Project: Scarab

[FX]

I've been planning to do a case mod now for some time, and could never figure out what I wanted, partially because I've seen so many great designs coming from the modders here at TBCS, and partly because I've seen Paul in action and felt a little taken aback by his talent, but, I've taken the step, and this is my first project....Project Scarab.

It's based on an ASUS Vento case, in my case, a black one, which I'm going to do up in an Egyptian theme, with parts borrowed from the movie "The Mummy" and the TV series "Stargate".

The guts I haven't figured completely out yet, but it will most likely be watercooled, and the exterior will pull on some key elements from both productions.

Last night, I started working on the pharoah's bust, which will be placed on the flip-up door that covers the drives.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/610.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/611.jpg
» I'm using Super Sculpey to make the pieces to go on the outside, this is the start of the bust.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/612.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/613.jpg
» Here's the face pretty much based out, and starting to work on the accents.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/614.jpg
» This shot and the next few, show how it looks now completely sculpted ready for the oven. I apologize for the quality of some of the shots, a photographer I'm not.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/615.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/616.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/617.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/618.jpg

» Stay tuned, I'm going to try and get as much done of the sculpting over the weekend so hopefully there's going to be some great shots coming up for you all.

[Rankenphile]

Excellent scultping work, man. I can't wait to see what you do with this.

[dgrmkrp]

yeah man, i love stargate! and what i can say is that if your not a photographer your definetly a sculptor... this project should turn out great :) very nice idea

[FX]

Well, this weekend didn't allot me as much time as I would have liked to work on this project, however, I did get a couple of pieces done.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/629.jpg

» This is the start of a winged scarab. I've got a few placed in mind for this.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/631.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/632.jpg

» Here it is all finished. I couldn't make a case names Scarab without placing one of these on it. I think it turned out pretty good, and will look even better once painted up.

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/634.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/640.jpg

» This as you might recognize is the locking mechanism from the movie The Mummy, or at least the start of it. I'm going to place this over the dial to unlock the side panel to stealth it up a bit. I think it's going to make a neat addition to this project.

Some of the other things I have in store for this are:
• when the front panel lifts, I'm going to use a laser LED set up to act as a light. It'll turn on like when you open your fridge door.
• customized side panel intake cover
• Canope jar-like reservoir (will use a real one if I can find the one I want)
• strategic accent and back lighting to really make the custom scupting stand out

Stay tuned, more to come shortly.

[Bum]

I've been wondering when I'd see an Egytianesque theme. Looking good so far.
One thing...
"• Canope jar-like reservoir (will use a real one if I can find the one I want)"
I think the museum you steal it from and/or the Egyptian government might take exception to using a real one. You might want to say its a replica whether it is or not. ;)

[FX]

Well, I was implying a replica....kinda hoped I didn't have to clarify, but I have a good relationship with the Museum of Cairo...they won't miss one little `ol jar. ;)

[Malatory]

looking very good and I don't see them missing one. How many do they have anyways. ;)

[Rankenphile]

Pffft! They're like, a dime a dozen anyway. Who cares about some ol' dirty jar?!

:p

[crazybillybob]

I've been planning to do a case mod now for some time, and could never figure out what I wanted, partially because I've seen so many great designs coming from the modders here at TBCS, and partly because I've seen Paul in action and felt a little taken aback by his talent,

:omg:
You were intimidated by Our Talent??? :?
Dude the detail in these are unreal, I'm looking forward to this mod!!!

Good Work buddy, you should be scared no more!
Crazybillybob

[Guttenaffe]

I'm at a loss for words...

[Rankenphile]

I'm not. The words "stunning", "awesome" and "brilliant" come to mind pretty quickly.

[FX]

Well, after a weekend of sculpting, scrapping it and resculpting, scrapping some more and sculpting again, I finally went back to the movie and found some inspiration.....

After consideration, I decided that I'm going to "try" to do up a couple of Horus Guard busts.
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/649.jpg

» These shots show the initial part of the head I'm working on. There's no accessories yet, or the final back piece, but I'm working on it. If I had enough sculpey I might have tried to do a larger one and integrate the front panel into it, however, I don't have either the sculpey or the patience right now to wait....so onward I go.

I tried to get as much detail in these shots as I could, I hope you can see what I've done clearly so far....

http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/696.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/701.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/703.jpg
http://www.terrystern.com/scarab/709.jpg

The main drawback to working with sculpey is that once you've been working on it awhile, it gets really soft, and sometimes becomes too manageable...so this little bit of sculpt work took awhile to get right due to all the breaks I had to take to let it stiffen up some in between sessions.

I've also decided to remove the power button from the front of the case, and move it under the flip up door. The reset is in there, and it just makes more sense to me to have it concealed than out there.

I'm on a roll tonight, so more a little later.

[Bum]

I assume it's the heat from your hands that is softening it. Could you throw it in the freezer to lessen your downtime?

[FX]

putting it in the freezer wouldn't help me much. The outside would cool down sure, but the inside would still be like a "creamy filling" and overly pliable. It basically requires that I turn my attention elsewhere until it completely stiffens up.

I've been a little busy as of late, and I apologize for the lack of posting, however, more is coming....I've decided to go all out on the sculpting parts....hopefully, I have enough sculpey to make everything.

[Crimson Sky]

You have to work with super detailed sculpy parts by baking it in sections--this way you dont mush previous work. Raw Sculpey sticks very well to itself once baked--just use a little water or dilutent like baby oil to help it stick. Sprinkling Baby Powder as you work helps prevent stickyness as well. I baked that little Alien sculpture (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_painting-(6).jpg) about 10 times in various sections--it would have been impossible in one piece.

You should cold cast (http://www.smooth-on.com/FAQ/coldcasting.htm) (a resin, metal powder mixture) those parts by making simple alginate molds (cheap and easy) to prevent them from breaking---parts like beaks and wings will snap off easily. Looks great so far keep it up 8)

[Guttenaffe]

I hate you! For making the rest of us look so bad ;)

I still can't think of enough positive, encouraging, and/or expression of awe that could describe your work.

I agree with Crimson, use your original parts to make a master mold and then cast the pieces you'll put onto the case.
Brittle stuff that takes many hours to replace when broken = bad :)

[Rankenphile]

Definately, casting is the way to go.

Plus, you can sell the extras you make. To me. For, um, $1. Yeah, that's the ticket. :p

[Crimson Sky]

If you go the casting route I'll put up a tutorial for ya :D

[Malatory]

Scarab: I like the detail work you are doing. Looking really good.

plus I hope you will take Crimson Sky up on his offer :)

[notuern]

this isnt a case mod ^^ its art :D

[crenn]

If my jaw drops anylower..... it will be in china (joke, sorry if I offend anyone here)

But this art/case mod is brilliant.

[The Guest]

Great Work mate, its realy looking brilliant so far cant wait to see more, its realy an inspiration to seef ine work like this.

To It being Art and Not a mod lol, i think every Mod is art, theres no real purpose to these Mods, Though some have added bonuses, cooling ect. but all show great imagination and artistic expretion in various forms :)

This is my first post, im a n00b here and would like to say hi :D
(please dont reply to just my Hi thoug lol wouldnt want to hijack the thread)

Keep It Up, Cant Wait To See More :)