This design was the result of a client’s request for a kangaroo luge for a travel industry party with an Australian theme. Using a photo with a similar pose for reference, the design below was generated and the luge track planned (2nd drawing). The luge tubing was added from the back, using the same technique detailed in the Stars luge design.

    The design is intended to be dynamic and one of the ways that it achieves that is that it looks as though it’s about to fall over to the right. Instead, properly carved, the sculpture is actually quite stable, as long as not much ice is taken from the base. (However, should you somehow end up with a sculpture that is not stable, it should not be used!) The basic design process is another example of the Core Design concept, in which smaller ice components are added to a larger foundation component. The sculpture was transported without the tail and the tail was added onsite (aluminum welded). An extra tail was carved in case anything went wrong.

     This sculpture generates drips from the tail and from the chin, but if it’s carefully placed diagonally in a standard rectangular Glo-Ice tray, they should be contained.

    The drawings and diagrams below should be enough to explain the carving and assembly of this piece. All three welds were done with aluminum for strength and appearance. Incidentally, the carving in the photo was done without a template, but the design below was used for reference. This accounts for some of the minor differences between design and sculpture. Should you have questions or comments about the process, please comment below.

    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.