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Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye goalie
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Michael Gialanella Must Dye: The Stick Of Eli

This was a project for my sidekick Eli Dodgson, who is a Junior at Millbrook High School in Raleigh, NC. I’ve known Eli since he and and his family moved to NC from Maryland about six years ago. The story behind the head is that his mom wanted to get him something special to recognize his efforts in the classroom.

She simply asked that there be references to the three teams he plays for (FCA NC, @BattleLax and Millbrook). Aside from that, I had free range. E has also been known to suit up for @RaleighLacrosse (and did a stellar job filling in for me on D at Asheville last year playing against the old men), but I focused on the three teams that he primarily plays for.

Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye goalie
Great looking finshed product!

I was going to go with the color combinations shown using my trusty marbling skills, but as I mentioned on a recent job, I wanted to try something different. I decided to refer to each team’s uniforms for inspiration and add Eli’s number from each team. As you can see, the initial blocks I had for the checkerboard were too big.

I had them redone and I’m pretty satisfied with how the whole thing turned out. More importantly, Eli loved it. I put in another shooter knowing his style and had him give it a toss tonight. I’m hoping he doesn’t bust it out for his game tomorrow night as I got it to him after practice tonight, but I’m pretty sure he will.

Here is Eli’s highlight video from his trip with FCA to Long Island this past summer:

J. Eli Dodgson from Jamie Sliwa on Vimeo.

(Editor’s Note: Kid can ball a little, huh? Poised, efficient in his movements, clears well. New hot recruit!)

Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
So. Many. Stickers.
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
You've been stickered. Officially.
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
Putting color down!
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
A LOT more color now!
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
Very pretty work here!
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
That is a LOT of checkerboard!
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
Great detail on the back of the scoop!
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
How did he get his cat to do all those prints?
Michael Gialanella Lacrosse stick dye job goalie lax
What a canvas! What a piece of art! Eli is one lucky kid!