I use a totaly different approach, I construct mine starting with 4mm clear rod.
Pull some NS Serindipity into 2mm stringer. (You can make your own by encasing NS Star White with either AP, DAP, or other transparent color, light cobalt works well too).
GENTLYwarm the 4mm rod, and apply the stringer to a 1 inch section, I get about 5 or 6 tentacles on a 4mm rod.
Encase with 3mm clear, melt in and marver smooth.
Repeat the above is desired.
To make the bell marver the end of the tentacles to a smooth flat end.
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Add a gather of either AP or DAP to the smoothed end, melt in and shape.
Encase with 5mm clear starting with the union of the bell and the tentacles, keep the 5mm clear very hot to avoid air bubbles. When the bell is encased to your liking melt a 6mm rod on the the encased bell for a handle.
Using 5mm clear encase the tentacles, at this point you may twist the tenticles if desired, this is also a good time to either lengthen or shorten (by gathering) the tentacles if desired.
Finish shaping and punty on the the bottom. Melt off the 6mm handle and make the loop.
Pop off the punty , fire polish and place into the kiln.