Thanks a lot for the help guys, I must admit some of it is a bit beyond my meagre understanding yet (i.e. - Nurbs - 4 sides only? - what about a cylinder?) but i'm sure like y'all said, that will come with practice.
I cannot wait to finish work and get started on that "Melting vase" hopefully that will show me how to use the "lattice" then I can create my own "puddle".

Regards Scraggy