I’m not sure why I have dragons on my mind in July. Maybe these mythical creatures remind of fireworks on the fourth of July or Visiting ChinaTown in Washington DC, years ago for Chinese New Year and seeing the Amazing Dragon dancing down the street with festive laughter and cheery merriment. I Have also throughly enjoyed watching the “How to Train Your Dragons” Movie series. Whatever the reason they are the inspiration of this artwork.
Supplies: GSLC Layered Shields, GSLC Creepy Critters Shape Set, Polymer Clay, Clay Shape Cutters and Molds, Ebony and Silver Rub’n Buff, Paintbrush, UHU GlueStick, Liquid Clay, Dragon Eyes Cabochons, Mica Powders, Metal Embellishments-Nails, Screws, Eyelets, Blue and Golden Waxes, Collection Of Acrylic Paints, Embossing Stick, Clear Embossing Powder, Rubber Texture Stamps, Heating Tool, Gorilla Clear Glue Tube,
- Gather Supplies.
- Cover GSLC Layered Shields With Silver Rub’n Buff using a Paintbrush.
- Glue Layered Parts Together with a UHU GlueStick. Dry Completely Pressed and Weighted Down.
- Use Polymer Clay, Moulds, Clay Cutters, Liquid Fly and Dragon Eye Cabochons to Create Focal Point for Your Prepared Layered Shields.
- Add Mica Powders to Glisten the Eyes.
- Use Liquid Clay to Secure Dragon Eye Layered Shield.
- Add Metal Embellishments-Nails, Screws, Eyelets, etc-With a bit of Liquid Clay.
- Cure in Polymer Clay as Instructed on Packaging.
- Once fully Cooled Added Patina and Interest with Waxes and Rub’n Buff.
- Add Further Layers with Collection of Acrylic Paints.
- As Pieces Needed More Interest I used the Bats for GSLC Creepy Critter Shape Sets.
- Use Embossing Stick on Rubber Texture Stamps.
- Sprinkle With Clear Embossing Powder.
- Cure With a Heating Tool.
- Use Acrylic Paints to Create Corresponding Wings for Your Dragon Eyes.
- Cut Bats in Half and Secure to Back of Shield Using Clear Gorilla Glue.
- Allow to Dry Fully Pressed and Weighted Down.
Final Thoughts:
Many years ago we went to China Town In Washington, DC to Celebrate The Chinese New Year. It was my first time seeing the Dragon dance and the Lion Dance. Although similar in style are are uniquely their own.
Both dances are intended to bring luck and prosperity, a sentiment that’s very important to Chinese people.
The dances are often seen during Chinese New Year celebrations, but can also be part of other events throughout the year.
There is often some confusion when it comes to identifying a lion or a dragon dance – the exquisite costumes of the lion can often make it look similar to a dragon.
However, it’s quite easy to distinguish between the two.
In a lion dance, there are two performers making up each lion – one at the head, who defines the lion’s personality, and one at the back for the tail. Apart from their legs, they are completely covered by their costume.
For a dragon dance however, you have a minimum of nine performers, each holding up a section of the dragon, which is propped up on poles. The performers are completely exposed in this case.
Some of my favorite quotes from, How to Train Your Dragon.
“What you’re searching for isn’t out there, Hiccup. It’s in here.”
“I wouldn’t kill him, because he looked as frightened as I was. I looked at him… and I saw myself.”
“This is Berk. It’s twelve days north of Hopeless, and a few degrees south of Freezing to Death. It’s located solidly on the Meridian of Misery. My village. In a word, sturdy. And it’s been here for seven generations, but, every single building is new.
We have fishing, hunting, and a charming view of the sunsets. The only problems are the pests. You see, most places have mice or mosquitoes. We have… dragons.”
“Legend says that when the ground quakes or lava spews from the earth it’s the dragons. Letting us know they’re still here. Waiting for us to figure out how to get along. Yes, the world believes the dragons are gone, if they ever existed at all.
But we, Berkians, we know otherwise. And we’ll guard this secret until the time comes when dragons can return in peace.”
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