"It's been a long winter. Cedric was out in the woods looking for some new clothes, as is his habit each spring (last winter's fallen leaves). In the warming spring air, he came upon a dragon hatchling obviously lost and upset. Cedric was the first thing the baby dragon ever saw, and he bonded with Cedric immediately and permanently. They are now best friends and spend all their time together. Cedric named the hatchling Bubba, and they can be seen rambling through the woods of the Pacific Northwest. The only problem seems to be where Bubba likes to ride as they travel. This could become more of a problem as he grows.

“This piece took weeks to make. I tend to start projects and work in stages as their story emerges. Cedric is made entirely of FIMO® over a wire and foil base. Bubba is just FIMO. Cedric is jointed with copper wire and hand painted with acrylic paints. They seem to start whispering a story as they come alive during the sculpting process. Bubba was intended for another piece, but kept wandering off to sit on Cedric's head. He was part of a litter of dragon hatchlings, but seemed to have other plans. I let the piece evolve and really enjoy the process. I know that when the whispering starts I'm on the right path ..." - Ann Inman

Polly’s Picks are designs our editor especially liked despite the fact that they did not win a formal prize. These designs are often simple, practical and/or whimsical examples of how to use Rings & Things components well. Review the 2008 contest details to see what this contestant was up against. And remember, it’s never too early to start planning for the 2009 contest!