6th annual Carnivorous Nights Taxidermy Contest

...was a success!

I was hesitant to submit the coyote I made this summer because she's such a traditional mount (this contest mostly embraces the kooky, kitschy and rogue), but it seemed like people loved her. We came back with a trophy! "Best Buddy" category - whatever that means! :)

Note the amazing Tae Kwon Doe trophy... 

and my very own Bow Hunter Ann, complete with treestand!

Saw her in Time Out New York, and found some really sweet comments...

Good days media:

The overall winner of the competition was Mike Zohn of the tv show Oddities for his beer-dispensing (pissing) coyote keg. The cooler that it's mounted on actually works. Now why didn't I think of that!

Make sure to come out to next year's competition at the Bell House in Gowanus, Brooklyn!

It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights

Have you rushed out to your local theater yet?!

 

It's so nice to hear how much people liked it! 

I was a puppet builder on this project for 2 years and I worked with the 

most talented and creative people:

 

Some of the crew geeking out at the midnight screening

IMDb

GO TEAM

Past Knits

Here are some pictures of previous projects that I finally got around to photographing.

I mostly get my patterns from Lion Brand Yarn, Ravelry, Stich 'n Bitch or just from online searches. Please email me if you'd like a pattern! Thanks to my models, mama & Colin.

Antler Mount

I made an antler mount this weekend.

I drilled the antlers into the form, plastered it and then dremelled it smooth. Then, I stretched a tan leather over it and added my own touch with some crocheted trim.

Dassie

I decided to make a needlepoint which memorializes my beloved doggie Dassie
who passed away in 2007. It took forever and I finally finished it yesterday!

 

The needlepoint measures about 9"x9" and the cushion is 16"x16"

DONE

Taxidermy Today

I am featured in Taxidermy Today magazine!

 

There are a few incorrect details (the spelling of my name and the 

year I attended college), but what a lovely article - Thanks!

My Critters

 

Day 11: Coyote done!

I'm really pleased with how she turned out

 

When she's dry I can remove the mesh and pins in her ears and lips, dust off any residue clay on the eyes, as well as airbrush some of her features. I can't wait to bring her back home.
Thank you Dan for teaching me so much, and also to Danielle for being my accomplice!

Eye demo

Day 10: Coyote in progress

Time to put Winnie's clothes on! 

(There's a story behind that name)

I kept a damp paper towel on her face so it didn't dry out.

She's undergoing facial reconstructive surgery... the final reveal tomorrow!

Day 9: Mannequins

Prep, prep & more prep...

Made tail, sewed holes, shaved form, fit hide etc.

I chose the alert turning coyote pose

Fitting and pinning

She fits!

Day 8: Coyote liposuction

Today we spent the whole day removing the fat and turning the ears, eyes and lips

Wet doggie!

We combed the fur out and then threw em back in the tanner.

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 Not too many interesting shots for the day so here's a look around the studio:

The building used to be an old tobacco factory and is 64,000 square feet!

Dan's demo station

↑ We have a drawer full of parts like these at work ↓

 An albino deer that was found on the side of the road. So beautiful.