carved polystyrene Archives

Creative 2018!

Written by Lucy R on December 17, 2018. Posted in Blog.

2018 has been a great year for us at ICA Creation!

This year has been both innovative & productive. Especially with the new facilities we have in house with CNC routing this has enabled extreme precision and speed.

Take a look at the diverse creative projects we have had the pleasure to work on

We started 2018 with a project which is both imaginative and inspiring.
We created Winnie the pooh themed elements for Disney’s family rooms at the Westfield shopping centre. The main focus of this project was to be as true to concept as possible whilst being practical and extremely durable.
Take a look at some images of this project we loved working on. In total we created bespoke elements for 3 rooms

Winnie the pooh themed props — Click to view images of this project

With our new CNC facilities, we are able to create large letters and 3d logos & custom panels.
Take a look at the variety of projects which have been made possible with the CNC router.

As well as cutting we can prepare a design file for the CNC router

Large 3d letters graduation prop #stirgrad

Autumn of 2018 brought an exciting project of Creating a 5m in diameter PACMAN exhibition stand for Namco Bandai which was exhibited at the brand licencing Europe 2018 in London’s Olympia exhibition centre

PAC-MAN – Custom exhibition stand

We also created elements for DaVinci’s gourmet ‘s exhibition stand. We created a pouring liquid effect of their sauce.

Scaled up 3d replicas!

This year we created a variety of exciting props!

A 1.20m high replica of a holesaw to use at the manufacturer’s exhibition
Large trainer props to help raise awareness, a sparkly red and gold top hat to be used as a prop alongside a performance. We worked with a school to create an artificial Wisteria tree to help create an inspiring space in their library.

Custom top hat prop we created

800mm high Holesaw!

We started the Winter 2018 in a great way, creating some festive props such as the red and gold sleigh, we also had the pleasure of creating the amazing characters Shrek & Donkey to be used at creative displays.

A big thankyou for sharing 2018 with us.

We wish you an absolutely amazing new year!

We look forward to an incredible 2019!

Why is FR polyurea coating great for props?

Written by Lucy R on November 27, 2018. Posted in Blog.

There are many techniques we use to achieve our creative projects & props.

One of the main techniques and products we use to create our props, sculptures, 3d logos & large letters is waterproof + extremely durable coating application of Polyurea which is a high quality rubber material

How do we apply it?

Polyurea is a manually spray applied coating using a high-pressure system with our specialist coating machine.

The amount of layers applied will depend on thickness required.

Most often we coat on to sculptures, shapes and letters carved or CNC cut from polystyrene.

Is Prep still necessary ?

Just like anything for good results prep is crucial, sanding the surface, making sure no moisture is important.

Advantages of polyurea application?

Speed is the major advantage of this coating, after spray application the coating is dry within seconds!

Depending on how smooth you would like the finish to be there may be some sanding prep work prior to primer application.

Once primed and fully dry the project is ready to spray paint!

This FR coating we use is both water & impact resistant which is perfect for the props durability and practicality.

Especially if you are looking for your props to be long lasting and suitable for both indoors and outdoors.

Take a look at some of our props where polyurea has been a major factor in getting it right!

Get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help you achieve your project

Dr Seuss themed props for Discover story centre, colourful trees, a bubble sofa, a themed white bush, cave like tunnel

Giant stack of books prop for graduation ceremony

Out door 3d signage!

graduation prop we created a university crest

Themed props for interior spaces

Written by Lucy R on November 23, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Creating themed props true to concept is something we passionately do.

We have created themed props for several public interior spaces take a look below to see a couple of spaces we have helped transform:

Westfield shopping centre: The brief was to create Winnie the pooh elements for the family rooms for Westfield shopping centre which had to be true to concept as possible, durable + impact resistant. All bespoke elements were hand decorated. The wooden effect items had to be splinter free, to look like authentic rustic timber yet not as heavy as real wood. We created various trees for each room, wooden effect log seats, ipad logs, pumpkins, rustic timber replica fencing, gate, frames, flowers.

Discover story centre: This was a great project to work on. Each element had to be as close as possible from illustrations from Dr Seuss which isn’t always the easiest task however we loved the challenge and also client was very happy with the out-come.

Discover story centre ignites the imagination which is captured within a book.

We created a cave like tunnel, Truffula trees, various colourful trees, a sofa and a dr Seuss themed car. All props are coated with FR polyurea which is both a water and impact resistant coating.

Discover story centre London- Click image to view more

Cadbury world Café: We created white fluffy clouds and bespoke cladding for the Café’s make over.

Each cloud had to be slightly different in shape in order to create a realistic effect.

All clouds include an internal fixing system in order to either suspend or fix to the ceiling.

Both cloud and cladding elements were coated with FR polyurethane & spray painted white

Get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help you create an inspiring space

Christmas props!

Written by Lucy R on December 7, 2017. Posted in Blog.

As we approach Christmas 2017 closer each day and this time it’s flying! We would like to share some of the recent and previous Christmas props and special displays we have created.

There’s nothing like a beautiful magical setting that can give the festive feeling and take our breath away that brings wonder back to Christmas.

We have been very fortunate to be a part of some amazing displays or have had the pleasure or creating some key props to generate a festive feeling and most of all helped create some magical photo opportunities.

Take a look below at some of the Christmassy props we have created!

We look forward to producing many more whether it be custom and personal or some of our popular props such as Santa’s Sleigh!

In the mean time we wish everyone a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth and joy!

Overs sized Chrsitmas bauble we created in royal blue

snowman and snow dog sculptures we created – Finish display by Chic Flower Design

Christmas sleigh we created for Snow factor in Scotland

Santas sleigh National trust

Custom present props for special display

Bespoke Christmas Props in the making

Babybel model Frosty

Carved out of polystyrene panda with present

Custom made Christmas sleigh

Giant custom presents

Custom snowmen props

Playful penguin props, customised Christmas props

Playful penguins custom made props

Custom presents

Custom made snowmen props

Airbrush spray paint services in Cornwall

Airbrush Decoration

Christmas sleigh we created for Chic Flower design

Whale and the snail custom props

Written by Lucy R on November 6, 2017. Posted in Blog.

Whale and snail rock – Discover story centre London
We worked with Discover story cenre in London to create these scenic elements for their whale and the snail themed interior space at the story centre.
Both whale and the snail rock had to be true to the original illustration as possible. Both elements were hand carved from polystyrene. Once approved by client coated with FR polyurea ( water and impact resistant coating ) we then primed both elements and applied the base colours to them.
Take a look at images during production

It’s wonderful to see some of the elements we created in action in a beautiful setting brought to life by Discover Story centre in London. Take a look at some pictures below of the magical setting!
Pictures below by Suzi Corker – Discover

whale and the snail pictures by Suzi Corker - Discover

Happy whale at Discover Story centre

Lift wanted around the world!..

You can experience this magical world at DISCOVER’s new and enchanting Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s immersive exhibition A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures http://www.discover.org.uk/
Final decoration by Discover story centre London

Dr Seuss car in the making

Written by Lucy R on September 13, 2016. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Dr Seuss car

We were commissioned by Discover story centre in London to transform an adult tricycle in to the fun and interactive Dr Seuss car from his book The cat in the hat. Discover supplied us with the adult tricycle ready to transform. The main body of the car was carved from EPS, made in 2 sections, coated with fr polyurea which is water + impact resistant and spray painted to required colour. The cars various components were created using a combination of materials and a variety of techniques such as carving, welding, spray painting, coating to achieve final interactive and fun result! When transforming the bike we had to keep as close as possible to the original concept of the Dr Seuss illustration whilst making sure it would be durable and practical. The car is fully usable and the main body is removable for ease of transport etc. We cant wait to see the fun bike in action at events, It will be amazing to see the dr Seuss bike out and about making people smile!

Have a look at some images of process and completion!

Dr Seuss car

Dr seuss car

Dr Seuss car

Giant mannequin hand in the making!

Written by Lucy R on June 22, 2016. Posted in Blog.

See how we created:

Bespoke over sized hand with moving wooden elements

We were commissioned by Practical Minds Ltd to create a bespoke piece for special window display for an incredible fashion designer. We created an over sized mannequin hand with movable fingers, and chrome effect studs.

The hand was made from a combination of materials, for the finger tips and base we used beech wood and the palm was carved from EPS, coated with FR polyurea and spray painted black. We created an inner structure to make the fingers position adjustable like a mannequin. The studs were created with a wood turner and then spray painted to a chrome effect.

Have a look at some images of process and completion!

Giant mannequin hand – Karl Lagerfeld

Giant mannequin hand – Karl Lagerfeld

Giant mannequin hand – Karl Lagerfeld

Bespoke window display elements : we created an oversized mannequin hand

Splash of colour to your spring 2016!

Written by Lucy R on February 26, 2016. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

With our days filling up with sunshine in beautiful Cornwall we can feel the spring fast approaching!

Spring is a wonderful sense of beginning of nature blossoming, and as the weather gets warmer we all look forward to new sensations with vibrant colours, that’s why we wanted to share with you some of our colourful projects which we have been lucky enough to create!

We spray paint with high quality lacquers, we also use the airbrush technique for more detailed pieces.

We can achieve a range of finishes and textures including smooth, matt, high gloss and when required a rough texture as realistic as possible.We can spray paint with metallic paint + clear coat for an extra shine, we use Pantone, RAL and metallic colour numbers to our clients spec for great results, the paints we use are weather proof and are made to last.

So whether a project requires a classic one colour finish or contemporary / smooth and glossy or just bursting with colours with high detail, we love to make that happen in the best way possible for a great visual impact with quality results.

We are always happy to advise on the most practical options.

We are currently in the process of testing with our paint supplier for a range of water based colours and soon will introduce this option to our clients as still a durable option but more environmental friendly.

Have a look at some images of our projects which include props, sculptures, special display, art installations and experimental marketing elements! Enjoy the colours!

Linda Farrow bespoke elements

Artificial trees for African themed tree house from Virgin Holidays, commissioned by PDS

Artificial tree texture with no bark

3d pasty signage

Bespoke 3d wall panel, network pattern

interactive puzzle oildrum - custom prop

Giant dragons – Scenic elements

Bespoke Christmas Props in the making

Giant Tulips spray painted

Bespoke garden furniture table and bench

Roots effect table & bench

"Elsa" scaled up model from disney character Frozen

“Elsa” scaled up 3d model from disney character Frozen

Babybel model Frosty

Buddie 3d models in the making

Giant custom presents

Giant enchanted book, wood effect airbrush decoration

Giant book, enchanted wood effect

Scaled up model – Buzz light year

Giant hand artistic prop carved out of polystyrene

Giant hand prop or surreal signage

We were commissioned by Retallack Resort & Spa to create playful penguins for their winter wonderland

We created realistic trees!

Written by Lucy R on February 1, 2016. Posted in Blog.

Artificial-trees-for-African themed-tree-house-from-Virgin-Holidays

Artificial trees for African themed tree house from Virgin Holidays, commissioned by PDS

Artificial tree texture with no bark

Show casing our latest project!

We were commissioned by Presentation Design Services to create artificial trees for the Virgin Holiday’s African themed tree house installation in London’s Southwark. The installation was in place for one week in January 2016.

We created 4 large tree trunks and several branches for the top section of the tree house.

The trees had to be realistic as possible and had to represent real African trees with no tree bark.

The main shape was carved from polystyrene and the texture applied was from a mould taken from real tree trunks which ensured we gained realistic visual results. We coated the trees with flexible hard coating polyurea for durability and to make the trees water proof.

We first applied primer then top coat and paint decoration with water based paints as realistic effect as possible.

The project was achieved at an extremely short time scale, we were ready for delivery within 3 weeks!

Have a look at some of the links below to see the completed project!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3416165/Would-want-sleep-urban-jungle-Luxury-TREEHOUSE-two-bedrooms-private-balcony-personal-chef-unveiled-central-London.html

https://www.virgin.com/news/stay-virgin-holidays-exclusive-southbank-treehouse

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/attractions/this-is-what-its-like-to-stay-in-a-treehouse-over-the-thames-a3166041.html

Return to all projects

Sculpting & creating 2015

Written by Lucy R on December 8, 2015. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

As we have entered the festive season with Christmas on it’s way & a new year approaching we’d like you take a look back with us on 2015 to embrace the great moments.

2015 has been filled with great commissions, sculptures, installations all bespoke elements we have created.

This year has been an innovative year through out with great development of manufacturing processes with new products in the pipeline.

Take a look at some of our highlights this year, exciting projects which we are proud to have been a part of!

January February March

Finished project installed at destination in Candy Cloud - Dublin Airport

We started 2015 in a great fashion, creating giant and sweet replicas of meringues and popcorn, the project was installed at Dublin airport in the new confectionary themed Candy cloud!

We were commissioned to create “Elsa” scaled up model from Disney’s Frozen! based on miniature figurine. This project certainly brought some magic & the wonder of Winter to our workshop!

We created polystyrene clouds hand crafted for the ‘Let it rain champagne ‘ event in Manchester. Each cloud individually carved for a realistic effect!

April May June

Hand carved giant Toms shoe prop 3d model

We were commissioned by Toms shoe to create a giant version of their classic Tom’s shoe to use at their creative customize your sole events across the UK!

We were commissioned to coat and spray paint giant Dutch tulips for an installation in the Netherlands. We coated the supplied tulips with polyurea coating. Primed and spray painted each one to a vibrant natural color!

We were commissioned by PDS to create a life-size bull to be used as EE’s charging bull at the Glastonbury festival 2015! We are proud to say that we completed the bull within 1 week! Right on schedule for PDS to apply final colour finish! Although this project had a very tight time scale we enjoyed it very much!

July August September

We created 11 1m freestanding light up numbers for our client in Surrey. All numbers have a great vintage effect with led fairground light bulbs. All numbers are wireless as they powered with high capacity batteries. The numbers would add the wow factor to any event whether private or corporate!

We created 60 Custom 3d panels made in the UK

We were commissioned to create 60 bespoke panels, with cubed and varying effect to be installed at the Lake side restaurant and bar from NEC the Genting arena.We manufactured the bespoke 60 panels within an extremely tight schedule, within 3 weeks!

Outdoor advertising tool - giant hand sculpture

We created an outdoor advertising tool, a giant hand. A great way to raise awareness and to create a lasting memory. Who said outdoor advertising isn’t fun!

October November December

We have developed and created a manufacturing system to produce slate imitation panels called Slate Mate, to be fully launched early 2016! Watch this space!

As we are passionate about unique design we are looking into developing another exciting element to our business. We will be creating a range of furniture designs suitable for the outdoors, using a combination of materials. In the mean time we are busy creating more light up letters and an exciting project to be revealed soon!

Hope you enjoyed browsing through as much as we enjoy creating!
We look forward to seeing what 2016 will bring!

In the mean time best wishes for the festive season and we shall see you soon!

If you have any enquiries and would like to create with us get in touch & we are always happy to help.

Tag: carved polystyrene

Creative 2018!

Take a look at the diverse creative projects we have had the pleasure to work on

We wish you an absolutely amazing new year!

We look forward to an incredible 2019!

Why is FR polyurea coating great for props?

One of the main techniques and products we use to create our props, sculptures, 3d logos & large letters is waterproof + extremely durable coating application of Polyurea which is a high quality rubber material

How do we apply it?

Is Prep still necessary ?

Advantages of polyurea application?

Speed is the major advantage of this coating, after spray application the coating is dry within seconds!

Themed props for interior spaces

Creating themed props true to concept is something we passionately do.

We have created themed props for several public interior spaces take a look below to see a couple of spaces we have helped transform:

Discover story centre ignites the imagination which is captured within a book.

Get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help you create an inspiring space

Christmas props!

In the mean time we wish everyone a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth and joy!

Whale and the snail custom props

Dr Seuss car in the making

Giant mannequin hand in the making!

Splash of colour to your spring 2016!

With our days filling up with sunshine in beautiful Cornwall we can feel the spring fast approaching!

We created realistic trees!

Sculpting & creating 2015

As we have entered the festive season with Christmas on it’s way & a new year approaching we’d like you take a look back with us on 2015 to embrace the great moments.

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