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The
default shape of a Pet-Paw is the contour of the paw itself.
Basically, they are "paw" shaped. I follow the shape
of the paw about an 1/8th inch out from the edge of the pads
and claws. Other popular shapes I make are squares (tiles),
hearts, and ovals/circles.
Paw contour shape
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Bronze heart shaped Pet-Paw set
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Circle shape around a dog nose with
hole for keyring or hanging
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Bronze Pet-Paw tile
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Pendants,
key chains, and hanging ornaments:
A
hole can be drilled for making pendants, key chains, or hanging
ornaments. Great for cat paws, small dog paws, noses, and
lighter aluminum paws. Pendant paws are "thinned"
by removing extra metal from the back to make it lighter in
weight.
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A
Pet-Paw can also be made into a cabinet knob.
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The
Creation of a Pet-Paw:
How
can a solid bronze paw be created from your dog or cat's paw?
It all starts with a good impression.
Impression:
An
impression of the paw is made using Play-doh. Both store-bought
or homemade Play-doh will work.
I can make paws from impressions made with clay, plaster,
or the stoft foam-like clay. A good impression is important.
It shouldn't be too deep, or too shallow. The surface of the
Play-doh should be smooth and flat. You should see all 4 paw
pads and claws. What you see in the impression is what you
get in the bronze.
Wax
pattern:
When I receive your Play-doh impression, the first thing I
do is to pour warm molten wax into the impression. As the
wax cools and solidifies, it becomes the pattern for the metal
Pet-Paw. I then carve the wax around the contour of the paw
and into its final shape. The wax paw is called a "pattern"
and will be used in the sand mold to cast the bronze. I do
not use wax with clay and plaster impressions becase the wax
will stick and ruin these type of impressions. Instead, I
push Play-doh into the clay or plaster and create an impression
of the impression. Then I pour molten wax onto the new Play-doh
impression and create the wax pattern.
Sand
mold: The
wax pattern is used in a green-sand mold to create the hollow
cavity into which the molten metal will be poured. The green-sand
is packed around the wax pattern (usually several) in a two
piece mold. After the sand is packed, the mold halves are
separated, and the wax pattern is carefully removed. Sometimes
removing the wax pattern causes the sand to break or stick
inside the wax plattern, especially if there are any undercuts
around claws, etc. Using tiny drops of water, I spend time
"glueing" the sand back into place. I call it "sand
surgery." It is tedious and can take some time and patience.
Then channels are made in the sand for the molten metal to
flow through, and for gas to escape. Excess moisture in the
sand is driven off with a torch, and the two mold halves are
secured together. It is now ready to receive hot, molten metal.
Molten
metal:
While I am in "sand surgery" the propane powered
foundry is roaring away as it melts the metal inside. Bronze,
brass, and copper melt at about 1650 - 2000° F. Aluminum
melts at about 1200° F. The molten metal is poured like
water into the sand mold. The metal flows through the channels
and into the sand paws. Gases escape through holes, as well
as the sand, as the metal rapidly cools. The metal paw is
removed from the sand mold when it is cool enough to handle.
It is still attached to the channeling system, so I cut that
off and proceed to finish the paw with grinding, sanding,
and polishing.
Every
Pet-Paw is as unique as the dog or cat that it was created
from. No two Pet-Paws are alike, even if they are cast from
the same paw impression using the same wax pattern. And no
Pet-Paw is "perfect." There are many variables involved
which include temperature, metal composition, time, and the
artist's hand. All these variables contribute to the size,
shape, color, and texture of the Pet-Paw. During the casting
process small quirks and inconsistencies arise which add to
the uniqueness and elegance of the Pet-Paw, such as small
pits, lines, holes, or rough patches in the paw. Pet-Paws
that are cast from impressions that are too deep are very
thick, and will usually have a concave area on the back of
the paw (the back of the Pet-Paw is "dished in.")
This is due to the contraction of the metal as it cools.
Ordering
a Pet-Paw is a unique way to memorialize your beloved pet,
capturing the intricate details of their paw print in a beautiful
and lasting bronze casting. This personalized keepsake serves
as a heartfelt tribute, allowing pet owners to cherish the
memory of their furry companions long after they have passed.
The process is simple and non-invasive, ensuring your pet’s
comfort, while the final product is crafted with care and
attention to detail, making it a meaningful addition to any
home or a thoughtful gift for fellow pet lovers. With a Pet-Paw,
you not only celebrate the bond you shared but also create
a lasting legacy of your pet's presence in your life.
A Poem
About Pet-Paws
Written by AI
In
ancient times, craftsmen did create
Bronze dog and cat paws, a sight so great.
With skill and patience, they formed each paw,
A testament to the love for creatures raw.
The
dogs and cats, with their loyal hearts,
Are honored in bronze, their strength impart.
Their paws, so delicate, now forever preserved,
A symbol of their bond, and the love they served.
In
museums and galleries, they are displayed,
The beauty of their form, cannot be swayed.
Their intricate details, a wonder to behold,
And the stories they tell, worth more than gold.
For
these bronze dog and cat paws,
Speak volumes of the animal's cause.
Their loyalty and love, now forever shown,
In bronze paws, their legacy is known.
So
if you see these paws, with a gleam in your eye,
Remember the bond, that never will die.
For the dogs and cats, who gave so much,
Are now immortalized, in bronze with a touch.
Do
you have a plaster cast or an impression from any of the following
animals:
cougar, bobcat, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, wolf,
or bear?
If you do, I would love to borrow it and cast it in bronze!
In return, I will give you a free bronze casting from the
impression you send to me!
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