When I was a student in Washington DC I went to the 2001 inauguration and found a spot right against the capitol reflecting pool. I stood surrounded by women in fur coats, but I'd never been so cold in my entire life.

I really wish I could have attended the inauguration today, but I was a little relieved to get letters from my congress people saying they didn't have enough tickets. I can't imagine enduring another seven or eight hours of cold or dealing with a crowd that size. The crowd was big 8 years ago, but today's dwarfed it easily by a magnitude of 10.

Instead of dealing with security checkpoints and frozen fingers, I watched the proceedings on TV with my co-workers and waved my American flag, happy to enjoy this occasion with climate control.

To celebrate the day, I made a desk figurine of our new President out of Fimo. This suit is made of sparkle clay; it was the only navy blue that I had. It photographs weirdly, but I like to think it gives the president a little Vegas charm. Also, no tile, of course.

I'd never made a standing figure before and it turned out to be harder than I thought. I thought I would be extra slick and stand President Obama in a glass to keep him upright during baking, but he ended up slumping to the side in the heat. Right after I pulled him out of the oven yanked off his crooked feet while they were still soft. Sorry, Mr. President. I glued them back into position with silicon glue.

It's not a very accurate likeness, but he'll be a passable enough stand-in. I plan on giving him to my husband; he's been extra great lately and might like the company on his desk. Maybe mini-Obama will be able to intervene at tax time.

Labels: polymer clay, projects

posted by Alison 1/20/2009 10:16:00 PM : (0) comments : splink