Nautilus

Grateful for the daily gift of eyesight and hands which allow me to sculpt glass.  Not many people are aware, but I experienced a horrible eye injury this past year. Everything is good now, however a few millimeters and things would have been very different. What are you thankful for?

Shell Shopping

When a hermit crab chooses a new shell, is it similar to taking kids shoe shopping?  Does the little critter compare style, color, fit, and comfort?  I would surely hope so.  Nothing worse than being seen in an out of season conch shell on Venice Beach... the fashion horror!

Mermaid Lore

Mermaid Lore No.1

Mermaid Lore No.2

The design "Rising from the Deep" didn't seem to pop like my original sketch.  After a bit of rethinking, I settled on black stringer work to create the mermaid scene.  Enjoy!

Ladies Man

Remember Salty the Snail???  Well apparently he is quite the ladies man snail.  His brood has taken over my flower garden.  Sadly, the vegetation cannot support his growing family.

 

I know what you're thinking... and table salt is out of the question!  

 

 

Thanks to Beads of Courage program, the adorable baby snails will be heading to Tucson. 
No worries, I will put air holes in the shipping container.

Day at the Beach Tutorial PDF - Now Available

The "Day at the Beach" Tutorial packet is complete!  The E-book is a compilation of 14 Beach/Ocean Themed Designs – included in this booklet are step by step TEXT instructions for intermediate to advanced flameworkers, 1 high-quality color photograph of each completed focal, a sketch booklet containing of each design in a 5-step progression, and helpful tips. In addition, I include all Effetre names and numbers used throughout the tutorials. All of the glass referenced in this book is COE-104.

 A preview of the tutorials found in the eBook.

The eBook includes a printable sketch packet.  Example from the Spring Tutorial:

Why a printable sketch packet?

First, the packet illustrates the bead detail from start to finish. I wanted to give the reader a look into my world of glass design. I’m hoping the illustrations will help the reader become more adventurous and think outside the box. I suggest purchasing a set of colored pencils to experiment with the endless color options.

Second, I wanted to create an inexpensive booklet which includes a multitude of tutorials for intermediate to advanced students, who are unable to travel for classes/workshops. Also, I didn’t want to waste the readers time and their printer ink with instructions on “how to” create a simple round bead or press a lentil. I hope the innovative tutorial sketch concept is embraced by readers.

The packet is available via instant download through Etsy.

Shell Design

A hollow form is usually perfect for creating a sea shell, however what if a lampworker is hollow-challenged?  The design came about to help students create a shell without the frustration of perfecting hollows. 

The World is your Oyster

I have been working on sketches of sea life for an upcoming workshop titled "Day at the Beach".  I kicked around some thoughts on sea shells and taking them to another level of fun.  Our last trip to San Diego, while chasing miniature crabs, the kids found a slew of oyster shells in the sand.  The two seemed like a fun combination. 

After 6 sketches, ranging from silly to life like, I settled on something in between.  The exterior is a silvered ivory so to shimmer in the light, yet dark enough to cast a gray hue.  The oyster's open half is filled with one of my Double Helix favorites, Kronos.  The crab was formed from 1mm, bright red stringers.  Small doesn't begin to accurately describe the little guy.  Leg to leg, he measures 14mm x 15mm.  Total time to torch: 1.5 hours. 
The finished focal would look fabulous paired with a strand of shimmery pearls.  I could imagine him on display, surrounded by sand, beach glass and shells.  Or how cute would it be to incorporate the focal on the handle of an oyster knife!?  No idea where he will end up, but I love the thought of someone flipping over the shell to find the silly little guy!