This thumbnail drawing in my sketchbook was the start of River Table

As work is completed it is flashed in heat to equalize temperatures

Clear molten glass is colored by rolling through colored glass chips called frit

Crimping in a cool constriction allows this glass form to be removed from the pole

Once cooled, glass needs to be finished by grinding the base flat on each piece

With just a few parts, River Table pieces begin to fill in a full scale map of the project

Hand-pulled glass will become the legs of River Table

The prototype testing assembly technique proves I can move forward with this design

The Glory Hole blasts 2300*F as glass is reheated for more sculpting

Each grass cluster is built from glass bits sculpted into individual blades

Threaded pipe is hidden inside each table leg

Layouts on paper "tabletops" help me plan positions and the things I still need to make

Each hand-cut glass "puddle" will support a botanical vignette to grace the tabletops

Botanical vignettes are supported while parts are glued to base "puddles"

Planning the position of tabletop vignettes for leg assembly, viewed from below.

Getting the first section together provided confidence for completing River Table

Assistants bring Frus a molten bit of glass to attach as the turtle sculpture takes shape

This torch spot heats a leg so Frus can add focused detail

Complex components begin to be finished

As sectionals are completed, work continues on creatures and final 4 sections

Attaching fish to support leaves involves careful gluing and stable curing for strength

Placing reed grasses and other botanicals to finalize design of River Table's salty end

Bases coated in sand get glossy clear coat so they appear "wet"

Finally, River Table is ready to pack and ship to the Museum for exhibit