Many childhood hours were spent exploring no further than the borders of my backyard, where ants, spiders, ladybugs, and the common pillbug played part in my imaginative world of bustling insect life (I suspect Sesame Street‘s doodlebug family was partial inspiration). These handcrafted brass pillbugs by Austin, Texas designer, Matt Norris (aka Manofecit/Metal Shizzle) were pretty much a “must buy” considering my lifelong fascination with isopods, both of land and sea. The lil’ dude ships rolled up into the characteristic state of a sleep or defense; with just a sleight pull, the articulated sculpture opens up to reveal a detailed facsimile of a real pillbug. Wonderful!
Comprised of over 70 individual parts, this pillbug is made with solid brass sheet metal/hardware and recycled bicycle chain. This piece measures almost 2″ diameter when rolled up or 4″ long when unrolled. The finish is a chemically formed green and orange patina sealed with clear lacquer. The recycled bicycle chain endoskeleton articulates to allow the pillbug to be rolled up, as well as providing sockets for each of its’ twelve individually ball-jointed legs.
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@MsMirandaJones @Ljoliet @The_Brick_House Oh, I do that plenty, but it’s usually shoes and weird items like this: http://t.co/BY0Q99Xt