Elephant in the room

So, years and years ago,  I bought this wonderful little elephant and two years ago I purchased this Indian couple to go with the elephant...

And I knew that eventually they would become a Hindu wedding scene.  But I needed the right fabric and other projects got in the way.  Until Monday when I decided to quickly finish up this little scene.

For those not familiar with North India, West India, and Pakistan weddings, the Baraat is the tradition by which the groom arrives at his wedding.  It is the start of the wedding celebration! There is singing, dancing, laughter, and for transporting the groom to the ceremony there is either a horse, elephant, or fancy car (in modern times as horses and elephants are harder to come by in some towns/cities).

I didn't want to make the whole Baraat procession because that would involve a lot of dolls to represent all the groom's family and friends, plus the musicians. Plus my bride already had her Bindi (the red dot on her forehead symbolizing a married woman's commitment to her husband and marriage). So I decided the ceremony was over, but the Baraat Elephant was still there for photos.

Created the seat first.  The groom (and in some cases, a younger brother/nephew) would sit in the seat as the procession moves thru the streets.  Using balsa wood I made the seat to sit on the lumpy elephant's back:

I covered it with fabric and started to make the draping for the elephant's back.

Glued some edging to the fabric



Glued it to the elephant's back and added gold bangles to tusks

Glued a second draping and the covered seat on top

Next up was the elephant's head dress...simple little diamond shaped fabric and a jewel sticker my friend found at an egg show and mailed to me.

Next they needed an umbrella to protect them from the bright sun glare...I used one of those paper drink umbrellas:

Start (well, I forgot to take a photo of the actual paper umbrella I used but this one is representative)

Removed the paper and spray painted it gold

Covered with fabric and some trim.

The underside fabric matches the seat chassis

So now it is all "done" (okay, it's not really done, it's just "now presentable" like the New York Roombox).  I just have to fuss with some minor landscaping.  But I'm pleased with my day of playing, er, I mean, working:

Umbrella in place

Presentable, seen from above

Presentable

Presentable under plexiglass

A bit hazy from the plexiglass it's under, but rough draft walkway for the elephant is planned and I've picked a few plants but the scene needs something more.  I'm toying around with some terraced landscaping behind the elephant (where tall tree is) but I am open to ideas/suggestions!  Especially to the right of the couple!  Thanks in advance!