Death's Head moth is also known as a Europeanhawkmoth (Acherontiaatropos), which bears the markings resembling a human skull on its thorax. The final design logistics and color choices came together after 3 months of revising sketches. Once the decisions were made, the stringer prep time became the quick part of the process. Flameworking the cabochon was an undertaking to say the least. After 3.5 hours of work and approximately 1050 rotations with my left hand, the cabochon is complete. At one point, I questioned my hand's strength to continue on. Relieved once the final flame polish was complete and the cabochon entered the hot kiln.
The spectacular silver reaction is much more lovely in person. I think these are some of the most beautiful beads to come out of my kiln. The pops of turquoise shimmer with a oyster-like luster. Enjoy!
A Hodge-Podge of Beads. The entire set includes 31 colorful beads and measure 18+ inches in length. The total flame time: 10 hours (not including cane and stringer prep). It even includes a sweet duck in the upper left corner. Totally clipped him out of the photograph on accident. Love how the necklace turned out!
I do not condone kissing frogs to find a prince, however this little guy is cute enough to reconsider my position on the subject. Maybe he should have been titled "Pucker up"?
