Monday, May 6, 2013

Miniature Mechanical Mouse

After a few false starts with the mechanical mouse project last week, I did manage to make a working sample.  I immediately realized that a picture would never do the little mouse justice, I needed a video to show you how it works.

My small success with the mouse mechanism pointed to a huge gap in my skills base.  I knew virtually nothing about video, and the thought of making my own YouTube video had never crossed my mind.  Thank heavens for Google and Nikon online help.  After some research I knew that I could film 30minutes of video with my digital camera, and that I could edit and smarten it up with the same software that Steven Spielberg uses for his movies.  In order to free up my hands , I unearthed the tripod that I bought a few years ago and have never used. 
Filming the dancing mouse was easy.  Editing the video was not.  After fourteen hours of studying the software and pressing the wrong buttons, I had forty seconds of workable material.  I am not considering a career in the film industry.
So here it is for you to enjoy.  I will be teaching a mechanical mouse workshop at Johannesburg Society of Miniatures on 18th May.  You do not need to be a member of the society to join in a workshop.
Later, when I have time, I will also publish the workshop as a PDF tutorial.
But right now, there are some other wonderful little distractions calling to me.  I will write about them in my next post.

10 comments:

  1. I just love your little mouse! I will look out for your PDF then, I am so sorry I can't make it to the class.

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  2. Thank you for loving him, Elga. I think the little mouse is big on charm. Don't despair, there will be other opportunities to make the mouse. Good luck with preparation for your trip!

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  3. Oh, I agree, he his full of charm, I will look out for your next class. But you have gone and put an image of a tiny doll twirling around in my head, must be because I have a Victorian nursery somewhere in my future!

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  4. You are thinking in the right direction. I wanted to do a workshop for JSME that could tie in with their year of enchantment theme. Once you grasp the concept, the twirly toy can become anything. It will not surprise me if a few other animals appear at the workshop!

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  5. You are so clever. I have never attempted anything like that. What a huge learning curve. Congratulations on your editing. Well done.
    Hugs Kay

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Kay. After being stuck in the doldrums for a while, it is so great to have the energy to tackle new things!

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  6. Hi Megan, your teenie weenie mouse is just delightful! thank you for sharing this, he's so lovely and you are very clever!

    Hugs
    Fulvia

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    1. Thank you for liking my mouse, Fulvia. I had heaps of fun designing the mechanism, now I can't wait for the workshop, so that I can show everyone else how to make their own.

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  7. I think that Marilyn and I need some soul-food!! When is your next workshop??? Cheryl xxx

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    1. Hi Cheryl
      You will find workshop dates here
      http://meganstinytreasures.blogspot.com/2013/05/checking-in.html
      and here
      http://meganstinytreasures.blogspot.com/2013/04/dates-for-your-diary.html
      I can also email the latest workshop dates to you if you drop me a line at megbear99@gmail.com
      It will be lovely to see you!
      Megan

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