Hi, you should go over to the stained glass and mosaic forum. There are several artists there who make the most amazing things out of diamond lath and or hardware cloth and mortor. They hold up in the weather as these folks are from all over.
I haven't tried it yet, but its on my list (making a sculpture). Good luck with your lizard. I think its a wonderful idea!

I suggest that you go to the bottom of the sg&m forum and search for scupture, or lath or Rianna (the woman who taught some of them her technique for making scupture) before you ask a general question. They have answered peoples questions before. Then once you've done some research, ask more particular questions.

Kathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Stained glass and mosaic forum

There is a gal doing a sea serpent right now that you can see the instructions on the stained glass/mosaic forum.

I think it is a very cool idea! I agree, the stained glass/mosaic forum would be a good choice or you can even try the hypertufa forum for ideas on making things with concrete. Be sure to share pictures if you get it done!

I've been on the look out for one of those really tacky light up alligators at a good price for a while now to do something similar. My plan is to use it as the base and cover it with hardware cloth as the armature. But, yours sounds like it's going to be much bigger. I'd love to see pics when you get started.

I forgot to add ... check out your local library. I have seen some great books on building concrete pieces and then mosaicing them. I had one book that was particularly good but I can't think of the name of it.

THANK YOU!
That sea serpent is JUST what I meant! With a few tweeks.
I'm in Florida now, but going back to NY next week. That's where all my supplies are still... can't wait to get going on this now that I know how to do it. :)

THEN, I'll have to figure out how to get it down here! LOL Can't you just see the folks at the airport??? I need to declare a LIZARD.
We've got some trucks coming down in a few months.

I'll be sure to post pics. The BEST part of Gardenweb has always been how helpful you all are! So many of you take us thru step-by-step photos & processes. Makes it easy to grasp.

THANKS AGAIN!