Dian, If it makes you feel more secure cover with two sets of patties, however I do not think more than one is necessary. The fibers are an optional thing. I use them when I am doing something like this so that the patties will grab to the mesh. Your thinner coat can be thinner than the patties and I tend to make mine thinner. You will get the hang of what consistency works for you really quickly once you start on your project. Even though patties or a first coat appears dry, even to the touch, it may not be quite ready to move. In fact I would say complete the underside to a smooth texture first and definitely the stem. Then allow to harden for a few days before uprighting it. Have someone assist you turning it over. Once over support the underside of the shroom top while you are working on the top, sy a couple of 2x4s propped. Once everthing is hardened and cured there should be no problem, I think it will be very strong. I have a couple projects curing right now and once the color is on them I will post them. this stuff is so fun, Have a creative weekend, dena

That sounds like a lot of fun. Your piece did present some challenges using hardware cloth on a vertical surface without something in the back. Not sure if you have ever watched someone put up a rock column over a wooden framework. Whether they use hardware cloth or diamond mesh there is a barrier placed on the wood and the mesh is close to that so you have something to smoosh ecerything against. That said, diamond mesh will grab hold and keep your mix where you put it even without a barrier. If you have not used diamond mesh/steel mesh, make sure you are wearing leather gloves during cutting, shaping and sewing it together, it is a brute. Lets see PA is three hours later than here, and I get up early so I could actually be there by early afternoon and a bunch of projects could be completed........... Happy casting and creating, Dena

So fun. I particulary like the shape of this one. I saw glass mushrooms for sale in Flagstaff AZ in the gift shop of a historic house this March. They also had small flowers on stakes, made by volunteers at the historic house. Kathy

Thats a Bolet of some sort, possibly Boletus piperatus.