Wee Highland Cow (b.6 August 2009)

This wee beastie measures 3cm from horn tip to horn tip (2cm across the base). This is only my second attempt at an Aberdeen Angus (thanks to Sheila for reminding me of the proper name!), and it was much easier this time around.

I used the same colour clay (terracotta) for the body as for the hair, and thicker extruded clay, so it didn't take so long to put on. I also attached the face and horns before starting on the hair, and that has resulted in a more integrated feel. I've also made the horns more exaggerated, which again helps to balance the overall shape. The next job will be to make a Wee Sheep using the same sort of approach.

Wee Highland Cow is now on sale at my Folksy.com shop - click here for more info.

Cow and Wee Cow (b. 27 & 29 July 2009)

The large cow came first on Monday afternoon. I really liked the way she turned out, although the ears and horns proved a little challenging. Getting the noses right has been so important - unless you're careful, they all tend to look like pigs!

I think I did a better job with the calf, which I worked on a few days later. Although the markings need to be refined more, I love the horn buds, and including a mouth under the nose really makes it more recognisable as a cow. Overall, I like the idea of doing two sizes of beasties - medium and small - which allows for mother/baby options.

Sheep and Highland Cow (b. 23 July 2009)

These are old favourites. The Highland Cow was one of my first ever crafting efforts way back in the late 1990s. Back then, I used air drying clay and I painted the cow with poster paints. Ah, those were the days.

The sheep has remained pretty much unchanged from the early days - using extruded clay as wool, I can create a rather fun, wool-like effect, and the strands of wool on the forehead make it look a bit Wallace and Gromit-esque. Again, the black bead eyes have been a firm favourite with me since the beginning.

When revisiting both these models, I thought I would try them without legs - this is primarily so they are in keeping with the round style I'm aiming for. Ideally, I'd also like the sheep's face to be incorporated in with the body, but this could be a challenge. Good to be back in the saddle, however.