Ecuadorian,
Well, since I'm really new to this I'm just trying different ideas to see what happens. Nothing scientific to my approach, but I'll share as best I can.
Dragon sits in the bowl: high reflective template
Dome goes on top for the render:diamond glass
spotlights as shown

Spherical sky, no sun, HDRI
Two small red omnis, nose& throat
skinny spotlight on tongue
tiny orange omni eye

started with rubber ball material and tweaked :

SU fog on
TW preset #9

That covers most of it I think.
Lots of great images here folks......keep 'em coming.
Rich

I had to give it a try with this little guy.Twilight #9....let it render while I was at work yesterday for about 12 hrs.
Rich

Very interesting thread........thanks for starting this.I've just started working with Twilight and rendering in general.Keep in mind I'm a carpenter, not a graphic artist so any breach of rendering etiquette is purely unintentional. This is what I came up with....not sure it meets any of the sss criteria but it sure was fun trying.

Rich

Hi,
I happened to spot this thread and thought that was a pretty cool leg design......so I had to have a go at it.I've been spending some time working with Shape Bender and FreeScale this weekend. I just downloaded them both and I'm having a blast seeing what's possible.
I used a combination of follow me and the FreeScale taper tool to model this leg.The taper went smoothly..........I spent more time just getting the pocket for the table apron.

Rich

curvey leg 3.1.skp

Gidon,
As a noob I don't have a vast library of models to share, but I'll give it a shot.Remember what I said at the top of this page......nothing flashy.
We are in the process of building a new workshop for my wife.We were considering two different locations on our property,both with various limitations on what we could do.I started giving her options on floor plans,window layouts,site location etc.Just simple boxes with a roof on top.As with any building project we went through many versions, most of which were put out of their misery with the delete key.
Here's an example for site #2:Triple shop.skp
Pretty rudimentary SU work for sure but it really helped us determine what would work best for us.
And, a couple photos of how the actual project is going.

,

We chose the version in scene 7 of the skippy and couldn't be happier with the way it worked out.

As a builder I was able to refer to that very simple model and create quick sketches for my excavators,concrete sub,and myself for window and door layout,sf of sheathing,roofing etc.I like the way SU helps me visualize just the details I'm working on at the moment so I can move on with a project.We are about ready to start trimming the interior and I have some cabinet and trim details to work out..........I'll post another skippy of a couple things I'm working on.

Rich

Toaster,
I'm afraid I might have misunderstood your request for a toasterbed mower. Actually I think it would be a killer concept. I guarantee you would be the first one out of the garage on Saturday morning and would be done mowing before the neighbors even knew what hit them.......and all from the comfort of your own bed.No wasted time going to Kwicky Mart for your coffee and muffin.

I took the liberty of adding a coffee machine to this rig.......it just seemed like there was something missing.Someone else can add the bed linens. I suggest a Kevlar/Nomex blend with plenty of restraint straps.

Sure, I have some details to flesh out with controls and propulsion issues, but that's minor.............
Thanks for looking
Rich
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/sas/3DChallenge
It's the TBM 2000

Hi,
Yet another noob checking in finally.I've been following this forum for a while now and want to say thanks to ALL that post here.I'm truly amazed at the generosity and depth of knowledge that is so freely shared here....way cool. A special thanks goes out to the moderators and the folks from Google............I don't see how you find the time to keep up with all this.

A bit about me:
I'm self employed as a carpenter/remodeler/builder/woodworker. Mine is a small operation for sure but I couldn't imagine doing anything else.I've been using SU to help me with all sorts of work related details.Nothing flashy.......just quick sketches on a "digital napkin" to help me think in 3D so I can avoid those "Oh Fuuuudddggge...." moments in the field.

Now that winter is here I have some time to work with SU to get a bit more proficient with it.I finally have the basics figured out but have a ways to go with workflow issues, managing file sizes, etc.I can build you a house, but I have huge gaping holes in my computer skills.But,I learn something every time I check in here so I'll get there.

I'll see 'ya around and thanks again.
(I'm going to post my entry for Green Toaster's challenge in the Gallery. I also enjoy doing some fun, non-work related stuff in SU.)

Rich