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Thursday, April 19, 2012

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 :-) 


12 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my good god. They're amazing. I don't have the words either. How many artists are in you??

~The Proud Brother

Sweet Freedom said...

Fun! I love your raku beads! But I confess, I am unfamiliar with the concept of "beads to decorate your home." Huh? How, where? Inquiring minds want to know!

CraftyHope said...

These are GREAT Christine! Keep up the great work. It looks like you have knack for clay.

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Christine,
Looks like you learned lots in your class. The beads are beautiful. I love them all and looking forward to seeing how the painted ones turn out.
Therese

windrock studio said...

Well, of course you would make them wearable!! and these beads are truly beautiful, raku is a wonderful process, I bet you keep learning and making! Good for you, girl!

kimmykats said...

Oh Christine you had me laughing while admiring your wonderful results!! You can wear them around the house to still beautify it!

Lola said...

Beautiful Christine! I'm trying my hand at polymer clay and although my results are not nearly as impressive as yours, I am having fun! Love the raku beads!

Bits of Learning said...

I love these and next time I see you, you better have them with you! I need to touch them!!!

P.S. No pinch pot! :)

Anonymous said...

They look great especially for a first-time! I'm actually working on a massive batch of raku clay beads right now. It's my favorite firing method and the results are sooooo cool.

Diana P.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

That is so cool! i have always wanted to try this! Looks like you ate having a blast...good for you!

Elysian Studios said...

Awesome, Christine! They are beautiful beads and it looks like you had a great time! Well done!

Jenny said...

Excellent job! I love the pit fired ones ( rake/no glaze...) I can't wait to see where you go from here.