Here’s a post that shows the progress from start to finish on a new (December 2025) Alpaca bust that I am making from scrap metal.
For me, it always starts with finding the best reference and fully understanding the subject I am about to recreate. I also received some measurements from the client, and of course, I really enjoyed watching Suri Alpaca videos as part of my research! 😀
Suri Alpacas have a great look and a unique fur that is a big part of their appearance. It will be important for me to capture this part of the animal as well as I can. They actually have ‘layers’ of fur (which I won’t be sculpting), but they are a big part of how the fur flows and lies.
December 22, 2025: But before I get to that, I need to start building the structure of the neck and head.
So after a bit of welding, a little grinding, a little bending and other metal magic, I’ve got a start of the neck!
Here’s where I am at the end of my morning on December 22:
December 23, 2025: I’m working my way up the neck! And BOY! do these animals have long necks! 😀
It’s hard to imagine, but I have about 90′ (27.4m) of 3/16″ (5mm) wire! But I really like the look of it.
December 24, 2025: It was a long night of working on the neck, but it’s about done! 😀 I’m really liking the look of it so far, and I might admit that I’m ready really looking forward to starting the head!
