3 weeks to go...

As yet, we did not have a resolved framework. What we did have was page after page and photo after photo of what it could be. So we made a decision to make a decision, which for an indecisive bunch like us was a feat in itself. A day of experimentation with chicken wire revealed that we did not like using chicken wire.

One option ruled out, 1 307 893 to go.
The conversation eventually came around to creating an archway. Conversations with tutors revealed the idea of reinforcing bar as a material. 

(image from http://rebar.materialsuppliers.com/)

It was cheap, fairly light and reasonably easy to sculpt. 

Lucky for us we had connections in all the right areas, so we managed to have 12 x 6m lengths donated. 

So off we skipped to the QUT workshop, work boot clad and ready to assemble. The workshop guys guided us in the construction and made sure we didn't sever any limbs with the power tools.

There was one casualty when Tamara's nose collided with the bendy machine's (technical term) handle, but she's a trooper and besides, it saved her a couple of grand on the nose job she had planned (definitely kidding).

Thumbs up all round!