tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13809252564151255742024-03-18T10:38:48.789-07:00An Elephant a DayCreating a new elephant likeness each day for a year, using a new technique, skill or medium each time.Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-90432962622813466392013-09-03T20:25:00.001-07:002013-09-22T07:26:05.964-07:00An Elephant a Day 2.0 is Now Live!<br />
It's been nearly a year since I made the last elephant in this first yearlong 366-day blog. I thought it would be a few days before I started blogging again, but it took me a lot longer to get over making something every day than I thought it would.<br />
<br />
For those of you who followed me throughout the original year, and those of you who have joined more recently, you can see the first entry in the new blog <a href="http://elephantaday2.blogspot.ca/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
In the rebooted blog, I'm also inviting people to contribute their own elephants. If you've created an elephant—in any medium or art practice at all—or want to tell the world about a handcrafted elephant you've acquired along the way, I'd love to hear about it. And if you don't have any elephants to share, but have a story about an encounter with elephants, or an elephant anecdote, or even news from the world of elephant conservation, that's great too. To share your stories and creations, send me a message via Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elephantaday">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I'll be featuring as many submissions as possible on the blog—with proper credit, of course—so don't be shy. I may edit written material slightly for length or content before
posting it on this blog, but the idea is to open up the blog to the
wider world. Almost everyone I meet loves elephants, or knows of someone who does, so I'm sure there's lots of great content out there.<br />
<br />
And if you still feel you don't have a "worthy" elephant to share, have a wander through the posts on this original blog. There are some crazy experiments, as well as some true duds—upholstery foam, anyone?—so pretty much anything goes.<br />
<br />
And if you're really keen, feel free to like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elephantaday?ref=hl">Facebook</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/anelephantaday">Twitter</a>, check us out on <a href="http://pinterest.com/elephantaday/boards/">Pinterest</a> and look for a short version of the blog on <a href="http://anelephantaday.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your support over the past year—I look forward to meeting you online soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee)</a></span></span><br />
<br />Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-42999175937676553342012-10-02T13:12:00.003-07:002021-04-17T05:30:36.658-07:00Elephant No. 366: Photo Mosaic<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJpUShTWhd4/UGpCLg_AjTI/AAAAAAAAQFw/qxk1mInlt1c/s1600/Cropped-ganesh.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJpUShTWhd4/UGpCLg_AjTI/AAAAAAAAQFw/qxk1mInlt1c/s400/Cropped-ganesh.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today is the last day of this yearlong project, and I couldn't think of anything better than making an photo mosaic elephant using images of all the elephants that have gone before.<br />
<br />
Today's elephant accordingly features a tiny photograph of every elephant I've created over the
previous 365 days. On some days I barely squeaked out one image; on
others I produced as many as a dozen for a single post. And for my elephant photo essay, there were nearly two dozen. They're all
here—all 586 of them—and visible, if you were to take a magnifying glass to it.<br />
<br />
The hardest part for today's elephant was gathering all the feature photos from all 365 blog posts. As for the actual photo mosaic, there are free software packages that take care of assembling everything. This was a great relief to me, because the very idea of having to figure out something like this on my own was more than I could wrap my mind around. <br />
<br />
To find the software, just do an online search for "photo mosaic software" and you'll have multiple options, whether you use a Mac—as I do—or a PC. This was produced using the <a href="http://download.cnet.com/MacOSaiX/3000-18488_4-27011.html?tag=mncol;1">MacOSaix</a> program, and it really is dead-simple.<br />
<br />
The first thing you need to do is choose a baseline photograph: the image that will be reconstituted from all your other images. I chose the image below, which was one of my favourites from the past year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKy9mYHwzkk/UDI8slMUEAI/AAAAAAAAMW0/yxHMS1F5xLM/s1600/Lord+Ganesh+Festival+elephant.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKy9mYHwzkk/UDI8slMUEAI/AAAAAAAAMW0/yxHMS1F5xLM/s400/Lord+Ganesh+Festival+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian elephant in a poster that reads, "This Lord Ganesh festival, save the elephant,"<br />produced for the Jopasana Wildlife Conservation in India.<br />Source: http://www.sunilshibad.com/2010/09/jopasana-wildlife-consevation-this-lord.html</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Next, you import a file of photographs. I discovered in a test-run a couple of days ago that it's better to have far more photos than you think you'll need. In my first attempt, I used about 100 photos, and it wasn't nearly enough.<br />
<br />
Now all you have to do is let the software do its work. The MacOSaix package is extremely easy, but I'm sure most of them are similarly simple. It took about 20 minutes to generate the final image, and it took me reloading the folder ten times, for a total of 5,860 photos for the software to play with. It didn't use all of them, mostly because I stopped the process when I liked the way it looked, saving it before it was quite finished "optimizing placement".<br />
<br />
So now I'm done with this yearlong extravaganza. It's been an interesting experience, and the response has been great. The blog has been viewed more than 100,000 times, by people in more than 130 countries, in every part of the world. There have even been several works of art and craft inspired by some of the posts—and many
kind words from friends and strangers along the way.<br />
<br />
I actually have no idea if 100,000 views is good for a blog
like this, but it's a nice milestone. My sincere thanks to everyone who
encouraged me, offered ideas and inspiration, and kept me
going. It's been a marathon, to be sure. It was fun, if
exhausting—particularly when real life had the nerve to get in the
way—and I learned more about elephants than I ever expected to know.
More to the point, when I started this blog, I didn't really know how to draw an elephant, and now I can draw them in my sleep—and often do.<br />
<br />
If you decide to try a yearlong project like this, here are some of my top tips:<br />
<br />
1. Make sure your house is clean and organized before you start. It's only going to get worse.<br />
<br />
2. Make sure you have a cooperative, long-suffering spouse. Mine was a star, putting up with bits of stuff everywhere, a very distracted me, and glitter that never quite went away.<br />
<br />
3. Choose subject matter you like—or at least think you'll like—because you're going to be stuck with that theme for a year. On the other hand, it might even work if you don't love the original subject matter. For example, I don't really warm to bugs or snakes, but I bet if I'd drawn, painted, built and researched them for a year, I might end up feeling differently.<br />
<br />
4. Have three or four days' worth of concrete ideas banked in advance. There's nothing worse than finding yourself in the middle of the day without a clue about what you want to make. I actually created a spreadsheet at the beginning of the year with about 100 possibilities. I only produced about 50 things from that list, but it was a good brainstorming tool.<br />
<br />
5. Keep your eyes open constantly for quick things to make—I found dollar stores, toy stores and art stores to be the best places for this. There is definitely going to come a day—perhaps several—when you really, <i>really</i> don't want to make anything. Having simple activities and projects on hand will be a lifesaver.<br />
<br />
6. Speaking of which, nothing will take as little time as you expect, although there may be a few projects that take far less time than you think. Do the happy dance on those days and thank your lucky stars.<br />
<br />
7. The closer you get to the finish line, the harder it's going to get. The past two weeks were the hardest of all for me, because the end was in sight, but it was still nearly 15 days away. It was a little like being in a cartoon desert and seeing the mirage of an oasis that's actually miles in the distance.<br />
<br />
8. Make sure to have fun. I often made ridiculous things, just to please or amuse myself. Sometimes it was simply trying techniques I was curious about, and sometimes it was drawing something that made me laugh. In a similar vein, it's not a bad idea to make things you don't mind looking at, because they're likely to be around for a while. <br />
<br />
I'm taking a few days off, but I may return to elephants in the near future. With all I've learned about elephants over the past year, I'm not sure I can fully abandon them—or their welfare. Like the best of us, they are inherently sensitive, intelligent, hardworking, brave, and loyal. Unlike us, they are in serious danger of disappearing from this world forever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VxLsrUZ7Mcg/UGpB3AZFk_I/AAAAAAAAQFo/bPHlfQp3ZnQ/s1600/Ganesh+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VxLsrUZ7Mcg/UGpB3AZFk_I/AAAAAAAAQFo/bPHlfQp3ZnQ/s400/Ganesh+elephant-s.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Rather than write about a specific elephant<b> </b>or specific elephant characteristics for this last official blogging day, I thought I would share a few things I like that have been written and said about elephants.<br />
<br />
<i>"By a sweet tongue and kindness, you can drag an elephant with a hair."</i><br />
—Persian proverb<br />
<br />
<i><span class="huge">"In the divine Scriptures, there are shallows and
there are deeps; shallows where the lamb may wade, and deeps where the
elephant may swim.</span>"</i><br />
—John Owen<br />
<i><br /><span class="bodybold"></span></i>
<i>"Not that I think much depends<br />
On how we treat our feathered friends,<br />
Or hold the wrinkled elephant<br />
A nobler creature than my aunt.<br />
It's simply that I'm sure I can<br />
Get on without my fellow man."</i><br />
—Ogden Nash, <i>À Bas Ben Adhem</i><br />
<br />
<i>"The torn boughs trailing o'er the tusks aslant,<br />
The saplings reeling in the path he trod,<br />
Declare his might — our lord the Elephant,<br />
Chief of the ways of God."</i><br />
—Rudyard Kipling<br />
<br />
<span class="bodybold"></span><i>"'Smelling isn't everything,' said the Elephant. </i><br />
<i>"'Why,' said the Bulldog, 'if a fellow can't trust his nose, what is he to trust?' </i><br />
<i>"'Well his brains, perhaps,' she replied mildly."</i><br />
—C.S. Lewis<br />
<br />
<i>"When an elephant steps on a trap, no more trap."</i><br />
—African proverb<br />
<br />
<i>"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant</i><br />
<i>An elephant's faithful, one hundred percent!"</i><br />
—Dr. Seuss/Theodore Geisel, <i>Horton Hears a Who</i><br />
<br />
<i>"Nature's great masterpiece, an elephant, </i><br />
<i>The only harmless great thing."</i><br />
—John Donne, <i>The Progress of the Soul</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="huge"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVcWYT9G1Jw/UGpHAbwCO8I/AAAAAAAAQGU/O2EKhzjnEzY/s1600/elephant-from-behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVcWYT9G1Jw/UGpHAbwCO8I/AAAAAAAAQGU/O2EKhzjnEzY/s400/elephant-from-behind.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Andrew Styan<br />
Source: http://twistedsifter.com/2010/12/elephant-facts-<br />
largest-land-animal/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee)</a></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold"></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-43613903419496057082012-10-01T15:18:00.002-07:002021-04-16T18:49:31.784-07:00Elephant No. 365: Door Hanger<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORym83F3pdo/UGoO4W4W5eI/AAAAAAAAQDg/GfowXquSXxE/s1600/Elephant+closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORym83F3pdo/UGoO4W4W5eI/AAAAAAAAQDg/GfowXquSXxE/s400/Elephant+closeup.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Technically, today marks the end of a calendar year's worth of this blog, but since 2012 is a leap year, I ended up with 366 days.<br />
<br />
But because it's almost the last day, when I saw a plain wooden door hanger in a discount store, I thought it might be perfect for today's elephant.<br />
<br />
A door hanger is generally rectangular in shape, with a cut-out to allow it to slip over a doorknob. The most common form of door hanger is a "Do Not Disturb" sign, hung over the outer handle in hotel rooms, classrooms, bedrooms, and so forth. They are also often used as a form of advertising, or as a means of leaving delivery notices.<br />
<br />
Some people use do-not-disturb signs on their hotel rooms to make thieves think that the room is occupied. In other instances, do-not-disturb signs have been blamed for concealing evidence of a homicide or other crime. In some hotels, instead of a do-not-disturb sign, a privacy button can now be triggered from inside the room, lighting up an indicator on the outside of the door.<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I thought I'd make my own do-not-disturb sign, since the minute I finish tomorrow's blog, I'm taking a few days away from anything remotely like blogging.<br />
<br />
This was the wooden door hanger I bought. It came in a package of two for a dollar, which I thought was a pretty good deal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-Z9NPPZsmA/UGoPhsYuOSI/AAAAAAAAQD4/U3zro1snNiI/s1600/Package+of+door+hangers-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-Z9NPPZsmA/UGoPhsYuOSI/AAAAAAAAQD4/U3zro1snNiI/s320/Package+of+door+hangers-s.png" width="143" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mU3o3tI61Nw/UGoPkFAHMWI/AAAAAAAAQEA/zX7-4Ms5Ugg/s1600/Blank+door+hanger-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mU3o3tI61Nw/UGoPkFAHMWI/AAAAAAAAQEA/zX7-4Ms5Ugg/s320/Blank+door+hanger-s.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started by painting the whole thing red on both sides with acrylic paint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WexRjpo101A/UGoPrZ9HsxI/AAAAAAAAQEI/6QOKU64OggQ/s1600/Painted+red-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WexRjpo101A/UGoPrZ9HsxI/AAAAAAAAQEI/6QOKU64OggQ/s320/Painted+red-s.png" width="140" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once both sides were dry, I sketched an elephant on paper. I didn't really want to sketch too much on the painted piece, because an eraser might leave marks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HgNwrsBa-E/UGoP9i4JRWI/AAAAAAAAQEQ/oXxuTi36fL0/s1600/Pencil+sketch-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HgNwrsBa-E/UGoP9i4JRWI/AAAAAAAAQEQ/oXxuTi36fL0/s320/Pencil+sketch-s.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I began by painting right on the door hanger, using my sketch as inspiration. I did do a bit of sketching once I'd painted the head, just to keep me on track. I roughed in the head first, then the yellow pyjamas, then the bits of arms and legs peeking out. I then added a little stuffed bunny, rather than the pull toy from my original sketch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vASQ8wovwpc/UGoQkdN2CbI/AAAAAAAAQEY/7nUnDw7nhHo/s1600/Stage+1-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vASQ8wovwpc/UGoQkdN2CbI/AAAAAAAAQEY/7nUnDw7nhHo/s320/Stage+1-s.png" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5abfGisOwxA/UGoQl1trxbI/AAAAAAAAQEg/O2bieXWgQUE/s1600/Stage+2-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5abfGisOwxA/UGoQl1trxbI/AAAAAAAAQEg/O2bieXWgQUE/s320/Stage+2-s.png" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It took about six coats of yellow in total to give me a surface I liked, which probably distracted me a bit, because I forgot to photograph any of the other stages in between. To give you an idea of how I proceeded, however, I added pink to the ears, trunk and toenails, as well as the bunny's nose. Then I added all the blue dots on the pyjamas, followed by eyes and tusks. To finish up, I wrote "DO NOT DISTURB" in gold paint, added dots of gold for the crown, and picked out the edge of the entire thing in gold dots.<br />
<br />
It took me about an hour in actual working time to paint this, along with about half an hour to let the red dry, and about half an hour to build up enough layers of yellow. It wasn't particularly difficult, however, and the final piece is quite nice in real life.<br />
<br />
I think it will also look very nice on my study door at the end of the day tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TagXYhO-bik/UGoPSowJQlI/AAAAAAAAQDw/J41if7TF9ec/s1600/Whole+final-door+hanger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TagXYhO-bik/UGoPSowJQlI/AAAAAAAAQDw/J41if7TF9ec/s400/Whole+final-door+hanger.png" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Lin Wang is thought to be the oldest elephant who ever lived. Born in 1917, Lin Wang was an Asian elephant who also served with the Chinese Expeditionary Force during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), and later with the Kuomintang in Taiwan.<br />
<br />
During the war, when the Japanese began attacking British colonies in Burma, Chiang Kai-Shek formed the Chinese Expeditionary Force, under General Sun Li-jen. After a 1943 battle near a Japanese camp in Burma, Lin Wang and twelve other elephants were captured by the Chinese. The elephants had been used by the Japanese to haul large guns and other supplies, and were pressed into action by the Allies for similar purposes.<br />
<br />
In 1945, the Expeditionary Force was recalled to China. The elephants and their handlers marched out along the Burma Road, but six elephants died on the difficult journey. By the time they arrived in Guangdong, the war was over. The elephants' wartime service was not over, however. They were used to haul building materials for war monuments, and in 1946 also performed in a circus to help raise money for famine relief in Hunan province. Four of the elephants were sent to four separate zoos, while Lin Wang and the two others were sent to a park in Guangzhou. <br />
<br />
In 1947, General Sun was sent to Taiwan to train new troops, and took the three elephants with him. One died while crossing the Taiwan Strait; the two others were used to haul logs and perform other labour near a military base. In 1951, another elephant died. The zoo elephants had also died over the years, leaving only Lin Wang of the thirteen original elephants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uuplApoex8/UGnVq5tRpbI/AAAAAAAAQCs/9CU1ytJg5Fk/s1600/Lin_Wang_and_Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uuplApoex8/UGnVq5tRpbI/AAAAAAAAQCs/9CU1ytJg5Fk/s320/Lin_Wang_and_Sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lin Wang and General Sun, 1947.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lin_Wang_and_Sun.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In 1952, Lin Wang was sent to the Taipei Zoo, where he joined the female elephant Malan. Lin Wang soon became the most popular and famous animal in Taiwan. In 1983, the zoo threw a birthday party for his sixty-sixth birthday, and continued throwing parties for him every year until his death.<br />
<br />
In early 2003, Lin Wang developed arthritis in one of his hind legs. Lacking the companionship of Malan, who had died some months earlier, Lin Wang stopped eating. He declined rapidly, and died on February 26. His memorial at the zoo lasted several weeks, and was visited by tens of thousands of people, many of whom left cards and flowers. He was also posthumously made an Honorary Taipei Citizen by the Mayor of Taipei. Taiwan's President even sent a wreath with a card to "our forever friend, Lin Wang."<br />
<br />
Today, Lin Wang has become part of Taiwan's national identity, and children and adults alike remember him as "Grandpa Lin Wang". In 2004, the Taipei Zoo erected a life-sized monument to him, and an animated film about his life is currently in the works.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd_MlU9KVA4/UGnWOEvxkZI/AAAAAAAAQC8/Ytszkul4v6s/s1600/3b278340c6b0d28fd52b41dcf24e232cc6afaa24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd_MlU9KVA4/UGnWOEvxkZI/AAAAAAAAQC8/Ytszkul4v6s/s400/3b278340c6b0d28fd52b41dcf24e232cc6afaa24.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument to Lin Wang at the Taipei Zoo.<br />
Source: http://lang-8.com/237451/journals/1141852/<br />
Taipei-Zoo%2528-II-%2529-Who-is-Lin-Wang%253F</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee)</a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-49401356043874775562012-09-30T17:35:00.004-07:002021-04-16T20:52:52.750-07:00Elephant No. 364: Kaleidoscope<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTrjjXo44Rk/UGja8-HP9oI/AAAAAAAAP-s/W5Z5q_h07NU/s1600/Final-upright-elephant+kaleidoscope.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTrjjXo44Rk/UGja8-HP9oI/AAAAAAAAP-s/W5Z5q_h07NU/s400/Final-upright-elephant+kaleidoscope.png" width="125" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've loved kaleidoscopes ever since I was little, and have a small collection of at least three different types.<br />
<br />
The word "kaleidoscope"—from the Greek <i>kalos</i> (beauty/beautiful), <i>eidos</i> (shape) and <i>skopeo</i> (to see/observe)—was coined in 1817 by Scottish inventor Sir David Brewster, who developed the device as an outgrowth of his experiments on the polarization of light. <br />
<br />
His first design consisted of a tube with a pair of mirrors at one end, translucent disks at the other, and beads sandwiched in between. The kaleidscope was an instant success when it hit the market in 1817, with Brewster and his manufacturing partner Philip Carpenter selling 200,000 kaleidoscopes in London within the first three months. Realizing that they would never be able to keep up with the demand, the men licensed other companies to produce kaleidoscopes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFu5TLgqIkc/UGjbKGvhsnI/AAAAAAAAP-0/p198EJh7-ns/s1600/Vintage+kaleidoscope-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFu5TLgqIkc/UGjbKGvhsnI/AAAAAAAAP-0/p198EJh7-ns/s400/Vintage+kaleidoscope-s.png" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toy kaleidoscope, ca. 1965.<br />
Photo: Sheila Singhal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Kaleidoscopes were originally produced as a science tool, but were soon being made in cheaper toy versions. Most kaleidoscopes today consist of a tube, a trio of mirrors formed into a triangle, and a selection of beads, bits of coloured glass and shiny shapes, floating freely in a small receptacle at the opposite end from the eyepiece. As light enters the receptacle end of the kaleidoscope, and the user turns the receptacle, multifaceted and ever-changing patterns are created.<br />
<br />
In addition to the typical mirrored tube, there are also liquid versions. Tiny coloured pieces suspended in a thick liquid drift past a mirrored tube, creating the pattern.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-624NDJv9vOo/UGjblLqyKmI/AAAAAAAAP_E/UOJlE9U8OyA/s1600/Keychain+liquid+kaleidoscope-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-624NDJv9vOo/UGjblLqyKmI/AAAAAAAAP_E/UOJlE9U8OyA/s320/Keychain+liquid+kaleidoscope-s.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inexpensive liquid kaleidoscope.<br />
Photo: Sheila Singhal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And finally, there are teleidoscopes. These also employ mirrors; however, instead of having integral coloured pieces, they reflect objects outside the tube, producing a similar multifaceted effect.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tecNgGkHwEo/UGjbZ1r1wLI/AAAAAAAAP-8/80ktDQ9qe5Q/s1600/Teleidoscope-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tecNgGkHwEo/UGjbZ1r1wLI/AAAAAAAAP-8/80ktDQ9qe5Q/s400/Teleidoscope-s.png" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teleidoscope, ca. 1960.<br />
Photo: Sheila Singhal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Although the vast majority of modern telescopes consist of inexpensive cardboard tubes, plastic mirrors and plastic beads, there is also a high-end market for kaleidoscopes produced by artists. Many craft galleries carry artisan kaleidoscopes and teleidoscopes, and they are a popular item at craft fairs.<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I bought this kaleidoscope kit, made for children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDx45oYmsBA/UGjb8npwE9I/AAAAAAAAP_M/1U79XCtAfHQ/s1600/Kaleidoscope+Kit-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDx45oYmsBA/UGjb8npwE9I/AAAAAAAAP_M/1U79XCtAfHQ/s320/Kaleidoscope+Kit-s.png" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this is what it contained.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P5EzxInX0o/UGjcBXmc5gI/AAAAAAAAP_U/J0ulmI49qok/s1600/Kit+contents-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P5EzxInX0o/UGjcBXmc5gI/AAAAAAAAP_U/J0ulmI49qok/s320/Kit+contents-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't like the purple flowered paper provided for the outside of the tube, so I decided I would paint elephants on the outside, using a sheet of canvas from a canvas pad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEwfMiKu9E4/UGjcIRHY2rI/AAAAAAAAP_c/NDgKvSuQpFM/s1600/Tube+and+paper+templates-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEwfMiKu9E4/UGjcIRHY2rI/AAAAAAAAP_c/NDgKvSuQpFM/s320/Tube+and+paper+templates-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I cut the canvas into the appropriate sizes for the main part of the tube, the receptacle, and the little band dividing the two, and drew some elephants on all three pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EgarJEWbOzM/UGjcQJjL8MI/AAAAAAAAP_s/Rkf-Eq59bTs/s1600/Canvas+pad-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EgarJEWbOzM/UGjcQJjL8MI/AAAAAAAAP_s/Rkf-Eq59bTs/s320/Canvas+pad-s.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dLPWDQwGLs/UGjcOSYD3fI/AAAAAAAAP_k/TNA5nTLIE-U/s1600/Cut+canvas+pieces-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dLPWDQwGLs/UGjcOSYD3fI/AAAAAAAAP_k/TNA5nTLIE-U/s320/Cut+canvas+pieces-s.png" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-627pVxOp2Io/UGjcSjRaUBI/AAAAAAAAP_0/PdE1AYHsafk/s1600/Sketches+on+canvas-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-627pVxOp2Io/UGjcSjRaUBI/AAAAAAAAP_0/PdE1AYHsafk/s320/Sketches+on+canvas-s.png" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I painted everything next, bearing in mind that there would be a small overlap when everything was glued.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJXSFdZDiEs/UGjco6HoIKI/AAAAAAAAP_8/nMH4GJaYCzs/s1600/Painted+pieces+of+canvas-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJXSFdZDiEs/UGjco6HoIKI/AAAAAAAAP_8/nMH4GJaYCzs/s320/Painted+pieces+of+canvas-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZSUeypOleA/UGjczZ5gxHI/AAAAAAAAQAE/UMWWgBRPzow/s1600/Top+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZSUeypOleA/UGjczZ5gxHI/AAAAAAAAQAE/UMWWgBRPzow/s1600/Top+elephant.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS58QIhf3Ys/UGjc3EGePbI/AAAAAAAAQAM/5LNf2JXRC5w/s1600/Second+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS58QIhf3Ys/UGjc3EGePbI/AAAAAAAAQAM/5LNf2JXRC5w/s1600/Second+elephant.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01R_qVK-YcY/UGjc-Z8R73I/AAAAAAAAQAU/XIEnRJ8YlxY/s1600/Thin+band-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01R_qVK-YcY/UGjc-Z8R73I/AAAAAAAAQAU/XIEnRJ8YlxY/s320/Thin+band-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYK9vVXL9is/UGjdCeDzxUI/AAAAAAAAQAc/g_m-AMn3kZo/s1600/Lower+band-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYK9vVXL9is/UGjdCeDzxUI/AAAAAAAAQAc/g_m-AMn3kZo/s320/Lower+band-s.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
I glued all of the canvas pieces to the tube with a glue gun. I glued only the seams at the back, but made sure to smooth the canvas tightly around the tube before glueing the overlap.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viERgq1jcUc/UGjdTbGtzcI/AAAAAAAAQAk/M6ybcXqd3E0/s1600/Tube+without+cup-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viERgq1jcUc/UGjdTbGtzcI/AAAAAAAAQAk/M6ybcXqd3E0/s320/Tube+without+cup-s.png" width="120" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I assembled the mirrors. The kit included special tape to hold them in the requisite triangle formation. I then inserted the assemblage into the tube.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-EGQ7Akcp0/UGjdhcLUiYI/AAAAAAAAQAs/_fAzSROOMiA/s1600/Mirrors+assembled-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-EGQ7Akcp0/UGjdhcLUiYI/AAAAAAAAQAs/_fAzSROOMiA/s320/Mirrors+assembled-s.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ814mdKfoI/UGjdkHUlqVI/AAAAAAAAQA0/ao__gf9nnJk/s1600/Mirrors+inserted+in+tube-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ814mdKfoI/UGjdkHUlqVI/AAAAAAAAQA0/ao__gf9nnJk/s320/Mirrors+inserted+in+tube-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYNzhBnXZkE/UGjdlTKWTBI/AAAAAAAAQA8/d8_rc1y9_sg/s1600/Mirrors+in+tube-detail-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYNzhBnXZkE/UGjdlTKWTBI/AAAAAAAAQA8/d8_rc1y9_sg/s320/Mirrors+in+tube-detail-s.png" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I planned to use many of the coloured bits that came with the kit, but I thought there should be at least one elephant shape in the mix. I didn't have any coloured plastic handy, so I bought this plastic food container for a dollar, then cut out three small elephant shapes. This was probably the hardest part of the whole activity, because the plastic was a bit thick, and wasn't very forgiving, splitting and cracking at will.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BYCr_YV5r0/UGjd_OZ9TOI/AAAAAAAAQBE/SdkDlmupFE0/s1600/Pink+plastic+container-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BYCr_YV5r0/UGjd_OZ9TOI/AAAAAAAAQBE/SdkDlmupFE0/s320/Pink+plastic+container-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THRLRlBtNqY/UGjeAjs9Z0I/AAAAAAAAQBM/3qQZvvndfYE/s1600/Pink+elephants-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THRLRlBtNqY/UGjeAjs9Z0I/AAAAAAAAQBM/3qQZvvndfYE/s320/Pink+elephants-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I put the elephants in the little plastic receptacle that goes in the bottom of the kaleidoscope tube, and added a bunch of other beads from the selection that came with the kit. When I was happy with the mix, I pushed the cup into the tube.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JC3sV8O7GI/UGjeO25RfDI/AAAAAAAAQBU/TzcG8iGEXPU/s1600/Coloured+bits-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JC3sV8O7GI/UGjeO25RfDI/AAAAAAAAQBU/TzcG8iGEXPU/s320/Coloured+bits-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSh7R4PE2-k/UGjeRQFAxMI/AAAAAAAAQBc/_nX-DZXHWDg/s1600/Beads+in+cup-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSh7R4PE2-k/UGjeRQFAxMI/AAAAAAAAQBc/_nX-DZXHWDg/s320/Beads+in+cup-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx2HVFn4UTE/UGjeS0RaBrI/AAAAAAAAQBk/djnDX2M8xAg/s1600/Closed+cup-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx2HVFn4UTE/UGjeS0RaBrI/AAAAAAAAQBk/djnDX2M8xAg/s320/Closed+cup-s.png" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL1RNeKpGH4/UGjeUDRgV8I/AAAAAAAAQBs/mit9trxNxSw/s1600/Cup+inserted+in+tube-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL1RNeKpGH4/UGjeUDRgV8I/AAAAAAAAQBs/mit9trxNxSw/s320/Cup+inserted+in+tube-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now came the fun part. The three photos below show my best attempts at capturing my three pink elephants. You have to squint a bit, but at least I know they're there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs9CvxpYfhA/UGjephvYpBI/AAAAAAAAQB0/Ifv3-pU50AE/s1600/View-1-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs9CvxpYfhA/UGjephvYpBI/AAAAAAAAQB0/Ifv3-pU50AE/s320/View-1-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbZayiBFc1U/UGjeravheoI/AAAAAAAAQB8/eb4O5Eqn8zo/s1600/View-2-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbZayiBFc1U/UGjeravheoI/AAAAAAAAQB8/eb4O5Eqn8zo/s320/View-2-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMdJtbbrN4o/UGjesmP12AI/AAAAAAAAQCE/0FCSZNrP8TY/s1600/View-3-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMdJtbbrN4o/UGjesmP12AI/AAAAAAAAQCE/0FCSZNrP8TY/s320/View-3-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If I hadn't decided to redesign the decoration on the outside of the tube, and if I hadn't decided to cut out little elephants, this would probably have taken an hour or so. As it was, it took me most of the afternoon.<br />
<br />
That being said, I really like the final result, and think it will make a nice little addition to my existing collection.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yN2B1RJtMs/UGjfLV_BF3I/AAAAAAAAQCM/_a-otjKU340/s1600/Final-flat-kaleidoscope+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yN2B1RJtMs/UGjfLV_BF3I/AAAAAAAAQCM/_a-otjKU340/s400/Final-flat-kaleidoscope+elephant.png" width="138" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
In 1887, Toby the elephant was added to Moore Park in Sydney, Australia. For many years, she was a great favourite with the public, performing a wide range of clever tricks. She could remove her keeper's hat when asked, take a handbell in her trunk and ring it, and ride an elephant-sized seesaw.<br />
<br />
In those days, Australia's circuses and menageries often travelled by sea. And Toby, like all elephants, had a very good memory. On one voyage, a deckhand fed Toby an orange loaded with hot pepper—a rather cruel thing to do, considering the sensitivity of an elephant's trunk and mouth. On a much later voyage, the same deckhand happened to be passing by, when Toby grabbed him with her trunk. She tried to dump him overboard, but the man landed in the rigging and was saved.<br />
<br />
Over time, as do many other performing elephants, Toby became more sour and less reliable. Sold to the Wirth Circus, she continued to perform, but was prone to tantrums. In July 1904, in a fit of pique, she broke free of her chains and rampaged through the grounds where the circus was encamped. She broke the pole holding up the main tent, the curtains and a stage, then dashed across the grounds, pulled down some fencing, and trampled a few trees. She only came to a stop when she happened upon an interesting snack consisting of a sack of wheat and a half-dozen loaves of bread. This restored her temper, and she was safely led back to her enclosure.<br />
<br />
Toby continued to perform with the Wirth Circus until about 1914, when she collapsed on a bridge, holding up horse-drawn traffic for twelve hours. Although she recovered, she collapsed again about a year later, dying in April 1915 after an illness lasting about three days. It was suggested at the time that she was close to eighty years old—which would have been exceptionally old for an elephant. It is more likely, however, that she was born in 1877, making her only 37 or 38 at the time of her death. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdCJyna05LU/UGjJM5W_mXI/AAAAAAAAP8g/-awQET1uvcY/s1600/article4507616-3-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdCJyna05LU/UGjJM5W_mXI/AAAAAAAAP8g/-awQET1uvcY/s400/article4507616-3-001.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of Toby from a newspaper article.<br />
Source: http://circuszooanimals.blogspot.ca/2011/11/<br />
toby-troublemaking-elephant.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee</a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-80180019329279856982012-09-29T14:14:00.001-07:002021-04-16T18:50:53.088-07:00Elephant No. 363: Party Blowout<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuUw4HNgjkE/UGdcwDrRuII/AAAAAAAAP6g/IeUaZKWnHUM/s1600/Final-rolled-blowout+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuUw4HNgjkE/UGdcwDrRuII/AAAAAAAAP6g/IeUaZKWnHUM/s400/Final-rolled-blowout+elephant-s.png" width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't actually know the name of this type of party favour—and I'm still slightly suspicious that "blowout" is a made-up descriptive name—but since I'm almost done with this yearlong project, a party favour seemed like the thing to make for today's elephant.<br />
<br />
Also known as party horns, blowers, noisemakers, jolly Jonathans, squeakers and fizoos, party blowouts consist of paper cones attached to paper tubes that are flattened and rolled into coils. Most contain a coiled metal strip to make the tube retract again, as well as a small diaphragm, so that when you blow into the mouthpiece, it makes a noise.<br />
<br />
The most familiar type of party blowout is the kind with a simple tube and a plastic mouthpiece. When I was little, they always had a small feather on the end as well, which fluttered when the tube was fully extended. Although I don't usually keep these, I did keep a rather unusual blowout with three extending tubes, brought back from India by my father. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feJoB-RQMXo/UGdhxOOYA5I/AAAAAAAAP8A/3Mcfrhs9hCg/s1600/Divali+noisemaker-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feJoB-RQMXo/UGdhxOOYA5I/AAAAAAAAP8A/3Mcfrhs9hCg/s320/Divali+noisemaker-s.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triple-tubed Divali noisemaker from India.<br />Photo: Sheila Singhal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There are also blowouts with novelty faces attached, which is the kind I'll be making for today's elephant. I had actually forgotten about the face version, until I saw this package in the party supplies section of a discount store. None of the packages contained an elephant face, which seemed odd to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf9rMm7o-ww/UGddB-pk-xI/AAAAAAAAP6o/TozVQuCWsuI/s1600/Package+of+blowouts-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf9rMm7o-ww/UGddB-pk-xI/AAAAAAAAP6o/TozVQuCWsuI/s320/Package+of+blowouts-s.png" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ysC5kKNx-4/UGddCoagy5I/AAAAAAAAP6w/_iHKx-eFZaM/s1600/Panda+blowout-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ysC5kKNx-4/UGddCoagy5I/AAAAAAAAP6w/_iHKx-eFZaM/s320/Panda+blowout-s.png" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was dead simple to make, of course. All I had to do was disassemble one of the blowouts from the package, and use the headpiece as a template.<br />
<br />
I traced around two of the animals on a piece of artist-quality bristol board. It obviously didn't matter which one I used as a guide, because it was going to be altered, anyway. To hedge my bets, however, I chose two different shapes and superimposed them. The main thing was to get the general size right, and to get the openings in approximately the right spot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWK_ovnxpgU/UGddU0W_oMI/AAAAAAAAP64/Z9UHMex61F4/s1600/Heads+for+template-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWK_ovnxpgU/UGddU0W_oMI/AAAAAAAAP64/Z9UHMex61F4/s320/Heads+for+template-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtcUwtXA4PA/UGddWzwZThI/AAAAAAAAP7A/5fngYfYebMs/s1600/Traced+templates-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtcUwtXA4PA/UGddWzwZThI/AAAAAAAAP7A/5fngYfYebMs/s320/Traced+templates-s.png" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once I'd traced around everything, I expanded it to add the elephant's features, obviously sans trunk. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fl2k89hgOW8/UGdde7T0a7I/AAAAAAAAP7I/x-1971iN2Kw/s1600/Blank-blowout+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fl2k89hgOW8/UGdde7T0a7I/AAAAAAAAP7I/x-1971iN2Kw/s320/Blank-blowout+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This looked a bit like a vampire bat, which worried me, so I cut it out and fit one of the plain blowouts through the opening before I went to the trouble of painting it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxDgBVZORq8/UGddxD9gC8I/AAAAAAAAP7Q/-Nwv8BlTNVc/s1600/Unpainted-assembled-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxDgBVZORq8/UGddxD9gC8I/AAAAAAAAP7Q/-Nwv8BlTNVc/s320/Unpainted-assembled-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It looked okay, so I painted everything with gouache. I thought about painting the tube, but the harlequin pattern already had grey in it, and I didn't know what might happen if I added paint. I feared I might end up with a dissolving paper mash, so I left well enough alone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1bgT-7VSfs/UGdeF7u1JtI/AAAAAAAAP7g/CrjQB6QZodk/s1600/Detail-blowout+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1bgT-7VSfs/UGdeF7u1JtI/AAAAAAAAP7g/CrjQB6QZodk/s320/Detail-blowout+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18DpUMwDYpo/UGdd-8PXnYI/AAAAAAAAP7Y/0rb66hq6ZgA/s1600/Finished+piece-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18DpUMwDYpo/UGdd-8PXnYI/AAAAAAAAP7Y/0rb66hq6ZgA/s320/Finished+piece-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To reassemble this, I simply slipped the new face over the basic blowout. And voilà!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5k9QlIl7P8/UGdeRuXo8SI/AAAAAAAAP7o/LkG0UPseTI4/s1600/Short+trunk-final-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5k9QlIl7P8/UGdeRuXo8SI/AAAAAAAAP7o/LkG0UPseTI4/s320/Short+trunk-final-s.png" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this is what it looked like in action. The squeaker on this blowout was eccentric, so I added my own sound effects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwjD5VRne4ePDb1pHZ95S1uyEX4ynFCyqkxmJIa_CH3Nc6HBOvi1lXb20YnoC-prT6m7eBxG8Jk1WEaDdcABQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
This was very simple, and might make an interesting party activity for children—or adults, for that matter. In fact, I might try to coax some friends into trying this sometime, just for the fun of seeing what they come up with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbYmXG2cDOE/UGdeeHtJPzI/AAAAAAAAP7w/aakLyGA_5Fs/s1600/Medium+length-final-blowout+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbYmXG2cDOE/UGdeeHtJPzI/AAAAAAAAP7w/aakLyGA_5Fs/s400/Medium+length-final-blowout+elephant.png" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Elephants use their trunks to make a wide range of sounds, from loud trumpeting to a squeak said to be as tiny as that of a mouse. As far as I can tell, this is the general repertoire of trunk noises:<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Loud trumpeting:</b> Anger or fear. In a bull elephant, loud trumpeting—said to be "loud enough to bring down the walls of Jericho"—is often an expression of dominance. In a female, it is often an expression of anger, or warning to anyone foolish enough to get in between a mother and her calf. In both genders, it can also be a signal to flee.<br />
<br />
<b>Medium trumpeting:</b> This is the most varied type of trumpeting, and can be used as a form of greeting between elephants, a means of saying goodbye, or even a way of expressing excitement and pleasure, as at feeding time. Elephants will also trumpet to express moderate displeasure, or to <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/02/elephant-no-149-milagro.html">tease their human keepers</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Squealing:</b> Baby elephants squeal partly because they aren't yet equipped to trumpet. They also squeal when feeling anxiety or distress. Never get between a squealing baby and its mother.<br />
<br />
<b>Screaming:</b> This is, as in humans, an out-and-out distress call. Elephants scream when attacked by predators, poachers and snakes. They scream when frightened or cornered. They scream to let other elephants know there is an extreme threat in the area. They scream as they flee.<br />
<br />
<b>Squeaking:</b> Even the largest bull elephant can make a tiny squeak. This is the sound many elephants emit when unsure, nervous or slightly anxious.<br />
<br />
When elephants rumble, it doesn't involve the trunk at all, but a vibration in their vocal chords, just as we use ours to speak or sing. Many rumbles are at the infrasonic level, inaudible to human ears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVjgOPKjQWM/UGdfmtRkSrI/AAAAAAAAP74/3jHiHC6DPAs/s1600/24250869_2986a23e6e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVjgOPKjQWM/UGdfmtRkSrI/AAAAAAAAP74/3jHiHC6DPAs/s400/24250869_2986a23e6e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpeting elephant, Tanzania, 2005.<br />Photo: Matt Lindop<br />Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pod0/24250869/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee</a></span></span></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-68460116894679414962012-09-28T15:26:00.002-07:002021-04-16T18:51:19.380-07:00Elephant No. 362: Glass Vials<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR0jl3NqGEY/UGYU_SNOs0I/AAAAAAAAP3w/EiUNkl-WhlE/s1600/Largest-flat-vial+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR0jl3NqGEY/UGYU_SNOs0I/AAAAAAAAP3w/EiUNkl-WhlE/s400/Largest-flat-vial+elephant.png" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For a couple of weeks now, I've been eyeing a set of glass vials in a discount store, trying to think of a way to use them for an elephant. I admit that I was drawn to them mostly because I like little containers of any kind, but I didn't want to buy them unless I could make something interesting. I thought of filling them with sand or beads, grouping them, glueing them, and even buying multiples and stacking them. Then it occurred to me that I could simply paint them to produce a modular elephant herd.<br />
<br />
The word "vial" comes from the Greek <i>phiale</i> and the Latin <i>phiala</i>, meaning "a broad, flat container"<i></i>. Technically speaking, a vial or phial is a small glass or plastic bottle. Vials are most commonly used to store medications and small samples.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLmSaKubFDA/UGTNLwxrLXI/AAAAAAAAP2w/s39NhiZcB7U/s1600/541px-Double-handled_vial_Louvre_MND1503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLmSaKubFDA/UGTNLwxrLXI/AAAAAAAAP2w/s39NhiZcB7U/s400/541px-Double-handled_vial_Louvre_MND1503.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass vial discovered in Syria, ca. 4th century A.D.<br />Collection of the Louvre, Paris<br />Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Double-handled_vial_<br />Louvre_MND1503.jpg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Glass vials have been around for millennia, used for everything from medicines, herbs and spices, to tomb offerings of gold and blood. Although traditionally sealed with corks, wax or even glass stoppers, modern vials often have flip-tops, snap caps and other closures. The bottom of a vial is usually flat. The small vials used in laboratories—often with a volume of 10 ml at most—are known as "bijou bottles" or "McCartney's bottles".<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, this was the set of four vials I bought, for under $1.50. They range in size from 7 m to 20 ml (0.24 to 0.68 U.S. fl. oz.), so I guess a couple of them are technically "bijou bottles".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aB1SQiSSk7Y/UGYVPJ2ye_I/AAAAAAAAP34/NtfpokRNbps/s1600/Package+of+vials-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aB1SQiSSk7Y/UGYVPJ2ye_I/AAAAAAAAP34/NtfpokRNbps/s320/Package+of+vials-s.png" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-iqtnw6_Fc/UGYVQJABeDI/AAAAAAAAP4A/wPc2HbHo0vE/s1600/Four+plain+vials-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-iqtnw6_Fc/UGYVQJABeDI/AAAAAAAAP4A/wPc2HbHo0vE/s320/Four+plain+vials-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I already had a set of glass paints that I'd used for my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/05/elephant-no-217-painting-on-glass.html">painting on glass</a> post, so I decided to use those, along with some regular acrylic paint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOpdiGkC5Kg/UGYecm0-FWI/AAAAAAAAP6E/2t9xoedSkGY/s1600/Paints+from+kit-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOpdiGkC5Kg/UGYecm0-FWI/AAAAAAAAP6E/2t9xoedSkGY/s320/Paints+from+kit-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My idea was fairly simple: use all four vials to create a mini-herd of elephants.<br />
<br />
I thought briefly about drawing elephants on the vials first, then decided I'd rather just get started. I began by roughing in an elephant on each of the four vials. The four pictured below are not necessarily my first attempt at each. For one or two of them, I wiped off my first try while it was still wet and started over.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzGmEZqDjGQ/UGYVpnNc0bI/AAAAAAAAP4I/raR6BjbmRGE/s1600/Roughed-in+elephants-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzGmEZqDjGQ/UGYVpnNc0bI/AAAAAAAAP4I/raR6BjbmRGE/s320/Roughed-in+elephants-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These were pretty streaky-looking when the light shone through, so I waited for them to be dry to the touch, then glopped on more grey paint. When that dried, I added a few black lines for definition, and a bit of pink in the ears, the tip of the trunk, and on the toes. The elephant with an open mouth also got a bit of pink in the mouth, and two elephants got white tusks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DixX178aDOg/UGYWI3AHbSI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/yS4WoAef2mk/s1600/Detail-largest+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DixX178aDOg/UGYWI3AHbSI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/yS4WoAef2mk/s320/Detail-largest+elephant-s.png" width="246" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYmZaDx93l8/UGYWVm7hC5I/AAAAAAAAP4Y/8ZV68vJjjIs/s1600/Second-largest+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYmZaDx93l8/UGYWVm7hC5I/AAAAAAAAP4Y/8ZV68vJjjIs/s320/Second-largest+elephant-s.png" width="232" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrCTVr6yqPE/UGYWdXh21LI/AAAAAAAAP4g/adBW3Qbic7Y/s1600/Second+smallest+elephant-detail-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrCTVr6yqPE/UGYWdXh21LI/AAAAAAAAP4g/adBW3Qbic7Y/s320/Second+smallest+elephant-detail-s.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My idea from the beginning was to make a series of little bottles that could be grouped together to resemble a herd of elephants. I thus took advantage of the clear glass to draw some long grass on the side opposite to the elephants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZd8fh5jR_E/UGYW4AqlBlI/AAAAAAAAP4o/2Hx9SqBOmxc/s1600/Green+grass-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZd8fh5jR_E/UGYW4AqlBlI/AAAAAAAAP4o/2Hx9SqBOmxc/s320/Green+grass-s.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To finish up, I added dots of green under the elephants, and dots of gold above the elephants' heads, and above the grass on the reverse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1EWPHInf9F0/UGYXWQnHsCI/AAAAAAAAP5A/TDIQFXRxv6A/s1600/Largest-flat-vial+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1EWPHInf9F0/UGYXWQnHsCI/AAAAAAAAP5A/TDIQFXRxv6A/s320/Largest-flat-vial+elephant.png" width="164" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KT3vVYyqJeU/UGYXeveLaxI/AAAAAAAAP5I/iy3gSt4-i4A/s1600/Second-largest-flat-vial+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KT3vVYyqJeU/UGYXeveLaxI/AAAAAAAAP5I/iy3gSt4-i4A/s320/Second-largest-flat-vial+elephant-s.png" width="177" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJshn70XlgY/UGYXkaqf89I/AAAAAAAAP5Q/q08ctNxsI_g/s1600/Smallest-flat-detail-vial+elephants-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJshn70XlgY/UGYXkaqf89I/AAAAAAAAP5Q/q08ctNxsI_g/s320/Smallest-flat-detail-vial+elephants-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOSpFxh1Ed8/UGYXFsXVQMI/AAAAAAAAP4w/D4VciAKyI_o/s1600/All+four-flat-vial+elephants-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOSpFxh1Ed8/UGYXFsXVQMI/AAAAAAAAP4w/D4VciAKyI_o/s320/All+four-flat-vial+elephants-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It only took me about two hours to paint all four of these, but that was partly because I didn't wait for the different layers of paint to dry. Although all of the paints dried relatively quickly, I was definitely risking smudges—particularly when it came to the dots. If you try this, I would recommend a bit more patience than I had, just in case. I didn't smudge anything this time; but if I had, it would have been pretty difficult to remove the offending area on something this small.<br />
<br />
In real life, these are quite fun. The light doesn't shine through them as strongly as it does in these photographs, so they don't look quite as streaky. They're also fun to group, and actually look a little like a herd of elephants seen in the distance, which was exactly what I'd hoped for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGHANv8GXeM/UGYYxTnFnHI/AAAAAAAAP5g/5kDo5mZVv7c/s1600/Elephant+group-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGHANv8GXeM/UGYYxTnFnHI/AAAAAAAAP5g/5kDo5mZVv7c/s400/Elephant+group-3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Suleiman was an Asian elephant presented to Archduke Maximilian II in the sixteenth century. Born in the stables of the King of Ceylon in 1540, Suleiman was originally presented as a gift to the Prince of Portugal in 1542.<br />
<br />
Although flattered by the auspicious and generous gift, the Portuguese ultimately found Suleiman's care and maintenance too expensive and complicated. They accordingly offered him to Archduke Maximilian, who happened to be the Prince's uncle. Suleiman was sent to Spain then Genoa by ship, and finally overland through the Alps to Austria. He arrived in Vienna in 1552.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVqzbLH1Itg/UGTTuDBA1_I/AAAAAAAAP3U/GLTrSpEt3Kc/s1600/Soliman.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVqzbLH1Itg/UGTTuDBA1_I/AAAAAAAAP3U/GLTrSpEt3Kc/s400/Soliman.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodcut of Suleiman, ca. 1552.<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Soliman.1.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Suleiman proved highly popular with the Austrian people. He was drawn and painted, and was celebrated in poems and songs. He was installed with some ceremony in the menagerie at Kaiser-Ebersdorf castle, but died only a year and a half later, in December 1553.<br />
<br />
Suleiman's afterlife was rather bizarre. Although the Archduke had a commemorative medal struck featuring the elephant, he also had no qualms about having Suleiman's body vivisected and distributed across the Holy Roman Empire.<br />
<br />
Suleiman's right front foot and part of a shoulderblade were given to the Mayor of Vienna, who had them fashioned into a chair that can still be found in Kresmünster Abbey. His skin was stuffed and put on display in Vienna until 1572, when Maximilian decided to give it to Albert, Duke of Bavaria.<br />
<br />
Suleiman's stuffed effigy survived for centuries in the Wittlesbach royal collection and the Munich Residenz. Ultimately transferred to the Bavarian National Museum, Suleiman was stored, forgotten, in a cellar. Although his effigy survived even bombing raids on Munich in 1943, conditions in the cellar were damp, and Suleiman's skin mildewed. Following the war, Suleiman was dismembered yet again, and his hide was sold—rather poignantly—for shoe leather.<br />
<br />
That isn't the end of his story, however. So famous was Suleiman that several books have been written about him, including the recent novel, <i>The Elephant's Journey</i> by José Sararamago. He has also been featured in at least two exhibitions—one of which was presented in Vienna, where Suleiman had been so celebrated in life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSV2tUbepdc/UGTTYHytTsI/AAAAAAAAP3M/6VAl-J2Jd8U/s1600/Soliman.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSV2tUbepdc/UGTTYHytTsI/AAAAAAAAP3M/6VAl-J2Jd8U/s320/Soliman.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commemorative medal designed by<br />Michael Fuchs following Suleiman's<br />death in 1554.<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Soliman.2.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International</a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-70179158508276999202012-09-27T14:26:00.004-07:002021-04-16T18:54:50.941-07:00Elephant No. 361: Rubin's Vase Illusion<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESt5mKvpIeo/UGTAOEtKbLI/AAAAAAAAP1w/ERhB49ajtRU/s1600/Facing+elephants-final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESt5mKvpIeo/UGTAOEtKbLI/AAAAAAAAP1w/ERhB49ajtRU/s320/Facing+elephants-final.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had always imagined that this kind of design would be a fairly easy thing to produce, so I thought I'd try it for today's elephant.<br />
<br />
Rubin's Vase—also know as the Rubin Face or Figure-Ground Vase—is a famous image featuring a pair of two-dimensional forms, which can be viewed in two different ways. Developed sometime around 1915 by Danish psychologist Edgar Rubin, a selection of these types of images was later published in his book <i>Synsoplevede Figurer</i> ("Visual Figures"). The most successful of these was the vase, which has since been widely reproduced and imitated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvBZMNikrao/UGRS3aZfc0I/AAAAAAAAP04/VR4V7o-1IYg/s1600/Rubin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvBZMNikrao/UGRS3aZfc0I/AAAAAAAAP04/VR4V7o-1IYg/s400/Rubin2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Rubin's vase illusion on the left, with an edited version on the right to<br />
make the border more obvious.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rubin2.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The idea behind the vase illusion is this: when two shapes share a common border, the border becomes the thing that guides perception of the two shapes. This gives the viewer two possible interpretations of the image, although the brain can maintain only one at a time. This is because the border can only be seen as belonging to the central image or the side images, but not both at the same time.<br />
<br />
Our brains instinctively classify what they see by assessing which object surrounds which. If a coin is lying on the ground, for example, you would likely pay more attention to the coin, and less attention to its surroundings. The brain thus naturally normally sees "figure" rather than "ground".<br />
<br />
In a Rubin's vase image, however, there is no clear distinction between figure and ground, and both have equal validity. The brain must thus begin shaping what it sees. When the brain tries to see the entire design as a whole, without fully recognizing either image, it gets confused and starts discarding information until a pattern can be seen. In Rubin's day, images such as this were accordingly used as diagnostic tools.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVKOABTL5Jw/UGRTQzFkLtI/AAAAAAAAP1A/V9WELvGIe7A/s1600/people.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVKOABTL5Jw/UGRTQzFkLtI/AAAAAAAAP1A/V9WELvGIe7A/s400/people.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some people see simple columns in the photograph; others see pairs of <br />
leaning figures.<br />
Source: http://www.moillusions.com/2006/04/people-trapped-inside-wall.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
To produce an effective Rubin's vase picture, the composite images should be flat, with little or no texture. Most modern illusions of this sort involve the traditional vase, with matching faces on either side, although there are more elaborate versions which involve fully painted scenes.<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I thought I'd produce two versions: one with two elephants facing one another, and one with a bunch of interlocking elephant shapes.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be easy to produce these, but neither one was particularly simple. The one with two elephants facing one another was nigh on impossible, as you can see from my final paltry attempt.<br />
<br />
I tried every angle of elephants, every shape of elephants, and every section of elephants, to try and get something reasonable. Because of the tusks and relatively smooth shape of the trunk, the vase idea didn't work, and even the insertion of an abstract elephant in the negative space between two elephants took some doing.<br />
<br />
I eventually got two sketches that I thought would do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzOUiKdyd4A/UGTAWh6UcFI/AAAAAAAAP14/fjTJSTwESBY/s1600/Sketch-facing+elephants-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzOUiKdyd4A/UGTAWh6UcFI/AAAAAAAAP14/fjTJSTwESBY/s320/Sketch-facing+elephants-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfoTyNzvwJU/UGTAXwZ_ZnI/AAAAAAAAP2A/9QdlfiAOCz8/s1600/Six+elephants-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfoTyNzvwJU/UGTAXwZ_ZnI/AAAAAAAAP2A/9QdlfiAOCz8/s320/Six+elephants-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The image with two elephants facing one another was simple to colour in. The one with six stylized elephants required grey in addition to black and white.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtJ7OP5rMWU/UGTAm9Su9bI/AAAAAAAAP2I/W2dy-Uhkq_M/s1600/Facing+elephants-final-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtJ7OP5rMWU/UGTAm9Su9bI/AAAAAAAAP2I/W2dy-Uhkq_M/s320/Facing+elephants-final-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I don't love either of these and, having exhausted every design I could think of to arrive at the version with two facing elephants, I don't think I'll be trying this again anytime soon. At least not with elephants. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54LD7z4JtUw/UGTAyrlQm8I/AAAAAAAAP2Y/FNQxLPhQ41I/s1600/Six+elephants-final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54LD7z4JtUw/UGTAyrlQm8I/AAAAAAAAP2Y/FNQxLPhQ41I/s400/Six+elephants-final.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
<a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/06/elephant-no-250-abecedarian.html">Elephants like to swim</a>, but tend to grow restless on sea voyages. In 1933, Princess Alice, a circus elephant in Australia, was being transported by steamer, along with a great many other animals. Swaying restlessly on deck, her feet chained, she was clearly bored out of her mind.<br />
<br />
Feeling around with her trunk for something to do, Alice discovered an interesting tap. She played with it for a while, until she figured out how to turn it. It happened to be a tap controlling the supply of steam to one of the ship's winches, so when Alice turned it, it released the winch drum. The clatter of the spinning drum brought alarmed deckhands running to the scene.<br />
<br />
The tap was quickly turned off, and order was restored. As soon as everyone had gone, however, Alice turned the tap on again. As one report said, "the wicked gleam in her eyes suggested that she was enjoying the commotion." Alice did this so many times that an engineer ultimately spoiled her fun by turning off the supply of steam from below.<br />
<br />
Later, this same engineer was dozing in his cabin, when a snake-like object floated through the porthole, hovering near his head. Leaping out of his bunk in shock, he discovered that it was an elephant's trunk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8rTC-ACVps/UGRdhoj-PbI/AAAAAAAAP1Y/PzR5OmT32kI/s1600/Wonderland_City_alice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8rTC-ACVps/UGRdhoj-PbI/AAAAAAAAP1Y/PzR5OmT32kI/s400/Wonderland_City_alice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice at an amusement park known as Wonderland City, Sydney, Australia, ca. 1907.<br />
Source: http://circuszooanimals.blogspot.ca/2011/04/princess-alice-<br />
lady-of-wonderland-city.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International</a></span></span><br />
<table class="cquote" style="background-color: transparent; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin: auto; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium none; color: #b2b7f2; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 20px;"></td><td style="border: medium none; font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 10px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td style="border: medium none; font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 10px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td style="border: medium none; padding: 4px 10px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-32857030521261470932012-09-26T17:39:00.002-07:002021-04-16T18:52:34.185-07:00Elephant No. 360: Marbles<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0Jbyx8CTlQ/UGOUA99EJWI/AAAAAAAAPwI/FajJUiashns/s1600/Closeup-left-three+quarters-marbles+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0Jbyx8CTlQ/UGOUA99EJWI/AAAAAAAAPwI/FajJUiashns/s400/Closeup-left-three+quarters-marbles+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I was little, someone gave me a small worm made of marbles glued together with some kind of silicone. It even had tiny googly eyes. Even back then, I found it intriguing that something as slippery as glass could be stuck so firmly together with glue—as witnessed by my many attempts to pry the pieces apart—so I thought I'd try it for today's elephant.<br />
<br />
Marbles are small spherical toys made usually of glass, although there are also marbles made of agate, clay, steel and plastic. The earliest known marbles were made of stone, and date to the Indus Valley civilization (ca. 3300–1300 B.C.). Games involving marbles made of stone, clay and glass were also played in Rome and Ancient Egypt.<br />
<br />
In 1846, a German glassblower invented special "marble scissors" which could be used to clip off and form individual marbles. Mass-production of marbles began with ceramic marbles in the 1870s, followed by the first sets of mass-produced clay marbles, which were produced in the early 1890s.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Fr6BvOIjpE/UGObnKVw02I/AAAAAAAAPx4/DVSCcACpYiU/s1600/marbelschere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Fr6BvOIjpE/UGObnKVw02I/AAAAAAAAPx4/DVSCcACpYiU/s400/marbelschere.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional marble scissors.<br />Source: http://dumpdiggers.blogspot.ca/2007_12_01_archive.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In 1903, the first U.S. produced glass marbles were being mass-produced in Akron, Ohio on a machine patented by Martin Frederick Christensen. M.F. Christensen & Son manufactured millions of toy and industrial glass marbles until the company closed up shop in 1917.<br />
<br />
For millennia, children and adults have played games with marbles. One of the most common games involves first drawing a circle in the sand. Players then take turns rolling their marbles into the circle, attempting to knock other marbles out. Other commonly played games involve shooting marbles at holes or at target marbles. In many of these games, the winner of each round keeps the other player's marble.<br />
<br />
Most marble-related games involve rolling marbles along a surface; in others, players toss marbles from a standing position. Marbles are also used in board-style games such as Chinese Checkers, in which each player hops his or her marbles over those of other players.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J025U5DBcqU/UGOc6t_wotI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/f8knuLxIn0c/s1600/chinchec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J025U5DBcqU/UGOc6t_wotI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/f8knuLxIn0c/s400/chinchec.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Checkers board.<br />Source: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/ChineseCheckers.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There are many colourful terms in the world of marbles. One of my favourites is the move called the "elephant stomp". This is when a player gets to stomp his or her marble level with the surface of the ground, making it virtually impossible for other players to hit it.<br />
<br />
Different types of marbles also have interesting names. Alleys, for example, are marbles made of marble or alabaster—"alley" being short for "alabaster". Toothpaste marbles are the ones with a little twist of coloured glass in the centre. Aggies look like agate; bumblebees are yellow with two black stripes on each side; catseyes have a central eye-shaped insert of coloured glass; and elephant eggs are a type of particularly large marble. For an exhaustive list of marble names and types, visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marble_%28toy%29">Wikipedia page on marbles</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfwnu-a6EEs/UGOcA2T7kuI/AAAAAAAAPyA/HKyiK9nbcLQ/s1600/Marbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfwnu-a6EEs/UGOcA2T7kuI/AAAAAAAAPyA/HKyiK9nbcLQ/s400/Marbles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different types of marbles.<br />Source: http://mariemillard.blogspot.ca/2007/12/i-havent-lost-my-marbles.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When I was young, I had a small jar of marbles—some of which I had won away from my brothers and other neighbourhood boys, and some of which I bought because they were pretty. Today, a marble collection can range from a couple of handfuls contained in a jar or bowl, to elaborate displays grouped by maker, style, material, quality, age and rarity. Because of their relative fragility, even a tiny chip can have a major impact on value.<br />
<br />
Marbles were originally made by hand. If made of stone, bone or ivory, they were carved and polished. If made of clay, ceramic or porcelain, they were rolled into balls then fired and usually glazed. Handmade glass marbles are produced by stacking glass rods together to form a pattern, which is then cut into marble-sized pieces with marble scissors and rounded while still molten. Mass-produced glass marbles are produced by dropping blobs of molten glass into a groove. As the glass passes along the groove and cools, it is shaped into spheres.<br />
<br />
In the United States, many companies started in Akron, Ohio, where the original marble-making machine was located. Today, the world's largest maker of mass-produced marbles is Vacor de Mexico, which produces 90 per cent of the world's marbles, at the rate of more than 12 million per day.<br />
<br />
Glass artists also produce art marbles for the collector market. Many of these are much larger than the average playing marble, and are meant solely for display.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QThUeZ7ICNU/UGOcaYo7YII/AAAAAAAAPyI/lg3MgEcu7Rg/s1600/mike_gong_marble1-300x298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QThUeZ7ICNU/UGOcaYo7YII/AAAAAAAAPyI/lg3MgEcu7Rg/s400/mike_gong_marble1-300x298.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacular art marble by Mike Gong.<br />Source: http://www.marblesgalore.com/page/15/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I bought a sort of hodge-podge bag of strange bumpy marbles for less than two dollars. I bought these particular marbles because there were weird-looking, and because there were twice as many marbles in this bag as in any of the nicely packaged sets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIq6LtSZ9hI/UGOUQGyXnTI/AAAAAAAAPwQ/3vQPZWcI54A/s1600/Bag+of+marbles-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIq6LtSZ9hI/UGOUQGyXnTI/AAAAAAAAPwQ/3vQPZWcI54A/s320/Bag+of+marbles-s.png" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVa-3yneZDE/UGOURUAlMbI/AAAAAAAAPwY/wMgNeeIp_co/s1600/Marbles+spread+out-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVa-3yneZDE/UGOURUAlMbI/AAAAAAAAPwY/wMgNeeIp_co/s320/Marbles+spread+out-s.png" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To glue the marbles together, I bought a tube of clear silicone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6y3TMhyf_U/UGOUYmPYAgI/AAAAAAAAPwg/YCBbmqK6QaY/s1600/Tube+of+silicone-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6y3TMhyf_U/UGOUYmPYAgI/AAAAAAAAPwg/YCBbmqK6QaY/s320/Tube+of+silicone-s.png" width="144" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, nor if I was even going to be able to construct an elephant shape of glass marbles. The trunk was a particular concern, as there aren't teeny marbles anywhere to be found.<br />
<br />
Accordingly, I started with the trunk, glueing three marbles together in a slight curve.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSjB_vlZoss/UGOUkPNiFhI/AAAAAAAAPwo/MTmzPWoWkOc/s1600/Trunk-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSjB_vlZoss/UGOUkPNiFhI/AAAAAAAAPwo/MTmzPWoWkOc/s320/Trunk-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I put four marbles together in a square to provide a place to hold the trunk. I then added another marble to the back of this head shape. My idea was that the extra marble at the back of the head would help to anchor any body shape I added.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCVJfxE0BQ4/UGOU1K-1K6I/AAAAAAAAPww/RQJ2RXEyMAM/s1600/Head+square-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCVJfxE0BQ4/UGOU1K-1K6I/AAAAAAAAPww/RQJ2RXEyMAM/s320/Head+square-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-143i1PmA82A/UGOU2wlLu6I/AAAAAAAAPw4/PipYCPZpvPE/s1600/Head+with+additional+marble-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-143i1PmA82A/UGOU2wlLu6I/AAAAAAAAPw4/PipYCPZpvPE/s320/Head+with+additional+marble-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I attached the trunk next, and left things to set for a while. Although this process is very, very easy, it takes at least 10–15 minutes for the silicone to set each time. It won't be completely cured within 15 minutes, but you can at least handle the piece enough to glue on something else. Because of this, making this small elephant took most of the day—although the total actual working time was probably about 45 minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yT6LMj3gnUc/UGOVVLrNiFI/AAAAAAAAPxA/BoE7Zmr6fX4/s1600/Head+with+trunk+attached-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yT6LMj3gnUc/UGOVVLrNiFI/AAAAAAAAPxA/BoE7Zmr6fX4/s320/Head+with+trunk+attached-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After this, I got a bit distracted with other work I had to do today, every so often wandering over to glue on another marble or two. I also forgot to photograph the various stages. To give you an idea of how I did it, however, I glued on the marbles approximately like this: four marbles between the existing head and the body; a ring of six marbles around a central marble for the main body; four single marbles glued to the bottom of the body for legs; two marbles at the back to fill out the body; and two marbles stuck to each side of the head for ears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8YquNXOhd8/UGOWJhx2nFI/AAAAAAAAPxI/1H0hTPJ59_s/s1600/Front+view-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8YquNXOhd8/UGOWJhx2nFI/AAAAAAAAPxI/1H0hTPJ59_s/s320/Front+view-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwjfb5HNJvk/UGOWMgrEBPI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/tM55lGcnQ7k/s1600/Marbles+elephant-above-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwjfb5HNJvk/UGOWMgrEBPI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/tM55lGcnQ7k/s320/Marbles+elephant-above-s.png" width="248" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIBQqQF0I0k/UGOWiKDahgI/AAAAAAAAPxY/Bcz_xEq4Onw/s1600/Right+side+angled-marbles+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIBQqQF0I0k/UGOWiKDahgI/AAAAAAAAPxY/Bcz_xEq4Onw/s320/Right+side+angled-marbles+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was easy enough for a child to try—although it would have to be a child with considerable patience, unless he or she was making something like a simple worm or snake. For more complicated forms, they have to be built in a sort of modular fashion, reassessing the shape at each stage. In my experience, the shape can't really be laid out any other way.<br />
<br />
In the end, I rather liked this process. It's not something you'd use if you were in a hurry, but the final piece is actually rather pretty, despite the strange mismatched marbles and my rather lackadaisical approach to a tidy glueing technique. It's also quite heavy, so I think it will probably end up on my desk as a rather fun paperweight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obqwEW7bIV8/UGOXsPfXQZI/AAAAAAAAPxg/RJm2UtQOVT4/s1600/Side+view-right-marbles+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obqwEW7bIV8/UGOXsPfXQZI/AAAAAAAAPxg/RJm2UtQOVT4/s400/Side+view-right-marbles+elephant-s.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Lawrence Anthony—who became known as "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Whisperer-Life-Herd-African/dp/125000781X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348662783&sr=1-1&keywords=elephant+whisperer+lawrence+anthony">The Elephant Whisperer</a>" for his ability to heal the psyches of traumatized adult elephants—writes about being out in the bush one day, watching the still-unfriendly herd. He was studying them to learn the locations of their favourite watering holes, as well as what they were eating and where.<br />
<br />
When he thought the herd was a safe distance away, he got out of his landrover to make a call on his brand-new cellphone. Some instinct, however, made him look over his shoulder, just as he was about to complete his call. To his horror, he saw the herd's most dangerous elephant, <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/05/elephant-no-342-bingo-dabbers.html">Frankie</a>, a mere twenty metres away, with the rest of her family herd in tow.<br />
<br />
Anthony leapt into his landrover with, as he wrote, "an alacrity which surprised even me." In his haste, he dropped his new cellphone. Soon the herd had arrived at the very spot where he'd been, and were milling about the phone. Anthony had no choice but to wait until they left, before he could retrieve the hapless device.<br />
<br />
Suddenly the phone rang, its sound piercing the quiet. The elephants stopped in their tracks, turned around and approached the source of the unusual noise. Frankie arrived first, sleeking her trunk over the small piece of plastic, trying to figure out what it was. The others soon followed suit, and Anthony watched as seven elephants swung their trunks around over a chirping cellphone in the African bush.<br />
<br />
Frankie finally decided that she'd had enough. Raising one of her feet, she stomped on the cellphone. The ringing stopped. The herd then turned around and ambled off.<br />
<br />
When the herd was finally out of sight, Anthony went to retrieve his phone. Although it was buried deep in the soil, it still worked.<br />
<br />
In addition to becoming famous for helping to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babylons-Ark-Incredible-Wartime-Baghdad/dp/0312382154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348662750&sr=8-1&keywords=baghdad+zoo">rescue animals from the Baghdad Zoo</a> during the recent conflict in Iraq, Lawrence Anthony has also become known for an unusual tribute paid to him following his death in March 2012. As if knowing that their friend and rescuer had died, the <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/03/elephant-no-174-letraset.html">herds of Thula Thula walked twelve hours from their home in the bush</a> to visit Anthony's home, remaining there for a short time before turning around and walking back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1pvb7HgbI8/UGL6FfMiUcI/AAAAAAAAPu4/0l7SuJoUC3g/s1600/420elephant_thulathula-420x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1pvb7HgbI8/UGL6FfMiUcI/AAAAAAAAPu4/0l7SuJoUC3g/s400/420elephant_thulathula-420x0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawrence Anthony with an unnamed member of the Thula Thula herd.<br />
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/what-<br />
elephants-can-teach-us-about-love-20090617-chyi.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-65211257243616677202012-09-25T16:59:00.002-07:002021-04-16T18:53:49.798-07:00Elephant No. 359: Wooden Buttons<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kajb1hQXx8U/UGI-UMQcIhI/AAAAAAAAPtQ/H92vctQDDVM/s1600/Yellow+mid-sized+elephant+button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kajb1hQXx8U/UGI-UMQcIhI/AAAAAAAAPtQ/H92vctQDDVM/s400/Yellow+mid-sized+elephant+button.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I was in a dollar store yesterday and happened across a package of rather nice wooden buttons, so I thought I'd try painting them for today's elephant.<br />
<br />
Since I've already covered the <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/10/elephant-no-28-buttonwork.html">history of buttons in a previous post</a>, I'll just describe today's activity here.<br />
<br />
This was the package of buttons I bought—40 buttons for a mere $1.29, which I thought was a pretty good deal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfHg9SueF1M/UGI_eBSAugI/AAAAAAAAPtg/BKWveM1sxX0/s1600/Buttons+in+package-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfHg9SueF1M/UGI_eBSAugI/AAAAAAAAPtg/BKWveM1sxX0/s320/Buttons+in+package-s.png" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It contained four different sizes—ranging from 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter to 0.6 cm (1/4 inch)—with the bulk of the buttons being in the smallest size.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N9lgh1URyE/UGI_jmDel9I/AAAAAAAAPto/g_56B7WRmi4/s1600/Four+size+of+button-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N9lgh1URyE/UGI_jmDel9I/AAAAAAAAPto/g_56B7WRmi4/s320/Four+size+of+button-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At first, I didn't think I wanted to paint all of them today. Then I decided to at least cover each of in a basecoat of solid colour. I chose the three primary colours and the three secondary colours, and divided the buttons more or less equally into each colour.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdX38DOw8RM/UGI_q7fH6NI/AAAAAAAAPtw/39BUAkXDWEE/s1600/Painted+base+colours-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdX38DOw8RM/UGI_q7fH6NI/AAAAAAAAPtw/39BUAkXDWEE/s320/Painted+base+colours-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because of the size of some of these, I didn't bother to draw anything with a pencil, instead just winging it. I quickly discovered that the smallest buttons were just too small to paint any kind of recognizable elephant—mostly because of the holes—so I stopped painting those. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk-xe1SLnWg/UGI_0GlO_JI/AAAAAAAAPt4/J5j4hl3QpR0/s1600/Smallest+button-elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk-xe1SLnWg/UGI_0GlO_JI/AAAAAAAAPt4/J5j4hl3QpR0/s1600/Smallest+button-elephant-s.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The holes were actually a bit of an issue, because it was too easy to think of them as eyes, and hard to remember that they would ultimately
be filled in with thread. There are also four holes to each button, making
them fairly intrusive. Once I sew these to something, I suppose I'll see
how successful I was in thinking around the holes.<br />
<br />
Once I'd painted all but the smallest buttons with grey elephant shapes of some sort, I left them to dry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBcpEkAJiAA/UGJAKKxdm_I/AAAAAAAAPuI/YIMaNy-74-s/s1600/Selection+of+elephant-painted+buttons-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBcpEkAJiAA/UGJAKKxdm_I/AAAAAAAAPuI/YIMaNy-74-s/s320/Selection+of+elephant-painted+buttons-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Because these looked awfully plain to me, and because it was virtually impossible for me to add shading or outlines with any kind of finesse, I decided to add gold. I added a little gold crown to each, then a gold dot for an eye. I also added gold dots all around the rim of each button.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG6tQF_AFQY/UGI-a7gmpMI/AAAAAAAAPtY/nDIjHQHDu8Q/s1600/Small+red+elephant+button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG6tQF_AFQY/UGI-a7gmpMI/AAAAAAAAPtY/nDIjHQHDu8Q/s320/Small+red+elephant+button.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St-g22dduDo/UGJAfQKlVVI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/ZwnSnlAjac0/s1600/Smallest+elephant+button+in+hand-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St-g22dduDo/UGJAfQKlVVI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/ZwnSnlAjac0/s320/Smallest+elephant+button+in+hand-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To make the smallest buttons match, I added a few gold dots in the central area, and dots to the rim.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AtVoJETW8E/UGJAlGL1cWI/AAAAAAAAPuY/zuFVHC_lcvo/s1600/Final+smallest+buttons-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AtVoJETW8E/UGJAlGL1cWI/AAAAAAAAPuY/zuFVHC_lcvo/s320/Final+smallest+buttons-s.png" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was a pretty simple activity, although it was quite time-consuming to paint the underlying colours. There is a front, back and rim to each, as well as holes to jam paint into, so it takes a while to cover the entire surface.<br />
<br />
As for the elephant shapes, those took no time at all. The gold dots were fairly quick as well, and not even as tedious as I expected.<br />
<br />
If I ever decide to use these on actual clothing, I'll probably have to seal them with varnish. I'm not sure I want elephant buttons on my own clothing, but they'd probably be fun on kids' clothing or a bag of some sort.<br />
<br />
It took me a few hours to make all of these, mostly because of the underpainting, but it's not a stressful or difficult activity. I also really liked the idea of painting my own buttons, so I'm sure I'll try a variation on this again sometime.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxaKNqEaQcA/UGJBWEiwpEI/AAAAAAAAPug/ZLI_wj6UyCg/s1600/Final+elephant+buttons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxaKNqEaQcA/UGJBWEiwpEI/AAAAAAAAPug/ZLI_wj6UyCg/s400/Final+elephant+buttons.png" width="381" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Elephants don't like to be teased. When people extend food towards an elephant, then pull it away at the last minute, the elephant will often suffer the indignity for a short time. When the elephant has had enough, however, it will usually retaliate with tactics that range from <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/09/elephant-no-337-three-dimensional.html">blasting the offender with muddy water</a>, to a good smack with tusks or trunk. Even baby elephants will readily express their displeasure, as seen in the video below of a baby elephant being teased with tasty morsels of banana.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpdLa1aOPVU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
It's an even worse idea to tease a fully grown elephant. And if an elephant suspects you of trying to steal some of its food, the consequences can be quite serious. Elephants have been known to kill people for simply borrowing a bit of hay to use as a bed, and think nothing of tossing people against a wall if unduly irritated.<br /><br />In the video below, a man appears to be trying to bond with an elephant by offering it palm fronds. He also looks at one point as though he might be trying to remove one of the fronds—at least, that's how the elephant probably viewed it. If you've ever wondered how far you'd fly if an elephant were to hit you with its trunk, this video will give you a pretty good idea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bk7L29nyxNY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-6303503245796976472012-09-24T17:12:00.005-07:002021-04-16T18:54:28.092-07:00Elephant No. 358: The Disappearing Elephant<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOWooFiOaAM/UGDxTY3Dx9I/AAAAAAAAPr8/2Kn_h5DbXKU/s1600/Final-NE-disappearing+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOWooFiOaAM/UGDxTY3Dx9I/AAAAAAAAPr8/2Kn_h5DbXKU/s400/Final-NE-disappearing+elephant.png" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today's elephant is based on a vintage optical illusion, colloquially called "The Disappearing Chinaman", invented by Sam Lloyd. First printed in 1896, the puzzle was revived in 1930 by Lloyd's son, Sam Lloyd, Jr.<br />
<br />
The idea of this vanishing puzzle is simple in concept, but devilishly difficult to figure out at first glance. The puzzle involves a disc overlaying a larger scene. When the disc is rotated from NE to NW, it appears to make one of the small figures disappear. There are 13 figures when you start, and only 12 when the disc is rotated.<br />
<br />
I had one of these in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Paradox-Box-Julian-Rothenstein/dp/1570625123/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348531311&sr=8-1&keywords=paradox+box">box of reproduction vintage optical puzzles and illusions</a>, so I used it to inspire today's elephant. For an explanation of the original puzzle, as well as a downloadable version you can assemble yourself, click <a href="http://www.moillusions.com/2008/05/get-off-earth-optical-illusion.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhPKNq8yECA/UGDxdjxr1EI/AAAAAAAAPsE/ITSSAOKYZmY/s1600/Original+puzzle-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhPKNq8yECA/UGDxdjxr1EI/AAAAAAAAPsE/ITSSAOKYZmY/s320/Original+puzzle-s.png" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Disappearing Chinaman</i>, 1930.<br />
Source: <i>The Paradox Box</i>, Julian Rothenstein,<br />
Shambala, 1999.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I started by drawing a circle. Next, I drew a box measuring 12.5 x 17.5 cm (5 x 7 inches), to serve as the base. I then cut out both pieces, and linked them together with a small brad that allows them to freely rotate. I also drew the arrow that points to NE, and lines for both NE and NW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuOaAemK1xg/UGDxm3N9wkI/AAAAAAAAPsM/6eKYVE9U9Dg/s1600/Stage+1-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuOaAemK1xg/UGDxm3N9wkI/AAAAAAAAPsM/6eKYVE9U9Dg/s320/Stage+1-s.png" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now came the part that was hard for me to wrap my mind around. Lining up one set of these lines, I began drawing elephants, overlapping them in various ways. The idea is to make it possible for adjacent elephants to line up in order to create a new elephant. One of them will need to be a "double" elephant to allow one of them to disappear when the disc is rotated.<br />
<br />
This part literally took me hours. I played with the original puzzle, trying to figure out which figure disappears, and how to pose my elephants to make this happen. At first, it seemed easy: just make adjacent elephants work together. The problem arises when you get to the end of this process, and find that nothing matches. You end up with legs in the middle of nowhere, and no elephant with which to match them.<br />
<br />
I tried elephants with all their legs facing into the middle. The bodies were outside the disc, and the legs were on the disc. I thought it might work if I made one set of four legs into two sets of two legs. While that works, it doesn't make anything disappear.<br />
<br />
Next I tried circus elephants doing various things, with legs and arms all over the place. I ended up with the same problem: the elephants worked with their neighbours, but nothing disappeared.<br />
<br />
I went back to the legs in the middle and bodies outside the disc. I actually thought I had it figured out, but discovered—just as I was about to ink everything in—that I again had elephants that worked with their neighbours, but no disappearing elephant.<br />
<br />
In desperation, I referred to the original puzzle, and started drawing elephants in similar poses. I still ran into difficulties making some of the elephants match up, but I did finally make one of them disappear. From twelve elephants when the arrow points to NE, it dropped to eleven elephants when I moved the arrow to NW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCTfFo_gUXo/UGDxuNcTY0I/AAAAAAAAPsU/7hswwdJDs7c/s1600/Stage+2-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCTfFo_gUXo/UGDxuNcTY0I/AAAAAAAAPsU/7hswwdJDs7c/s320/Stage+2-s.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I still can't really explain how it works, and I'd never be able to reproduce this in different poses. But after three hours of drawing and erasing a dozen elephants, I was just happy it worked.<br />
<br />
I inked everything in, and heat-set it with a hairdryer. I then painted everything with gouache.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Q4azzvoqY/UGDyNbi-elI/AAAAAAAAPss/7Lw2dqUioGE/s1600/Detail-base-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Q4azzvoqY/UGDyNbi-elI/AAAAAAAAPss/7Lw2dqUioGE/s320/Detail-base-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xI-4xW7OWs/UGDyObOrVdI/AAAAAAAAPs0/-WQV_8I9gb8/s1600/Detail-disc-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xI-4xW7OWs/UGDyObOrVdI/AAAAAAAAPs0/-WQV_8I9gb8/s320/Detail-disc-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oh2cqEMS3uY/UGDx1c3cSUI/AAAAAAAAPsc/89ZutYuNjQY/s1600/Stage+3-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_266832132"></span><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oh2cqEMS3uY/UGDx1c3cSUI/AAAAAAAAPsc/89ZutYuNjQY/s320/Stage+3-s.png" width="320" /><span id="goog_266832133"></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When everything was dry, I assembled it and tested it again to be sure it worked. It did.<br />
<br />
This is what it looked like with the arrow pointing to NE.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOWooFiOaAM/UGDxTY3Dx9I/AAAAAAAAPr8/2Kn_h5DbXKU/s1600/Final-NE-disappearing+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOWooFiOaAM/UGDxTY3Dx9I/AAAAAAAAPr8/2Kn_h5DbXKU/s320/Final-NE-disappearing+elephant.png" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this is what it looked like with the arrow pointing to NW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwdFRUYPHSw/UGDyFmWXf3I/AAAAAAAAPsk/zhmR6Ur4-VQ/s1600/Final-NW-disappearing+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwdFRUYPHSw/UGDyFmWXf3I/AAAAAAAAPsk/zhmR6Ur4-VQ/s320/Final-NW-disappearing+elephant.png" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now that I know how to do this, I would be willing to redraw one exactly like this. But I'd never attempt adding extra elephants, and if anyone were to ask me how it works, I'd still have to say that I don't have a clue.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwdFRUYPHSw/UGDyFmWXf3I/AAAAAAAAPsk/zhmR6Ur4-VQ/s1600/Final-NW-disappearing+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwdFRUYPHSw/UGDyFmWXf3I/AAAAAAAAPsk/zhmR6Ur4-VQ/s400/Final-NW-disappearing+elephant.png" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Over the past year, many people have asked me when I began liking elephants. Although I can't pinpoint the exact moment, it might have been when I lived in Africa as a child. We lived in Nigeria, and one day took a trip to the Waza Game Preserve in neighbouring Cameroon.<br />
<br />
I have no idea what it's like there today, but back then it was probably like being on the Serengeti. I remember our landrover screeching to a halt as a herd of elephants thundered past, and the whiplike necks of giraffes running in the distance. I also remember how the ground vibrated as several rhinos hove into view. I was only five or six at the time, but I've never forgotten it.<br />
<br />
Sadly, Cameroon—although thankfully not the Waza Game Preserve—was the site of one of the worst poaching episodes in recent memory. Earlier this year, within the space of a few hours, over 200 elephants were killed at Bouba N’Djida National Park in northeastern Cameroon. This is a full 50% of the elephants in the region, and it is suspected that poachers have moved into Cameroon as the next frontier, having already wiped out elephant populations in nearby Chad and the Central African Republic.<br />
<br />
Over the past ten years, elephants have been disappearing at an
astonishing rate. A passion for ivory in the Far East—and a growing
ability to afford it—is driving demand<b> </b>for elephant tusks in
every part of the world. Where people once saw the occasional poacher
picking off an elephant or two, there are now well-equipped marauders in
jeeps and helicopters, armed with high-powered rifles.<br />
<br />
Not
content with killing elephants, in some parts of Africa they have also
taken to murdering those whose job it is to protect dwindling wildlife
populations. Nor do they limit themselves to rifles. Some poachers
simply lob grenades into herds of elephants, or leave out poison-laced
fruit. In some parts of Africa, the illicit trade in ivory is even
believed responsible for supporting military forces, such as the disgraced
Joseph Kony's rebel army in Uganda, and warlords in Somalia.<br />
<br />
Even more disturbingly, poaching now appears to be driven from outside Africa. Many of the most recent arrests for ivory poaching have been of Chinese middlemen, caught with large shipments of African ivory. According to several sources, the number of Chinese nationals now operating in Africa's illicit ivory trade is growing, with no end in sight. Nor are elephants the only animals affected. In 2011, more than 400 rhinos were killed in South Africa for their horns, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.<br />
<br />
Africa
is not alone. A number of elephant populations in Asia are also seriously
endangered. At least one country's elephants are about to become
extinct. Much of this is also due to poaching, although habitat loss is a significant factor in Asia as well.<br />
<br />
This is not to say that no one cares. There are dedicated conservationists in China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and even countries with tiny populations of elephants such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The same is true of Africa, where wildlife rangers and national military forces often put their lives on the line to protect elephants from the activities of poachers and even irate farmers.<br />
<br />
A number of
solutions have been proposed to try and stem the tide of illicit killing
for the sake of ivory. Some say that worldwide stockpiles of ivory
should be released onto the open market. This would likely cause a precipitous
drop in price, and make poaching less profitable. Others say that more
money should be put into elephant protection, forensic tracking of
ivory, and more severe penalties for the perpetrators. <br />
<br />
There
are arguments to be made for all of these. However, I don't think anything will stop the killing of
elephants—whether for their ivory, or because they've trampled a farmer's
corn—unless and until human beings stop seeing elephants as disposable
vermin, and start seeing them for the intelligent, sensitive creatures
they truly are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWz9bj-TmXM/UGDzHtW5oCI/AAAAAAAAPs8/yYb5FMib6vc/s1600/elephant-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWz9bj-TmXM/UGDzHtW5oCI/AAAAAAAAPs8/yYb5FMib6vc/s400/elephant-family.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family of African elephants.<br />
Source: http://www.hedweb.com/animimag/elephant-family.htm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-3326375611487491232012-09-23T15:44:00.001-07:002021-04-16T18:55:17.592-07:00Elephant No. 357: Cardboard Chandelier<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMcYZWFZ4lw/UF-I6Powb_I/AAAAAAAAPqI/V44GfIkmT-g/s1600/Front-indoors-2-chandelier+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMcYZWFZ4lw/UF-I6Powb_I/AAAAAAAAPqI/V44GfIkmT-g/s400/Front-indoors-2-chandelier+elephant.png" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The package for this called it an "ice chandelier", but it's neither made of ice, nor strictly speaking a chandelier, since I think putting candles anywhere near this would cause a very interesting fire.<br />
<br />
That being said, I could see making an elephant with this kit, and it was only three dollars, so I thought I'd give it a try.<br />
<br />
A chandelier—derived from various words for "candle"—is a branched lighting fixture with arms that bear either candles or lightbulbs. Although we normally think of chandeliers as sparkling crystal constructions, any branched lighting fixture is technically a chandelier. <br />
<br />
The earliest chandeliers often consisted of two wooden crosspieces, fitted with spikes to hold candles. First used among wealthy Europeans during the Middle Ages, chandeliers were lit near ground level, then hoisted aloft on a chain or rope.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ3RBFLcMhE/UF-KId1dULI/AAAAAAAAPqQ/jRDeql4XpUI/s1600/Medieval_Illustration_of_Chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ3RBFLcMhE/UF-KId1dULI/AAAAAAAAPqQ/jRDeql4XpUI/s400/Medieval_Illustration_of_Chandelier.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval chandelier from <i>King René's <br />Tournament Book</i>, 1460.<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_<br />Illustration_of_Chandelier.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Beginning in the fifteenth century, more elaborate forms were developed, often featuring large wheel-like designs. Because candles were expensive, the larger the chandelier, the higher the implied status of the homeowner.<br />
<br />
By the eighteenth century, as metal-casting and glassmaking techniques improved, highly decorative chandeliers were produced, featuring long, curved arms, gilding, and—perhaps most importantly of all—large quantities of lead crystal. To make the most of the limited light available from candles, everything from gilded picture frames to the silver and gold in a woman's dress was designed to reflect light. Lead crystal was thus a major leap forward in evening illumination, and crystal chandeliers became all the rage.<br />
<br />
In the nineteenth century, with the introduction of gaslight, many chandeliers were converted to piped gas. Others were designed specifically for this exciting new form of illumination. By the end of the century, as electricity became both more dependable and more widely available, chandeliers were converted yet again.<br />
<br />
The world's largest chandelier is thought to be the one in the Hassan Sharbatley Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is located in the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Given to Turkey by Queen Victoria, it has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tonnes. The Dolmabahçe Palace, incidentally, has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nh8ouJK3St4/UF-KpkrmovI/AAAAAAAAPqY/iAGOdq4byro/s1600/Crystal-in-Dolmabahce-palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nh8ouJK3St4/UF-KpkrmovI/AAAAAAAAPqY/iAGOdq4byro/s400/Crystal-in-Dolmabahce-palace.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal chandelier in Dolmabahçe Palace,<br />Istanbul, Turkey: a gift from Queen Victoria.<br />Source: http://turkishtravelblog.com/dolmabahce-palace-<br />ottoman-empire/</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, this is the kit I had.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YojPCxQiQ0U/UF-L4BMTlPI/AAAAAAAAPqw/FqlAp9wf5wU/s1600/Chandelier+kit-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YojPCxQiQ0U/UF-L4BMTlPI/AAAAAAAAPqw/FqlAp9wf5wU/s320/Chandelier+kit-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
And this is what it contained.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiGe9h_tbtE/UF-L5x-NqxI/AAAAAAAAPq4/VAEktTor7vw/s1600/Kit+contents-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiGe9h_tbtE/UF-L5x-NqxI/AAAAAAAAPq4/VAEktTor7vw/s320/Kit+contents-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started by putting the armature together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUMqMLr0gQU/UF-MFUzA7BI/AAAAAAAAPrA/h8uDAG2GqF4/s1600/Centre+ring-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUMqMLr0gQU/UF-MFUzA7BI/AAAAAAAAPrA/h8uDAG2GqF4/s320/Centre+ring-s.png" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDN1wiw6jy4/UF-MG30lUdI/AAAAAAAAPrI/KMVg79HV054/s1600/Armature-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDN1wiw6jy4/UF-MG30lUdI/AAAAAAAAPrI/KMVg79HV054/s320/Armature-s.png" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I then realized that there was no way I was going to be able to visualize a three-dimensional floaty elephant if I didn't hang it up to work on it. After that, I completely forgot to photograph what I was doing. Essentially, however, each piece of foil-covered cardboard is linked with small plastic rings that lock into place.<br />
<br />
To give you an idea of how this was constructed, I hung a couple of round discs from each of the rings closest to the core of the armature. I then linked these to one another by bridging the gaps with an additional disc.<br />
<br />
I then constructed the trunk by linking discs and diamond shapes, sometimes using two plastic rings instead of one, in order to make it hang properly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc0nNWju314/UF-Mb3wT8nI/AAAAAAAAPrY/8khSvdEHoLE/s1600/Trunk+tip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc0nNWju314/UF-Mb3wT8nI/AAAAAAAAPrY/8khSvdEHoLE/s320/Trunk+tip.png" width="174" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
For the ears, I simply added a couple of discs and diamond shapes to two of the side branches.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyj0l6sg3Tg/UF-MWD5R6VI/AAAAAAAAPrQ/--XrQVX8QW0/s1600/Detail-ear-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyj0l6sg3Tg/UF-MWD5R6VI/AAAAAAAAPrQ/--XrQVX8QW0/s320/Detail-ear-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't use the ice markers. They were interesting, but I didn't like the way they looked on the discs. My original idea had been to write the names of elephants I've written about in this blog over the past year, as well as numerous words for "elephant" in different languages. But it looked ugly when I did that, so I decided to leave the whole thing grey and silver.<br />
<br />
It took me about an hour to construct this, which seemed quite reasonable. It's a bit on the plain side, but it does catch the light quite nicely, so it might look interesting tucked away in a corner somewhere. It is definitely weighted towards the front, so I might add some kind of weight to the back, inside the central ring, just to balance things out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oASLpVtzBWc/UF-Mp_2K8BI/AAAAAAAAPrg/ybKHlucXWhU/s1600/Side-indoors-tipped-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oASLpVtzBWc/UF-Mp_2K8BI/AAAAAAAAPrg/ybKHlucXWhU/s320/Side-indoors-tipped-s.png" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's definitely an abstract piece, but I was rather pleased with the look of it when I was finished. It looks a lot like an elephant in real life, and I may even add some more sparkle with a few beads at some point. Actually, if I ever get truly ambitious, I might redesign this as a functioning electrical fixture, using glass and crystal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EytzliMV5E/UF-Mw2EVVTI/AAAAAAAAPro/ktkVqosQSKs/s1600/Three+quarters-outdoors-chandelier+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EytzliMV5E/UF-Mw2EVVTI/AAAAAAAAPro/ktkVqosQSKs/s400/Three+quarters-outdoors-chandelier+elephant.png" width="357" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Elephants often die of a broken heart. This is usually due to the sudden loss of someone—either elephant, human, or even another animal—with whom they have bonded.<br />
<br />
In a 2006 <i>New York Times</i> article, Charles Siebert related the story of an elephant <b></b>that had been hand-raised by the du Zulueta family in Uganda. The family lived on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where Dr. Zulueta had established a malaria-eradication program.<br />
<br />
Local villagers came across a baby elephant that had been orphaned by poachers, and gave the elephant to the doctor and his family, who housed it in the family garage. As the elephant grew, however, Dr. and Mrs. Zulueta wondered what they would do when it outgrew the garage. A decision was made to give the elephant to the Entebbe Zoo in Kampala.<br />
<br />
Although the Zoo gave the growing elephant all he needed in the way of appropriate food and care, he died soon after. Having grown up with a close-knit "family group", he pined away for lack of companionship, and simply lost the will to live.<br />
<br />
Dame Daphne Sheldrick of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust tells a similar story. Years ago, she was hand-rearing a baby elephant named Aisha, and for six months rarely left the elephant's side. She left for a short time to attend her daughter's wedding, and when she returned, she discovered that Aisha passed away. Deprived of her closest companion, the elephant had essentially died of a broken heart. Since that time, elephants at the Wildlife Trust have never been left in the care of a single keeper.<br />
<br />
And then there's the story of little Nyika, another resident of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Orphaned in July of this year near Kenya's border with Somalia—where poaching is now so rampant and so violent that even rangers are being killed—Nyika was terribly emaciated. He had been deprived of his mother's milk for some time, and was also severely traumatized.<br />
<br />
Soon realizing that the ten-month-old elephant was failing to thrive, staff at the Trust drew blood and sent it away for analysis. His white blood cell count was normal, which meant he wasn't suffering from an infection. The vet recommended a B-vitamin supplement and tender loving care.<br />
<br />
Despite the team's best efforts, however, Nyika was so unhappy that he couldn't be coaxed to bond with humans or other elephants. He spent a lot of time on his own, despite the attempts of several other elephants to befriend him. The team watched helplessly as little Nyika essentially gave up. He died this month, having never really recovered from the loss of his herd—under circumstances that can only have been horrific in the highly mechanized world of modern poaching.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neByes9Buk4/UF97UyXilMI/AAAAAAAAPp0/Lbw365s7FnI/s1600/92020121009-pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neByes9Buk4/UF97UyXilMI/AAAAAAAAPp0/Lbw365s7FnI/s400/92020121009-pic1.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nyika (centre) being comforted by Balguda, 2012.<br />Source: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/<br />updates/updates.asp?ID=446</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-88102120293302203092012-09-22T12:02:00.003-07:002021-04-16T18:57:10.713-07:00Elephant No. 356: String Art<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDeeUvSuCNs/UF3_mMSbvZI/AAAAAAAAPn8/YTgcLizUSZM/s1600/Whole-final-string+art+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDeeUvSuCNs/UF3_mMSbvZI/AAAAAAAAPn8/YTgcLizUSZM/s400/Whole-final-string+art+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was in a discount store a few days ago, and saw some inexpensive metal rings. Although I've never tried any kind of string art, I thought I'd try it for today's elephant, using one of these rings.<br />
<br />
String art usually involves running lines of thread between nails or other points on a black velvet board to create abstract designs. Although each line is straight, because of the angles at which some lines intersect, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9zier_curve">Bézier curves</a> are often created, creating the illusion of curved shapes.<br />
<br />
String art was originally created by Mary Boole at the end of the nineteenth century—originally as a way of making mathematical concepts easier for children to grasp. She called her version "curve stitching", using something like the method seen <a href="http://www.mathcats.com/crafts/stringart.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5chlcWn1Z4g/UF4GqW789_I/AAAAAAAAPpg/SOIoAoPVSLQ/s1600/ChiBall-Large-Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5chlcWn1Z4g/UF4GqW789_I/AAAAAAAAPpg/SOIoAoPVSLQ/s400/ChiBall-Large-Web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Ball</i> by John Eichinger.<br />
This string mandala measures almost a metre in diameter. It has 180 nail points <br />
and 15 layers of thread.<br />
Source: http://www.stringmandalas.com/Mandalas/ChiBall/ChiBallIndex.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
During the late 1960s, string art became something of a fad. Kits were produced for all age levels, featuring purely geometric patterns as well as simple representational images of sails, owls and butterflies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-toms1E3RK8E/UF4GOMr-GSI/AAAAAAAAPpY/bbiL7Le0qzA/s1600/sa02_butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-toms1E3RK8E/UF4GOMr-GSI/AAAAAAAAPpY/bbiL7Le0qzA/s320/sa02_butterfly.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple butterfly string art pattern.<br />
Source: http://www.stringartfun.com/product.php/8/butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Today, string art has been embraced by a number of visual artists. Some create elaborate abstracts and mandalas; others create detailed representations of birds, insects, and even film characters. Computer programs have also been developed to produce elaborate string-art emulations and patterns.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DAfwDcsGk0/UF4FViLLlaI/AAAAAAAAPpQ/2tpE3mWPtbA/s1600/1055953262_851cc61660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DAfwDcsGk0/UF4FViLLlaI/AAAAAAAAPpQ/2tpE3mWPtbA/s400/1055953262_851cc61660.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Star Wars</i> string art by JJR.<br />
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonniegrrl/1055953262/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I pretty much had this ring, a big cone of black thread, and no idea what I was doing. Most of the instructions I've seen involve pounding a series of nails into a black velvet board first. I didn't want to do that. At all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Egqm949bZZA/UF3_tC2x47I/AAAAAAAAPoE/Aco5htIR6jQ/s1600/Thread+and+ring-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Egqm949bZZA/UF3_tC2x47I/AAAAAAAAPoE/Aco5htIR6jQ/s320/Thread+and+ring-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So I decided that I would simply start winding and tying thread onto my ring, and hope that I ended up with something that, if you squinted, might look like an elephant.<br />
<br />
I started with the black thread, making a trunk, then the start of the ears. As I went, however, I found that the thread was just too slippery to work with the ring, and all the lines kept sliding around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQZHG5Ohy80/UF3_zC6eCJI/AAAAAAAAPoM/LUlYSUkf4TE/s1600/First+piece+of+thread-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQZHG5Ohy80/UF3_zC6eCJI/AAAAAAAAPoM/LUlYSUkf4TE/s320/First+piece+of+thread-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRkGcViiEU4/UF3_0HWcGWI/AAAAAAAAPoU/RhxLFnEAD5A/s1600/Trunk+threads-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRkGcViiEU4/UF3_0HWcGWI/AAAAAAAAPoU/RhxLFnEAD5A/s320/Trunk+threads-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lo4WFMRMS0/UF3_1EM7BjI/AAAAAAAAPoc/pRIsIRNpi2M/s1600/More+threads-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lo4WFMRMS0/UF3_1EM7BjI/AAAAAAAAPoc/pRIsIRNpi2M/s320/More+threads-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I switched instead to a variegated cotton-silk yarn I had lying around. It was just a small ball left over from a knitting project, so I decided to try using it on the ring instead.<br />
<br />
This worked much better. I started again with the trunk, then the ears. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4aJCsOq_Mc/UF3__IatLkI/AAAAAAAAPok/VyZbWQI5Fw8/s1600/Stage+1-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4aJCsOq_Mc/UF3__IatLkI/AAAAAAAAPok/VyZbWQI5Fw8/s320/Stage+1-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I wrapped a lot of yarn over the trunk and forehead area, to give it some dimensionality. I also started adding knots along the ring in the spaces between the ear "veins". I did this to fill in the space, and to add a sort of edge for the ears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpUTYWDJXwg/UF4AL-60CeI/AAAAAAAAPos/RyYIMgjxQnA/s1600/Stage+2-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpUTYWDJXwg/UF4AL-60CeI/AAAAAAAAPos/RyYIMgjxQnA/s320/Stage+2-s.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhrGZ9DL9Ec/UF4AlWEgSRI/AAAAAAAAPo0/9U2yLsfss_k/s1600/Detail-ear+edge-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhrGZ9DL9Ec/UF4AlWEgSRI/AAAAAAAAPo0/9U2yLsfss_k/s320/Detail-ear+edge-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
To finish up, I added two long wraps for tusks, and pulled two small loops of yarn through the face area for eyes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEqX93r0NUY/UF4BAvESIOI/AAAAAAAAPo8/v8HDbR5hbNo/s1600/Detail-eyes-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEqX93r0NUY/UF4BAvESIOI/AAAAAAAAPo8/v8HDbR5hbNo/s320/Detail-eyes-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The final result is a bit too rough-looking for me to love it, and it only barely squeaks into the category of actual string art. But it does look like an elephant if you squint. Or Leonardo da Vinci's <i>Vitruvian Man</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDeeUvSuCNs/UF3_mMSbvZI/AAAAAAAAPn8/YTgcLizUSZM/s1600/Whole-final-string+art+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDeeUvSuCNs/UF3_mMSbvZI/AAAAAAAAPn8/YTgcLizUSZM/s400/Whole-final-string+art+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Elephants often "hear" through their feet, assessing the vibrations they feel to determine what might be coming their way.<br />
<b> </b><br />
This particular skill stands them in good stead when marauding bands of poachers approach by jeep. It also means that they know exactly when safari groups are in the area, allowing them to either flee or remain, depending on their previous experiences.<br />
<br />
One of the more interesting examples of elephants hearing through their feet comes from researcher Caitlin O'Connell. During her fieldwork in Namibia over a decade ago, O'Connell watched as a large female elephant nicknamed Broken Ear—the matriarch of her herd—suddenly began scanning the horizon. She did this repeatedly, sometimes with her ears out, and sometimes with her ears pulled in, but one foot tipped gently forward, so that only her toenails were touching the ground.<br />
<br />
The rest of her herd soon followed suit, balancing one foot in exactly the same way. Suddenly a large bull elephant loomed into view nearly a kilometre (a half-mile) away.<br />
<br />
O'Connell appears to have been the first researcher to realize that elephants hear through their feet and legs. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to find ways in which to help elephants and humans co-exist—perhaps someday using vibrations as a way of reducing human-elephant conflict.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WYPDrADdVo/UF3P2pWgPJI/AAAAAAAAPns/7oAjoOwV81g/s1600/elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WYPDrADdVo/UF3P2pWgPJI/AAAAAAAAPns/7oAjoOwV81g/s400/elephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This African elephant appears to be listening for something<br />
it can't yet see. Its foot is tipped and touching the ground with its<br />
toenails, and its trunk is up, indicating that it's alert and<br />
waiting for something to happen.<br />
Source: http://www.stevescottsite.com/how-to-chain-an-elephant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-63707938123955954062012-09-21T15:25:00.002-07:002021-04-16T18:57:35.169-07:00Elephant No. 355: Chain-Face Puzzle<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saeW0bE7fRE/UFzhbiMygKI/AAAAAAAAPl8/4d_Aux4bj-o/s1600/Whole-final-closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saeW0bE7fRE/UFzhbiMygKI/AAAAAAAAPl8/4d_Aux4bj-o/s400/Whole-final-closeup.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was out for lunch with my best friend the other day when she asked if I'd tried to make a chain-face puzzle yet for this blog. I'd completely forgotten about these fun little toys, so I thought I'd try one for today's elephant.<br />
<br />
A chain-face puzzle usually features a human face in profile. Half of the face—and sometimes just the nose—is not drawn, replaced instead with a short piece of chain attached to the drawing at both ends. The person handling the puzzle shakes it gently to form various profiles, or various shapes of nose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9IShseqLpk/UFu9LsD3dAI/AAAAAAAAPls/T3u0q2ZIdxc/s1600/$%28KGrHqF,%21i0E8%28TBOqmkBPHhhfr%21Hw%7E%7E60_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9IShseqLpk/UFu9LsD3dAI/AAAAAAAAPls/T3u0q2ZIdxc/s400/$%28KGrHqF,%21i0E8%28TBOqmkBPHhhfr%21Hw%7E%7E60_57.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German dexterity puzzle, ca. 1930s.<br />
Source: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unusual-GERMAN-<br />
Womans-Face-Tin-Toy-Dexterity-Puzzle-Game-/140688110825</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I couldn't find anything about the origins of these puzzles, but they probably arose around the same time as most other dexterity puzzles. Since I covered the <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/06/elephant-no-251-dexterity-puzzle.html">history of dexterity puzzles in a previous post</a>, I'll just describe today's process here.<br />
<br />
I began with an aluminum watchmaker's case with a glass lid. These are perfect for toys like this, and come in a wide range of sizes. I got mine at <a href="http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=44948&cat=1,43326,44948">Lee Valley Tools</a>. This one is the 70 mm size (2.75 inches in diameter).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epWthrjZMTQ/UFzlqcfzrjI/AAAAAAAAPmM/HAnbZ-TdLAI/s1600/Aluminum+container-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epWthrjZMTQ/UFzlqcfzrjI/AAAAAAAAPmM/HAnbZ-TdLAI/s320/Aluminum+container-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I cut two pieces of 0.6 cm (0.25 inch) foamcore. I used black because it was what I had on hand, and also because I thought it would be less obvious if the edges of the elephant disc weren't quite perfect. I cut two layers because of the depth of the watchmaker's case. You could obviously use another colour of foamcore or even corrugated cardboard or corrugated plastic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYiPV--dtfI/UFzl3SiHTPI/AAAAAAAAPmU/e2xcDqvDzFE/s1600/Discs+of+foamcore-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYiPV--dtfI/UFzl3SiHTPI/AAAAAAAAPmU/e2xcDqvDzFE/s320/Discs+of+foamcore-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now it was time to draw something. I sketched an elephant in pencil, including the trunk. Although I planned to substitute chain for the trunk, I found that I couldn't really draw a trunkless elephant. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIENcDz349A/UFzl-Z8zOhI/AAAAAAAAPmc/elIUSrOvNH8/s1600/Pencil+sketch-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIENcDz349A/UFzl-Z8zOhI/AAAAAAAAPmc/elIUSrOvNH8/s320/Pencil+sketch-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once I was happy with the general form of the sketch, I pulled out the finest chain I had and figured out where it would go. I did this so that I could decide where to stop the final sketch and painting, leaving the trunk area blank.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y84dJwbBHXs/UFzmEqEKEtI/AAAAAAAAPmk/pQB1kNZgL9o/s1600/Fitting+chain-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y84dJwbBHXs/UFzmEqEKEtI/AAAAAAAAPmk/pQB1kNZgL9o/s320/Fitting+chain-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I went over the design, without trunk, using a pigment liner, then heat-set the outline with a hairdryer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4ce-Dmk5S8/UFzmOnpauII/AAAAAAAAPms/z8QERnpsxXM/s1600/Final+ink+outline-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4ce-Dmk5S8/UFzmOnpauII/AAAAAAAAPms/z8QERnpsxXM/s320/Final+ink+outline-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I painted everything with gouache, and added some gold dots in the purple with metallic acrylic paint. I'm not sure I should have painted the background at all, because the elephant will now have a purple trunk outlined in silver, but it was too late when I realized this. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGdO3N_F2c0/UFzmXSH2uaI/AAAAAAAAPm0/XtDyP4Thylk/s1600/Final+painted+disc-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGdO3N_F2c0/UFzmXSH2uaI/AAAAAAAAPm0/XtDyP4Thylk/s320/Final+painted+disc-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I poked holes in the drawing for the chain next. I deliberately made the holes small, figuring that the chain would enlarge them to the proper size when I pulled it through.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xO-D_W70BAM/UFzmcJuRBqI/AAAAAAAAPm8/hb8ZYeNYHDM/s1600/Holes+punched+for+chain-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xO-D_W70BAM/UFzmcJuRBqI/AAAAAAAAPm8/hb8ZYeNYHDM/s320/Holes+punched+for+chain-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I fed the chain through the holes by threading the first link of the chain and then threading a needle. I did this for both ends of the chain, then tied them at the back. I could have taped them down, but I liked the idea of tying them instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN4ltlqaMGA/UFzmh6_ap7I/AAAAAAAAPnE/A6WDpX0vXqI/s1600/Chain+in+holes-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN4ltlqaMGA/UFzmh6_ap7I/AAAAAAAAPnE/A6WDpX0vXqI/s320/Chain+in+holes-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkPrQX326gw/UFzmi8zVBQI/AAAAAAAAPnM/7e5FOEUpLkk/s1600/Chain+threaded+through+back-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkPrQX326gw/UFzmi8zVBQI/AAAAAAAAPnM/7e5FOEUpLkk/s320/Chain+threaded+through+back-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is what it looked like when it was assembled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t7ILKdZ6VY/UFzmp_1hDVI/AAAAAAAAPnU/arvPZu6VnUc/s1600/Final+without+lid-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t7ILKdZ6VY/UFzmp_1hDVI/AAAAAAAAPnU/arvPZu6VnUc/s320/Final+without+lid-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To finish up, I put on the glass lid. The lid fits onto the main body of the case with a nice, tight friction fit, so there's no need to glue anything together.<br />
<br />
If I'd had time, I might have considered painting the case, but for now I'm very happy with this as it is. It only took about an hour from start to finish, and it's rather pretty in real life. It's also surprisingly easy to make a decent elephant trunk by giving it a little shake, so it even works the way it's supposed to.<br />
<br />
I think I'd make it a bit smaller next time, but this was so easy that I may make a few for gifts at some point.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2MjPW7K2E8/UFzmxaVLiiI/AAAAAAAAPnc/cZmn9NyovYI/s1600/Whole+final-chain+face+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2MjPW7K2E8/UFzmxaVLiiI/AAAAAAAAPnc/cZmn9NyovYI/s400/Whole+final-chain+face+elephant.png" width="395" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Elephants are surprisingly susceptible to infections in their tusks, which are as painful to them as a serious toothache is to us. In fact, it is believed that some elephants have "gone rogue" simply because they are in pain from infected teeth and tusks.<br />
<br />
In November 2010, however, a team of three dentists in Kerala, India sought to remedy this with what is believed to be the world's first root canal on an elephant. A 27-year-old male elephant called Devidasan had been suffering with a chronic tusk ache for years, and there were signs that the infection was getting worse.<br />
<br />
The dentists decided that it would be better for the elephant if the procedure was done without anaesthetic. Instead, they relied on the elephant's trusted mahout to keep the animal calm. In a two-and-a-half-hour operation, the dentists cleaned out a six-centimetre (2.4-inch) cavity which was badly infected. They then filled the gaps with nearly a kilogram of resin (2.2 pounds), which is about 40 times the amount needed for a human filling.<br />
<br />
Because of the novelty of the procedure, the team of dentists filed a patent for the treatment, and are developing a range of proper elephant dentistry tools based on the oversized implements improvised for the operation.<br />
<br />
Devidasan quickly recovered and was soon ready to return to his duties in religious processions and traditional Hindu weddings—a much happier and more comfortable elephant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9dC66gDIk4/UFu6kzVCw7I/AAAAAAAAPlc/_fSWj_boZdY/s1600/ElephantDentist_1774001b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9dC66gDIk4/UFu6kzVCw7I/AAAAAAAAPlc/_fSWj_boZdY/s400/ElephantDentist_1774001b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dentists working on Devidasan's infected tusk, November 2010.<br />
Photo: Jalees Andrabi<br />
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8168274/<br />
Worlds-first-root-canal-treatment-on-working-elephant.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-42902062830820128452012-09-20T15:46:00.005-07:002021-04-16T18:57:57.634-07:00Elephant No. 354: Oyster Pail<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqy7Z6p0n_g/UFuXd3SoJXI/AAAAAAAAPkU/xPGdzR5LOEU/s1600/Opened-final-slightly+above-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqy7Z6p0n_g/UFuXd3SoJXI/AAAAAAAAPkU/xPGdzR5LOEU/s400/Opened-final-slightly+above-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While cruising the aisles of a dollar store last week, I came across a lone grey oyster pail and decided it looked a little like an elephant—or at least enough like an elephant that it could be used as a starting point.<br />
<br />
Although these types of boxes are often associated with Chinese food in North America and Europe, their origins as food containers have nothing to do with the Far East.<br />
<br />
In the early twentieth century, fresh oysters were much more plentiful and far cheaper than they are today. And, because it can be difficult and even dangerous to pry open an oyster shell to get at the oyster inside, shoppers often had the oyster seller shuck the oysters for them. The cardboard oyster pail was accordingly developed to hold the shucked oysters. Because it was more or less leakproof, oyster pails were also used to hold honey around this time.<br />
<br />
By the middle of the twentieth century, overfishing and the resulting rise in price made oysters far less profitable. This left the manufacturers of oyster pails with large quantities of unsold boxes. Enter the world of convenience foods and takeout.<br />
<br />
Following the Second World War, as the American economy boomed, there was a massive rise in foods that could be prepared quickly and easily—especially foods that could be simply brought home and warmed up. Chinese food became particularly popular, because it was inexpensive, slightly exotic, and tasty. Oyster pails were suddenly given a new lease on life. Not only did they provide a small degree of insulation, but they could also be used to pack everything from rice to dishes with sauce.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoPTBYEKN2Y/UFuanoZxIgI/AAAAAAAAPlM/QZ2SC_e6UhU/s1600/everyday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoPTBYEKN2Y/UFuanoZxIgI/AAAAAAAAPlM/QZ2SC_e6UhU/s400/everyday.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Chinese food containers.<br />Photo: Donald Bowers<br />Source: http://djbphoto.blogspot.ca/2011/02/its-actually-called-oyster-pail.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Interestingly, oyster pails used as "Chinese food containers" are rarely seen outside the United States, although a few European countries have begun to adopt them. They are not used for this purpose in China—although China now manufactures them in massive quantities for export.<br />
<br />
Today, in addition to their use as takeout food containers, oyster pails are often used to hold party favours and small gifts, and come in a wide range of colours and materials.<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I bought a grey oyster pail made of thin plastic. I thought the folded flaps at the top would look like ears when opened, and the triangles formed by the folds on the sides looked like legs to me. This particular box also had an interesting textured pattern on the outside, which I thought looked a little like elephant skin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9Yh_UJOIE/UFuXloGYjbI/AAAAAAAAPkc/WysICW2DQj8/s1600/Plain+oyster+pail-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9Yh_UJOIE/UFuXloGYjbI/AAAAAAAAPkc/WysICW2DQj8/s320/Plain+oyster+pail-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is what it looked like opened up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yly2Ts6Ho3Q/UFuX1_FFIKI/AAAAAAAAPkk/xlWw6StBudg/s1600/Opened+oyster+pail-three-quarters-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yly2Ts6Ho3Q/UFuX1_FFIKI/AAAAAAAAPkk/xlWw6StBudg/s320/Opened+oyster+pail-three-quarters-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Faced with this basic shape, I decided to paint ears on the wide side flaps, a face on the front, a tail on the back, and toenails on the feet for a friend who likes her elephants to have pretty toenails. I used acrylic paint for everything, which is unfortunately likely to crack and fall off sooner rather than later. If this were painted on a pasteboard version, obviously the paint would be more durable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5PxvLcvz8M/UFuYMCKQg6I/AAAAAAAAPks/MnWFTbuAcJE/s1600/Face-final-detail-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5PxvLcvz8M/UFuYMCKQg6I/AAAAAAAAPks/MnWFTbuAcJE/s320/Face-final-detail-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUVs8SjuWQg/UFuYPNH9mgI/AAAAAAAAPk0/nZAgKo1GjOY/s1600/Back-oyster+pail+elephant-final-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUVs8SjuWQg/UFuYPNH9mgI/AAAAAAAAPk0/nZAgKo1GjOY/s320/Back-oyster+pail+elephant-final-s.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5oFqDw4KbE/UFuYTIQMu3I/AAAAAAAAPk8/RyeoigVXiW0/s1600/Toenails-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5oFqDw4KbE/UFuYTIQMu3I/AAAAAAAAPk8/RyeoigVXiW0/s320/Toenails-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It only took about half an hour to paint this, once I figured out where everything should go. Before I started painting, I did open the whole thing up to see if an elephant made more sense folded another way. Although I could see some interesting potential elephant shapes when the box was disassembled, I decided to stick with the basic shape.<br />
<br />
The best thing about this is that, when it's all folded up, you don't see any elephant at all, except for its toenails. This makes me think that it would be a fun thing to make for a children's party as a loot bag or something similar.<br />
<br />
I know it won't last, and it's not really sturdy enough to hold anything substantial, but it's kind of cute for what it is, so I'll keep it around at least as long as its paint job lasts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00zrZuPDx78/UFuZj0B2jsI/AAAAAAAAPlE/5XG8eOHA_Eg/s1600/Final-closed-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00zrZuPDx78/UFuZj0B2jsI/AAAAAAAAPlE/5XG8eOHA_Eg/s400/Final-closed-oyster+pail+elephant-s.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
In 2007, while being taken for a walk through the Oregon Zoo, little Chendra's eye was caught by an unusual creature swimming through one of the Zoo's aquarium areas.<br />
<b><br /></b>
As Chendra paused with her handlers, Gus the sea lion swam over to the glass. Chendra reached out her trunk, and Gus lifted his head, as though to allow Chendra tickle his neck.<br />
<br />
It was unfortunately the first and last encounter for the two, as the Zoo soon stopped taking elephants for morning walks—partly, no doubt, because the elephants grew too large to fit inside the tunnel-like area.<br />
<br />
Sadly, both species are endangered. Asian elephants are <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/12/elephant-no-89-painting-with-coffee.html">critically endangered </a>in some countries, and highly <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/09/elephant-no-348-mirror.html">likely to become extinct</a> in others. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steller_sea_lion">Steller sea lions</a> such as Gus are also threatened, with a worldwide population that has declined by more than 80 per cent over the past thirty years, due to pollution, habitat degradation, and entanglement in fishing nets and lines.<br />
<br />
This is not the first time I've heard of elephants appearing to interact with marine species. In a previous post, I mentioned an incident witnessed by the late biologist Lyall Watson, who watched as an <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/02/elephant-no-134-pop-up-card.html">elephant on a clifftop appeared to be serenading a whale in the bay below</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaeSQAkUYnA/UFsRtlrj6JI/AAAAAAAAPkE/PE1iN5TbFX8/s1600/article-2190588-149CBE5A000005DC-292_634x419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaeSQAkUYnA/UFsRtlrj6JI/AAAAAAAAPkE/PE1iN5TbFX8/s400/article-2190588-149CBE5A000005DC-292_634x419.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chendra greets Gus the sea lion, 2007.<br />
Photo: Michael Dunham/© Oregon Zoo<br />
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2190588/Adorable-<br />
moment-Chendra-elephant-befriends-sea-lion-Oregon-zoo-captured-camera.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee,</span> U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span></span></span></span><br />Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-13441859066994795462012-09-19T14:42:00.002-07:002021-04-16T18:58:16.530-07:00Elephant No. 353: Anamorphosis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcgRxRDqSh0/UFol6VhQUJI/AAAAAAAAPaw/7A6LO8MhQKY/s1600/Repousse-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcgRxRDqSh0/UFol6VhQUJI/AAAAAAAAPaw/7A6LO8MhQKY/s400/Repousse-whole-s.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When researching mirrors a few days ago, I came across the principle of anamorphosis, which is something I've never really tried before. Anamorphosis—from the Greek <i>ana</i> (again) and <i>morphe</i> (shape)—involves distorting an image such that either a special device or specific vantage point is required to make visual sense of the image. <br />
<br />
There are two primary types of anamorphosis. Mirror or "catoptric" anamorphosis requires a cylindrical or conical mirror to view a distorted flat image. Perspective or "oblique" anamorphosis requires that the viewer stand at a certain angle or distance to view the image. Perspective anamorphosis is most often used in <a href="http://www.elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/11/elephant-no-31-sidewalk-chalk.html">sidewalk drawings</a> and on the painted ceilings of cathedrals, palaces and stately homes. Interestingly, anamorphosis has also been used to "hide" erotic, mystical or scatalogical scenes for the delectation of the initiated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrAEjcwEFjY/UFopCf0oVGI/AAAAAAAAPc0/raL_EJZple8/s1600/1475954678_0551ad1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrAEjcwEFjY/UFopCf0oVGI/AAAAAAAAPc0/raL_EJZple8/s320/1475954678_0551ad1548.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lORWCxIFqqk/UFopBraD3CI/AAAAAAAAPcs/qsnMqM4s7ik/s1600/1475103531_ec6451cdf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lORWCxIFqqk/UFopBraD3CI/AAAAAAAAPcs/qsnMqM4s7ik/s320/1475103531_ec6451cdf4.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two views of the same work by Felice Varini, <br />illustrating the importance of vantage point in <br />some anamorphic art.<br />Source: http://gbcmag.com/2009/11/15/felice-varini-<br />anamorphic-illusions/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The earliest known example of anamorphic perspective is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><i><span id="goog_699753759"></span>Leonardo's Eye<span id="goog_699753760"></span></i></a>, drawn by Leonardo da Vinci in 1485. Other Renaissance artists used similar visual tricks, and by the seventeenth century, Baroque artists were using anamorphosis extensively to create large-scale <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trompe-l%27%C5%93il">trompe l'oeil</a> murals. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sioTzIGQQDk/UFor7PfAeYI/AAAAAAAAPew/Cmc0cpDYqFw/s1600/4666541124_8f38f5c285_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sioTzIGQQDk/UFor7PfAeYI/AAAAAAAAPew/Cmc0cpDYqFw/s400/4666541124_8f38f5c285_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baroque ceiling of the Church of San Ignacio de Loyola, Rome, using perspective <br />anamorphic techniques.<br />Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-s-c/4666541124/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, anamorphosis was demoted from fine art to a novelty, aimed particularly at children. By the early twentieth century, however, artists such as Marcel Duchamps and Salvador Dalí were experimenting with anamorphic illusions, and various artists have continued to play with anamorphosis ever since. In addition to works of fine art, anamorphosis has also returned as an educational toy for children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY3JCbbFRnU/UFosfc0xqvI/AAAAAAAAPe4/f6V5UE_zdhY/s1600/Siete-Punto-Uno_1410043i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY3JCbbFRnU/UFosfc0xqvI/AAAAAAAAPe4/f6V5UE_zdhY/s400/Siete-Punto-Uno_1410043i.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anamorphic trompe l'oeil wall mural by John Pugh.<br />Source: http://www.aliraqi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=93745</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Anamorphosis is also used in widescreen film formats. This allows a wider image to be projected from a narrower film frame. Anamorphosis is used as well in text written on roadways and playing fields. <br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I decided to play with catoptric anamorphosis. If you look online, you can find instructions for turning a drawing into a catoptric image using a grid. I looked at these and puzzled over them, thinking I should maybe try to do this old-school. Then I decided that they were beyond my meagre mapping abilities, if I hoped to finish this within a single day. If you're braver than I, you can find <span id="goog_699753855"></span>instructions for drawing a catoptric image <a href="http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/anamorphic/cylmirror.html">here<span id="goog_699753856"></span></a>.<br />
<br />
There are also software packages you can download that will convert a basic image into something catoptric. I tried downloading a Mac-based one called "Mirror 1", but I couldn't get it to work properly, no matter what I tried.<br />
<br />
Then I remembered that I have Adobe Illustrator. This particular software package has a function that allows you to warp an image into an arc, so I decided to try that.<br />
<br />
The next challenge was finding something shiny and cylindrical. This is
not as easy as one would think. I looked in educational shops for an anamorphic kit for children. No luck—in fact, I got blank stares when I tried to describe it.<br />
<br />
Next I tried a couple of hardware stores to see if I
could find a sheet of shiny tin. None of it was shiny enough, and I wasn't sure that even polishing
the heck out of it would make it all that mirror-like.<br />
<br />
Then I saw a
very shiny stainless steel mug in the grocery store. This seemed quite
shiny when I put my hand against it, so that's what I chose. It's not
all that slim, so I wasn't sure how well it would work, but it was the closest thing I could find. I noticed afterwards that it's not as glassy as I'd thought, and it has a few distortions, but it wasn't horrible.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjLn5eqVJt4/UFotts6KJ2I/AAAAAAAAPfA/KqHMraSJQ8o/s1600/Stainless+steel+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjLn5eqVJt4/UFotts6KJ2I/AAAAAAAAPfA/KqHMraSJQ8o/s320/Stainless+steel+mug-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started with the suncatcher elephant I made yesterday. Here is the photo I started with, followed by the catoptric version.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFL6y1i3DBE/UFouRmUZ6AI/AAAAAAAAPfI/Ksw2jSHcMrM/s1600/Final-closer-suncatcher+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFL6y1i3DBE/UFouRmUZ6AI/AAAAAAAAPfI/Ksw2jSHcMrM/s320/Final-closer-suncatcher+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1bqGvkdJDc/UFouUZKBgCI/AAAAAAAAPfQ/S8GfeObWpjc/s1600/Suncatcher-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1bqGvkdJDc/UFouUZKBgCI/AAAAAAAAPfQ/S8GfeObWpjc/s320/Suncatcher-anamorph.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And here's what it looked like reflected in my stainless steel mug.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Be1b-ng-Psc/UFouhEFQvrI/AAAAAAAAPfg/aOTZoU7H_Lk/s1600/Suncatcher-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Be1b-ng-Psc/UFouhEFQvrI/AAAAAAAAPfg/aOTZoU7H_Lk/s320/Suncatcher-whole-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGvUC6sFDr0/UFougdcTYCI/AAAAAAAAPfY/espE0NKBacA/s1600/Suncatcher+on+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGvUC6sFDr0/UFougdcTYCI/AAAAAAAAPfY/espE0NKBacA/s1600/Suncatcher+on+mug-s.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Being quite happy with this, I tried several more:<br />
<br />
my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/10/elephant-no-8-repousse-and-chasing.html">repoussé elephant</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ID6i7I0gKVc/UFovyfL1L2I/AAAAAAAAPfo/wYEe5GzP_9o/s1600/Finished+Elephant-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ID6i7I0gKVc/UFovyfL1L2I/AAAAAAAAPfo/wYEe5GzP_9o/s320/Finished+Elephant-5.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ixc-Ksl_Oc/UFov421F19I/AAAAAAAAPfw/s_8z6jyKGWY/s1600/Repousse-elephant-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ixc-Ksl_Oc/UFov421F19I/AAAAAAAAPfw/s_8z6jyKGWY/s320/Repousse-elephant-anamorph.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ixc-Ksl_Oc/UFov421F19I/AAAAAAAAPfw/s_8z6jyKGWY/s1600/Repousse-elephant-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVRTe_EzjYA/UFov7JO5w5I/AAAAAAAAPf4/fOgtJygDA0s/s1600/Repousse-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVRTe_EzjYA/UFov7JO5w5I/AAAAAAAAPf4/fOgtJygDA0s/s320/Repousse-whole-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvRkh6f6Tys/UFov8uT8SfI/AAAAAAAAPgA/Z0k2vlejuqM/s1600/Repousse-on+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvRkh6f6Tys/UFov8uT8SfI/AAAAAAAAPgA/Z0k2vlejuqM/s320/Repousse-on+mug-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/06/elephant-no-247-silhouettes.html">silhouette elephant</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oqsyAua2l0/UFowPnfcHpI/AAAAAAAAPgI/tfIKIJWIwUs/s1600/Elephant+2-on+blue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oqsyAua2l0/UFowPnfcHpI/AAAAAAAAPgI/tfIKIJWIwUs/s320/Elephant+2-on+blue.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X23EpyJ8Iik/UFowSRSzX0I/AAAAAAAAPgQ/uXPXFTX8pXo/s1600/Elephant-Silhouette-anamorp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X23EpyJ8Iik/UFowSRSzX0I/AAAAAAAAPgQ/uXPXFTX8pXo/s320/Elephant-Silhouette-anamorp.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPRdQIjmB40/UFowWN5bKHI/AAAAAAAAPgY/ePOwFX6aVEE/s1600/Silhouette-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPRdQIjmB40/UFowWN5bKHI/AAAAAAAAPgY/ePOwFX6aVEE/s320/Silhouette-whole-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSdMU_9ICsI/UFowXjS6O6I/AAAAAAAAPgg/b6-qKvcX5lI/s1600/Silhouette-on+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSdMU_9ICsI/UFowXjS6O6I/AAAAAAAAPgg/b6-qKvcX5lI/s320/Silhouette-on+mug-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/07/elephant-no-302-fauvism.html">Fauvism elephant</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPU9ePz9L28/UFowuZ0fjWI/AAAAAAAAPgo/LXxzFn5Xhwc/s1600/Whole+final-fauvism+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPU9ePz9L28/UFowuZ0fjWI/AAAAAAAAPgo/LXxzFn5Xhwc/s320/Whole+final-fauvism+elephant.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwKKbMIyb-k/UFowwmTKBEI/AAAAAAAAPgw/G4Cuf6RAsRM/s1600/Fauvism-elephant-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwKKbMIyb-k/UFowwmTKBEI/AAAAAAAAPgw/G4Cuf6RAsRM/s320/Fauvism-elephant-anamorph.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAVdGu9h758/UFowxldC1tI/AAAAAAAAPg4/x72FAWDTrXo/s1600/Fauvism-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAVdGu9h758/UFowxldC1tI/AAAAAAAAPg4/x72FAWDTrXo/s320/Fauvism-whole-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sCqSlsUTz4/UFowyge-d3I/AAAAAAAAPhA/egmQTiMl86g/s1600/Fauvism-on+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sCqSlsUTz4/UFowyge-d3I/AAAAAAAAPhA/egmQTiMl86g/s320/Fauvism-on+mug-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/08/elephant-no-317-pencil-drawing.html">pencil elephant </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hkJAl5gSZw/UFoxOrcH-TI/AAAAAAAAPhI/TlZfk2YtNhA/s1600/Head-closeup-final-pencil+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hkJAl5gSZw/UFoxOrcH-TI/AAAAAAAAPhI/TlZfk2YtNhA/s320/Head-closeup-final-pencil+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZm7lX6A7qs/UFoxRKKHjbI/AAAAAAAAPhQ/Hwxnwfhec6s/s1600/Pencil-elephant-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZm7lX6A7qs/UFoxRKKHjbI/AAAAAAAAPhQ/Hwxnwfhec6s/s320/Pencil-elephant-anamorph.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ52B0jqTH8/UFoxSn1cVfI/AAAAAAAAPhY/GQwumFBmbBQ/s1600/Pencil-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ52B0jqTH8/UFoxSn1cVfI/AAAAAAAAPhY/GQwumFBmbBQ/s320/Pencil-whole-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTog5PIjyD8/UFoxVMVLPrI/AAAAAAAAPhg/uEseObVI2wM/s1600/Pencil-on+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTog5PIjyD8/UFoxVMVLPrI/AAAAAAAAPhg/uEseObVI2wM/s320/Pencil-on+mug-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/09/elephant-no-349-wind-up-robot.html">robot elephant</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvkmWPJcP-8/UFoxvwc5udI/AAAAAAAAPho/KquykN6IRN8/s1600/Final-left+side-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvkmWPJcP-8/UFoxvwc5udI/AAAAAAAAPho/KquykN6IRN8/s320/Final-left+side-robot+elephant.png" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJOkC5XtFkk/UFoxyoJRnxI/AAAAAAAAPhw/SULxSDEBV0E/s1600/Robot-elephant-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJOkC5XtFkk/UFoxyoJRnxI/AAAAAAAAPhw/SULxSDEBV0E/s320/Robot-elephant-anamorph.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GcCTiyZKns/UFox13eweJI/AAAAAAAAPh4/zQ06J9Qp74U/s1600/Robot-whole-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GcCTiyZKns/UFox13eweJI/AAAAAAAAPh4/zQ06J9Qp74U/s320/Robot-whole-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcPfcFSXKFA/UFox3vz-GrI/AAAAAAAAPiA/F49ydQ49_x8/s1600/Robot-on+mug-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcPfcFSXKFA/UFox3vz-GrI/AAAAAAAAPiA/F49ydQ49_x8/s320/Robot-on+mug-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once I figured out how to do this, it was a piece of cake. My particular method was as follows:<br />
<br />
1. Open your chosen image in Adobe's Creative Suite Illustrator. I used Illustrator 11.<br />
<br />
2. Go to Effect, then Warp, then Arc.<br />
<br />
3. Set Bend to -92. This gave me the shape I wanted, but you can play with this on the sliding scale.<br />
<br />
4. Because this will give you a reverse/upside-down image, you now need to rotate the image. I did this by going to Object, then Transform, then Rotate. I set the rotation to 180˚. <br />
<br />
5. And because the image will generally be quite large, you now need to size it down. I did this by dragging the corners of the onscreen blue box until the blank half-circle at the top measured about the same as the half-circumference of my coffee mug. You can stretch or compress the image as well by changing the proportions of the box.<br />
<br />
I'm no expert in Illustrator, but this was the process I used for all the images here, and it worked out quite well. I had to move the mug around a bit to get a non-distorted image, and I needed a slightly taller mirrored surface for the Fauvism elephant, but I was generally happy with the results.<br />
<br />
As regular readers of this blog have probably guessed, I like toys and optical illusions, so this little exercise was tailor-made for someone like me. The hardest part was finding something suitably shiny. The next hardest part was figuring out the parameters for distorting the images, but even that only took about half an hour.<br />
<br />
I don't think I need a library of these types of things, but I'm happy to have this small selection. In fact, I may even inflict something similar on people as gifts, now that I know where to find a shiny coffee mug.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwKKbMIyb-k/UFowwmTKBEI/AAAAAAAAPgw/G4Cuf6RAsRM/s1600/Fauvism-elephant-anamorph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwKKbMIyb-k/UFowwmTKBEI/AAAAAAAAPgw/G4Cuf6RAsRM/s400/Fauvism-elephant-anamorph.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
During the late nineteenth century, Gypsy the elephant was a well-known circus performer. She could play the harmonica and do many other tricks, and appeared quite gentle and amenable in the ring. <br />
<br />
Despite her apparent good nature in public, however, Gypsy was actually a mass-murderer with an infamous reputation for killing trainers and keepers. Over a period of sixteen years, Gypsy killed at least eight men before she was finally euthanized.<br />
<br />
It also appears that Gypsy's murders were often premeditated. The date of her first killing is unknown, but the first to appear in the newspapers occurred in 1885, when she was performing under the name "Empress" with the Adam Forepaugh Circus. According to a couple of published newspaper accounts, Gypsy had been restless and anxious in her enclosure, trumpeting loudly and swaying. Keepers were at a loss to determine what was wrong. She had been fed, so one of the keepers thought she might be thirsty.<br />
<br />
Despite being warned that Gypsy was unpredictable, a keeper named Robert White said he could handle her, and entered her enclosure. Gypsy was calm and quiet as White unwound the chains around her legs. She obediently followed him towards the exit of the enclosure, then suddenly snorted, raised her head, and sent White sprawling with a heavy blow from her trunk. She hit him again with her trunk, then raised her front leg and stamped on his chest.<br />
<br />
As White lay there moaning, accounts differ as to what Gypsy did next. One report said that she picked him up and tossed him against the wall, disembowelling him. Other reports said that she stabbed him with one of her tusks. Given that female Asian elephants don't have noticeable tusks, the former is more likely. Gypsy was eventually subdued by a man carrying a spear, led back into her enclosure and chained.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzP4BxR22J0/UFm9LLrvf1I/AAAAAAAAPY0/Hxn4rjcKL2o/s1600/gypsy-and-barney-ad.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzP4BxR22J0/UFm9LLrvf1I/AAAAAAAAPY0/Hxn4rjcKL2o/s400/gypsy-and-barney-ad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster for the W.H. Harris circus, featuring Gypsy and a baby elephant—although<br />not her own baby.<br />Source: http://raycityhistory.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/<br />bloody-history-of-gypsy-the-elephant/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Killing a man was usually cause to put an elephant to death back then, but Gypsy was spared. She was sold to another circus, where her periodic killing spree continued. She also had no compunction about injuring those who offended her. One night, a circus worker removed a bit of Gypsy's hay to make a bed for himself. Gypsy watched as he did this, waited until he was asleep, then picked him up and tossed him against the wall.<br />
<br />
After a public rampage in 1897, Gypsy was slated for public electrocution. She was reprieved yet again, when circus owners decided that the publicity made her more valuable than ever. People even began trading on her murderous reputation, suggesting that she would be a good weapon to Cuban insurgents fighting "the Spaniards" on rough mountainous terrain. The letter offering Gypsy to New York-based Cuban insurgents ended with, "If Hannibal found elephants useful in battle, why should not Gomez conquer with Gypsy?"<br />
<br />
Gypsy remained in the United States, however, and continued to perform in circuses. She still performed beautifully and willingly, but balked at public parades and often became difficult in her enclosure. One day, however, her luck ran out.<br />
<br />
During a parade through Valdosta, Georgia in November 1902, Gypsy took a wrong turn somewhere along the route. Her trainer James O'Rourke was mounted on her back, but had been drinking heavily for the previous 24 hours. Somehow he veered away from the main parade and ended up on a side street. As the crowds shouted that the parade was that-a-way, O'Rourke tried to turn Gypsy, then promptly fell off.<br />
<br />
As O'Rourke lay on the ground, Gypsy paused, as though waiting for him to remount. Suddenly, however, she knelt on top of him, crushing every bone in his body. She then rolled him for a distance of about fifty metres with her trunk.<br />
<br />
As people tried to corral Gypsy, she got more and more agitated, smashing walls, tossing bricks into the air, and even grabbing a lighting pole in her trunk and shaking it until lights flew everywhere. Eventually she was drawn into a public park, where Police Chief Calvin Dampier took aim with his rifle. Although he had hit her three times, it was only enough to madden Gypsy even more. She took off again, but was eventually cornered a short time later. This time it took only one shot to end her life.<br />
<br />
There isn't any information about why Gypsy had become so mean. Training methods were barbaric for elephants back then, so Gypsy may have simply decided that humans were the enemy. She may have had an untreated injury or infection that caused enough pain to madden her. Renowned for her great intelligence, Gypsy may also have just been too sensitive by nature to tolerate the injustice of life in a turn-of-the-century circus. Then again, she may simply have been angry by nature. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qW2YMHJz2s/UFm8z-tiBEI/AAAAAAAAPYs/O6lHW1SmMPM/s1600/gypsy-with-fatty-shea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qW2YMHJz2s/UFm8z-tiBEI/AAAAAAAAPYs/O6lHW1SmMPM/s400/gypsy-with-fatty-shea.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gypsy (standing) with a younger elephant and her<br />trainer, Fatty Shea, 1894.<br />Source: http://raycityhistory.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/<br />bloody-history-of-gypsy-the-elephant/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span></span></span></span>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-73423774948127012252012-09-18T13:49:00.003-07:002021-04-16T18:58:46.350-07:00Elephant No. 352: Suncatcher<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoDbUOPRqFY/UFjZkpbKxsI/AAAAAAAAPV4/HMCh_xlBN-Y/s1600/Whole+final-suncatcher+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoDbUOPRqFY/UFjZkpbKxsI/AAAAAAAAPV4/HMCh_xlBN-Y/s400/Whole+final-suncatcher+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was out of town for most of the day today, so I needed something fast and easy for today's elephant. <br />
<br />
Suncatchers are designed, as the name implies, to catch the rays of the sun and reflect them into a room. Usually placed in a sunny window, suncatchers are most often flat and highly coloured, although they sometimes feature clear sections and faceted crystals as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOutxjaQypU/UFe6tnB-NgI/AAAAAAAAPT8/9R8QovtC2F8/s1600/sunflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOutxjaQypU/UFe6tnB-NgI/AAAAAAAAPT8/9R8QovtC2F8/s400/sunflakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collection of suncatchers, some of which include crystals and glass pebbles.<br />
Source: http://www.olivebarn.com/sunflakes-suncatchers.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Most suncatchers are pretty things made with painted glass or leaded glass, but mine was made from a plastic kit I bought at a dollar store, just in case I found myself severely pressed for time someday. Today is definitely that day.<br />
<br />
This is the little kit I bought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a_agYgv2dk/UFjaVWsNrLI/AAAAAAAAPWA/2XE_oVZzpVk/s1600/Package-suncatcher+kit-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a_agYgv2dk/UFjaVWsNrLI/AAAAAAAAPWA/2XE_oVZzpVk/s320/Package-suncatcher+kit-s.png" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this is what it contained. The box also promises "full instructions", but there was nothing anywhere—unless you count the cover image of a paintbrush touching one of the suncatchers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MzvQKzG820/UFjah7XKAHI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/OOCS3wJQD2Y/s1600/Kit+contents-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MzvQKzG820/UFjah7XKAHI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/OOCS3wJQD2Y/s320/Kit+contents-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although there's not much to it on the surface—paint the areas in between the raised lines—it was a little more complicated than that. For one thing, the paint goes on quite thin, and if you glop it on too thickly, it collects along the edges, leaving the central part of each section rather poorly covered. As the paint dries, it also changes texture, so it's a bit difficult to add more paint without creating obvious lines.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ui2Q7xXgo/UFjaqRpKwqI/AAAAAAAAPWY/jVk2O9b4coQ/s1600/Plastic+elephant+blank-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ui2Q7xXgo/UFjaqRpKwqI/AAAAAAAAPWY/jVk2O9b4coQ/s320/Plastic+elephant+blank-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQU02DisRqM/UFjaul0obII/AAAAAAAAPWg/SHoohskPNQA/s1600/Wet+paint-suncatcher+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQU02DisRqM/UFjaul0obII/AAAAAAAAPWg/SHoohskPNQA/s320/Wet+paint-suncatcher+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A few tips if you decide to try this:<br />
<br />
1. The paint will contain bubbles when it first goes on. These will disappear on their own.<br />
2. When you first add paint, add a touch more than you think you'll need, starting at the centre of each section. The paint will tend to spread into the rest of the area.<br />
3. Make sure to poke paint into the tighter corners of the design to avoid unsightly white spots when you're finished.<br />
4. You can still add paint for awhile, but there will come a time when the paint becomes jelly-like and will start leaving lines and blobs.<br />
5. You can use more than one colour within each section, as I did in the ear and tip of the trunk. To get the effect of pink, I used a very small amount of red and allowed it to spread to a translucent pink. I then reined it in by surrounding it with purple. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cez5OnCvaVk/UFja1GpKL8I/AAAAAAAAPWo/GbZUGjz6OGA/s1600/Detail-suncatcher+elephant-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cez5OnCvaVk/UFja1GpKL8I/AAAAAAAAPWo/GbZUGjz6OGA/s320/Detail-suncatcher+elephant-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This took me about half an hour, plus a few minutes to tie on a piece of fishing line, with a loop at the top to hook onto the suction cup. Once I hung it up, I noticed how sketchy the black lines looked, so I also touched those up with a permanent marker.<br />
<br />
Although I didn't think this was a very good craft for kids when I started, in the end I liked it a lot. In fact, despite not liking that these are plastic, I'm tempted to paint the rest of the animals in the kit, just for fun. And I quite like the paints. Then again, a child will enjoy playing with these more than I, so I'll probably pass them on.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, there's not much sun today for this to catch, but it's kind of cute for what it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQkemRlLs9k/UFjbLIGbe1I/AAAAAAAAPWw/Lqivtf5dVdk/s1600/Whole+final-hanging.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQkemRlLs9k/UFjbLIGbe1I/AAAAAAAAPWw/Lqivtf5dVdk/s400/Whole+final-hanging.png" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
In August of this year, scientists announced the development of a new DNA-sequencing tool which will help pinpoint exactly where illegal elephant ivory has come from.<br />
<br />
Researchers sampled elephants at 22 locations in 13 African countries, seeking to build up a large information bank of mitochondrial elephant DNA. Because this type of DNA is transmitted only by female elephants, and because females don't migrate between herds, it is ideal for tracing the origins of confiscated ivory.<br />
<br />
To acquire the DNA, professor Nicholas Georgiadis of Washington State fired a biopsy dart at the elephants. The dart was designed to hit the side of the elephant, scraping off a tiny square of skin before falling to the ground. According to professor Alfred Roca of Urbana University in Illinois, it was similar to a biting insect, and was well tolerated by the elephants. The hardest part was finding the darts after they'd fallen off.<br />
<br />
A total of 653 samples were collected, sequenced and analysed. Eight distinct subdivisions of mitochondrial DNA were found, seven of which had specific geographical distributions. The scientists also identified 108 unique DNA sequences that provided clear information about the origins of a given piece of ivory. A full 72 per cent of these were found in only one area, and 84 per cent of them were country-specific. <br />
<br />
In the past, it has been difficult to trace the origins of confiscated ivory. For example, although a ship carrying ivory can be traced to its home port, that may not have been the country in which the poaching took place. This new research, however, allows conservationists and other officials to sequence the DNA in ivory and determine where the ivory comes from. This will, at the very least, give a country's wildlife officials additional ammunition in their fight to prevent poaching in the first place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLsaFr_yonw/UFe3n2vT2-I/AAAAAAAAPSA/sHVMJjFY4TA/s1600/32567.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLsaFr_yonw/UFe3n2vT2-I/AAAAAAAAPSA/sHVMJjFY4TA/s400/32567.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African elephant in Amboseli National Park, Kenya.<br />
Photo: © Fred Hoogervorst<br />
Source: http://www.fredhoogervorst.com/photo/32567/<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span></span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-53416566686929741642012-09-17T15:46:00.005-07:002021-04-16T19:10:11.402-07:00Elephant No. 351: Altoids Tin Diorama<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcMxHS_bOM/UFeQzqpF7gI/AAAAAAAAPKQ/kkixoVOoieY/s1600/Lid+up-final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bcMxHS_bOM/UFeQzqpF7gI/AAAAAAAAPKQ/kkixoVOoieY/s400/Lid+up-final.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Over the past several years, people have been using Altoids tins to make lots of interesting things, from tiny amplifiers to little shrines to homes for itty-bitty animals. So today, I thought I'd try making something using an Altoids tin.<br />
<br />
Altoids are strong breath mints that were first produced in England in the 1780s. Billed as the "Original Celebrated Curiously Strong Mints", Altoids are characterized by a high proportion of peppermint oil.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, Altoids are harder to find in Britain than in the other countries to which they are exported. They have never been heavily marketed in Britain; however, in the United States they are so popular that the brand's owner moved Altoids production to Chattanooga, Tennesee, to be nearer the primary market.<br />
<br />
In addition to the traditional mints—currently available in seven breath-freshening flavours—Altoids makes sour hard candies in round tins. Other items such as chewing gum, chocolate-dipped mints, and breath strips have also been marketed over the years, but have since been discontinued.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoLoY2vmVDM/UFeRK1ziHUI/AAAAAAAAPKY/VZ6ko7x7Rh4/s1600/800px-Altoidstins1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoLoY2vmVDM/UFeRK1ziHUI/AAAAAAAAPKY/VZ6ko7x7Rh4/s400/800px-Altoidstins1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of Altoid tins.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Altoidstins1b.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In addition to the mints, many people buy Altoids simply to get the handy little tins. Some people use them as simple containers for household items such as paper clips, little sewing kits and coins. Others use them as ashtrays, miniature survival kits and first aid kits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--labzOLNAoQ/UFeRmXPA6-I/AAAAAAAAPKg/uRr83PatbSU/s1600/1000234036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--labzOLNAoQ/UFeRmXPA6-I/AAAAAAAAPKg/uRr83PatbSU/s400/1000234036.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Altoids survival kit.<br />
Source: http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/survival/food/<br />
2006/08/make-survival-kit-out-altoids-tin-and-two-more-life-saving-diy-</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And then there are the people who think up wild and woolly ways of using Altoids tins. Even the most rudimentary online search for "Altoids tin" turns up inventive uses such as working amplifiers, flashlights, speakers, a thumb piano, a crystal radio, a barbecue grill, and even a projector.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnA-N3oDJzk/UFeSTtNEKUI/AAAAAAAAPKo/cSQwivXyBZM/s1600/main-qimg-dc779b87f1c4b135155a7efe630a0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnA-N3oDJzk/UFeSTtNEKUI/AAAAAAAAPKo/cSQwivXyBZM/s400/main-qimg-dc779b87f1c4b135155a7efe630a0402.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Altoids tin projector, made by Leonidas Tolias.<br />
Source: http://www.leonidastolias.com/Site/Pocket_Projector.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Altoids tins are also a favourite plaything for artists. Shrines, dioramas, shadowboxes, zen gardens, coin purses, mouse houses and picture frames are just a few of the uses I've seen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPRG8WtxDQ0/UFeUMaxJicI/AAAAAAAAPKw/-DiBwM-mkvg/s1600/LauraCarsonHighFlyersTinFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPRG8WtxDQ0/UFeUMaxJicI/AAAAAAAAPKw/-DiBwM-mkvg/s400/LauraCarsonHighFlyersTinFront.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaborate altered Altoids tin by Laura Carson, 2011.<br />
Source: http://artfullymusing.blogspot.ca/search/label/Altoids%20Tins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Although I'm a sucker for any kind of tin container, I only have two actual Altoid tins: one really small tin, and a regular-sized one. I had no idea what I was going to make for today's elephant, but I thought the larger tin might be more practical.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5_eHnTTp80/UFee3NdwUkI/AAAAAAAAPOc/FeJ3FsNUzlQ/s1600/Two+Altoid+tins-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5_eHnTTp80/UFee3NdwUkI/AAAAAAAAPOc/FeJ3FsNUzlQ/s320/Two+Altoid+tins-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jSLKrqgP0g/UFee6_uyNOI/AAAAAAAAPOk/wZk3hpGzAPA/s1600/Single+tin-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jSLKrqgP0g/UFee6_uyNOI/AAAAAAAAPOk/wZk3hpGzAPA/s1600/Single+tin-s.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUP6xewkMH0/UFej6OLyZTI/AAAAAAAAPQE/iLRSfNKiQjo/s1600/Open+tin-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUP6xewkMH0/UFej6OLyZTI/AAAAAAAAPQE/iLRSfNKiQjo/s320/Open+tin-s.png" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At first, I wasn't sure what kind of thing to produce. I'm by no means an electronic genius, or I would have tried to figure out how to make something that trumpeted like an elephant when the tin was opened. Or that lit up. Or that featured a little dancing elephant. I thought about making a little stuffed elephant tucked up in bed, but I didn't feel like sewing today. I felt like drawing and cutting things out, so I decided I would do some kind of elephant diorama, since I'm quite taken with mixed-media art created inside Altoid tins.<br />
<br />
I determined at the outset that I didn't want to paint or otherwise alter the exterior of the tin. This wasn't laziness on my part, as much as a desire to preserve the original look of the tin. So I turned my attention to the insides.<br />
<br />
A couple of days ago, a friend suggested that when I finish this yearlong adventure I should go bond with some elephants in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Just in case I can't afford it right away, I thought I'd try and make a mini-diorama of a similar scene to tide me over.<br />
<br />
I traced out two shapes from artist-quality bristol board to fit into the upper and lower lids of the tin. Because I needed a backdrop for my scene, I then looked online for photographs of the landscape in the Ngorongoro Crater. This is what I came up with, although I won't put in quite so many trees.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJrKdA0vU48/UFdXtz-bXpI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/6Jv4x17rVzE/s1600/20080610-africa-05972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJrKdA0vU48/UFdXtz-bXpI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/6Jv4x17rVzE/s400/20080610-africa-05972.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.<br />
Photo: © Blake Harrington III<br />
Source: http://blaineharrington.photoshelter.com/image/I0000uCj6rW1hJ4s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I drew everything first. For the upper lid, I drew a sort of postcard scene, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Having never been to Tanzania, I'm not sure you can actually see Kilimanjaro from inside the crater, so I may be taking a bit of artistic license here. There are photos online that suggest that Kilimanjaro is visible from Ngorongoro, but you can't believe every caption you read.<br />
<br />
For the lower section, I didn't draw anything, since I planned to paint the background freehand, along with a framing strip to go around the inside of the wall of the tin. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPPi-bakVA/UFefX9lJ34I/AAAAAAAAPOs/RqfUdylueMc/s1600/Upper+lid+sketch-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPPi-bakVA/UFefX9lJ34I/AAAAAAAAPOs/RqfUdylueMc/s320/Upper+lid+sketch-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I tried to figure out how many little figures I should insert into the scene. I wanted to stagger their placement in foreground and background, but it's a very shallow space, so I didn't go overboard. I drew the figures onto the same bristol board.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3yGVUHUpdY/UFefZ6EYTPI/AAAAAAAAPO0/v2_2Qn00rE0/s1600/Tiny+sketches-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3yGVUHUpdY/UFefZ6EYTPI/AAAAAAAAPO0/v2_2Qn00rE0/s320/Tiny+sketches-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I heat-set all the drawings with a hairdryer, then painted everything. In the process, I added narrow tabs at the bottom of the little figures, so that they would stand up when affixed to the tin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bd4WO6SnxR0/UFegFu-ReZI/AAAAAAAAPO8/6ze0Hdo2n3k/s1600/Painted+components-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bd4WO6SnxR0/UFegFu-ReZI/AAAAAAAAPO8/6ze0Hdo2n3k/s320/Painted+components-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3hPC-o7gaGU/UFehXuZPZdI/AAAAAAAAPPc/16TU57FhlLA/s1600/Upper+lid-painted+drawing-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3hPC-o7gaGU/UFehXuZPZdI/AAAAAAAAPPc/16TU57FhlLA/s320/Upper+lid-painted+drawing-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnCIzt1oZtU/UFehFtd9JZI/AAAAAAAAPPE/MTzPwUTn1lQ/s1600/Background-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnCIzt1oZtU/UFehFtd9JZI/AAAAAAAAPPE/MTzPwUTn1lQ/s320/Background-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEK8sNEQcS4/UFehGQ2sKtI/AAAAAAAAPPM/Tu1YcapEcCU/s1600/Detail-1-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEK8sNEQcS4/UFehGQ2sKtI/AAAAAAAAPPM/Tu1YcapEcCU/s320/Detail-1-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zDeMUtNuAs/UFehHJ5d5fI/AAAAAAAAPPU/0v6WrKSsBMk/s1600/Detail-2-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zDeMUtNuAs/UFehHJ5d5fI/AAAAAAAAPPU/0v6WrKSsBMk/s320/Detail-2-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When everything was dry, I started by glueing the Kilimanjaro scene into the upper lid with double-sided tape. I did the same with the backdrop in the lower section, and added the framing strip all the way around. I had goofed a bit on one side of the framing strip, in terms of where the sky met the ground, but it wasn't horrendous.<br />
<br />
After this, I cut out all the little bits, pre-folding the lower tabs against a metal ruler. I then glued each of the tabs with a glue stick, and placed them in what I thought was a pleasing arrangement on the lower part of the framing strip. I laid them flat to apply them, then folded each piece forward and creased it sharply.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O59140az7y8/UFehmMlPcWI/AAAAAAAAPPs/vzNJrzuAaVU/s1600/Lower+half-angled-1-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O59140az7y8/UFehmMlPcWI/AAAAAAAAPPs/vzNJrzuAaVU/s320/Lower+half-angled-1-s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It took me a while to make all of this, but it wasn't particularly difficult. And I didn't really mind, because it was the kind of thing I felt like doing today.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OftOBCLfyuM/UFehr_RkoII/AAAAAAAAPP0/s4M-cVig2RA/s1600/Detail-three-elephants-final-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OftOBCLfyuM/UFehr_RkoII/AAAAAAAAPP0/s4M-cVig2RA/s1600/Detail-three-elephants-final-s.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although I wasn't sure when I started how well this would turn out, I'm happy with the final piece. In fact, I may just have to go out and buy some more Altoids, just to get the tins.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlplTsQ8nJc/UFeh9fv3BuI/AAAAAAAAPP8/uS7u3FqSrV4/s1600/Whole-final-both+halves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlplTsQ8nJc/UFeh9fv3BuI/AAAAAAAAPP8/uS7u3FqSrV4/s400/Whole-final-both+halves.png" width="343" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
When she arrived at the <a href="http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/our-history">Bristol Zoological Gardens</a> in 1868, Zebi was the largest Asian elephant in captivity. Standing three metres (ten feet) in height, Zebi had been sent as a gift to the Zoo by the Maharaja of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore">Mysore</a>.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Zebi was a highly popular attraction at the time, particularly for her antics. She was no respecter of persons or their possessions, and appeared to take great delight in removing and eating whatever took her fancy. She had a particular taste for the straw hats popular among both men and women at the time. If she discovered a straw hat within reach of her trunk, Zebi would blithely pluck it from the wearer's head and eat it.<br />
<br />
She also had an interest in wooden objects. Her most famous acquisition was a cricket bat carried by a young boy. Snatching the bat from the child, Zebi quickly reduced it to splinters, then ate it.<br />
<br />
Although later elephants acquired by the Bristol Zoo gave rides to children, it doesn't appear as though Zebi ever allowed riders on her back. Sadly, following six months of ill health, Zebi was euthanized in 1910.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdtZG3BeFoY/UFdVEsv_71I/AAAAAAAAPGY/bk27CCvGNdc/s1600/article-1295517401364-0CD4A2E1000005DC-436936_480x468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdtZG3BeFoY/UFdVEsv_71I/AAAAAAAAPGY/bk27CCvGNdc/s400/article-1295517401364-0CD4A2E1000005DC-436936_480x468.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zebi and her keeper Jim Rawlings, ca. 1901.<br />
Photo: © PA<br />
Source: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/pictures/photos-10722/pictures-<br />
bristol-zoos-175th-birthday/2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="desc">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</span></div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-75131576750493695962012-09-16T17:08:00.004-07:002021-04-16T18:59:30.284-07:00Elephant No. 350: Painted Gloves<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KG0MEiUoIFg/UFZeOHhECrI/AAAAAAAAPC4/FCUI3JTt-0I/s1600/Final-right+hand-glove+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KG0MEiUoIFg/UFZeOHhECrI/AAAAAAAAPC4/FCUI3JTt-0I/s400/Final-right+hand-glove+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There's a bit of a nip in the air today, so I decided to paint a pair of gloves. I'm surprised this had never occurred to me before, but when I saw a pair of painted Hallowe'en gloves yesterday, I realized me that the fingers of a pair of gloves might accommodate a trunk and tusks.<br />
<br />
Some historical accounts suggest that gloves with separate fingers were worn at least as far back as the fifth century B.C.—and even earlier if you take Herodotus as absolute fact. These early gloves appear to have been purely practical, designed to protect the wearer's hands from injury or from the cold.<br />
<br />
By the thirteenth century A.D., there was a guild of glovers in Paris, producing fine gloves made in skins and fur. Gloves had also become fashion accessories, particularly among women. Made of luxury fabrics such as silk and linen, fashionable gloves were often long enough to reach the elbow. Fancy gloves were soon viewed as a form of vanity, and laws were enacted in Italy against their use.<br />
<br />
During the sixteenth century, gloves became particularly elaborate. England's Queen Elizabeth I wore gloves that were long, richly embroidered and even jewelled, setting the fashion for ever more fancy gloves. She was also quite vain about her beautiful hands, and developed a penchant for taking her gloves on and off, in order to draw attention to her hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig5sO246fHA/UFZg17oeVVI/AAAAAAAAPEY/tqW7XUThmrQ/s1600/gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig5sO246fHA/UFZg17oeVVI/AAAAAAAAPEY/tqW7XUThmrQ/s400/gloves.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabethan goves, 1603–1625<br />Collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, New York<br />Source: http://tudorstuff.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/<br />just-like-a-bird-thats-swallowed-a-plate/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Around this time, Parisian glovers began impregnating their animal hide gloves with scented oils. There was also a brief craze for strange leathers at the height of glove
mania during the seventeenth century, including soft chicken skin and
the skin of unborn calves.<br />
<br />
A separate guild was organized for producers of knitted gloves, which were knit in silk as well as wool. Interestingly, knitted gloves were considered such a refined art that a five-year apprenticeship was required, and defective gloves were confiscated from their maker and burned.<br />
<br />
Over the ensuing centuries, gloves have waxed and waned in popularity as a fashion accessory, but have maintained their position as a form of protection from injury, harmful materials, and the cold. There have also been many specialized gloves developed over the years, including driving gloves, latex gloves, kevlar gloves, gardening gloves, welder's gloves, cycling gloves, and gloves for use in Space.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wV-k8b5iuY/UFZhl4k01zI/AAAAAAAAPEg/bXpranGU8Yk/s1600/220px-Peccary_Driving_Glove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wV-k8b5iuY/UFZhl4k01zI/AAAAAAAAPEg/bXpranGU8Yk/s400/220px-Peccary_Driving_Glove.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving gloves made of peccary, considered the finest <br />material for high-end driving gloves.<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:<br />Peccary_Driving_Glove.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I bought a pair of very inexpensive knit gloves. These "magic" gloves are only magic because they're very stretchy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAnqpoJoXCQ/UFZeYNSKbZI/AAAAAAAAPDA/MYYVZ9ENES0/s1600/Magic+gloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAnqpoJoXCQ/UFZeYNSKbZI/AAAAAAAAPDA/MYYVZ9ENES0/s320/Magic+gloves.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGSVEf35h90/UFZeaszEwjI/AAAAAAAAPDI/Vmsj5HviKEo/s1600/Pair+of+gloves+unpackaged.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGSVEf35h90/UFZeaszEwjI/AAAAAAAAPDI/Vmsj5HviKEo/s320/Pair+of+gloves+unpackaged.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because I didn't see how I could paint these on my hands, I pulled out a pair of glove stretchers bequeathed to me by an elderly family friend. I'd never used them before, but today I was very glad to have them. Not only do they stretch the gloves, but they also keep the front and back apart, so the paint can't soak through to the other side. You could obviously also cut cardboard to fit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48_c6Z9iAdI/UFZejrxejqI/AAAAAAAAPDQ/I7tTbOTMDUo/s1600/Glove+stretchers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48_c6Z9iAdI/UFZejrxejqI/AAAAAAAAPDQ/I7tTbOTMDUo/s320/Glove+stretchers.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I pulled the gloves over the stretchers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xvev2--76M/UFZe6B7wWaI/AAAAAAAAPDY/KOTxEu-Xa8U/s1600/Gloves+on+stretchers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xvev2--76M/UFZe6B7wWaI/AAAAAAAAPDY/KOTxEu-Xa8U/s320/Gloves+on+stretchers.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I made a light sketch on each hand with a piece of chalk. I was originally going to draw a face-front elephant with the trunk running down the middle finger and a tusk on either side. Then I remembered the <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/01/elephant-no-104-hand-prints.html">hand-print elephants</a> I'd done some months ago for this blog, and decided to base my design on that configuration instead. This meant that the trunk would go on the thumb, and the four legs on the four fingers. Once I had a chalk sketch, I went over the lines lightly with white acrylic paint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOEqjIC1yv4/UFZfFKQrFgI/AAAAAAAAPDg/yH-KmtU5j54/s1600/Paint+sketch-right+hand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOEqjIC1yv4/UFZfFKQrFgI/AAAAAAAAPDg/yH-KmtU5j54/s320/Paint+sketch-right+hand.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b03IEuw27mw/UFZfHd4KCMI/AAAAAAAAPDo/YAUEPDMCJPY/s1600/White+paint+sketch-left+hand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b03IEuw27mw/UFZfHd4KCMI/AAAAAAAAPDo/YAUEPDMCJPY/s320/White+paint+sketch-left+hand.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I used purple acrylic paint next, and quickly discovered two things: watery paint sucked right into the knit, and full-strength paint sat on the surface exactly where it was placed. I realized that it was likely going to take a while to layer enough paint on this surface to make the elephants show up against black.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxtSqX0X6AM/UFZfR8fngiI/AAAAAAAAPDw/X7aryeKno-o/s1600/Stage+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxtSqX0X6AM/UFZfR8fngiI/AAAAAAAAPDw/X7aryeKno-o/s320/Stage+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After the purple, I layered on a few more colours, sticking to a palette of purple, blue, green, orange and red.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M2Wwry5PQ0/UFZfcxAHfWI/AAAAAAAAPD4/8jxmVut5CmE/s1600/Stage+2-left+hand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M2Wwry5PQ0/UFZfcxAHfWI/AAAAAAAAPD4/8jxmVut5CmE/s320/Stage+2-left+hand.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because the design was still relatively light against the black of the gloves, I added a lot more paint, alternating between all the colours I'd chosen. It was a bit of a balancing act between ensuring bright colours and making sure that the paint wasn't so thick that it would crack when the gloves were worn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDEOl3T52aU/UFZfsxmOaTI/AAAAAAAAPEA/KTq9lQjteAE/s1600/Final-right+hand-glove+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDEOl3T52aU/UFZfsxmOaTI/AAAAAAAAPEA/KTq9lQjteAE/s320/Final-right+hand-glove+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although this wasn't hard at all, it still took me nearly two hours to paint these gloves, which seemed like a lot of time to me. If I were to try this again, I would probably either paint on an underlayer of white, or slather on all the colours to make it a bit easier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9JS8mOEIZA/UFZf3mbJwNI/AAAAAAAAPEI/bwLp1eje5jI/s1600/Closeup-final-glove+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9JS8mOEIZA/UFZf3mbJwNI/AAAAAAAAPEI/bwLp1eje5jI/s320/Closeup-final-glove+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I tried these on, the paint cracked a bit, but they looked fine once they were on my hands. I'm not planning to make multiple pairs of painted gloves anytime soon, but it was an interesting exercise, and I can see trying it again for novelty gloves, should the occasion arise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StoUeWMKchE/UFZgBV0Dx3I/AAAAAAAAPEQ/bGiYQklml4M/s1600/Final+pair-elephant+gloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StoUeWMKchE/UFZgBV0Dx3I/AAAAAAAAPEQ/bGiYQklml4M/s400/Final+pair-elephant+gloves.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Although temple elephants are a common sight in India, they're definitely a rarity in the boroughs of New York City. In 2009, however, an elephant named Minnie made a special appearance at the dedication ceremony for a Hindu temple in Flushing, Queens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBbK9-J_DLQ/UFZd8NcdgJI/AAAAAAAAPCw/5NunSZWlzzo/s1600/temple1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBbK9-J_DLQ/UFZd8NcdgJI/AAAAAAAAPCw/5NunSZWlzzo/s400/temple1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie enters the temple, 2009.<br />Photo: Béatrice de Géa/New York Times<br />
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/nyregion/14temple.html?_r=1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As someone shouted "Make way!", a crowd dressed in traditional Indian dress parted to reveal Minnie, a 37-year-old Asian elephant from a petting zoo in Litchfield, Connecticut. Minnie wore an elaborate headdress, and was ridden by a Hindu priest carrying a large parasol. Unfazed by the noise of bells, cheers and chants, Minnie stepped off a curb on the opposite side of the street and made her way into the temple.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZEEm5MVI1o/UFZdHKIs34I/AAAAAAAAPCg/cooAamlbWLA/s1600/temple11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZEEm5MVI1o/UFZdHKIs34I/AAAAAAAAPCg/cooAamlbWLA/s400/temple11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie the elephant walking through the temple, 2009.<br />Photo: Béatrice de Géa/New York Times<br />Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/nyregion/14temple.html?_r=1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Because the elephant-headed god Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the god of new things, elephants often feature in temple ceremonies such as this. This particular temple—the Hindu Temple Society of North America's Ganesha Temple—is not only dedicated to Ganesha, but is also one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples in the United States. <br />
<br />
Interestingly, freedom of religion is enshrined in the laws of Flushing itself. In a 1657 document called the Flushing Remonstrance, the signers spoke out against religious persecution. The home of one of the early adopters of this philosophy—John Bowne—now sits on a street with two Hindu temples, a Chinese church, a synagogue and a Sikh gurdwara. <br />
<br />
Minnie turned out to be much better behaved than a fellow creature which also took part in the ceremonies. A cow brought in the previous day was petted and fed unpeeled bananas until it suddenly decided it had had enough and had to be taken back outside. Minnie, on the other hand, tolerated noise, crowds, touching, fires infused with honey and spices, and cascades of water from above.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olI4MlGVvl4/UFZdk1G6pMI/AAAAAAAAPCo/_SHPq5Sm0OA/s1600/temple9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olI4MlGVvl4/UFZdk1G6pMI/AAAAAAAAPCo/_SHPq5Sm0OA/s400/temple9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minnie politely accepted even the offerings that fell on the floor, 2009.<br />Photo: Béatrice de Géa/New York Times<br />
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/nyregion/14temple.html?_r=1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span rel="v:ingredient"><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="desc">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</span></div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-38879678918516712542012-09-15T17:43:00.003-07:002021-04-16T18:59:43.296-07:00Elephant No. 349: Wind-Up Robot<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk4ifHVHZ_Y/UFT85jRH57I/AAAAAAAAO9A/hfXmII4JaGI/s1600/Three-quarters-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk4ifHVHZ_Y/UFT85jRH57I/AAAAAAAAO9A/hfXmII4JaGI/s400/Three-quarters-robot+elephant.png" width="327" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can't take any credit for making an actual wind-up robot from scratch, because that would involve complicated thought, planning, and engineering skills that I don't possess. But I did come across a really cool little kit in a shop that stocks educational toys for children, and thought it would be interesting to try making a robot elephant.<br />
<br />
I've been collecting mechanical tin toys since I was very young. In fact my first tin toy was given to me by my father when I was probably two years old: a Japanese toy with a man on a motorcycle, who actually drives around, then gets off and back on the motorcycle before driving off again. But wind-up tin toys are not robots. Today's toy is not a robot, either, but it does play one on TV—or at least in my little video below.<br />
<br />
The word "robot" comes from the Czech word <i>robota</i>, meaning "forced labour". It was coined in the 1920 play <i>R.U.R. </i>("Rossum's Universal Robots") by K. Čapek. Today, a robot is technically considered any mechanical device that can perform tasks automatically. Most robots still require human assistance in the form of remote controls or computer interface, although many recent robots are now able to respond to external stimuli or internal guidance systems.<br />
<br />
Although clockwork figures date from at least the twelfth century A.D., the first actual robots—in other words, substitutes for human labour—were not invented until the middle of the twentieth century. For centuries before that, however, people had been playing with hydraulics, clockwork and pneumatics to produce working models that could perform a number of functions, usually for the entertainment and amusement of nobles. Some of the most famous of these are a fire engine and wind organ from the first century A.D., some elaborate automata that were nearly robotic designed by Leonardo da Vinci during the fifteenth century, and the Japanese <i>karakuri</i> of the nineteenth century, which could do things such as serve tea and
shoot arrows.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KZzUeFeG8Y/UFUGNRPCyuI/AAAAAAAAPAU/Ewq1aXL3ngk/s1600/tamaya_room_karakuri_small.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KZzUeFeG8Y/UFUGNRPCyuI/AAAAAAAAPAU/Ewq1aXL3ngk/s400/tamaya_room_karakuri_small.gif" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archer <i>karakuri</i> by Tamaya Shobei IX.<br />
Source: http://www.karakuri.info/zashiki/index.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As mechanical technologies improved during the Industrial Revolution, people began adapting machinery to perform some of the functions normally undertaken by people, and true robotics were born. The first remote-controlled robot, named Elektro, was exhibited at the World's Fair in 1939, and was produced by scientists at the Westinghouse Corporation.<br />
<br />
As electronics evolved during the 1940s, autonomous robots became possible, and in 1948 William Walter of Bristol, England, introduced the world's first electronic robot. By 1954, the world's first digital and programmable robot had been invented in the United States by George Devol. Sold to General Motors in 1961, it was put to work lifting hot metal from die-casting machines in a New Jersey automotive plant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igNHdd6u1GE/UFUG45kVVgI/AAAAAAAAPAc/TwtSU52xmZM/s1600/elektrovintage_610x758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igNHdd6u1GE/UFUG45kVVgI/AAAAAAAAPAc/TwtSU52xmZM/s400/elektrovintage_610x758.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elektro at the 1939 World's Fair in New York City.<br />
Photo: <span class="image-credit">Scott Schaut/Mansfield Memorial Museum</span><br />
Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57409909-1/<br />
elektro-1939-smoking-robot-saved-from-oblivion/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Because robots lack many of the physical limitations as humans, they can be used in extreme environments such as Space and the ocean floor, and for dangerous tasks such as bomb disposal. There are also robots to perform boring tasks such as vacuuming, mowing the lawn and even washing the floor.<br />
<br />
In countries such as Japan, which lack enough workers for tasks such as care of the elderly, lifelike humanoid robots are being developed to take on these functions. So far, these don't appear to be entirely successful. In a video I saw a couple of years ago, a robot designed to help the elderly in and out of bed kept dropping its dummy onto the floor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkGymkLsYYk/UFUIXcoaP4I/AAAAAAAAPAs/d-BU7wpwdX8/s1600/riman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkGymkLsYYk/UFUIXcoaP4I/AAAAAAAAPAs/d-BU7wpwdX8/s400/riman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RI Man, the helper robot that wasn't always so helpful, 2007.<br />
Source: http://depletedcranium.com/robot-human-society-we-are-so-not-there/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Although many things are called robots, most robots must have most of the following qualities:<br />
<br />
• It must be able to interact with physical objects.<br />
• It must be electrical.<br />
• It must be able to do a range of activities, rather than a single motion or task.<br />
• It must be able to process data.<br />
• It must be able to respond to stimuli.<br />
<br />
These days, the more a robot seems able to act on its own—although hopefully not to actually think <i>entirely</i> on its own—the more likely it is to be called a robot. Today, roughly half of the world's robots are found in Asia, with 32% located in Europe, 16% in North America, 1% in Australasia, and 1% in Africa. A whopping 30% of all robots are in Japan. <br />
<br />
There is something of an East-West divide when it comes to opinions about robots. In many Asian societies, robots are seen as relatively equivalent to humans, able to function as substitute caregivers, teachers, and even pets. The general feeling about robots in the East is that the more robots advance, the better, and the idea of "a robot in every house" is not an unwelcome one.<br />
<br />
In the West, however, people are more likely to be against the development of sentient robots, with a vague fear that they could one day replace, or at least overwhelm, humans. This fear is particularly apparent in connection with the capabilities of military robots. As these become more complex, there are concerns regarding the ability of military robots to make autonomous decisions. <br />
<br />
Personally, I'm not sure how I feel about robots. Although I don't suffer from "Frankenstein complex"—which is essentially a fear of robots—I don't want one that will vacuum my house, lift me up, or lick my face.<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago, a journalist friend did a televised piece on Japanese robots in which he called one of the more humanoid ones, "kind of creepy." It was indeed kind of creepy. In fact, I find even the more cuddly Japanese robots vaguely disturbing. I worked on an exhibition on Japanese innovation last year which featured a life-sized baby seal robot that made cooing noises, batted its eyes and kind of squirmed around. Some people found it adorable. I didn't. And I like baby seals.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ9uiG8UZzU/UFUHui4zmzI/AAAAAAAAPAk/ucy1l223Bso/s1600/paropic243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ9uiG8UZzU/UFUHui4zmzI/AAAAAAAAPAk/ucy1l223Bso/s400/paropic243.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paro, the therapeutic baby seal robot.<br />
Source: http://www.inhabitots.com/paro-therapeutic-baby-seal-robot/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Elephants have also inspired robotics. For more on elephant-related robotics, see my posts on <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/05/elephant-no-219-scouring-pads.html">scouring pads</a> and <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/12/elephant-no-75-oil-pastels.html">oil pastels</a>. <br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I finally splashed out on one of the wind-up robot kits. I had actually looked at these kits a few times over the past couple of months, but I kept thinking that I didn't want an elephant that looked too robotic. Yesterday, however, I had a sudden vision of what my robot elephant might look like, so I bought the kit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzMuYGy8mek/UFT9EuoLLrI/AAAAAAAAO9I/2sadRSrHwrU/s1600/Wind-up+robot+box.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzMuYGy8mek/UFT9EuoLLrI/AAAAAAAAO9I/2sadRSrHwrU/s320/Wind-up+robot+box.png" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It comes with everything you see here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hZh1IhCbas/UFT9LlUsxXI/AAAAAAAAO9Q/RuIaSM0QMOw/s1600/Contents+of+kit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hZh1IhCbas/UFT9LlUsxXI/AAAAAAAAO9Q/RuIaSM0QMOw/s320/Contents+of+kit.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because all the wind-up chassis are blue, I started by painting mine silver with acrylic paint. I know acrylic paint won't last on this surface, but I didn't feel like going to another shop to buy enamel paint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztarKCmr3so/UFT9YXgTj0I/AAAAAAAAO9Y/xWX9h4BgxXU/s1600/Feet+of+chassis-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztarKCmr3so/UFT9YXgTj0I/AAAAAAAAO9Y/xWX9h4BgxXU/s320/Feet+of+chassis-robot+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And, because this is an elephant, and there were no elephant parts in the kit, I cut out two ears, a trunk and some tusks, then painted them with silver and pink to match the silver body that I'd chosen to use.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHhVCNC6iU0/UFT9hU_M4VI/AAAAAAAAO9g/hvq9kTElCOg/s1600/Painted+pieces.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHhVCNC6iU0/UFT9hU_M4VI/AAAAAAAAO9g/hvq9kTElCOg/s320/Painted+pieces.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I looked at the sheets of stickers and other bits in the kit next, and chose a few things to colour with the markers in the kit.<br />
<br />
When I was finished, this was everything I had, ready to assemble my little robot elephant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-td_IFSP0NXw/UFT9pqjgLaI/AAAAAAAAO9o/cQ4BgXFk5A4/s1600/Pieces+for+robot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-td_IFSP0NXw/UFT9pqjgLaI/AAAAAAAAO9o/cQ4BgXFk5A4/s320/Pieces+for+robot.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The photograph below shows what the body looked like when completed. In the end, I decided to leave off the tusks, and I changed the eyes to something smaller. I also decided to attach everything—except the eye stickers and mouth sticker—with the little brads in the kit, to make it look more "mechanical". I had also drawn and coloured both sides of the arms—which had been printed on only one side—so that they'd look nice if I decided to raise the arms in a "<i>raahhr</i>" pose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAVD6rQQj3g/UFT94zCfk4I/AAAAAAAAO9w/bnQHshMeRWw/s1600/Assembled+body-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAVD6rQQj3g/UFT94zCfk4I/AAAAAAAAO9w/bnQHshMeRWw/s320/Assembled+body-robot+elephant.png" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this was the chassis, with double-sided tape squares to attach the body.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXbG40ZaM4s/UFT98GvF56I/AAAAAAAAO94/wEugxPT57BY/s1600/Foam+squares+on+chassis-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXbG40ZaM4s/UFT98GvF56I/AAAAAAAAO94/wEugxPT57BY/s320/Foam+squares+on+chassis-robot+elephant.png" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once it was all assembled, I decided to film it in action. It's a cheap wind-up mechanism, so only runs for a few seconds at a time, but the little video below will give you an idea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyPhw2DU3fUXLpj01Hfk5XtM5tDOuAc3khR68JNZL0oSL2zxm_3n4KSAuB8oNWw0CKOFFprMNlYBaZZgDoUmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
It took me longer than I expected to make this, but that was mostly because I made extra elephant pieces, and because I kind of agonized over which stickers and pieces from the kit to use.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3endzIYE25w/UFT-hPXTWkI/AAAAAAAAO-A/_bYvsqDKNpY/s1600/Final-front-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3endzIYE25w/UFT-hPXTWkI/AAAAAAAAO-A/_bYvsqDKNpY/s320/Final-front-robot+elephant.png" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Alg1COdzT80/UFT_SaVbjVI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/16QK1CE6-7s/s1600/Final-back-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Alg1COdzT80/UFT_SaVbjVI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/16QK1CE6-7s/s320/Final-back-robot+elephant.png" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although part of me wishes I hadn't added so much colour to this, it's still kind of fun. Next time I might paint everything silver, including the stickers. But for now, I like this little guy, and will probably add him to my collection of wind-up tin toys.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcPKkZ7UIMk/UFT_KR7ViWI/AAAAAAAAO-Q/k8yTNTJIYLk/s1600/Final-side-robot+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcPKkZ7UIMk/UFT_KR7ViWI/AAAAAAAAO-Q/k8yTNTJIYLk/s400/Final-side-robot+elephant.png" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
The Rogue Elephant of Aberdare Forest was an actual African bush elephant that terrorized villages in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdare_Range">Aberdare Mountains</a> of Kenya during the early part of the twentieth century. The elephant was said to be so clever that it never attacked the same village twice.<br />
<br />
One night, after the elephant had attacked two men, killing one of them, runners from the village went in search of big-game hunter J.A. Hunter. Although Hunter—a friend of the village chief—was tracking game with two Canadian sportsmen that day, he agreed to hunt down the elephant.<br />
<br />
The village chief told Hunter that the elephant had been terrorizing villagers for months. It had destroyed crops, attacked people, and had now killed someone. The latest victim had not only been crushed, but had also had his limbs torn off—although it was unclear whether this was the elephant's doing, or the work of other animals.<br />
<br />
The chief advised waiting a day or two before setting off, since the elephant was certain to strike again. And indeed it did, attacking a nearby village that very night and destroying the crops. This gave Hunter a fresh trail, which led into the deepest part of forest. Hunter came upon the elephant feeding on bamboo and too aim with his rifle. The elephant, however, was too quick for Hunter and, catching his scent, quickly took off.<br />
<br />
The next day, the elephant was sighted in a village three miles away, tearing down a crop of trees. Following the elephant's trail into the forest yet again, Hunter and his party came across the elephant eating bamboo shoots. Scenting the humans, the elephant immediately wheeled around and charged. Hunter quickly took aim, and fired at the centre of the elephant's skull. The elephant fell to the ground, and was quickly finished off with a shot to the back of the neck.<br />
<br />
When the elephant was examined, he was found to be a rather unhealthy specimen, with poorly formed tusks that weighed only a third of what they should. It was also discovered that there was a musket ball lodged in the nerve centre at the base of the elephant's right tusk. Hunter suspected this to be the work of an Arab ivory hunter, and believed that the pain of the bullet was what had caused the elephant to become so dangerous and aggressive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qh9W408NdOQ/UFUElg33hbI/AAAAAAAAPAM/co6F0Z4bZBw/s1600/400px-African_Bush_Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qh9W408NdOQ/UFUElg33hbI/AAAAAAAAPAM/co6F0Z4bZBw/s400/400px-African_Bush_Elephant.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African bush elephant, Tanzania, 2011.<br />
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:<br />
African_Bush_Elephant.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="desc" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="desc" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
<div class="desc">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
</div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-70436660636207482462012-09-14T15:58:00.001-07:002021-04-16T19:00:06.161-07:00Elephant No. 348: Mirror<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JuR4MSMa3s/UFONUtlesmI/AAAAAAAAO0g/ArIzdQD_7Ks/s1600/Closeup-final-mirror+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JuR4MSMa3s/UFONUtlesmI/AAAAAAAAO0g/ArIzdQD_7Ks/s400/Closeup-final-mirror+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, I saw some mirror tiles in a dollar store, so today I thought I'd buy one and see what kind of elephant I could make.<br />
<br />
A mirror is technically any object that reflects either light or sound in a way that preserves much of the original quality. There are variations on this, of course, including mirrors that deliberately distort the reflection, and mirrors that absorb some wavelengths of light while reflecting others. In addition to their most common use as something we look at, mirrors are also found in optical and scientific equipment such as cameras, telescopes, lasers and machinery. Some aren't even used for visible light, but are instead designed to reflect sound or electromagnetic radiation.<br />
<br />
The earliest mirrors were probably pools of still water contained in a dark bowl. The first manufactured mirrors were produced in Anatolia around 6000 B.C., and were made of pieces of polished obsidian: a form of naturally occurring black volcanic glass. Similar stone mirrors have been found in Central and South America, dating to around 2000 B.C.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTWr3DBX5QA/UFOl9ZSq_AI/AAAAAAAAO5A/NQvqNv-WkPI/s1600/ObsidianOregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTWr3DBX5QA/UFOl9ZSq_AI/AAAAAAAAO5A/NQvqNv-WkPI/s320/ObsidianOregon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chunk of obsidian. Found in many parts of world, obsidian<br />was used for the earliest manufactured mirrors, and is still<br />used today for some new age mirrors and scrying glasses.<br />Source:http://thedutchrose.blogspot.ca/2010/08/mirror-mirror.html<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Mirrors made of polished copper were produced in Mesopotamia from around 4000 B.C. on, and in Ancient Egypt beginning in 3000 B.C. By 2000 B.C., bronze mirrors were being produced in China and India, along with mirrors made of a copper-tin alloy. Mirrors made of this alloy, as well as mirrors made of precious metals, were more difficult to craft at this period in history, and were owned only by the wealthy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZAx1bdW2YE/UFOkvFT5z6I/AAAAAAAAO44/a31sF8xtsyQ/s1600/9154230_2_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZAx1bdW2YE/UFOkvFT5z6I/AAAAAAAAO44/a31sF8xtsyQ/s400/9154230_2_l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflective surface of a Chinese bronze mirror, Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618–907).<br />Source: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9154230</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It is thought that metal-coated glass mirrors were invented in Sidon in modern-day Lebanon around the first century A.D. Glass mirrors backed with gold leaf are mentioned by Pliny in his <i>Natural History</i> in A.D. 77, and the Romans had also by this time developed a means of coating blown glass with molten lead to make cruder mirrors.<br />
<br />
As early as A.D. 500, the Chinese were experimenting with mirrors made with silver-mercury backing, and by the early Renaissance, Europeans had found an effective way of coating glass with a tin-mercury amalgam. By the sixteenth century, Venice had become an important centre for the production of mirrors made with this technique.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until 1835, however, that silvered glass was used in mirror-making. The process invented by German chemist Justus von Liebig involved depositing a thin layer of silver nitrate onto glass. This was soon adapted for mass-production, and mirrors became more affordable. Today, mirrors are often produced with a process that involves vacuum sealing aluminum or silver onto the glass.<br />
<br />
The coating is a little more complicated than a simple metallic layer, however. The glass is first conditioned with tin chloride because silver won't bond directly to glass. The silver is then applied, followed by a chemical activator to harden it. A copper coating is then added for durability, followed by paint to protect the coating from scratches.<br />
<br />
Mirrors have had many uses throughout history. One of the more interesting is the "Archimedes Death Ray". According to legend, Archimedes used a massive array of mirrors to burn Roman ships during the Siege of Syracuse in 214–212 B.C. A recent re-enactment of this event proved, unfortunately, that it was impossible to light ships on fire using the bronze mirrors of Archimedes' time. The mirrors did, however, make it very hard for people on the target boat to see anything, which may have given rise to the original legend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjLAa70h1Io/UFOjpVK86hI/AAAAAAAAO4w/kBplMWVfSbs/s1600/archimedes+jiffy+pop+maker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjLAa70h1Io/UFOjpVK86hI/AAAAAAAAO4w/kBplMWVfSbs/s400/archimedes+jiffy+pop+maker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist's concept of mirrors used by Archimedes to set Roman ships on fire.<br />Source: http://gammaworldwar.blogspot.ca/2011/05/post-<br />apocalypsewhen-is-that-exactly.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Another unusual use of mirrors is far more recent. Because of its location in a steep-sided valley, the Italian town of Viganella gets no direct sunlight for a full seven weeks during the winter. Accordingly, in 2006, a computer-controlled mirror measuring 8 x 5 metres (26 x 16 feet) was installed, and now reflects light into the town's piazza. <br />
<br />
Mirrors have also featured prominently in works of art, sometimes functioning as a symbol of vanity, the passing of time, and even death. Artists have also used mirrors to assist them in their work. During the Renaissance, Brunelleschi discovered the principles of linear perspective with the help of mirrors, and Leonardo da Vinci famously recommended that, if you want to see whether your painting is an accurate representation, take a mirror and reflect the actual object in it. If your painting and the original object look similar, you have been true to life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHyYFe3Gips/UFOn_K4txnI/AAAAAAAAO5I/VkImFzrAk_E/s1600/eyck_arnolfini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHyYFe3Gips/UFOn_K4txnI/AAAAAAAAO5I/VkImFzrAk_E/s400/eyck_arnolfini.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Betrothal of the Arnolfini</i>, 1434<br />Jan van Eyck (ca. 1395–ca. 1441)<br />Collection of the National Gallery, London, U.K.<br />This is one of the most famous mirrors in the history of art,<br />reflecting the entire room in miniature.<br />Source: http://www.artchive.com/artchive/v/van_eyck/<br />arnlfini.jpg.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In later years, artists such as M.C. Escher, whose work generally featured optical illusions, used special mirrors to help him draw more than what he could see directly. And of course, the large majority of self-portraits would not have been possible without mirrors.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xK7fFHR6Fg8/UFOpcLPgr-I/AAAAAAAAO5Q/1jNJfSknj2A/s1600/Hand_with_Reflecting_Sphere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xK7fFHR6Fg8/UFOpcLPgr-I/AAAAAAAAO5Q/1jNJfSknj2A/s400/Hand_with_Reflecting_Sphere.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hand with Reflecting Sphere</i>, 1935<br />M.C. Escher (1898–1972)<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:<br />Hand_with_Reflecting_Sphere.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Artists also use actual mirrors in their work, either as accents, or to create massive reflective works. The form of East Indian embroidery known as shisha work also uses mirrors, which are embroidered into the fabric.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXS7aeT3y4g/UFOwrp1BLvI/AAAAAAAAO7M/4KaNyZR-NIY/s1600/rabbit_jeff_koons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXS7aeT3y4g/UFOwrp1BLvI/AAAAAAAAO7M/4KaNyZR-NIY/s400/rabbit_jeff_koons.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rabbit</i>, 1986<br />Jeff Koons (1955– )<br />Koons made multiples of this mirror-finish rabbit, based on a popular<br />Easter inflatable from the late 1960s. I actually had one of the original<br />inflatables—and probably still do somewhere.<br />Source: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/articulations/2007/10/art-for-the-masses/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Mirrors are also found in the world of entertainment, from disco balls to halls of mirrors in amusement parks. They also feature prominently in literature, both literally—as in Alice's adventures through the looking-glass—and figuratively, as in the biblical "through a glass darkly."<br />
<br />
Mirrors figure prominently in the world of superstition as well. Spectrophobia is the fear of mirrors, and some traditions hold that mirrors reflect the soul and can even capture it. By the same token, a vampire cannot see itself in a mirror because it is undead and has already lost its soul.<br />
<br />
If you break a mirror, it is said to herald seven years of bad luck, and witches often used mirrors to cast spells or to see into the future. There is also a Buddhist belief that a house with a triangular-shaped roof allows a negative spirit to enter through the door. Hanging a small circular mirror in front of the door prevents this.<br />
<br />
In the animal world, an ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is considered a mark of high intelligence. To date, only a few species have passed the so-called mirror test: humans, bonobos, chimpanzees, organgutans, gorillas, dolphins, orcas, magpies—and <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/02/elephant-no-128-safety-pin-bracelet.html">elephants</a>.<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I bought a mirror tile with a bevelled edge, measuring 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inches). <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NNTtJ9UfJ4/UFOdStZ1woI/AAAAAAAAO2Q/eQlg1WMmuDk/s1600/Mirror+square.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NNTtJ9UfJ4/UFOdStZ1woI/AAAAAAAAO2Q/eQlg1WMmuDk/s320/Mirror+square.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought I might try glueing little bits of mirror onto the surface in
an elephant shape, so I pulled out all the mirror shapes I had. Some of these are <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/11/elephant-no-51-shisha-mirror-work.html">shisha mirrors</a> from India, but I thought I might need a few smaller pieces. The small bags were purchased at a dollar store a couple of years back, and cost a dollar per bag.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE2vlzjAvZU/UFOehigKwiI/AAAAAAAAO2Y/f-HCurrJ77M/s1600/Mirrors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE2vlzjAvZU/UFOehigKwiI/AAAAAAAAO2Y/f-HCurrJ77M/s320/Mirrors.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2rkJ4FoxtZ4/UFOekW9LmkI/AAAAAAAAO2g/a_Z9IVHBl7I/s1600/Round+and+square+mirrors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2rkJ4FoxtZ4/UFOekW9LmkI/AAAAAAAAO2g/a_Z9IVHBl7I/s320/Round+and+square+mirrors.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started by laying out the mirror pieces on the tile. I didn't photograph the process, as mirrors are obviously so reflective that it was hard to see anything but the surrounding room when it was lying flat.<br />
<br />
I mostly used square mirrors for the ear area, large round mirrors for the head and trunk, a few diamond-shaped pieces for the mouth and tusk, and tiny round mirrors at the end of the trunk and for an eye. I also let some of the square ear pieces trail over the bevelled edge, because I thought it looked more interesting that way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh7a7jWd-94/UFOiHMqoYpI/AAAAAAAAO4Y/tGoyoPvr1eM/s1600/Detail-upper+ear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh7a7jWd-94/UFOiHMqoYpI/AAAAAAAAO4Y/tGoyoPvr1eM/s320/Detail-upper+ear.png" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjOUQJYttlw/UFOiIzsJD6I/AAAAAAAAO4g/25op6wX2R2A/s1600/Detail-eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjOUQJYttlw/UFOiIzsJD6I/AAAAAAAAO4g/25op6wX2R2A/s320/Detail-eye.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To secure everything, I used a glue gun. This worked fairly well, but because the mirrored surface is so slick, a few of them popped off when I washed the final mirror. I reglued them with a larger amount of glue, but I'm not sure how secure they are in the long term. Next time, I might use silicone instead.<br />
<br />
I was surprised at how well this turned out. Interestingly, the mirrors don't fragment the reflected image as much as I thought they would, so you can actually still see yourself. One thing I didn't like was that, because the different types of mirror have different colours of paint on the back, there is a faint difference in colour and edges. It's not catastrophic, but it's something I'd take into consideration next time. In the final mirror, you can see the difference in the diamond-shaped pieces, and the smaller circles. These have an orange backing, whereas all the others are dark grey.<br />
<br />
It took me a little under half an hour to place the mirrors and glue them down, so it wasn't at all time-consuming. I also like the final result well enough that I might actually hang it up somewhere, either in a frame, or with a simple hanger of some sort affixed to the back. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlh96fE0TD8/UFOipRrsSSI/AAAAAAAAO4o/EOalcjivYbc/s1600/Whole+final-mirror+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlh96fE0TD8/UFOipRrsSSI/AAAAAAAAO4o/EOalcjivYbc/s400/Whole+final-mirror+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
This is one of the most sobering elephant stories I've read in a while, and rather heartbreaking in its way.<br />
<br />
Despite the best efforts of conservationists in Vietnam, it is now considered inevitable that elephants will soon be extinct in that country. In 1990, there were an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 elephants in Vietnam. Three years ago, there were about 150. Today, there may be only a few dozen.<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The problem, of course, is poaching. In 2009, a representative of Fauna & Flora International spoke hopefully to reporters about a feasibility study aimed at creating an elephant centre in Vietnam's south-central province of Daklak, where most of the country's domestic elephants were then located. As of September 2012, however, Vietnam's conservation groups had essentially thrown in the towel, giving up on the possibility of saving Vietnam's last elephants.<br />
<br />
The most immediate reason was the recent slaughter of two of the country's few remaining elephants. For several years, there has been a tiny and poorly funded Elephant Conservation Centre in a national park in Daklak province. The Centre has been sheltering a herd of 29 elephants, trying to rebuild their numbers. In late August 2012, however, a pair of the herd's elephants were found slaughtered in the forest, including the herd's only male. His head and trunk were severed, and his tusks of course were taken.<br />
<br />
Without an adult male, the herd is no longer considered sustainable. Even worse, this was the sixth male from the herd killed in 2012. Poaching is rampant in Vietnam, and males are the only Asian elephants with the much-coveted ivory tusks.<br />
<br />
Poaching is not the only issue in Vietnam, however. As in many other parts of the world, elephant habitat is rapidly disappearing in favour of rice, coffee and rubber plantations, as well as roads, dams and factories. Hardwood forests which stood for centuries, and once sheltered elephants and other wildlife, have also been clear-cut and the wood exported.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, there is little general understanding of elephants in Vietnam, and no real political will to save them. When new areas are being developed for industry or human habitation, scant thought is given to the elephants and other animals already in residence. Further, farmers have essentially been given carte blanche to destroy any elephants straying onto their farms.<br />
<br />
In the past, some efforts have been made to relocate elephants. In 1993, authorities sought to relocate 13 elephants from southern Vietnam to make way for an industrial farm. All but one of the elephants died. The lone survivor was sent to the Saigon Zoo.<br />
<br />
By all accounts, the rise of the middle class in China is largely responsible for the disastrous depletion of elephant populations worldwide. Ivory is highly coveted in China for everything from chopsticks to sculptures, and it has been suggested in many quarters that, if China ever lost its taste for ivory, the worldwide epidemic of elephant poaching would collapse overnight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ac5ei_vmgMY/UFOrjughi9I/AAAAAAAAO5Y/BMDRtDHH6pI/s1600/800px-Working_Elephant_Vietnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ac5ei_vmgMY/UFOrjughi9I/AAAAAAAAO5Y/BMDRtDHH6pI/s400/800px-Working_Elephant_Vietnam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Asian elephant in Vietnam, 2004. <br />Sadly, this elephant has probably since been killed for his tusks.<br />Photo: Thomas Schoch<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Working_Elephant_Vietnam.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span rel="v:ingredient"><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="desc">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/">Fauna & Flora International </a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</span></div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-56225485484701698152012-09-13T17:39:00.004-07:002021-04-16T19:00:19.194-07:00Elephant No. 347: Jellies<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Zk9D42BU3o/UFJvOY7DjWI/AAAAAAAAOxs/qINOnac1100/s1600/Detail+2-jelly+elephants.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Zk9D42BU3o/UFJvOY7DjWI/AAAAAAAAOxs/qINOnac1100/s400/Detail+2-jelly+elephants.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Some of my friends and family view gelatin desserts with fear and loathing, but I kind of like them. I don't really care for things like lime gelatin with shredded cabbage in it, and tomato aspic will never knowingly pass these lips again, but regular fruit flavours—even with fruit in them—are something I don't mind in the least.<br />
<br />
Gelatin is made, rather revoltingly, from collagen that is extracted from the bones, connective tissues and intestines of animals. These are boiled down and clarified, and in modern times, the final result is dried and powdered. <br />
<br />
Gelatin for desserts was popularized in Georgian and Victorian England, when confectioners produced dazzling jelly desserts, usually in large moulds. At the time, gelatin was sold in sheets and, before it could be used, had to be purified. This time-consuming process meant that gelatin desserts were usually only served in wealthy households.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGNdYIucrEM/UFIiGwxEkaI/AAAAAAAAOvc/BC8N3gRr9PM/s1600/1172753_110309064304_amould.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGNdYIucrEM/UFIiGwxEkaI/AAAAAAAAOvc/BC8N3gRr9PM/s400/1172753_110309064304_amould.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorian jelly mould featuring a lion.<br />Source: http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/34626098/JELLY_MOULD_Depicting_a_<br />Lion_Victorian_Iron_and_tin_plated_copper.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In 1845, American industrialist Peter Cooper was granted a patent for gelatin powder. Some forty years later, the formula was sold to Pearle Wait, an American carpenter and cough-syrup manufacturer. Wait and his wife May added lemon, orange, raspberry and strawberry flavourings to the powdered gelatin, and in 1897 gave it the name "Jell-O".<br />
<br />
The Waits were unable to successfully market their invention, so in 1897 they sold the business to their neighbour Orator Francis Woodward for $450. Woodward and his Genesee Pure Food Company also struggled in the early years to sell the product. In 1902, he decided to take out ads in the <i>Ladies Home Journal</i> magazine, claiming that Jell-O was "America's Most Famous Dessert". He was stretching the truth, to say the least, and Jell-O remained a minor success for a few more years.<br />
<br />
In 1904, however, the Genesee Pure Food Company sent out a massive salesforce, whose representatives distributed free Jell-O cookbooks. At the time, it was an unusual technique, but it worked. Within ten years, new flavours had been added, and Jell-O had been launched in Canada. The brand also acquired celebrity testimonials and recipes, including one featuring Ethel Barrymore. Some ads were even illustrated by artist Maxfield Parrish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTHiKkJABU4/UFIi_F5TczI/AAAAAAAAOvs/okalScECZns/s1600/jello-kings-body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTHiKkJABU4/UFIi_F5TczI/AAAAAAAAOvs/okalScECZns/s400/jello-kings-body.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jell-O advertisement, illustrated by Maxfield Parrish, 1921.<br />Source: http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/badaily/2012/03/<br />coke-modifies-caramel-color-to.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In 1923, the company launched a version with artificial sweetener, known as "D-zerta", and by 1927, the Genesee company had merged with the Postum cereal company and Birdseye frozen foods to form the General Foods Corporation. By the early 1930s, American cuisine had come to embrace the idea of jellied salads, prompting the company to introduce lime Jell-O, which was thought to complement the types of things that were added to aspics and salads. They even introduced savoury flavours such as seasoned tomato, celery and Italian. These have since been discontinued.<br />
<br />
In 1934, comedian Jack Benny became the spokesman for Jell-O, and the J-E-L-L-O five-note jingle—still in use today—was created by the advertising agency Young & Rubicam. Over the next several decades, gelatin desserts grew in popularity, largely because they were quick to prepare, and were actually a reasonable source of protein.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxkjkUBEf40/UFIjj7owMMI/AAAAAAAAOv0/k_fD8fDQfyo/s1600/6aae3465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxkjkUBEf40/UFIjj7owMMI/AAAAAAAAOv0/k_fD8fDQfyo/s400/6aae3465.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advertisement for Jell-O Freezing Mix, featuring Jack Benny, ca. 1935–1940.<br />Source: http://metalmisfit.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/jack-benny-for-<br />jell-o-freezing-mix-ice-cream/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Between the late 1960s and the mid-1980s, sales of gelatin desserts declined. Taking a proactive approach to this downturn, Jell-O's parent company—now Kraft Foods, following another merger—revisited earlier recipes, and came up with new ways to use gelatin dessert mixes, from firm snacks like "Jell-O Jigglers" (which is what I made today), to "sparkling" Jell-O made with carbonated drinks, to elaborate desserts and cakes. Others have added to the repertoire with the alcohol-laced "jello shot".<br />
<br />
Today, the Jell-O brand alone sells about 300 million boxes in the United States each year. Many other companies around the world also produce flavoured gelatin, often in exotic flavours. In my own neighbourhood, there are Chinese groceries that sell gelatin powder in mango, lychee, green tea, rose, and hold-your-nose durian.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlBq3fJt7CA/UFIkT82hYTI/AAAAAAAAOv8/fP02u8ZyEPA/s1600/jello+salad%5B4%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlBq3fJt7CA/UFIkT82hYTI/AAAAAAAAOv8/fP02u8ZyEPA/s400/jello+salad%5B4%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical savoury gelatin salad, staple of many family reunions and social gatherings.<br />Source: http://www.southernbellesimple.com/2010/03/speak-southern-<br />and-carry-jell-o-salad.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Gelatin desserts are very simple to prepare. All you need is boiling water to dissolve the powder, an equal amount of cold water, and a container or mould of some sort. You also need time: it takes about eight hours to set the gelatin in a mould or bowl to reasonable firmness. To keep gelatin firm, it should be kept refrigerated, as heat will generally cause it to "melt".<br />
<br />
Gelatin dessert mixes can accommodate a wide range of additives, from cabbage and fruit, to bizarre objects such as staplers and nuts and bolts. It can be layered, moulded, whipped, frozen, carved and cut. There are really only two things to worry about when playing with gelatin. The first is making sure that you don't inadvertently add extra liquid. The second is that, because gelatin is protein-based, you can't add foods containing enzymes that break down protein. These include fresh pineapple, papaya, kiwi and ginger root.<br />
<br />
By the way, "Jell-O" is a brand name, although it's also become something of a generic term. Out of respect for trademarks, however, I've used "gelatin dessert" in this blog. Even though I mostly used actual Jell-O for today's blog activity. <br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I made an extra-firm version of gelatin dessert, using about one-quarter the water. Although I've never tried this, it supposedly makes the resulting gelatin firm enough to pick up with your hands.<br />
<br />
I didn't really use a recipe for this, except to note that you use only one-third to one-quarter of the water the box calls for. You also use only boiling water to dissolve the powder, and no cold water at all.<br />
<br />
Because I wanted a rainbow of colours in my final jellies, I bought six "colours" of gelatin powder: red, orange, warm yellow, green, blue and purple.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aD49zYdJJY/UFJvr3ZQrKI/AAAAAAAAOx0/Cb5f_stGnkw/s1600/Gelatin+boxes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aD49zYdJJY/UFJvr3ZQrKI/AAAAAAAAOx0/Cb5f_stGnkw/s320/Gelatin+boxes.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I boiled some water, and dissolved each powder.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSgm8kVuKU0/UFJv-jtkvlI/AAAAAAAAOx8/rIkKSeufUi0/s1600/Jelly+powders.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSgm8kVuKU0/UFJv-jtkvlI/AAAAAAAAOx8/rIkKSeufUi0/s320/Jelly+powders.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMl1uAE_81U/UFJwBLE98lI/AAAAAAAAOyE/MDUM35H3bV4/s1600/Jelly+mixtures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMl1uAE_81U/UFJwBLE98lI/AAAAAAAAOyE/MDUM35H3bV4/s320/Jelly+mixtures.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had decided to make two types of jellies: the kind that are cut from a sheet of gelatin with a cookie cutter, and little moulded animals. For the moulded version, I used the candy moulds I'd used to make <a href="http://www.elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2011/11/elephant-no-39-moulded-chocolates.html">elephant chocolates</a> months ago. These also feature Bactrian camels and hippos, so I'd end up with ten moulds of each animal when I was done, since I planned to fill them all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGyIohImIys/UFJwqxJFQvI/AAAAAAAAOyM/gxB7YgyzE94/s1600/Sheet+mould.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGyIohImIys/UFJwqxJFQvI/AAAAAAAAOyM/gxB7YgyzE94/s320/Sheet+mould.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUfnLO8OcK0/UFJwzSW7v4I/AAAAAAAAOyU/_WlgZFXFwzg/s1600/Ladle+with+jelly+mixtures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUfnLO8OcK0/UFJwzSW7v4I/AAAAAAAAOyU/_WlgZFXFwzg/s320/Ladle+with+jelly+mixtures.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yX6WLpAB0Pc/UFJw2fKFSHI/AAAAAAAAOyc/zT5u4Ahnp6w/s1600/Jelly+in+animal+moulds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yX6WLpAB0Pc/UFJw2fKFSHI/AAAAAAAAOyc/zT5u4Ahnp6w/s320/Jelly+in+animal+moulds.png" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
This used up far less of the gelatin than I thought it would, so I pulled out several cookie sheets. Unfortunately, one four-serving package isn't enough to fill a cookie sheet, so I blended a couple of colours/flavours on some of the sheets. <br />
<br />
I then left everything to set for several hours.<br />
<br />
When I went to unmould things, it was so chaotic and awful that it ended up being hysterically funny. Some of the powders didn't really jell very well, so they couldn't be cut with a cookie cutter. As for the little bits in the mould, while they looked pretty, they wouldn't come out of the mould intact. In some sources it suggests spraying the mould with cooking spray first, but unmoulding should work just with hot water, so that's what I tried.<br />
<br />
For the moulds, I tested the camels first, but I couldn't make them come out intact, no matter what I tried. I put the moulds in hot water for about 15 seconds, which is the recommended time, but that only made them too soft to slide out. I tried chilling them again, thinking that this would make them more solid and easier to peel out. That didn't work either.<br />
<br />
Next, I actually put one set of moulds in the freezer for 15 minutes. I didn't want it to form ice crystals, because I've found in the past that freezing breaks down the gelatin. But I thought that, if they were extra cold, they might slide out well when placed briefly in hot water.<br />
<br />
I discoverd that freezing, even briefly, turns gelatin desserts into a kind of paste that is even less firm than the refrigerated version. I put them back into the freezer, thinking that I might be able to turn them into ice cubes that I could unmould. The answer is no, I couldn't. I finally gave up on the idea of pretty little moulded jellies.<br />
<br />
I turned my attention now to the cookie sheets. I dipped each cookie sheet in warm water, then used a smallish cookie cutter. To lift the individual elephants, I used a cake lifter, which worked fairly well to separate the elephants from the larger mass. They were all, however, a little raggedy at the edges. I don't know if it was the plastic cookie cutter in lieu of metal, or if I needed to do something differently. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK_kJ8vJUn8/UFJyMQ79c0I/AAAAAAAAOyo/Ho7g5AXnr7s/s1600/Detail-1-jelly+elephants.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK_kJ8vJUn8/UFJyMQ79c0I/AAAAAAAAOyo/Ho7g5AXnr7s/s320/Detail-1-jelly+elephants.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I honestly had visions of lovely jewel-like jellies from today's activity, but I ended up with a plate of strangely-coloured elephants that were also not as firm as I'd expected and somewhat misshapen from the removal process. And I was deeply disappointed by the little moulded ones. I've seen pictures of beautiful little moulded beans and Easter eggs, so I have no idea what went wrong. I can't imagine you would add even less water, as the amount of water I used barely dissolved the powder.<br />
<br />
In the end, it didn't really matter. This was a bit like a science experiment for me, and now I know that it's not something I need to try again. And, despite a sticky rainbow-hued kitchen, I still don't hate gelatin dessert. But I don't think I'll make a bowl of the stuff again anytime soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqEPRxeCXfw/UFJzVAEv4xI/AAAAAAAAOyw/s7wxSCnX3G8/s1600/Plate+of+jelly+elephants.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqEPRxeCXfw/UFJzVAEv4xI/AAAAAAAAOyw/s7wxSCnX3G8/s400/Plate+of+jelly+elephants.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span></span><br />
<div id="ingredients">
<div class="table-row">
<div class="column1">
<div class="textarea">
<span rel="v:ingredient"><span><div class="desc">
</div>
<div class="desc">
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b></div>
<div class="desc">
This rather endearing story comes from southern India and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arignar_Anna_Zoological_Park">Arignar Anna Zoological Park</a>. </div>
<div class="desc">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="desc">
Starting in late 2009, the zoo began rescuing orphaned elephant calves from nearby forests. Because orphaned elephants need a great deal of care and affection, mahouts and their children began caring for the elephants around the clock. </div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
The bond between the children and the orphaned calves has been particularly strong. The elephants shower with the children, play soccer with them, and even take them to school. The youngest elephants will also only go to sleep when the children snuggle up to them and rub their backs.</div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
The day starts with the elephant's morning bath, during which the children scrub down their charges. The elephants actually come to the pool on the dot of 7:00 a.m. for their baths, where they wait for the children. The children generally get a soaking as well, particularly from 14-month-old Urigam, who likes to grab a bucket of water and pour it over his favourite child, Lavindya.</div>
<div class="desc">
</div>
<div class="desc">
Breakfast comes next, with the children helping to feed the orphans a blend of milk, coconut water, and glucose. During the day, the adult mahouts feed the elephants watermelon, bananas and sugarcane as well, to help build up their strength.</div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
There is no schoolbus for these young children, so when it is time to go to school, they hop onto the backs of the elephants. The elephants even carry the children's schoolbags and lunch containers in their trunks. </div>
<div class="desc">
</div>
<div class="desc">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulj8tJ40qAA/UFIfjEJFqzI/AAAAAAAAOvM/39uspyXS4iY/s1600/article-0-0968490C000005DC-513_634x448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulj8tJ40qAA/UFIfjEJFqzI/AAAAAAAAOvM/39uspyXS4iY/s400/article-0-0968490C000005DC-513_634x448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nandini and Lavindya ride home from school on Sharon, 2010.<br />Photo: © Barcroft<br />Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1271132/Orphaned-<br />elephant-calves-children.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="desc">
</div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
After school, the elephants play soccer with the children. Sometimes the elephants even run through the village with the children, either chasing them or playing tag.</div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
Zoo staff firmly believe that, without this friendship and love, the orphaned elephants would likely have died soon after their rescue.</div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
Although the zoo is funded by Government of India, the zoo is currently raising funds to build a rehabilitation centre for a growing number of orphaned calves. More and more calves have become separated from their parents in recent years, often due to the killing of their parents by trains, vehicles or poachers. Others simply get lost and divided from the herd. The first of the zoo's orphaned elephants was found simply wandering on her own in the forest, with no adults anywhere in the area. </div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ENxJYEO7iw/UFIgADKvqCI/AAAAAAAAOvU/lsT9RZipLQE/s1600/article-0-096849E4000005DC-142_634x473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ENxJYEO7iw/UFIgADKvqCI/AAAAAAAAOvU/lsT9RZipLQE/s400/article-0-096849E4000005DC-142_634x473.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nangopal and Lavindya napping with the elephant calf Giri, 2010.<br /><span><span rel="v:ingredient"><span>Photo: © Barcroft<br />
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1271132/Orphaned-<br />
elephant-calves-children.html</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="desc" style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="desc">
<b> </b> </div>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-6892888115576650552012-09-12T15:33:00.002-07:002021-04-16T19:00:36.348-07:00Elephant No. 346: Chain Mail<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtV34A9HIuo/UFEIrtpj9_I/AAAAAAAAOtE/zkjjwr6iNVE/s1600/Closeup-right+side-final-chain+mail+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtV34A9HIuo/UFEIrtpj9_I/AAAAAAAAOtE/zkjjwr6iNVE/s400/Closeup-right+side-final-chain+mail+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was in a beading supply store last weekend and was inexplicably attracted to a display of coloured jump rings. Normally I hate working with jump rings, so it was probably the pretty colours that really attracted me. <br />
<br />
I liked the rings enough that I thought I'd try chain maille for today's elephant. Knowing how many jump rings I'd have to open and close, however, it occurred to me that this may have been a very bad idea.<br />
<br />
Chain mail—also called "maille", "chain maille" or simply "mail"—is usually used to produce a form of armour made up of multiple small metal rings that are chained together to form a sheet of mesh. The origins of the word "mail/maille" are not certain. The most likely derivation is from the French "maillier", meaning "to hammer". Although the more correct term for chain mail is simply "mail" or "maille", I've used "chain mail" throughout this post to avoid any confusion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkxBDpvfBPo/UFCuQ2TZNqI/AAAAAAAAOqM/vd41dFus-e0/s1600/Alu-butted-chainmail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkxBDpvfBPo/UFCuQ2TZNqI/AAAAAAAAOqM/vd41dFus-e0/s400/Alu-butted-chainmail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of modern aluminum chainmail for re-enactors.<br />
Source: http://www.raisonsbrassband.com/aluminum-chainmail-c-15_50_86.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The earliest known European-style chain mail dates from the third century B.C., discovered in the burials of Celtic chieftains in Slovakia and Romania. Likely inspired by earlier scale armour, chain mail is commonly believed to be a Celtic invention. From Europe, chain mail spread to North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Tibet, India, Japan and Korea.<br />
<br />
Chain mail was introduced to the Middle East and Asia via the Romans. By the third century A.D. it was in use among the Sassanid Persians as a supplement to the scale armour already in use. Chain mail was also used for horses and heavy calvary. Asian chain mail was lighter than the European version, and sometimes even had prayer symbols stamped on the rings as an added form of divine protection.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKq_57qzUhk/UFCtRiPQbDI/AAAAAAAAOqE/SW_J-LcfhzA/s1600/Guerrier_de_Vache%CC%80res_%28profil%29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKq_57qzUhk/UFCtRiPQbDI/AAAAAAAAOqE/SW_J-LcfhzA/s400/Guerrier_de_Vache%CC%80res_%28profil%29.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture of Gallo-Roman soldier, ca. 3rd century A.D., known<br />
as the <i>Guerrier de Vachères</i> for where it was found.<br />
Collection of the Musée Calvet, Avignon, France<br />
Photo: Fabrice Philibert-Caillat<br />
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Guerrier_de_<br />
Vach%C3%A8res_%28profil%29.png</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
From the Middle East, chain mail was adopted in Central Asia and India. It was not widely used by the Mongols, but became the armour of choice in India, often used with plate armour. This combination was common in India until well into the eighteenth century.<br />
<br />
In the Ottoman Empire as well, chain mail with plate armour was widely used until the eighteenth century, particularly among the Janissaries and heavy cavalry. From there, it spread to North Africa, where it was adopted by the Sudanese and the Egyptians. Surprisingly, chain mail was still being produced in the Sudan in the early twentieth century. <br />
<br />
Although used to a limited extent in China and Korea, chain mail was most widely embraced by the Japanese. In fact, the Japanese had more forms of chain mail than all the rest of the world put together—including hoods, gloves, jackets, vests, shin guards, thigh guards, shoulder guards, and even <i>tabi</i> (socks with divided toes).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1o8yxYOUYlA/UFCpcxxehyI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/2Ul0sd3HKAU/s1600/800px-Kusari_tabi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1o8yxYOUYlA/UFCpcxxehyI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/2Ul0sd3HKAU/s400/800px-Kusari_tabi.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese <i>kusari tabi</i> (divided-toe-sock armour), ca. early 19th century. The mail is<br />
sewn onto leather in this example.<br />
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kusari_tabi.JPG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The main advantage of chain mail was its ability to protect the wearer against slashing or stabbing by weapons such as swords, daggers and bayonets. A recent study at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, England showed that it was in fact almost impossible for a conventional medieval weapon to penetrate chain mail.<br />
<br />
The ability of chain mail to withstand an attack depends on a number of things: how the rings are linked, the material that is used, how tightly the rings are woven together, and the thickness of the rings themselves.<br />
<br />
Even the best chain mail, however, could sometimes fail. A slashing blow by a sharp sword at a perpendicular angle could cut through the links, for example, and large weapons such as axes could smash right through. Some countries, such as India, developed slender weapons able to find their way through the links in chain mail, and others focused their fighting techniques on finding a way around the chain mail, hitting the opponent in places which weren't protected by the metal mesh.<br />
<br />
The mail itself could also add to injury. Because of the mail's flexibility, if a soldier was bashed in a place covered by mail, the mail could at the very least bruise the wearer, and at the very worst cause serious cuts and fractures.<br />
<br />
Despite the various drawbacks, chain mail was highly prized. It was time-consuming to produce, making it expensive to own. As a result, it was often looted from the bodies of fallen soldiers. As weaponry advanced, however, chain mail was often supplemented with plate armour, and had largely fallen out of favour by the sixteenth century.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSOLMaCFmsE/UFCqbFB6LxI/AAAAAAAAOoY/8h1iqJiiTjI/s1600/800px-Harold_dead_bayeux_tapestry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSOLMaCFmsE/UFCqbFB6LxI/AAAAAAAAOoY/8h1iqJiiTjI/s400/800px-Harold_dead_bayeux_tapestry.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warriors in chain mail from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry">Bayeux Tapestry</a>, A.D. 1070. Note the looters at the<br />
bottom, including a man pulling a shield from a dead soldier, and another stripping<br />
an opponent of his chain mail.<br />
Collection of the Museum of Reading, England.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harold_dead_bayeux_tapestry.png</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, chain mail reappeared as a material for bulletproof vests, although it wasn't terribly effective. Not only could bullets destroy the rings, but the rings also fractured on impact, making the injury worse. During this same period, British soldiers fighting in the First World War sometimes wore a fringe of chain mail on their helmets. Although this proved an effective defence against shrapnel, it was unpopular with soldiers, and was ultimately abandoned.<br />
<br />
Today, chain mail has resurfaced yet again, this time for a wide range of uses. Modern high-tech chain mail is used in gloves for woodworkers, police and animal control officers. It is also used in wetsuits to protect against shark bites, and gloves and body armour for butchers. One of the more unusual uses of chain mail is a sort of Faraday Cage suit worn by electricians working with high voltage wires, and <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/03/elephant-no-167-wire-coils.html">people playing with Tesla coils</a>. Chain mail is also, of course, worn by many historical re-enactors.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2CmowXnj8Y/UFCu0Hj9nRI/AAAAAAAAOqU/06KDOWXVbjA/s1600/67k8402av1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2CmowXnj8Y/UFCu0Hj9nRI/AAAAAAAAOqU/06KDOWXVbjA/s400/67k8402av1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain mail glove for woodworkers.<br />
Source: http://www.leevalley.com/en/shopping/AddViews.aspx?p=56154</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Chain mail also has decorative uses. It is often used for epaulettes on military uniforms, and in film costumes—where it is sometimes not metal at all but spray-painted yarn or plastic. It is also used in art applications such as jewellery, mixed-media work, sculpture and even chess sets. So popular is chain mail these days, that there are a number of interanational clubs and forums where chain mail artists and practitioners can share their work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk87wbBlBlY/UFCvP4Bqk-I/AAAAAAAAOqc/ebby0_nDvSk/s1600/chained+chain+maille+jewelry+A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk87wbBlBlY/UFCvP4Bqk-I/AAAAAAAAOqc/ebby0_nDvSk/s400/chained+chain+maille+jewelry+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bracelet produced with a "Japanese weave" chain mail technique, by Rebecca Mojica.<br />
Source: http://www.beadinggem.com/2011/02/chain-maille-book-review-chained.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I chose jump rings in two sizes: 8.5 mm and 6 mm. I had 100 of each, so hopefully that would be enough. These are copper with an enamel surface in a colour called "seafoam". It wasn't my first choice of colour, but there weren't many colours with both sizes available.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3llFgedahvw/UFEFD3hG8UI/AAAAAAAAOsM/tOemwa9qlus/s1600/Two+piles+of+rings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3llFgedahvw/UFEFD3hG8UI/AAAAAAAAOsM/tOemwa9qlus/s320/Two+piles+of+rings.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My first idea was to simply make an elephant shape using chain mail, which I could later use to make a brooch or something. Then I thought it might be interesting to make a chain mail head covering for an actual elephant. Obviously not a full-sized elephant—but at least something I could slip over a small elephant from my collection.<br />
<br />
I decided to use one of the elephants generously given to me over the years. This one was a gift from my father, and measures about 10 cm (4 inches) in height.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6xElTuqYTk/UFEFh2-HhqI/AAAAAAAAOsU/AdLz0_Q7Lkk/s1600/Soapstone+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6xElTuqYTk/UFEFh2-HhqI/AAAAAAAAOsU/AdLz0_Q7Lkk/s320/Soapstone+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Having never made a chain mail anything—not even a bracelet—I had no idea where to start. Should I measure first? Just link rings together and fit it to the elephant as I went? Since I hate measuring things, I decided on the latter method. My subject elephant is quite stationary and cooperative, so I figured I could just fit him as I went.<br />
<br />
I loathe opening and closing jump rings when making jewellery, so some years ago I actually bought a little tool that fits on your finger like a ring. The idea is to place the jump ring in the slot and twist. I vaguely remembered using it once and not liking it, but I tried it again today. I didn't like it any better today. But that's just me. I ended up using my fingers and a small pair of flatnose jeweller's pliers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWz17VxNEOg/UFEFxJeZ5kI/AAAAAAAAOsc/kEMyfAtGyEg/s1600/Ring+tool.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWz17VxNEOg/UFEFxJeZ5kI/AAAAAAAAOsc/kEMyfAtGyEg/s320/Ring+tool.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Using the elephant armour in today's elephant lore as a model, I started with the top of the elephant's head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4VVxy93y-0/UFEF5yXVbHI/AAAAAAAAOsk/Mhq5ekT0U-0/s1600/First+strand+off+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4VVxy93y-0/UFEF5yXVbHI/AAAAAAAAOsk/Mhq5ekT0U-0/s320/First+strand+off+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsCsjSNrx5g/UFEF7a6FU9I/AAAAAAAAOss/ImxFsdmAjqY/s1600/First+strand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsCsjSNrx5g/UFEF7a6FU9I/AAAAAAAAOss/ImxFsdmAjqY/s320/First+strand.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I added a series of links down the trunk next, along with a few rings to stabilize the join between the topline and the trunk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaKdJNUSchY/UFEGOzAJbcI/AAAAAAAAOs0/UwJM8TI2j5s/s1600/Stage+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaKdJNUSchY/UFEGOzAJbcI/AAAAAAAAOs0/UwJM8TI2j5s/s320/Stage+2.png" width="190" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4M6HjwCJmU/UFEGRBZVT9I/AAAAAAAAOs8/K69HZQdHkM8/s1600/Stage+2+on+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4M6HjwCJmU/UFEGRBZVT9I/AAAAAAAAOs8/K69HZQdHkM8/s320/Stage+2+on+elephant.png" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From this point on, I joined rings in any way I could. I saw that I was going to run out of the smaller rings fairly quickly, so I used the larger rings to fill up the space.<br />
<br />
This was actually quite a complicated undertaking. The whole thing had a tendency to slip off the elephant's head, making it difficult to construct in situ. Worse, when I took it off and laid it flat, it was hard to keep track of where I was. Also, the elephant is not symmetrical, meaning that I couldn't necessarily do the same thing on each side.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, I used a combination of flat work and fitting the piece directly on the elephant's head. I also used almost all 200 rings, which is rather surprising when you see how small the piece actually is. It isn't a work of chain mail art by any means, but at least it does stay on the elephant's head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pImt5s0q6R4/UFEJDERoFwI/AAAAAAAAOtc/Qi279D6bIRw/s1600/Final-back+view-chain+mail+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pImt5s0q6R4/UFEJDERoFwI/AAAAAAAAOtc/Qi279D6bIRw/s320/Final-back+view-chain+mail+elephant.png" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't like chain mail all that much. It's fiddly and kind of tedious, and I didn't really see the point of it for someone like me. It also took me almost three hours for this little piece, so I think I'd rather just buy chain and link it together somehow. Some people create beautiful chain mail jewellery and armour, but it's definitely not for me. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, should something invade my house and try to slash my elephant in the head, his headdress might protect him. A little.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPMFDvJxFzQ/UFEIwlfczMI/AAAAAAAAOtU/XX1-zs-Eb4M/s1600/Final-left+side.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPMFDvJxFzQ/UFEIwlfczMI/AAAAAAAAOtU/XX1-zs-Eb4M/s400/Final-left+side.png" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Although elephants are normally thought to have a virtually impregnable hide, there are certain spots that are very thin and sensitive. This made elephants quite vulnerable to an archer's arrow in earlier centuries. The arrow might not have killed an elephant, but it would definitely madden him enough to cause considerable chaos and destruction.<br />
<br />
In Central and South Asia in particular, war elephants were accordingly outfitted with armour, including chain mail. At the Royal Armouries in Leeds, England, there is a stunning set of elephant armour made with panels of sheet iron, linked together with sections of chain mail. Produced around A.D. 1600, this highly decorated suit of armour includes hammered designs featuring elephants, peacocks, fish and lotus flowers. <br />
<br />
Some of the iron panels are missing, revealing the cotton padding that was worn under the armour to ensure the elephant's comfort. A good thing, too: so heavy is the suit of armour that it takes three people to lift the headpiece alone. It is the only known suit of elephant armour in the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pc5hjcIkR0/UFCg_IU6DuI/AAAAAAAAOmk/WnZgnwehvQE/s1600/compositeelephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pc5hjcIkR0/UFCg_IU6DuI/AAAAAAAAOmk/WnZgnwehvQE/s400/compositeelephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suit of elephant armour, ca. A.D. 1600, with inset showing detail of plates and mail.<br />
Collection of the Royal Armouries, Leeds, England<br />
Photo: © Ferne Arfin<br />
Source: http://gouk.about.com/od/leeds/ig/The-Royal-Armouries-in-Leeds/<br />
Elephant-Armor---One-of-a-Kind.htm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-21929386884818788322012-09-11T15:13:00.002-07:002021-04-16T19:00:52.260-07:00Elephant No. 345: Peanuts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3-wDMHymUA/UE-tthp_0FI/AAAAAAAAOjs/zYd3fJ9rRr4/s1600/Closeup-final+peanut+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3-wDMHymUA/UE-tthp_0FI/AAAAAAAAOjs/zYd3fJ9rRr4/s400/Closeup-final+peanut+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, when I made an <a href="http://www.elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/08/elephant-no-324-jelly-beans.html">elephant from jellybeans</a>, my friend Tom suggested I try peanuts. So today I thought I would.<br />
<br />
Peanuts (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>)—also known as groundnuts, earthnuts, pig nuts and goober peas—are legumes, belonging to the bean family. They are native to South America, and were probably first cultivated in Paraguay. Peanuts feature in the art of many pre-Columbian cultures and, even today, non-domesticated strains of peanuts grow wild in the valleys of Paraguay and Bolivia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoQlhRwQJqY/UE80fqSI-PI/AAAAAAAAOgM/UXT6AmiROso/s1600/peanut+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoQlhRwQJqY/UE80fqSI-PI/AAAAAAAAOgM/UXT6AmiROso/s400/peanut+necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut necklace made of gold and silver, Moche Culture, Peru, ca. A.D. 100–300.<br />
From the book <i>Art of the Andes</i>, by Rebecca Stone-Miller, 2002<br />
Source: http://theslideprojector.com/art9/art9lecturepresentations/art9lecture15.html</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The oldest known specimens of domesticated peanuts were discovered in Peru, and date back about 7,600 years. Cultivation of peanuts later spread as far north as Mexico, where Spanish conquistadors found peanuts for sale in local markets. European traders later spread the growing of the plant worldwide.<br />
<br />
Peanuts were grown as a garden crop in the United States and Canada for over two centuries, but were used primarily as animal feed until the 1930s. Following a disastrous failure of the cotton crop in the American South during the early years of the twentieth century, agricultural scientists—most famously, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver">George Washington Carver</a>—encouraged farmers to plant nitrogen-bearing crops to replenish depleted soils. This included peanuts. Carver also came up with hundreds of recipes for peanut-based foods, and is today seen as almost singlehandedly creating a peanut-growing market in the United States.<br />
<br />
As one of their names—groundnut—suggests, the peanuts themselves actually grow underground. The height of the plant above ground is only about 30 or 50 cm (1 to 1.6 feet). When I lived in Africa as a child, we always called them groundnuts, and they usually still had fine red sand clinging to the shell after roasting.<br />
<br />
More amusing to a child were the sacks of groundnuts frequently spilled across one particular stretch of Nigerian road: the result of overloaded trucks that had tipped over on the highway. They made a most satisfying sound when people drove over them, and lured many a monkey from the nearby bush. But never any elephants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-tXwODjhX0/UE8ycIbuGqI/AAAAAAAAOgE/Jk_N5Vk0YnA/s1600/800px-Peanut_9417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-tXwODjhX0/UE8ycIbuGqI/AAAAAAAAOgE/Jk_N5Vk0YnA/s400/800px-Peanut_9417.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly dug peanut stalks with pods, Stuckey, South Carolina, U.S.A., 2004.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Peanut_9417.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The plant grows small yellow flowers that look a bit like sweetpeas. Following pollination, the flower stalk lengthens until it bends and touches the ground. As the stalk continues to grow, the flower is pushed under the soil, and the fruit develops there as a legume pod. The pods measure about 3 to 7 cm (1.2 to 2.8 inches) in length, and contain anywhere from one to four seeds, or peanuts. It takes about four or five months from the time seeds are planted for the pods to be ripe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqoBVug4-E/UE8x66-1JHI/AAAAAAAAOf8/mzSzn4ThIhE/s1600/800px-Arachis_hypogaea_Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfqoBVug4-E/UE8x66-1JHI/AAAAAAAAOf8/mzSzn4ThIhE/s400/800px-Arachis_hypogaea_Flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut <i>(Arachis hypogaea</i>) flower.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arachis_hypogaea_Flower.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Peanuts are harvested from the soil by a machine that cuts off the plant just below the levels of the pods. The machine then lifts the plant from the ground, shakes it, then turns the bush upside-down to keep the pods off the ground. The pods are then left to air-dry for three or four days, and will shrink to about a third of their original size. Traditionally, the plants were pulled up and inverted by hand.<br />
<br />
Once harvested and dried, the peanuts are either roasted in their shells, or shelled then roasted or otherwise processed. The most popular types of peanut are Spanish, Virginia, Valencia, Runner and Tennessee Red or White. Most peanuts in the shell are Virginia; Spanish peanuts are used in peanut candy, salted nuts and peanut butter. Runner nuts are used to make peanut butter.<br />
<br />
In addition to such traditional uses, peanuts are pressed to make peanut oil, and are ground into flour. They are also used for unexpected purposes such as solvents, makeup, medicines, textiles, plastics, dyes, paints, and even nitroglycerin and fuel. In addition, the plant tops are used as animal feed, and the shells are used in manufacturing plastic, wallboard,
abrasives, fuel, cellulose and mucilage-style glue.<br />
<br />
Peanuts are high in important nutrients such as niacin and protein, and abound in antioxidants. They also contain resveratrol, which is thought to reduce the incidence of heart disease and cancer. Peanuts can be a significant allergen for some people as well, causing reactions ranging from watery eyes and hives to anaphylactic shock.<br />
<br />
Today, peanuts are grown in many countries around the world. They require sandy, loamy soil and about five months of warm weather, so can be grown in many climates. China leads world production of peanuts, with 41.5% of the market, followed by India (18.2%) and the United States (6.8%).<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I bought a few different types of peanuts at a bulk food store. I was originally going to buy only peanuts in the shell (because I like those best), but I thought I would need some more colours, so I bought Virginia peanuts with the dark skin intact, and some blanched roasted peanuts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWclurxWhjM/UE-u74z--mI/AAAAAAAAOkM/-R4S0gTWg2Q/s1600/Peanuts+in+shell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWclurxWhjM/UE-u74z--mI/AAAAAAAAOkM/-R4S0gTWg2Q/s320/Peanuts+in+shell.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1W3pDhwaa0/UE-u97CwwwI/AAAAAAAAOkU/iwkHo37cw8s/s1600/Virginia+peanuts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1W3pDhwaa0/UE-u97CwwwI/AAAAAAAAOkU/iwkHo37cw8s/s320/Virginia+peanuts.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKueIpdld1Y/UE-vAn7yC4I/AAAAAAAAOkc/CUCs3ONZHFs/s1600/Blanched+peanuts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKueIpdld1Y/UE-vAn7yC4I/AAAAAAAAOkc/CUCs3ONZHFs/s320/Blanched+peanuts.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started by laying out a rough elephant shape with the nuts in the shell, as I thought these were the ones elephants would be most likely to eat, and figured they should make up the bulk of the elephant. Despite their size, peanuts in the shell actually work well, because they have a shape that allows them to nestle together nicely. They also come in various sizes, which allowed me to use single-nut pods to fill in a few of the odd-shaped spaces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9ovx70hy7c/UE-vr8yDeJI/AAAAAAAAOko/wxInsVwZxaw/s1600/Stage+1-peanut+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9ovx70hy7c/UE-vr8yDeJI/AAAAAAAAOko/wxInsVwZxaw/s320/Stage+1-peanut+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For the next stage, I added a few Virginia peanuts as an eye. I used four or five, placing a couple of them more or less upright, with two or three others laid over top.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMaH3w3vt8I/UE-v9wQENUI/AAAAAAAAOkw/8a_DiYOdNHw/s1600/Virginia+peanuts+added.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMaH3w3vt8I/UE-v9wQENUI/AAAAAAAAOkw/8a_DiYOdNHw/s320/Virginia+peanuts+added.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To finish up, I removed some of the peanuts in the shell from the trunk and mouth area, and placed some of the blanched peanuts as a tusk. Because they were small, I added about three layers at the widest part of the tusk, to give the tusk some dimension, and to ensure that it didn't sink into the face.<br />
<br />
It took me about half an hour to make this, and it certainly wasn't hard. Now if only I had a pet elephant to help eat all these peanuts. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJR497F_400/UE-wrPE_KuI/AAAAAAAAOk4/oQjhsxy47Jg/s1600/Final-peanut+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJR497F_400/UE-wrPE_KuI/AAAAAAAAOk4/oQjhsxy47Jg/s400/Final-peanut+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Although <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/04/elephant-no-183-marzipan.html">peanuts are not an elephant's favourite treat</a>—they much prefer fruit and sugar cane—they will will definitely eat them. And if no other treats are in sight, an elephant will do everything it can to get at the tasty snack.<br />
<br />
Elephant keeper Henry Sheak wrote in 1923 of a particularly clever elephant named Dunk, who was determined to unearth a peanut that had gotten wedged in a narrow gap between the door and the floor of his enclosure at the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.<br />
<br />
Because the floor of the enclosure was several inches higher than the entrance, Dunk couldn't reach in with his trunk and grasp the peanut. According to Sheak, Dunk eventually paused, as if to size up the situation. Then, putting his trunk down near the peanut, he blew gently on it with his trunk until it became accessible.<br />
<br />
Sheak also reports, rather endearingly, that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunk_%28elephant%29">Dunk</a> was the only elephant he'd ever known who reformed his ways. It was once believed that when an elephant "went bad", there was no way to redeem it. Luckily, Dunk, who had turned rogue in a travelling menagerie, regained his gentle disposition when transferred to the zoo.<br />
<br />
In fact, Dunk became so popular with visiting children that, when he was injured and had to be euthanized in 1917, the children raised money for a plaque in his memory. The plaque remains in the Elephant House at the National Zoological Park to this day, nearly 100 years later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GdcKB_RhqI/UE6dugttJDI/AAAAAAAAOcw/NcmG83o9B1I/s1600/800px-Dunk_elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GdcKB_RhqI/UE6dugttJDI/AAAAAAAAOcw/NcmG83o9B1I/s400/800px-Dunk_elephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunk, the first elephant at the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.<br />
The photograph is from a 1930 book, but was probably taken closer to 1900.<br />
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dunk_elephant.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-21247186021906833152012-09-10T14:53:00.002-07:002021-04-16T19:09:23.132-07:00Elephant No. 344: Bookplate<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1qDv3Rk0Us/UE5RsPO7WMI/AAAAAAAAOYg/Yqu-A3KX1AI/s1600/Whole+final-bookplate+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1qDv3Rk0Us/UE5RsPO7WMI/AAAAAAAAOYg/Yqu-A3KX1AI/s400/Whole+final-bookplate+elephant.png" width="323" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I've always been a bookish sort of girl, happiest with my nose stuck in some large tome. Even as children, my siblings and I couldn't bear to be without reading material at any time, and actually fought over who was reading the cereal box at the breakfast table. This is why we all know the full names of chemical acronyms such as BHT—butylated hydroxytoluene, if you're interested, and I didn't have to look that up.<br />
<br />
At one point, when I had a lot more time on my hands, I actually made individual bookplates for my favourite books. The designs were based either on the book's subject matter, or on one of its illustrations. It astonishes me now that I ever even thought of doing such a thing. <br />
<br />
Because I have such a large personal library, only a fraction of my books have bookplates of any kind. But I do think they're lovely little works of art. So today I thought I might try making an elephant bookplate.<br />
<br />
Bookplates are sometimes known as "ex libris", meaning "from the books of" in Latin. They are generally small decorative slips of paper pasted into a book to indicate ownership. Bookplates with simple typography are called "booklabels" to distinguish them from the versions with art.<br />
<br />
Ownership marks on books and documents may date back to ancient Egypt and the reign of Amenophis III (1391–1353 B.C.), but formal inscriptions in books didn't become common until the Middle Ages in Europe. This coincided with the advent of early library practices, involving the use of shelfmarks, call numbers, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG8q2qSn-ms/UE4SU4aBUhI/AAAAAAAAOWw/_qdHBY-Hyro/s1600/552px-Bookplate2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG8q2qSn-ms/UE4SU4aBUhI/AAAAAAAAOWw/_qdHBY-Hyro/s400/552px-Bookplate2.png" width="367" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the earliest known bookplates, A.D. 1480.<br />This was pasted into books presented by Brother Hildebrand<br />Brandenburg to a monastery in Buxheim, Germany.<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bookplate2.png<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The earliest known printed bookplates were produced in Germany during the late fifteenth century. Although consisting of black ink on white paper, many of these early woodcut bookplates were hand-coloured afterwards, mimicking the look of similar designs in medieval manuscripts. Within a few decades, bookplates were being widely used across Europe, and by the late seventeenth century they had even made their way to North America.<br />
<br />
Over the centuries, the designs of bookplates reflected prevailing tastes—oddly enough—in furniture and architecture. Perhaps because a bookplate usually has a frame and often a coat of arms, the bookplate itself often looked something like the panel of a door, cupboard or library wall. Scallop shells, carved greenery, repeating patterns and heraldic animals were all common motifs in bookplates during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of their times.<br />
<br />
Another popular design of the time was the <i>portrait-plate</i> featuring, as the name suggests, an engraved portrait of the book's owner or author. Similarly common designs were <i>the library interior</i> and <i>book-piles</i>, both of which looked exactly as their names suggest. In bookplates such as this, fancy borders and family crests were largely secondary.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTdP9kaOQqo/UE5ZSZnU5wI/AAAAAAAAOa0/ihiq6eT4-qo/s1600/Samuel-Pepys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTdP9kaOQqo/UE5ZSZnU5wI/AAAAAAAAOa0/ihiq6eT4-qo/s400/Samuel-Pepys.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait-plate depicting Samuel Pepys.<br />Source: http://www.exlibris-art.com/types-of-ex-libris/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
By the beginning of the nineteenth century, however, bookplates had become quite plain again, often featuring a family shield of arms, a motto and a scroll. This pared-down look was to last throughout most of the century, and it wasn't until the early twentieth century that artistic bookplates enjoyed a resurgence. Family crests fell out of favour at this point, and were replaced by more fanciful and allegorical subject matter. <br />
<br />
Today, bookplates have become highly collectible, and are often of greater value than the book into which they've been pasted. Although the study and collection of bookplates dates back no more than 150 years, some immense collections have been amassed over the past century. In 1901–1903, for example, the British Museum in London published a catalogue of the 35,000 bookplates collected by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks. Even more astonishing, the collection of Irene Dwen Andrews Pace—currently housed at Yale University—numbers some 250,000 items.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3ZSJOZYma0/UE5cUct7UuI/AAAAAAAAObE/cSjXCP4FPwU/s1600/Bookplate_of_Edgar_Rice_Burroughs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3ZSJOZYma0/UE5cUct7UuI/AAAAAAAAObE/cSjXCP4FPwU/s400/Bookplate_of_Edgar_Rice_Burroughs.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookplate from the library of Edgar<br />Rice Burroughs, author of <i>Tarzan</i>.<br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:<br />Bookplate_of_Edgar_Rice_Burroughs.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Like stamp collectors, some bookplate collectors focus on specific subject matter—scientific, legal, portraits—while others focus on a specific country, period or style. Others collect the work of individual engravers and artists, proof plates, and signed plates. Today there are more than fifty national societies of ex-libris/bookplate collectors worldwide, as well as the worldwide International Federation of Ex-Libris Societies, which organizes a worldwide conference every two years.<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I decided to draw on plain paper with black ink, then hand-colour it if I had time.<br />
<br />
I started by drawing a rectangle measuring 7.5 by 10 cm (3 x 4 inches), which is about the size of most bookplates I've seen.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure at first how to fit an elephant into the idea of a bookplate, so I started by drawing an elephant. Luckily, the rest of the design more or less filled itself in. Once I'd drawn the elephant and book, I surrounded it with greenery. Because I had slightly miscalculated the centring of the elephant, I added an extra sprig of greenery on one side.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4tUAK1ZwrU/UE5SfLNTGCI/AAAAAAAAOYo/RAK55_BdduE/s1600/Pencil+sketch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4tUAK1ZwrU/UE5SfLNTGCI/AAAAAAAAOYo/RAK55_BdduE/s320/Pencil+sketch.png" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I went over the sketch with a regular rollerball pen next. The pen wasn't necessarily waterproof; but it was the finest point I had, so I used it instead of the slightly heavier permanent pigment liners I have.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugX35tZECiE/UE5S0AVugRI/AAAAAAAAOYw/PGRqhI3Flks/s1600/Black+outline.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugX35tZECiE/UE5S0AVugRI/AAAAAAAAOYw/PGRqhI3Flks/s320/Black+outline.png" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because I wanted to hand-colour this with watercolours, I heat-set the ink with a hairdryer. Just to be sure it wouldn't run, I drew a few scribbles off to the side and heat-set those as well. When I ran a wet brush over the scribbles and they didn't run, I knew it was okay to paint the main design.<br />
<br />
After this, I simply painted everything in. I became quite engrossed in the process, so I didn't photograph it along the way. To give you some idea of the order in which I painted everything, however: I painted the greenery and flowers first, then the book, then the grey of the elephant, then the blue wash in the background, then the pink in the elephant's ears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkCXpTV8e1U/UE5U4H6YLuI/AAAAAAAAOZA/vDpLroBGHlQ/s1600/Greenery-bookplate+elephant.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkCXpTV8e1U/UE5U4H6YLuI/AAAAAAAAOZA/vDpLroBGHlQ/s320/Greenery-bookplate+elephant.tiff" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9_n-_M_3YU/UE5TlX0Mg3I/AAAAAAAAOY4/0Krz1qrPMBs/s1600/Detail-book-bookplate+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9_n-_M_3YU/UE5TlX0Mg3I/AAAAAAAAOY4/0Krz1qrPMBs/s320/Detail-book-bookplate+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgYguchESDs/UE5RjXFsUWI/AAAAAAAAOYY/SbOCTsuQpC4/s1600/Detail-head-bookplate+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgYguchESDs/UE5RjXFsUWI/AAAAAAAAOYY/SbOCTsuQpC4/s320/Detail-head-bookplate+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It didn't take me long to draw this, but it did take about an hour to paint. I was actually quite happy with the final result, and may even make a few more at some point to put in my favourite elephant-related books.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1qDv3Rk0Us/UE5RsPO7WMI/AAAAAAAAOYg/Yqu-A3KX1AI/s1600/Whole+final-bookplate+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1qDv3Rk0Us/UE5RsPO7WMI/AAAAAAAAOYg/Yqu-A3KX1AI/s400/Whole+final-bookplate+elephant.png" width="323" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
My friend Jenny reminded me today that poachers don't just kill elephants. They often kill the rangers who protect elephants as well. <b> </b><br />
<br />
Within the past year alone, five Kenyan wildlife rangers have been killed by poachers, along with a depressing 278 elephants. Even more disturbing, poachers are now turning to "quiet" killing methods, leaving poisoned watermelons out for elephants to eat, and shooting animals and rangers with arrows rather than the noisier guns they once used.<br />
<br />
Most sources suggest that growing affluence in China and other Far Eastern countries is fuelling an immense upsurge in the illegal killing of elephants for their ivory, as well as the killing of rhinos for their horns. In some countries, rangers are fighting back by actually sawing off the tusks of elephants and the horns of rhinos to make them less attractive to poachers. This unfortunately changes the animals' behaviour—elephants, for example, use their tusks extensively to unearth minerals in the soil—but at least it keeps them alive.<br />
<br />
Sadly, even this is not always enough to keep rangers alive. In April this year, despite the sawn-off horns of local rhinos, a South African ranger and policeman were shot and killed by poachers while on patrol. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U04fYZc-dsk/UE5YHcT0BUI/AAAAAAAAOas/9IYow5ayEs0/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U04fYZc-dsk/UE5YHcT0BUI/AAAAAAAAOas/9IYow5ayEs0/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian elephant.<br />Source: http://blog.c77c.net/who-said-animals-can-not-be-sad-photos/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380925256415125574.post-20492372046415163302012-09-09T16:10:00.003-07:002021-04-16T19:09:08.315-07:00Elephant No. 343: Miniature Velvet Painting<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5OtyEp9aJs/UE0VfRaJ3LI/AAAAAAAAOSo/nJlQDLP5OoM/s1600/Closeup-velvet+painting+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5OtyEp9aJs/UE0VfRaJ3LI/AAAAAAAAOSo/nJlQDLP5OoM/s400/Closeup-velvet+painting+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of my friends dislikes velvet paintings so much that he has vowed to buy every one he sees at a yard sale or flea market, just so he can destroy it and take it off the market. I think he must mean the kind featuring children and clowns with large, sad eyes, because would you <i>really</i> destroy a large velvet Elvis? Well, I might, but I know others who would be horrified at the very idea.<br />
<br />
Although mostly viewed as a kitsch form of art, black velvet paintings actually have much more venerable origins.<br />
<br />
Velvet was invented in Kashmir, on the border between India and Pakistan. The first paintings on velvet likely originated here, and were later introduced to Western Europe by Marco Polo. In the Caucasus, early velvet paintings were religious in nature. Painted by Russian Orthodox priests, they portrayed saints and other figures as icons. Some of these works can still be found today in the collections of the Vatican Museums.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cOA6nYyloo/UEoql9nQEGI/AAAAAAAAODk/IzvI7dbZtaw/s1600/velvet+paintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cOA6nYyloo/UEoql9nQEGI/AAAAAAAAODk/IzvI7dbZtaw/s400/velvet+paintings.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern painting of the Hindu goddess Durga, India, 2011. <br />
This design shares similar content with earlier paintings produced <br />
in parts of Kashmir and India. <br />
Source: http://handicrafts-india-info.blogspot.ca/2011/01/<br />
velvet-paintings.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Over the centuries, velvet was painted with small patterns for use in high-end clothing. As with virtually all older forms of art and craft the technique also enjoyed a bit of a resurgence in Victorian times, as a craft for ladies. Firescreens, portraits, upholstery and other forms of painted velvet all appeared in the mid- to late nineteenth century.<br />
<br />
American artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Leeteg">Edgar Leeteg</a> is thought to have initiated the modern taste for paintings on velvet. In the mid-1930s, he moved to Tahiti, where he painted semi-clothed Tahitian women on black velvet, as well as religious subjects such as Jesus. His work eventually found its way to a gallery in Hawaii, where his paintings sold for thousands of dollars. Although some compared Leeteg to artists such as Frederick Remington and Paul Gauguin, most viewed his work as kitsch.<br />
<br />
Leeteg died in a motorcycle accident in 1953, his body riddled with an antibiotic-resistant strain of venereal disease that had resulted in women publicly warning others away from him. Leeteg probably would have concurred, having once described himself as a "fornicating, gin-soaked dopehead."<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiyFPTEIyiU/UEoppMGVYfI/AAAAAAAAODc/0iF691szdoA/s1600/Conch-Blower-Giclee-William_Leeteg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiyFPTEIyiU/UEoppMGVYfI/AAAAAAAAODc/0iF691szdoA/s400/Conch-Blower-Giclee-William_Leeteg.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Conch Blower</i> by Edgar Leeteg.<br />
Source: http://www.zuckerloft.com/archives/2006/09/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The heyday of velvet painting, however, was likely the 1970s. In Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, an expatriate Georgia, U.S.A. farm boy named Doyle Harden created an enormous velvet-painting factory, turning out paintings by the thousands. The factory was run something like an assembly line, with one artist painting one section of a picture, then passing it to the next artist, who would paint another section, and so one. Harden's factory approach is thought to have single-handedly fuelled the American craze for velvet paintings during the 1970s.<br />
<br />
Following on the craze for buying ready-made velvet paintings were kits that allowed people to paint their own in a paint-by-numbers format. Popular topics included clowns, cowboys, landscapes, and of course sad-eyed children. I'm pretty sure I painted one of the latter myself when I was little.<br />
<br />
Today, velvet paintings are still widely available, particularly in the United States, often with kitsch themes. They often feature iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Dale Earnhardt, Marilyn Monroe, and Jesus. Other popular subject matter includes Native Americans, cowboys, wolves, nudes, bullfights, as well as more avant garde themes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEYA27VbSrY/UEori4_9jKI/AAAAAAAAODs/8y7eKbEzaQk/s400/image.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="310" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spock</i> by Bruce White.<br />
Source: http://velvetgeek.com/?p=758</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEYA27VbSrY/UEori4_9jKI/AAAAAAAAODs/8y7eKbEzaQk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i></i></a></div>
<br />
In recent years, some artists have also revisited the content of vintage velvet paintings to inspire other works. My favourite is <a href="http://wp2.angelinawrona.ca/">Angelina Wrona</a>, who happens to be a local girl, with a gallery in Merrickville, Ontario.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fL9Lf0IRVF4/UEooy6dKiBI/AAAAAAAAODU/QYel9LEDwCU/s1600/angelina-wrona-clarice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fL9Lf0IRVF4/UEooy6dKiBI/AAAAAAAAODU/QYel9LEDwCU/s400/angelina-wrona-clarice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clarice</i> by Angelina Wrona, <br />
Source: http://www.squidoo.com/angelina-wrona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So iconic is the notion of velvet painting in pop culture that, from 2005 to 2010, there was an entire museum devoted to the art in Portland, Oregon, called the Velveteria.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxrfv_2xHGc/UEonCHQU-fI/AAAAAAAAODM/ioPN2T817n8/s1600/portland-city-guide-ga-12d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxrfv_2xHGc/UEonCHQU-fI/AAAAAAAAODM/ioPN2T817n8/s400/portland-city-guide-ga-12d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The now-closed Velveteria in Portland, Oregon.<br />
Photo: © 2006 Casey Bisson<br />
Source: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/portland-city-guide11.htm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For today's elephant, I wanted to work small. I also thought I should have an elephant with large, sad eyes. <br />
<br />
I decided to base my design on my <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/01/elephant-no-106-etch-sketch.html">Etch a Sketch elephant</a> and <a href="http://elephantaday.blogspot.ca/2012/08/elephant-no-304-fabric-marker-on-t-shirt.html">fabric markers elephant</a>, since these struck me as most likely to accommodate sad eyes with tears. Neither of these was based on a photograph, so the pose is probably unrealistic. Elephants don't cry or shed tears as we do, either, so I was taking a fair amount of artistic license here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrRyipeQTkY/UE0WETvCqrI/AAAAAAAAOSw/1PyKFlmuuug/s1600/Fifth+elephant+closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrRyipeQTkY/UE0WETvCqrI/AAAAAAAAOSw/1PyKFlmuuug/s320/Fifth+elephant+closeup.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWtpL2vxtQc/UE0WN82LeKI/AAAAAAAAOS4/crxMoOWpC7g/s1600/Closeup-final-hanging+outdoors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWtpL2vxtQc/UE0WN82LeKI/AAAAAAAAOS4/crxMoOWpC7g/s320/Closeup-final-hanging+outdoors.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For my painting surface, I used a piece of black cotton velveteen measuring approximately 12.5 cm (5 inches) square. To keep my painting surface taut, I put it in a small embroidery hoop. This gave me a canvas of about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.<br />
<br />
I started by making a faint sketch using a white tailor's chalk pencil. You could also use regular chalk.<br />
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA6o3QunNqA/UE0Wv-T2jZI/AAAAAAAAOTA/AKZCaZIkkCs/s1600/Sketch+on+velvet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA6o3QunNqA/UE0Wv-T2jZI/AAAAAAAAOTA/AKZCaZIkkCs/s320/Sketch+on+velvet.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I used white bottled acrylic paint to emphasize some of the outlines. I used white because I thought a bit of white underlay would probably make the design pop a bit against the black background.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9prRgZWCNw/UE0XV08WIpI/AAAAAAAAOTI/wK4wfkDwSvc/s1600/White+paint+outlines.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9prRgZWCNw/UE0XV08WIpI/AAAAAAAAOTI/wK4wfkDwSvc/s320/White+paint+outlines.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I added some mauve, blended with a bit of white. I used it mostly full-strength, working it into the fibres to create some shading. I also discovered at this point that, if the paint is the least bit watery, it sucks right into the fabric. Full-strength paint, however, is hard to manipulate on velvet, so it's a bit of a toss-up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGoJwvQzbeY/UE0X7h1-XyI/AAAAAAAAOTQ/lTrWPH97fYw/s1600/Purple+added.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGoJwvQzbeY/UE0X7h1-XyI/AAAAAAAAOTQ/lTrWPH97fYw/s320/Purple+added.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After this, I added blue, then leaf green, then yellow and a hint of red. I mostly layered these colours over one another, to make the colours dance a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OE2-0IIxNJE/UE0YOeXQGFI/AAAAAAAAOTY/yHjQYLHOkGw/s1600/Additional+colours+added.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OE2-0IIxNJE/UE0YOeXQGFI/AAAAAAAAOTY/yHjQYLHOkGw/s320/Additional+colours+added.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To finish up, I added some more white to create additional highlights, working it into the fabric so that it didn't overwhelm the colours. I also added the sad eyes. I didn't really know how to draw eyes with tears, so maybe these should have been a bit more transparent. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWy1esArEBw/UE0YkkbseqI/AAAAAAAAOTg/uBt8o--6nBY/s1600/Detail-eyes-velvet+painting+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWy1esArEBw/UE0YkkbseqI/AAAAAAAAOTg/uBt8o--6nBY/s320/Detail-eyes-velvet+painting+elephant.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you decide to try this, here are a few tips.<br />
<br />
1. You can use either acrylic or oils on velvet. I chose acrylics because they're easier to thin, but either works nicely on fabric.<br />
<br />
2. The thinner the paint, the more likely it will be to suck into the fabric and not sit on the surface. This can be good if you want to create subtle shading, but will require considerable layering if you want more vibrant colours.<br />
<br />
3. Let the background colour do some of the work. I thought about this too late in my painting, and wish I'd left a bit more black near the outlines and in the shadows.<br />
<br />
4. If you do layer, use lots of colours you may not think you need. It will give your design depth and life.<br />
<br />
5. Be sure to include a few highlights in thicker paint to make your design pop against the dark background.<br />
<br />
6. Play with your brushstrokes. I found that I got the most interesting effects if I ground a small amount of paint into the velvet fibres. You can also play with paint thickness: watery paint creates more subtle effects than thick paint, for example.<br />
<br />
This took me nearly two hours, which was more time-consuming than I expected it to be. I was very glad I'd decided to work small today.<br />
<br />
In the end, I was happy with the way this turned out, but I doubt very much that I'll ever start producing velvet
paintings. This would probably be an interesting technique to use in
connection with other fibre-based art, however, and I'll probably play with it some more.<br />
<br />
I just hope my friend likes this little piece well enough not to want to kill it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6gq3gYiLkI/UE0bNPF8O1I/AAAAAAAAOVI/cIy1C2QYijQ/s1600/Whole+final-velvet+painting+elephant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6gq3gYiLkI/UE0bNPF8O1I/AAAAAAAAOVI/cIy1C2QYijQ/s400/Whole+final-velvet+painting+elephant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Elephant Lore of the Day</b><br />
Although there are no elephants today in velvet's home state of Kashmir, the fossil record indicates that the mountain region may once have had a sub-tropical climate in which elephants flourished.<br />
<br />
In 2000, Indian geologists unearthed a 50,000-year-old elephant fossil in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was unexpectedly discovered in a field of saffron near Srinagar by geology students. The find consisted of a skull measuring 1.5 by 1.2 metres (5 by 4 feet), with complete upper and lower jaws, a broken tusk, and a vertebra.<br />
<br />
Similar fossils had been discovered on India's central Gangetic Plain and in the southern Narmada Valley, but this was a first for Kashmir. The find was expected to shed new light on changes in climate and wildlife patterns in Kashmir, and initial research suggests that Kashmir once had a sub-tropical climate—unlike the cooler climate it has today. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RNtQHV0ORk/UEouTXEJBAI/AAAAAAAAOFQ/EC9hvSRJ1lk/s1600/_913788_elephantfossil300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RNtQHV0ORk/UEouTXEJBAI/AAAAAAAAOFQ/EC9hvSRJ1lk/s400/_913788_elephantfossil300.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant fossil being unearthed in Kashmir, 2000. It took four days to remove it.<br />
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/913788.stm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><b>To Support Elephant Welfare</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html">World Wildlife Fund</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/default.aspx">World Society for the Protection of Animals</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.pawsweb.org/">Performing Animal Welfare Society</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.zoocheck.com/">Zoocheck</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.bring-the-elephant-home.org/en/">Bring the Elephant Home</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.awf.org/">African Wildlife Foundation</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantswithoutborders.org/donate.php">Elephants Without Borders</a> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/">International Elephant Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.elephantsworld.org/en/Donate.html">Elephant's World (Thailand) </a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htm">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/">Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.wti.org.in/pages/about-wti.html">Wildlife Trust of India</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blesele.org/how_to_help/">Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand)</a><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate">Wildlife SOS (India) </a></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="https://www.elephants.com/estore/views.php?cat=6%5E21&sub_link=membership&desc=Membership%20and%20Donations&menu_oid=6">The Elephant Sanctuary (Tennessee, U.S.A.)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<b> </b>Sheila Singhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06639425878595630752noreply@blogger.com0