Using the Raku Beads (Part 1)

I took this Raku Bead I made...

...and made this with it.

Something Fine

Now that I officially have the magazine in hand, I can proudly say my Something Fine Bracelet

is in the April 2012 issue of Bead Trends on pages 94-95.

YAY!!! Now I have to get back to work! Hope you are having a good day and a great week :-)

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 :-) 

High Lonesome

Spending the day alone with my beads and that good ol' High Lonesome music on my Pandora station. My mind is blank except for a question banging around my head: Why isn't the coffee working today?! Guess I may have to pop a few dark chocolate covered espresso beans too.

What are your thoughts for today?