To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:59:37 -0500
Subject: [Puptcrit] Coconuts, the sequel


I just made a few primitive pendants from some coconut shells.
Here is a little insight.
I am now confident this material and these methods can be used to make 
puppet details, such as teeth, scales, armor, or jewelry.


It is hard to control how the shell chips, but I'm sure it can be learned, 
as there is a grain to it. It breaks easier sideways (the three holes facing 
up means the nut is up)

Yet, the chips can be attractive in many ways. I used the chosen shapes and 
made them more harmonius and finished.

It is easy to carve the edges, scrape the "fur", detail the inside, all with 
a simple craft knife.
It can be smoothed nicely with sandpaper (I used 150 grit). I particularily 
liked defining the edges by rubbing the pendant on a piece of sandpaper 
lying flat on the table. It makes all the difference, it provides control.

The inner side of the shell has a sort of light skin, before getting to the 
darker core. This can be partially scraped, enabling designs or just a 
texture. I opted for texture.

The coconut was easy to pierce with a regular drill bit. The hole was smooth 
and didn't chip as long as I didn't apply too much pressure.

I tried varnishing with nail polish. It works nicely. It looks even better 
when rubbed in quickly (using a rubber glove, the stuff is toxic).

Yet I thought the nail polish finish turned the test piece too dark for my 
tastes this time, so for the final pieces I opted for rubbing some mineral 
oil everywhere (including inside the pendant's hole), and buffing off the 
excess. Very nice rich sheen!

I needed no metal ring to attach the pendant to the string. A simple loop, 
like when attaching old style labels, sufficed. You know, just make a closed 
necklace with string, then slide one end in the hole of the pendant, then 
slide the string's ends into the same string's loop.

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