This was made for Kaoshin as his belated birthday present - hope you had a great day, little brother!

It is of his character Kendro, a blue Western dragon. I started fimo about a year ago and one of the first things I made was Kendro for Kao's previous BD. Click on the link to see the difference (go on, you know you want to):

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Naturally, Kendro has his own distinguishing features: blue scales with matching blue eyes and a pair of black horns emerging from his head.

Working with another's character can be difficult because there are usually things you have to include but the fact that Kendro doesn't have any obviously complex details makes things easier and yet harder. How was I to make him look impressive (as dragons do) as well as add my own personal touch?

I realised that I wouldn't be able to make his scales match his eyes but it was a small sacrifice. No-one's fur or scales is ever only one shade (hence, in reality Kendro's blue would be totally unique and very lovely) and I could vary the colour of fimo I used. Secondly, I could add complexity by using scales of different sizes and shapes.

I decided to order a pair of artificial gemstones for his eyes - they were expensive but worth it.

I think the trickiest thing was that with persistent handling, I ruined some of the scales. Ideally they should have been done last but when you don't know what you're doing, you start with what you know you want. I can't see myself creating a dragon with scales again; it's just so slow and painful. I now know why so many artists use leathery wrinkly skin.

Kao, little brother, I was planning to do a wing next year, the tail the next, then a foreclaw (you get the idea) but I'm afraid that you're just going to have to make do with a card next year!

There are faults aplenty: his eyes are too close together, a lot of the scales were wrecked, his head is crooked, blah, blah, blah...and he looks rather old. Wise, but old.

Height: ~4.25 inches
Materials: copper wire, foil, artificial sapphire gemstones and a variety of Fimo Soft and Classic.
Time: ~ 27 hours (yes, 27)