Surf & Turf

Merpig???  Yep!  The newest mythical creature gives new meaning to the phrase "Surf & Turf."  Her mesmerizing siren song... more like a shrill weep has been known to entice sailors into throwing their cargo of cucumbers and carrots overboard.  Thus devastating the vegetable shipping industry. 
Just to sum it up... she purposely doesn't have a shell bra for a more risque look.  Just letting it all hang out. Yes, she swears like a salty sailor.  Nope, you will not be seeing Merpigs in a zoo anytime soon.  The little stinkers are almost impossible to catch.

Splash Focals

A variation on a mermaid focal.  The tutorial project is available in the "Day at the Beach" workshop.  What better way to capture the shimmer than with a splash of dichroic glass.  A second batch is below:

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!

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.

Splash

When listing project ideas for the "Day at the Beach" workshop, a mermaid's tail seemed fitting.  What better way to capture the shimmer than with a magenta/blue dichroic glass.