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Published: 2012-02-18 16:47:36 +0000 UTC; Views: 9984; Favourites: 154; Downloads: 0
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Description
I debated a good portion of the time while I was driving down to Florida, whether or not to repost these images in a larger format, and in less of a collage. I didn't want to come off as bragging 'too much,' but I felt like I deserved to pat myself on the back a bit about this particular fox. I wanted all those interested to see my modesty and humility. My sincerity, and not thee, "I'm better then you" clause. Because that's hardly my point. I still have a long way to go in making my animals realistic. And I have no problem being the first to point that out. But I feel it's important to my watchers, and for my own sanity, that I make it known that I try VERY hard to make this medium fullfill MY every expectation. For me to reach the full idea & potential in the craft. Everything I think this art form can be.And here is the beginning to that end. A close representative of what I think this form of leather work can reach. This fox also represents how far I have come. And to serve as a quick explanation to my recent watchers, that plushing a pelt, or getting into this type of art form is not something I take lightly, or for granted. And therefor should NOT be taken lightly. It didn't come as easily to me, as it has to some others. And for a lot of us, we have to work HARD to reach even this far. So, for those giving this art form a go, to not give up trying to do better. To do better then even your own personal best!
This fox, Zero, represents everything I have wanted and looked for in a 'stuffed animal.' I have come so far since I stuffed one of my grandmothers 3 part-falling apart mink stalls. I didn't even know back then, I could ever get whole furs/pelts. I assumed they were not available to the general public. And I didn't KNOW that people still hunted and trapped for a LIVING! So I desperately tried to accomplish making a realistic looking, feeling, faux fur stuffed animal instead. ANY kind of animal. But the faux fur never 'quite did it' for me. I always found fault in the fake fur. It was too 'one surfaced.' (single pile), then later it became too fluffy, or even too nappy, and more recently, too expensive.. It smelled funny as well, or shed too much. It didn't breathe right either. I had come pretty darn close to making realistic faux plush animals, when I finally found sources to buy real pelts from. Then shortly after where to get the forms. I talked to helpful people on dA, spoke to actual seasoned and lcsd'd taxidermists. Read up on facts, got away from the PETA and the ASPCA's "fur is bad" stereo-types, and then read up on taxidermy, preservation, hunting, trapping, laws, humane practices, and on and on about any subject concerning work with furs and leather.
It's been a terrific lesson in animal physiology and anatomy, and working with mediums I would never have encountered with faux fur, or making stuffed animals. ~Although working on faux stuffed animals helped me to be better at working with real furs! So, I re posted these two images in particular to show how close I have come to taking a whole, taxidermy type pelt, and making it into a 'life like' stuffed animal. No, it's not perfect, the proportions are not quite right, or the fur and leather medium will not allow for a more realistic 'shape,' as one would generally get when using a ridged form, but I'm closer to my goal then ever.
Zero (as you can see in the above images and in the description text below) has a more realistic shape. His limbs are not sausages with pads and claws. He's not over stuffed or stretched out, & his head form is proportionate to his size. In addition, I made sure he has shoulders, elbows, and wrists that move and flex in a realistic manner. All of his limbs are independent of one another, and aside from his pelvis, there is no wire running through his body. In addition to his pelvis, he boasts jointed knees and ankles. I have not achieved this by simply inserting wire and strategically bending it, as I used to. Here, I've made him joints! I've done it before in a few other of my animals such as Windseeker, but have finally reached an area of near perfection in my own method. There is no hyper extending, and he's weighted just right through the entire length of his body. You don't have to 'pose' these areas of his legs and when you pick him up, he goes limp like a trusting pet. His legs are stuffed, and weighted, his armature will NOT back out, even over time. And my stitching (in ANY) of my animals, older or recent, is nearly invisible and secure. To date, NO ONE has ever told or complained to me that any parts of any of my mounts has had faults. ((That is except for an ermine. But his issues lie with the species of the animal, and not my work.))
I refer to my new formula of armature as "bone in armature," and I continue to use "containment weighting," that I have further perfected - which are terms I have personally come up with. I didn't use real bone, and I didn't use tape and glue, and copious amounts of clay to make things stay put. I used materials I would have used in faux furred stuffed animals to keep it safe and reliable. And as I've stated before, the wire I use will not break. I also do not use any portions from life size forms to fill in the legs or bodies of my animals, and never have. Because he is also heavily weighted, those holding him find the need to support him more like a living animal, and hold him in more respectful ways without being asked to, because of how he 'feels.' You can see in the top image how it appears like he's peering down at the floor in a quandary, as if to lie back down or get up and go. And here he's only being supported, not held into position and he's proportionally weighted to lay realistically.
I am very proud of my work. And I am greatly distressed with seeing plushes change hands. I don't care who made them, or why they are being rehomed. It just breaks my heart. And I don't want to ever have that happen to me. I try so hard to construct my animals so they will last a VERY long time. It would again, break my heart if I took $ from someone, mailed them a less-then-par 'real stuffed animal,' and then saw or learned that less then a month later it was being sold because I personally FAILED both the pelt and the buyer, and they were upset with me and my work. And when it comes to someone elses beloved pelt, I will do my very best to do what they ask of me, within a reasonable price range, and make sure that their beloved furry is everything they had ever hoped it would be once it was finished. Two policies I stick to: ~ If I fail - it's the worst thing that I can fathom. & "If you can't do the job right the first time, then don't even bother."
Name: Little King Zero - Fondly referred to as just, Zero
Type of work: Soft Mounted, Plushed 'Taxidermy'
YES: jointed armature in front legs: wrists, elbows, shoulders. Jointed armature in rear legs, ankles, knees, and hips, HAS pelvis, and tail 'bone' from pelvis, but tail is NOT wired or posable
(he can NOT hold his head up)
DAMAGE: NONE
Genitals: penis sheath, 'mounted' testicles, no anus
NO: poseable ears
NO: spine/neck armature
YES: COMPLETELY and heavily Containment Weighted from head to rump, with artfully placed fiber-fill for love. Feels like he has ribcage, lean belly area, avoided making him a sausage using new methods. 'Bends and folds' in lifelike manner.
YES: is NOT stiff, feels like he's 'dead'
Eyes: dark brown Gray fox eyes
Type of fox: adolescent male
KIND of PELT: Gray fox, LEGALLY HARVESTED, Tanned for- but NOT prepped for, taxidermy purposes
Where did you get his pelt?: LEGALLY HARVESTED, Taken by modern rubber jaw trap, purchased from a hunter/trapper
L/S weight: whole frozen, 4lbs - about the size of a small house cat, not including tail
For sale: For sale: $310 plush shipping, shipped only w.in the U.S.
SPECIAL NOTE(s): I also have his 'twin brother,' not yet prepped for mounting.
Related content
Comments: 131
Evil-Von-Smiley In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-03-27 21:26:41 +0000 UTC]
No problem your awesome ^^
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YukiChana In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-03-20 20:01:30 +0000 UTC]
If it is, please contact me, I would like to purchase him today
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YukiChana In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-03-20 03:01:24 +0000 UTC]
So it's still for sale? And how much is it plus shipping?
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AtFirstPlush In reply to YukiChana [2012-03-20 22:28:04 +0000 UTC]
He is 310$. and depending on where you live in the U.S. his shipping could be -0- (if your close) or up to 20$. ex: California or Washington state. What state do you live in?
(sorry for the late reply. been busy and off line)
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YukiChana In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-03-20 23:20:26 +0000 UTC]
It's fine and I live in Naples, Florida.
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YukiChana In reply to YukiChana [2012-03-20 23:35:27 +0000 UTC]
I mean yes I am in the U.S.
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WikkTheFox [2012-03-07 23:31:52 +0000 UTC]
is this still available and would u do a trade for a fursuit? (if ur into fursuiting tht is)
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AtFirstPlush In reply to WikkTheFox [2012-03-07 23:35:17 +0000 UTC]
Yes, he's still available. Thank you for inquiring about him!
At the current time, I'm not ready for a fursuit. I am still working on my 'fursona.' XD
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rebeccadi In reply to ??? [2012-02-28 23:48:43 +0000 UTC]
I actually thought you were holding a live fox in the top picture and he was squirming to get away XD Very well done!
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AtFirstPlush In reply to rebeccadi [2012-03-01 12:24:37 +0000 UTC]
Thank you so very-VERY much!!! He is reallly adorable! XD
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CabinetCuriosities In reply to ??? [2012-02-25 15:18:23 +0000 UTC]
omg .___.
I wish I would find 300$ laying on the street right now...
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AtFirstPlush In reply to CabinetCuriosities [2012-02-25 15:49:00 +0000 UTC]
LOL< Me too! A WHOLE wad of cash would be great right about now!!!!
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CabinetCuriosities In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-25 16:04:19 +0000 UTC]
*_*
wonderful thought indeed.
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WikkTheFox In reply to ??? [2012-02-21 02:59:42 +0000 UTC]
how much r u going to sell him for? im looking for a buddy for my baby Winter
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AtFirstPlush In reply to WikkTheFox [2012-02-21 03:19:31 +0000 UTC]
He'll probably be available for around $300. Thanks for asking about him. XD
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BabySuccubus In reply to ??? [2012-02-20 05:29:21 +0000 UTC]
Oh WOW!
I saw this and thought the top pic was from when he was still alive, and the bottom after he was stuffed! I was a little horrified until I read the actual description. Even after reading it I still cant believe how lifelike he looks in the top pic! You did such an amazing job!
I always dreamed of having something like this, but I didn't even know people actually made them so I'm really glad I saw this.
I'm curious, do you ship to Canada?
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AtFirstPlush In reply to BabySuccubus [2012-02-20 15:24:50 +0000 UTC]
I may be able to, U.S. laws have cheanged a LOT, as far as shipping most furs(only thing keeping me from shipping most of the time out side of the U.S.) So, I'll have to check.
And thank you soooo very much for your kind compliments!
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bewareofturtles [2012-02-20 02:06:49 +0000 UTC]
I LOVE your soft mounts. Theyre so lovely, I actually beleive, after watching a show back when I was 12, that youre the first person I saw here on dA that did such amazing taxidermy, and re-sparked my interest in Taxidermy from when I was twelve. Youre work is so amazing <33 Zero is such a handsom boy. ^^ Awesome work, and thanks for helpin re-spark my taxidermy passion. Hopefully one day I'll be as good as you, just need to get ahold of my first pelt. (( If only m'mum didnt think it was gross ))
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AtFirstPlush In reply to bewareofturtles [2012-02-20 15:22:31 +0000 UTC]
LOL< I hope you find a way to convince your mom too, so you can get back into it. XD ~And thank you sooo much for all of your kind compliments!
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Ishtar-Creations In reply to ??? [2012-02-19 19:52:03 +0000 UTC]
He lloks totally as live... you made a great work!!
You dont ship to Europe right It will be an honour for me to have an opportunity of buy him
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AtFirstPlush In reply to Ishtar-Creations [2012-02-20 15:21:17 +0000 UTC]
I'll have to check and see if I can ship him oversees, but I can't promise anything...
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Ishtar-Creations In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-20 15:39:45 +0000 UTC]
I suppose that the goverment will charge an abussive tax ;_;
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AtFirstPlush In reply to Ishtar-Creations [2012-02-20 16:02:27 +0000 UTC]
Quite poissibly on your end. I don't really know.
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ShadiSin In reply to ??? [2012-02-19 15:23:27 +0000 UTC]
Can I just say I'm in love with your work, Andi?
I Seriously can NOT wait to have Gentle shipped to you, she's going to be so beautiful and life-like! She's getting home VERY soon, and, from there on out I'll be saving as much as I can!
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AtFirstPlush In reply to ShadiSin [2012-02-19 18:37:08 +0000 UTC]
sounds great. And thank you once again, so much for choosing me to finish up Gentle.
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ShadiSin In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-19 18:50:16 +0000 UTC]
Wouldn't have it any other way <3 I've heard too much from Esaki and others on how amazing your work is!
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AtFirstPlush In reply to ShadiSin [2012-02-20 15:20:15 +0000 UTC]
Wow!!! That's super flattering!!! I am so glad word is spreading, in a positive matter! Hehehe. And Esaki is AWESOME! Have you seen her art?! It's AMAZING! I traded her some stuff for one of her paintings. I HAD to have it. It's hanging in a frame next to my bed!
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ShadiSin In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-20 15:28:33 +0000 UTC]
Yes, I have I adore her art <3 and she's such a sweetheart! I love Del, too.
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AtFirstPlush In reply to ShadiSin [2012-02-20 15:37:12 +0000 UTC]
One of these days I am gonna find her, and give her a huge uncomfortably LONG hug...LOL
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ShadiSin In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-20 15:45:52 +0000 UTC]
Since she lives in Chicago, and, I might go there in the next few months.. I might be able to do that for you I was hoping to get Gent finished first, but, money is still an issue.. I'll get her done some day! She has to get back home to me, first.
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AtFirstPlush In reply to ShadiSin [2012-02-20 16:08:52 +0000 UTC]
Once you get her back to me, and since I only have to sew her legs and 'stuff' her. I should have her back in the mail to you within a week. And I live in TN, so I hope to one day 'molest' Esaki too! It's only like an 8 hour drive!! We actually talked about it too! XD
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ShadiSin In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-20 16:58:30 +0000 UTC]
Within a week, even more isn't bad at all! and since you're so close it won't take long for her to get to you I might take the money I was getting for Lou's skinning and tanning and just have Gentle done.. Lou will be good in the freezer for another month, two months
I just want my baby girl finished!
I haven't told Nemi yet, but I plan on getting her face tattooed onto my body. She's too precious not to - and, being my first ever coyote and all.. she has a TON of special meaning. I don't Ever see myself parting with her!
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AtFirstPlush In reply to ShadiSin [2012-02-20 17:04:47 +0000 UTC]
I know how you feel.
I want a tatt, too, but I can't figure out what! I just don't want it to be something I may mentally outgrow, yah know?! Decisions, decisions! XD
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ShadiSin In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-20 17:51:22 +0000 UTC]
I have so many tattoos I want to get.. at LEAST my deer prints on my foot, my sunflower/sun tribal, my first horses brand mark.. my gemini, and possibly a spade. I have a lot more, but I really want to think them over before getting them. Gentle, though, I know for sure I'll be getting.
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PeedexYoa [2012-02-19 15:04:57 +0000 UTC]
Wow thatΒ΄s a huge text
But that foxy just is so cute 83
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AtFirstPlush In reply to PeedexYoa [2012-02-19 18:35:28 +0000 UTC]
LOL, and thank you!!!
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NeofelisNebulos666 In reply to ??? [2012-02-19 07:11:14 +0000 UTC]
What a cute fox I like especially the first picture because it really looks like hes moving and saying "Let me down on the floor!" Good work
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AtFirstPlush In reply to NeofelisNebulos666 [2012-02-19 18:34:32 +0000 UTC]
lol, and thank you sooo very much!!!
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CrackHappens In reply to ??? [2012-02-19 02:24:53 +0000 UTC]
*Whistles* he's lovely, I really like that he has weight to him and he sounds amazing,
I'd love to buy him if he's in my price range...
I had to sell my only plush a while back for medical reasons...
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AtFirstPlush In reply to CrackHappens [2012-02-19 03:13:37 +0000 UTC]
Ohno, really? I am so sorry you had to sell your only plush. That is so sad.
...Zero is gonna be around 300$.
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CrackHappens In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-19 04:33:54 +0000 UTC]
oooh he's worth it, I wish that was in my price range
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Zombie-Kumos In reply to ??? [2012-02-18 23:12:43 +0000 UTC]
Oh is he cuteeee I normally don't like greys but his colouration is just fffff. ;^;
I can only imagine how much he's going to be to buy since all the work you put into him, whoever gets him is lucky
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AtFirstPlush In reply to Zombie-Kumos [2012-02-19 01:44:43 +0000 UTC]
Not too much. XD ~and thanks... he is very pretty, which helps. ;D
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Esaki In reply to ??? [2012-02-18 22:49:04 +0000 UTC]
He is an amazing little guy!
You should be proud andi! He is gorgeous!
I LOVE how his back legs look so natural...its amazing!
If you ask me, you should be able to show off!
Your work has improved so very much! It would be CRAZY to NOT show off!
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AtFirstPlush In reply to Esaki [2012-02-19 01:43:45 +0000 UTC]
Awe, you and everyone else is being so kind to me!!! I love all of this positive feedback. Especially from one of my bestestest friends!! !
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Esaki In reply to AtFirstPlush [2012-02-19 03:24:28 +0000 UTC]
Its because he looks so good andi!
He is such a beautiful lil guy!
Daw, andi, you know i LOVE your work!
Its what brought us together and started our friendship!
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