take the picture, although that did give me the heebie-geebies! (2) There is an all purpose household glue that I used to use for my mosaic stained glass projects. It dries clear and will bond anything to anything, including glass to glass. It's called GOOP and it comes in a purple tube for about $3.99 at W-Mart. It would definitely be enough to finish up your shell project without fear of shells popping off. Amazing idea by the way ... don't you love it when you can recreate something you've seen ages ago? Can't wait to see them all glued and glazed! ArtieBen
hehehehe..."peeved"? I thought they looked rather proud of themselves! Your imagination is wonderful and continues to inspire me!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever figure out what kind of snake it was? And what did the menfolk do with it?
Gollum, What a bargain! My BUST certainly cost me more than $12.99! This post was hilarious. I think Helena might look a little less peeved if she had some sand dollar earrings and a lovely strand of pearls. I know that "jewels" always put me in a better mood! I think the almond spray is a much better look than the bronze. Wish I could live in your head for 24 hours!!!! Carol
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful couple! So very creative what you've done. (I have a sister that would absolutely go mad over them...smiles.)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it annoying when you can't find the proper glue for a project? I often resort to 'paintable clear silicone'. It will literally bond just about anything, is waterproof and can be used for 3-D imaging. Just make sure you work with it in a well-ventilated area as don't want you to be getting light-headed :) Another great product is called 'Amazing Goop'. It too is clear and paintable/transparent. Spreads a little easier than silicone but doesn't work for 3-D imaging and doesn't stand up near as well to the outdoor elements. The plus is; neither product discolors over time like many glues often do.
Hope this helps you out in future projects....and yes, what happened to the snake?
Ok sit down and take a deep breath!! I know this will be shocking but I have something for you at my blog! It's yours for free! All I need is your address and name and it's yours! Ok he may not be as pretty but I think he would fit in quite nicely~~besides shouldn't decor accessories be in 3's?? Frenchfry xoxox (wink wink nudge nudge)
ReplyDeleteHEH! I got a good chuckle from this mornings story & pictures. Thanks for starting my day off right...Yes it's 11:05 and my day is just starting....And I AM NOT ashamed! But I do have this weird desire to go snake hunting hmmm... Have a great day! Nikkicrumpet
ReplyDeleteThey look amazing but I'm sensing a bit of embarrassment. You'll notice they can't seem to look at each other. I think they're not quite comfortable in their new skin. Don't worry, they'll adjust.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the process. Now if I could only find a bargain Helena and Hunk of my own.
golum, I love your new project, I think they look happier, but I'm like mom, I want to see more of that gorgeous house! That cabinet is so special, and I caught a glimpse of the exterior of your home and the balustrades in the picture of your patio! PLEASE post pix of your home!!!! Connie/puddin07
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love that we are seeing glimpses of your home, it looks beautiful! I think the busts are cool and at first glance I thought the back of the truck was a coffin, hahaha!
ReplyDeleteLaura :)
Two votes for "Goop" by the two 'ben(s)'. Either product that I mentioned can also be purchased at Home Depot and probably Lowes. ($3.99 in the U.S.A. and ....LOL 3x that cost in Canada!) Also I shud have mentioned the silicone I spoke of just comes in a tube and is normally used for caulking around b/tubs etc. (I like to use it for its dual purpose properties.)
ReplyDeleteGollum, You never seize to amaze me. You are very talented. And you have such a wonderful imagination. I really think Helena and Hunk like their new seashells. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Terrie
Did I offend? Just wondering why you didn't post my comments from earlier today? I thought it was cute that I had a bust that I would gladly send you since I no longer have use for it~~~French???
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I read this blog before going to bed last night. I was laughing to myself and had trouble going to sleep, and I had to get up and go to work this a.m. This was like a sit-com on the internet-hysterical! At first I thought Helena and Hunk did look a little peeved about their new hairdos, but when I enlarged the pic, I decided they look great-how very creative. Laurie
ReplyDeleteGollum...Just a thought. If you caught the snake, dipped it in Modge Podge and adhered it to the busts' hairdos you would have a home grown Medusa! Nancy
ReplyDeletePS: Had a snake stuck in our blueberry netting. My husband caught it and released it. Say the word...we'll track him down and he's yours!
I'm thinking I like them!
ReplyDeleteForgot to say that I really do like the shells, and I think that Hunk's look is saying, "Don't even go there!"
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when you said it looked like they had their hair all done up in curlers, because that was my very first thought upon seeing the pictures! Cute though!
ReplyDeleteLoved the picture of the snake. If you got a good look at the shape of its head, that should have told you whether it was poisonous or not.
Justine :o )
Gollum, These two guys came out great...like them sooo much more this way! :-) Susan
ReplyDeleteGollum I really love these heads! I am thinking where I could put something like this in my house. I hated the snake picture though. Sasha
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented much but I'm here every day , just love to read your blog . You haven't posted lately and I really miss you . I know I don't get a chance to post much my self but I guess we expect to see your's every day . It makes our day . I hope and pray you and your's are ok . Just miss you a lot . Mary
ReplyDelete