I'm thinking about sculpting a Cymbidium? - Orchid Board

dawnv · #1 12-12-2007, 11:23 AM

I'm thinking about sculpting a Cymbidium and the reason I'm sort of leaning towards a Cymbidium is because it's recognizable to non-growers (like me) and face it, here in Florida you can purchase Cymbidiums at Publix which make them a popular Orchid which is a good thing.

I like vandas but it's pretty close to the phalaenopsis and I don't think I'm ready for a paphiopedilum but it's 4th or 5th in line.

Now I know nothing about the Cymbidium except they are beautiful, I love the shape and they are huge at weddings (important for jewelry) but here is my question...

Is this a good pick or do you have another suggestion? Also, if you have photos, a favorite you would like to share with me, I would LOVE to see them.

You can e-mail me, send a link or post, either one but if you have a favorite, please send. I'm open for suggestions.

Thanks for your help!

Tindomul · #2 12-12-2007, 12:04 PM

How are you sculpting it? What are your materials?
I have a sculpture of a Cattleya trianae.

dawnv · #3 12-12-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

How are you sculpting it? What are your materials?
I have a sculpture of a Cattleya trianae.

Cattleya was my very first Orchid to sculpt and was my favorite because of the ripples in the lip.

I sculpt in wax (lost wax process) and then cast my pendants in either Sterling Silver or gold.

Here is the finished product...

...this pendant is 2" x 2" and I'm finishing up a Phala Orchid on my blog, Dawn Vertrees
and want to start a new orchid in mid-January.

puddin · #4 12-12-2007, 06:14 PM

Both of those are stunning!

caseydoll · #5 12-12-2007, 07:52 PM

You are so amazingly talented!!! Those pieces on your blog are beautiful!

I'm sorry that I really have no suggestions for your next piece as I lack any kind of creativity. I just wanted to tell you how much I love your jewelry! Thanks for sharing.

dawnv · #6 12-12-2007, 08:00 PM

Thanks Puddin!

Thanks Sarah, I just know that when I say Cymbidium...you guys say which one. I just want to make sure I sculpt the right one.

...Or another orchid that I might be missing totally.

shakkai · #7 12-13-2007, 02:26 AM

Can't help much with Cymbidiums... but if you want a 'stepping stone' to the Paph... you could try an Aerangis:

Aerangis mystacidii
IOSPE PHOTOS

The long 'spur' makes these distinctive (i.e. recognisable).

dawnv · #8 12-13-2007, 07:55 AM

Great suggestion! These are so pretty. I have just started noticing these. It seems their popularity is growing rapidly (in my mind) and I will put Aerangis on the list.

What I also like about this orchid, besides the unique spur, are the shape of the buds, the shape is beautiful. I'm trying to including more of these into my designs.

I had a request for thin bangles & rings to match my orchid line, so I sculpted a stem with little leaves and buds that intertwine. I call them "plantlets", and of course I exaggerated the 1.5 cm plantlets but these are cute. So cute won.

Thanks a bunch Shakkai!

camille1585 · #9 12-13-2007, 05:13 PM

If you're interested, I have a few nice pictures of cyms. These are plants at an orchid 'farm' in the netherlands. Here are a few! But I agree about the Aerangis, they are really very pretty and have a nice shape

dawnv · #10 12-13-2007, 05:28 PM

Amazing Orchids, not just the Cymbidiums but all of them. I wish I could just sit down at my bench right now and sculpt every one of them. These are so beautiful.

Thank you so much, I've been to everyone one of these and they are just gorgeous! Great photos to work with also.