A brief interlude about displaying automata. In the end, I would like to make and display mechanical gourd figures at a gourd festival for visitors to enjoy as a hands on introduction to the world of gourds. Yet, I am apprehensive of over-eager folks who what to investigate how they work and drop them. OR, as is the case at festivals, children are allowed freedom to go their own way and have not learned the careful art of trying something without being too harsh.
What if the automata could be displayed carefully in a protected case with the crank extended through the case? Then, people can maneuver the crank, see the automaton move but it would still be protected from curious fingers and airborne dust. I am intrigued. American Science Surplus sells shadow boxes that could work for flat automata -- if I use really small gourds OR use flat gourd scraps. That is something to consider, but I want gourd dancers and chefs and pigs and chickens to spin and jump, and that takes more circumference space than a shadow box can afford. 
A glass display dome at National Artcraft is a possibility but geez! at $49 a piece, it would outclass the gourd! I like the size and diameter of the dome because it would accommodate a 3-d automata and could be turned around so the viewer can see all aspects of the construction, but then I come back to the price and consider how many ideas I want to pursue. Nice concept; not going to happen.
Recycling soda bottles might give the same effect of a glass dome if the larger, 3 liter, size can be found. Maybe a trip to my nearest Dollar Tree is in order!
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