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Every year people come to the Okanagan to catch a glimpse of our famous sea monster. Some people do, few people report it, and the occasional person will get a picture (though wouldn't you know the picture is fuzzy or the lense cap was left on?). Well, since I haven't seen him, I am basing my toy on what he "could" look like.

Hint: Before you start, trim your fingernails. It makes it easier if you aren't fighting nail marks!

Supplies

Favorite Modelling Medium (fimo, crayola model magic, etc.)
Acrylic Paints

• Start by making a snake of modelling medium. It should be about 1/4 inch in diameter (or there abouts. These toys come in different sizes).
  
• Twist length of snake into an oblong doughnut, twist ends together (makes neck). Smooth and curve neck to your liking.
  
• Roll a small ball and stick it onto neck. With fingers gently pull a nose forward.
  
• Roll very small balls of clay and squish slightly. These are your scales. Apply them to the back of the neck in a pleasing manner. Do the same for ears.
  
• Make a short rope of clay, and taper one end (tail). Attach it to the end of the toy. Make scales for for it and apply as before. Allow creature to dry for 24 hours
  
• When Dry, paint to your own ambitions. I used green and blue, traditional ogopogo colors, but I have seen purple sea monsters as well.
  
• Varnish

  HINTS AND VARIATIONS

  If using fimo it might help to bake the critter inbetween steps.

  Don't limit yourself to sea monsters. I am sure you have seen ponys, cartoon characters, etc. Remember that sculpture in miniature revolves around snakes, teardrops and balls. Almost anything can be made with these three shapes.

  It helps to work under good light so you can see if there is an unsmoothed seam BEFORE you allow it to dry or set it to bake.

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  "Ogopogo" beach toy copyright, July 1998, Kim Bulback, QOM