This design was originally published in a newsletter sometime around June or July of 2003. If you would like to use this design or any other design on this site, please check the design usage guidelines. The design collection page lists designs on the site. Here’s the text from the original design:

“Two-sided Peacock” Dawson List, New Orleans, LA

This design depicts a rather complex project, both in the sculpture assembly and the potential amount of detail. It is also designed to sit on a rotating display tray (such as the one from Gourmet Display). However, carvers should simplify the design to fit their needs and abilities, whether it be making the sculpture just one-sided or limiting the detail.

The full design requires two and one quarter blocks. One head/body component is removed from one block, and the base is carved from the remainder by splitting the block and welding the two halves together. The bottom of the base measures approximately 20 inches while the top measures approximately 30 inches so as to catch drips coming off the fan. The fan component is also welded together from two separate halves. Welds such as these (both for the fan and the base) are most easily accomplished by placing an uncut half on its side and then welding a cut half on top (see illustration). Once the weld has frozen solid in the freezer, the fan or base may turned so that the other half can be cut.

Cutting the head/body components is straightforward with only one simple weld for each, but care must be taken to maintain the right angle of the weld surfaces to enable proper assembly.

Detailing the fan can be made easier by primarily carving the "eyes" on one side and feather lines on the other. In reality, the peacock's fan is quite intricate. A detailed view of a feather is provided for reference should you wish to take it this far.

By far the most difficult part of final assembly is putting the fan in place on the base component. The fan should be welded perpendicular to the weld line in the base, particularly if the sculpture will be moved. Once this is accomplished, the head/body components can be added and they should be used to help ensure the stability of the fan component.

    This was certainly one of the more elaborate designs that I did for On Ice. I did do this design for the wedding of an Indian couple in New Orleans and it turned out well. I can’t recall if I have a picture, however. Later, I may add a couple photos of live peacocks that I took.