And now for something ~completely~ different! Airship Two. This is a passion of mine (because although I'm known for my masks, I'm secretly a miniature model builder at heart); a tiny whimsical fantasy airship created from unique items in my shop. Available on a limited basis, never to be repeated.

The ship's hull is made from pieced, sculpted and carved leather, dyed and painted with acrylics in brown, black and gold, sealed (just like my masks) with a clearcoat for durability. Inside; two levels of painted wooden decking. Below, three graceful, organically sculpted leather fins built into the base seam of the hull, to keep the airship on an even keel.

The ship is adorned with real brass fittings, including an anchor on a chain, brass wings on the prow for a figurehead, and a tiny brass watch gear for the ship's wheel at the helm (trust me it's adorable!). In back; a tiny brass propeller mounted on a copper "housing" and it actually spins (not motorized...just cute!).

I made bronze wire-wrapped lanterns from quartz beads...red rear lanterns and a white "hurricane lantern" hung from the bowsprit. The rear lanterns hang from bent wire brackets.

The ship is suspended from a "helium balloon" made of paper mache, decorated with gears and brass findings, painted cream with gold details and wrapped with a single burgundy velvet ribbon, for fun. Hand-knotted netting of gold embroidery yarn supports the top and bottom gears. The ship is suspended from the bottom gear by five bright brass chains (approximately 5 inches log each) which are attached prettily to the ship by five brass eye bolts firmly screwed into the hull.

The dimensions (in inches):
Ship hull...length: 5", width: 1 & 3/4"
Ship and fins...length: 6 & 1/2", width: 4"
Balloon: 4" round
Entire piece including chains: approximately 15", not including the anchor which hangs from a 4" chain

The whole sculpture weighs about 13 ounces. It will come with a gold ribbon for hanging. Although it has tiny delicate parts, the construction is solid with all pieces firmly bolted and cemented. Care needs to be taken with the paper mache ball.

This is NOT a toy. There are tiny parts on this piece, and it includes metal gears with sharp pointy edges. It should never be displayed anywhere in reach of children.

This piece took days to build and can never be repeated again. Please keep in mind; this is NOT a toy and NOT a Christmas ornament...I priced it for what it is; a completely hand-built mixed media sculpture. You need to click the link to see the listing, which includes pictures from different angles. [link]