When I feel the need to improve my lampworking skills, I challenge myself with sculptural beads. This challenge gives me a much greater appreciation for lampwork artists, who, on a regular basis, make sculptural beads. Some of these artists include, Lauren of MayBeads on Etsy, Paula of PaulaNC on Etsy, and Marcy of Studio Marcy on Etsy, too.
This week, I am working sculpturally to challenge myself. As a result, I have come to appreciate the need for attention to detail and preparation. (I have forgotten the twisties and stringers that need to be pulled ahead of time.) I have also come to appreciate the need for a good shape so that the form of the bead resembles the animal, food, tree, item, etc. that I am attempting to make into glass.
These first 3 beads are my "special needs" beads. From top to bottom, there is the critter who is not sure of what he is. I was trying for a hippo, but I think his parentage is in question. He seems to be a combination of a hippo and a pig. I apologize to both types of animal. The next animal is supposed to be an owl, but it reminds me of a vulture getting ready to fly. Last, but not least, is my true special needs critter. This little seal has one flipper bigger than the other, and the larger flipper is malformed. I am hoping that the children in the Beads of Courage program will enjoy these little special needs critters.
Here are my successes for the day. I think you'll recognize the blue bird, the turtle, and my absolute favorite, the little hedgehog. I was thinking of getting Pixie a real hedgehog for Xmas, but, in reality, I think she'll have to settle for the little bead.
