Hands in Clay

I took my first clay class this week at Moscow Clayworks.  It was taught by visiting Haitian Ceramics Artist, Lissa Jeannot and Moscow Clayworks owner, Frank Goryl.  I was a fish out of water and still do not have the jargon to describe the process.  But I will try. 

Saturday, we worked with the clay to make beads to decorate our home with.  It wasn't long before I scaled down the bead size to make them wearable for the homeowner instead.  I couldn't help myself.  It was just a natural progression for me.  And honestly, it being my first clay experience, I wasn't so sure I would make anything suitable for the home or body!  If is it not a Size 11 Delica and I don't have a needle, I am at a loss. 

Last night we went back for the glazing and raku firing.  So here's what I made!

This first picture are the beads out of the first kiln.  I left them white and will apply acrylic paints to them and see how that looks. 

These next beads were raku fired without glaze.

And finally, raku fire with glaze.

I could get into this :-)