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merimask — Dragon of Strength + Gratitude
Published: 2009-01-07 22:38:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 8191; Favourites: 301; Downloads: 318
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Description
This dragon is the final progression I've been working towards, with my Asian flame motif. I'm really happy with it.It was made as a very special gift for someone who inspired me. I tried to thank him once with words. He is so intrinsically Japanese that he brushed it off..."No, no. I'm just an ordinary person"
Maybe the truth is, no one is ordinary. Maybe the truth is, we all have it inside us to be better than we think we are, and to inspire. Even if it's by competing in an obstacle course, or making something beautiful, or making a new friend, or being a good mother, or reaching out in little ways that make the world a kinder place for someone...even just for a minute. You never know when you're being extraordinary.
I hope when he sees this dragon, he'll understand that.
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Comments: 49
this is really pretty!!! how did you do the scales? some kind of template? or just paint effects?
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Thanks!
Actually the scales are 3-dimensional...impressions made right in the leather. I use a little tool called a "mule foot". It's supposed to be used to stamp scalloped edges in Western carved leather belts, but I find that with careful placement it makes pretty nice scales.
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perhaps everything we do is not by us ourselves but by something else doing them through us and we are only channels conduits... or maybe I'm just mad
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That was very sweet of you...thank you. ^_^
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Thanks! I was very happy with it.
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Amazing! This is absolutely exquisite...the detail of the flames curling around its face and the subtle gold with the striking black and blue is simply too much for words. I am completely honest when I say that you are no ordinary person either. You have stepped into the extraordinary and inspire others withh the magic of your finger tips, I can only imagine the great gift of your personality. A truly beautiful work, surely your friend will understand.
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Aww...thanks so much! I am pretty happy with this mask. It feels like the best I could do, so I'm satisfied.
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Whoa, this one is amazing, allthough I love the other asian flame dragons too. I think he will feel very special when he sees this.
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Thanks! It was quite a project...
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again diggen the black and blue motife. so many intricacies it doesnt even look like its leather. it almost looks ceramic and delicate.
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Thank you...I do hear that a lot. Many people think it's made of plastic or latex or really anything but leather (which is why I let folks try them on at shows).
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Im a very hard art critique person. I tear apart art. but with these masks I really cant find anything that's a problem with these masks. The picture seems a bit grainy but that's not what you posted, you posted a mask lol XD. Im gonna have to get off of here before I start critiquing the picture lol.
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You know...you're right. I had to take that picture indoors because the weather outside was terrible, but I do far prefer natural lighting.
I took a new picture (outside) & uploaded it (fortunately I still haven't mailed this dragon!)...perhaps it's better.
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Thanks! I do hope he likes it...
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Excellent detailing! I like the antler-style horns; it makes it different but still looks natural.
And we're all extraordinary. Some of us just don't know it. 
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Thanks so much...I read a description of the Asian dragon once; they are supposed to have scales like a fish, whiskers like a catfish, antlers like a stag & the eyes of a god...so I thought I'd go really traditional with this particular mask. ^_^
I do hope he likes it...this person really changed my life & deserves something special.
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You'll have to let us know how he reacts!
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I think this is the best one! The detail of the scales is beautiful!
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Thank you! I hope it is the best...can't really tell 'cause I've been working on it for so long that I've lost my objectivity. That's what sites like this are good for; reality checks.
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Wow, just wow this piece is freaking amazingly beautiful.
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Thank you! I needed it to be very special...a lot of planning went into this design.
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Oh I can tell alot of planning went into it, its awesome!
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Wow. Okay, this one is my favorite (and I *really* like purple). The eye ridges are what do it for me; they give it that extra little bit of character that makes it shine. And the curly whiskers of course. ^_^
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Thank you! I was pretty happy with it...been working towards this one for weeks now.
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WOW! This is absolutely beautiful! The care and love you put into your work is clearly evident. Stunning.
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Thanks so much! It's a very special mask...I wanted it to be perfect.
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You're welcome.
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Thanks! I love blue, gold & black together. Hard balance, mixing a blue that wasn't too dark to go with the black, but was dark enough to contrast with the gold. Whew!
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Thanks! I made extra-tiny scales on this one 'cause I wanted it to be very special.
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I like the gold paired up with the black. It's very subtle and very pretty.
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Thank you...gold & black looks rich & striking to me. Glad you like it too! ^_^
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Wow, so beautiful! I can really see the love you put into this one; it's excellent.
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Thanks so much. ^_^ It was a very special mask.
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