Creating a Giant Crochet Spider
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Applying for the Flu Vlog Artist Grant
- Conceptualizing the Giant Spider
- Constructing the Body
- Sourcing Fleece Material
- Filling the Body with Bulk Stuffing
- Sewing the Body and Legs
- Building the Wire Frame and Legs
- Sewing the Circles onto the Spider
- Choosing Wool Yarn
- Felting the Circles
- Sewing the Circles to the Spider
- Finishing Touches: Adding Eyeballs
- Completing the Giant Spider
- Showcasing and Photographing the Spider
- Future Plans for the Giant Spider
- Conclusion
Constructing a Giant Spider: The Journey of an Artistic Creation
Have you ever wondered what goes into the creation of a gigantic sculpture? Well, get ready to be amazed as I take you on a journey through the process of making a giant spider. From applying for an artist grant to showcasing the finished masterpiece, this article will provide a detailed account of every step involved in bringing this colossal arachnid to life. So, let's dive in and discover the world of artistry and craftsmanship!
Introduction
Art comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes an artist decides to think big – literally. In this article, I'll be sharing the incredible journey of creating a giant spider sculpture, measuring a whopping 10 feet wide and weighing around 40 to 50 pounds. This project was made possible through the Flu Vlog Artist Grant, an opportunity that offered funding and support to pursue large-scale sculptures. So, let's start at the beginning and explore the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs of bringing this colossal spider to life.
Applying for the Flu Vlog Artist Grant
In February, I came across the Flu Vlog Artist Grant, an opportunity provided by the renowned shoe company, John FluVog. Intrigued by the prospect of creating large sculptures, I decided to apply for this prestigious grant. After weeks of anticipation, I received the incredible news in April that I had been awarded the grant. This recognition not only provided financial support but also validated my artistic vision and gave me the freedom to explore my creativity on a grand scale.
Conceptualizing the Giant Spider
With the grant secured, my mind started buzzing with ideas for large-scale sculptures. Drawing inspiration from a previous project, where I had created a giant centipede, I was determined to continue the series with a gigantic spider. To bring my vision to life, I began by sketching and conceptualizing the design. The concept revolved around piecing together large crochet circles to form the spider's body, adding a unique twist to the formation process.
Constructing the Body
To create the body of the giant spider, I sourced fleece material from second-hand stores, buying blankets and repurposing them for this project. By cutting out the pattern and sewing the pieces together, the foundation of the spider began to take shape. However, a body needs more than just a fabric shell. To add weight and structure, I ordered 30 pounds of bulk stuffing from a Canadian company. With the stuffing in place, the body gained substance, ready for the subsequent steps.
Sourcing Fleece Material: Second-hand stores provided a treasure trove of fleece material, giving the project a sustainable and eco-friendly touch. By repurposing thrifted blankets, I not only saved money but also reduced waste and contributed to the circular economy.
Filling the Body with Bulk Stuffing: A spider of this size demands an appropriate amount of stuffing. After receiving the bulk stuffing, I meticulously filled the body, ensuring it achieved the desired weight and form. Though I ordered 30 pounds, the actual weight used ended up being around 25 pounds, as the filling settled inside.
Sewing the Body and Legs: With the body filled and ready, it was time to move on to the legs. Using nine gauge wire, provided by my ever-supportive father, I meticulously constructed the legs and sewed channels along them. This allowed for the insertion of two wires per leg, providing stability and structure to support the weight of the giant spider.
Building the Wire Frame and Legs
The wire frame forms the structural backbone of the giant spider. Using sturdy nine gauge wire, I cut and shaped the wire, carefully crafting the legs. With bolt cutters in hand and the assistance of my father, we crafted the legs outdoor, ensuring precision and durability. But the journey didn't end there - to provide additional support, I sewed padding onto the bottom of the legs, enabling the spider to stand firmly.
Sewing the Circles onto the Spider
One of the most time-consuming parts of the project was sewing circles onto the spider's body. This intricate process required dedication and determination as I meticulously placed each circle, one by one. The circles were constructed using 100% wool yarn from a Canadian company called Briggs and Little. All the circles were crafted in batches, washed in a bathtub to encourage felting, and then sewn onto the spider's body.
Choosing Wool Yarn: When it came to selecting the yarn for the circles, I opted for 100% wool. Not only is wool a versatile and eco-friendly material, but I also wanted to support local Canadian businesses. Briggs and Little, a manufacturer based in the Maritimes, provided high-quality, Canadian-made wool that perfectly complemented the project.
Felting the Circles: Felting is the process of matting and bonding fibers together, resulting in a more cohesive and connected texture. To achieve this effect, I washed the circles in hot water vigorously, ensuring the fibers felted together. This felting process not only enhanced the overall appearance of the wool circles but also improved their durability.
Sewing the Circles to the Spider: With the circles felted and dried, it was time to sew them onto the spider's body. This meticulous task required careful placement, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors and patterns. Working in batches, I sewed the circles onto the spider, gradually moving from larger circles to smaller ones. In total, there are approximately 190 circles adorning the giant spider, creating a visually stunning and intricate texture.
Finishing Touches: Adding Eyeballs
As the giant spider neared completion, there was one final detail to add - the eyeballs. These focal points would bring the sculpture to life and add a touch of whimsy to the overall design. Carefully placing the eyeballs onto the spider's head, I stepped back to admire the captivating gaze that now stared back at me. The addition of the eyeballs truly brought the sculpture to life and added a playful element to its personality.
Completing the Giant Spider
After months of dedication, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering determination, the giant spider was finally complete. It was a culmination of countless hours spent sketching, sewing, and creating intricate circles. The final result was a masterpiece that stood tall, ready to captivate and astonish viewers with its sheer size and artistic beauty.
Showcasing and Photographing the Spider
A creation of this magnitude deserved to be showcased in all its splendor. With the help of a talented photographer friend, Kaylee B. Croft, we meticulously captured the aesthetic marvel of the giant spider. Gathering at a friend's house, we placed the spider in a vast field, allowing its grandeur to be witnessed against the backdrop of nature. The photo shoot included drone shots, adding an aerial perspective to the spider's visual impact.
Future Plans for the Giant Spider
As an art piece of such magnitude, the giant spider has garnered attention and piqued curiosity. Its future plans include being displayed in one of the Flu Vlog stores in Toronto. The exact date is yet to be confirmed, but updates will be shared on my Instagram and website. Additionally, there is a possibility of the sculpture traveling to other locations, offering viewers around the world a chance to witness the magnificence and intricacy of this astonishing creation.
Conclusion
Creating a giant spider sculpture was a journey that pushed the boundaries of my artistic abilities. From the initial concept to the final stitch, every step held its challenges and rewards. Through careful planning, sourcing of materials, and countless hours of dedicated work, the vision in my mind became a stunning reality. The giant spider not only showcases the power of art to inspire and captivate but also highlights the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of creativity.
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