Salt 2: Lewis Carroll’s Pet Snail
Runtime: 47 minutes
Level: Intermediate
 
We are pleased to present renowned functional and sculptural glass artist Salt (USA) in this in-depth E-demo focused on glass sculpting, layering, and creative exploration.
This E-demo is designed for intermediate lampworkers and beadmakers who are interested in sculptural glasswork, working off-mandrel, and developing greater control over heat, flame chemistry, and form.
 
In this demonstration, Salt guides viewers through the creation of a highly detailed glass snail sculpture, using Lewis Carroll’s pet snail as creative inspiration. The demo focuses on sculpting techniques that translate across many forms, with particular emphasis on heat control, flame adjustment, and material behavior when working with thick and irregular glass masses.
 
Salt demonstrates how to combine clear glass rod with Boro Sticks White, apply Amazon Bronze frit, and introduce TAG Blackjack to create rich, organic surface patterns reminiscent of a nautilus shell. Viewers will learn how thoughtful color layering and flame placement can prevent underlying colors from bleeding through, while still achieving depth and complexity.
 
The demo also explores glass layering, including an explanation of how sintered glass is produced industrially and how to use this cost-effective glass at the torch. Salt shows how subtle color mixing—such as tinting green glass with brown—can result in more natural, lifelike tones.
 
Throughout the process, Salt emphasizes the realities of sculptural glassmaking: working with thick glass, managing uneven heat distribution, making repairs, and embracing repetition as a path to developing one’s own creative voice. Techniques demonstrated include the use of punties, foot pedal flame control, orientation adjustments, and precision shaping to achieve a balanced and expressive final form.
 
The techniques shown are advanced and require patience—expect challenges, repairs, and learning moments as part of the process. You will also receive a complimentary 15-minute online one-on-one consultation with Dr. Julie Anne Denton, which you may schedule at your convenience to help you work through challenging aspects of the demo.
 
This E-demo can be completed at your own pace. After purchase, access may take up to 24 hours to activate. A folder of complimentary materials is included, featuring a visual PDF of technical steps, supporting data sheets, and helpful reference images.
 
Skill level: Intermediate
Requirements: Your own torch
Demo runtime: 47 minutes