I have always enjoyed making raked/feathered beads and felt a distinct tug this morning in that direction. I'd been reading about what has caused Terra 2 to be unlike the original Terra... so - set out to make a focal to see if I could get it to strike in all those wonderful ways.

I realized that I don't like the results from my experiment - as the green just has tinges of plummy/purples at the ends... but what I did like was the "fluke" design - its crispness... and although somewhat organic, the encasing makes it too dressy. IMHO

Next try is 'ditch' the Terra 2 - go for more drama... DH Psyche... While my results of late seem all over the place with this color - I am liking the "Kronos/Picasso blue/green OPAQUE color" I'm getting, and know if I hit it with a nice reducing flame - I can get some metallic effects. YES!

So then we're off to the races... hmmm - how does one make a directional rake on a round cab. I am taking the liberty of assuming that this will be set with this direction in mind. I've raked up and down - while they do look like whale flukes, I now remember a focal I'd previously made - called Sea Grasses (yes, Louise - yours) - that had a similar look. BUT.THIS.IS.A.CABOCHON. (so it's ok).

This is the final result - *below* - I love it - and proceed to make two more! : )