Saturday, October 30, 2021

Slide of the Month Extra-Philmont Double H Moonrise


 


October 2021

Time to make: 3 hours

Finishing: 1 hour

Original design:  Philmont / Bill Macfarlane







 

There is something about the evenings in October...the air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing (or off the trees by this time) and the moon just seems larger in the sky. In this slide we see the outline of a mountain elk highlighted in moon rise.

The high adventure camp know as Double H was a part of Torstenson Family Wildlife Center from 2004 to 2009. Some called the treks to Double H "Philmont Extreme  adventure" as there were no established trails system so you had to be on your game with map and compass. Also without predetermined campsites, every encampment was highly Leave No Trace. Opinions vary on why the partnership was dissolved but for those how experienced the Double H, it was the experience of a lifetime.

Carved from reclaimed pallet wood, the slide is a leveled slide without many details. This is entirely on purpose as in the light from the moon, especially as it is just rising, highlights things like a standing shadow. Your not quite sure it's there as your eyes try to focus. The slide is painted with hobby paints, lettered with waterslide paper, and finished with a couple of coats of poly. 

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Slide of the Month Extra - Philmont Apache Springs (Teepee and Sweat Lodge)


 October 2021

Time to make: 3 hours

Finishing: 1 hour

Original design:  Bill Macfarlane







 

When I designed this slide, I had not seen patch for Apache Springs and thought there really needs be slide for this camp. While there are many things special about this camp, I was really looking forward  seeing the Tee-pee and to be deep in thought while being in the Sweat Lodge. So on with my concept slide...

Carved from reclaimed pallet wood, I carved the base for the Tee-pee and Sweat Lodge then need a material to represent the hides used traditionally. To do  this I used torn pieces of tissue paper and white glue to give it some texture. I painted the background with hobby paint, used waterslide paper for the lettering, and sealed the slide with a couple coats of poly. Oh, just a side note, a while after I finished this slide, Philmont released a Apache Springs patch which is yet to come on my blog.

 

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Slide of the Month Extra - Philmont T-Rex Track


  October 2021

  Time to make: 3 hours

  Finishing: 1 hour

  Original design: Philmont / Bill Macfarlane







In 1983, American geologist Charles Pillmore found the first recorded T-Rex foot print at Philmont Scout Ranch. A second and partial third foot print was also found Philmont. While many knew Philmont Scout Ranch was rich in history, it seems more fantastic discoveries are yet to come!

Carved from maple, it was engaging project especially since I don't much about dinosaurs. This is another patch to slide creation using different levels. While the T-Rex is sanded smooth, I left the rocks behind it in a chip style to give the  rock face some texture. I painted the slide with hobby paints and sealed it with a couple coats of poly. The lettering was done with waterslide paper.

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Slide of the Month Extra - Duty to God


October 2021

Time to make: 3 hours

Finishing: 1 hour

Original design:  Philmont / Bill Macfarlane







 

One of the crew leadership positions is the role of Chaplain's Aide and it is the responsiblity of this youth leader to help the crew earn the Duty to God award.  They also lead the Roses and Thorns which is an opportunity for the crew to reflect on the good and bad of the day. I've always liked a slightly different version of this called Roses, Thorns, and Buds in which someone states something they liked, something they disliked, and something they look forward to the next day (or days).

Using southern yellow (pallet) pine, I designed this slide in several levels to represent the area near and far away from the viewer. (The trail being nearest and the sky being the furthest away.) I painted it with hobby paints. The lettering is done with clear waterslide paper and white waterslide paper so I could have white lettering (with a green printed background). A couple of coats of poly finish it off.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Slide of the Month - Eggs 'n Bacon


October 2021

Time to make:  48 hours

Finishing: 0
 
Boy's Life: December 1982, page 77

Original design: Kenneth Koob







MMMMMMmmmmmm....Breakfast in camp on a brisk October day! I can just taste the bacon just thinking about it

I was thinking about how to make this slide and came up with a new fangled solution for creating the slide. I started with a large button and spray painted it with metallic blue paint. That gave it the look of an old blue enamel camping plate. To make the food I used "puffy" paint which is normally used on fabrics. It is some interesting stuff that comes in squeeze bottles with some fine tips to draw with. Once you "paint" your design, you add heat from a steam iron and the paint expands "puffing up". 
Using a scrape piece of polished tile as a base, I started with the background of each - white of the eggs, darker brown of the toast in a square shape, and red of the bacon. I think you could also use parchment or wax paper for the base also.) Once it was dry, about 24 hours, I applied the other color on top of the died material - yellow egg yoke, tan of the toast, and tan of the bacon fat and let those dry for another 24 hours.  Next I super glued a coat hanger loop to the back of the button. Next I super glued the eggs over the holes on the button.  The square toast was cut dig and then super glued them the button. Lastly, I supper glued the bacon to the button.