tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44697922369960640662012-01-28T21:34:32.154-05:00Marsha Hedrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206830867313731939noreply@blogger.comBlogger5451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-28149051773142278952012-01-26T01:19:00.002-05:002012-01-26T01:19:00.318-05:00

Confetti Heart Bead - Puffy Hollow Porcelain Heart Shaped Bead with Confetti and Hearts by Joan Miller Porcelain I am starting a new monthly blog post called Clay Finds on the 4th Thursday of the month.\.  I will be posting pictures of our members' work in their Etsy Shops that I find.  I will be using a monthly theme.  This month I looked for hearts and came up with some wonderful ones. 

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-1468630731972160512012-01-25T01:07:00.001-05:002012-01-25T01:07:00.733-05:00

Mille fiori rods joined together in a pattern.Inlaid porcelain slab sheeted for rollingThough I know we are in the dead middle of winter, summer and all of its trappings need to be on our minds right now as it is time for spring and summer inventory to be in the works. This is especially true of supplies like buttons and beads that might be needed by other artisans to put together their summer

PorcelainJazzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267248185703251005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-57776486646446972902012-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:002012-01-24T00:01:02.065-05:00

During my last year of high school, I was able to take a course in sculpture at the local community college. As I've mentioned in a previous post, the move from high school to college art was quite an eye-opener. One of the most memorable experiences was a class trip to San Francisco MOMA to see Judy Chicago's installation of The Dinner Party. It challenged all of the messages I had received

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-67571688051375879192012-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:002012-01-24T00:00:24.164-05:00

Welcome to the Third Friday Commercial Cone 6 glaze test post. This is part 3 of testing some Georgies Glazes. Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. This third part is running the same tests, in my larger kiln, fired to Cone 5. Left = Sm. Kiln Cone 5. Middle = Sm. Kiln Cone 6. Right = Lg. Kiln Cone 5. The photo above shows the single glaze tests from the three different firings. Below are the

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-81747328777902016952012-01-21T00:50:00.002-05:002012-01-21T00:50:48.143-05:00

Our Beads of Clay members have been getting some press the past month!  If you've had a chance to look at the Winter issue of Stringing Magazine you would have seen  gorgeous necklace by Gaea Cannaday called Lotus Dreams.  The focal is one of her lovely lotus pendants set in a copper bezel.  Kind of like this one! Gaea also has a set of earrings featured.  On top of that, there's a cute little

Mellisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14275653505481965896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-19452344708918890312012-01-19T03:27:00.000-05:002012-01-19T03:27:01.950-05:00

 I thought it would be fun to take out three texture making tools and apply them to different size sphere shaped beads. I am always interested in how multiple textures will appear on the different size beads.   Will those shapes compete or compliment each other?  I started out with this simple heart cutter tool.  After I photographed this picture, I decided the largest bead needed a few more

Natalie -- NKP Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846679058751653271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-42134974122171375412012-01-15T00:19:00.000-05:002012-01-15T00:19:24.327-05:00

Welcome to the monthly post on the Second Saturday here on Beads of Clay to see into the state of your studio - your creative space. Your creative space does not have to be just about ceramic clay beads, but of anything related… Marsha Neal Studio Wet Clay Shards How are you starting out the new year in your studio? Is this a creative time for you or a

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-13560652410535482222012-01-12T08:33:00.000-05:002012-01-12T08:33:44.675-05:00

Heart Charms by Mary Harding I have had quite a few email questions asking me to demo how to make and insert the stringing loops that are found in many ceramic pieces.  So today I am going to share a tutorial I put together to answer these questions. 1.  I use High Temp Stamen Wire 24 gauge as seen in the picture above.  It is made by Kemper and available from most ceramic supply stores.  I

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-48825189663345235522012-01-04T23:48:00.000-05:002012-01-05T07:33:53.673-05:00

Welcome to the Beads of Clay Blog post for the First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com This weekend event happens monthly over the First Friday weekend. And is hosted through the AWE Team (Art Walk Etsy Team) on Etsy.com Here is a collection of items by shops participating in this weekend's art walk by using the key tag: BOCFFAW Our members are asked to consider using coupon code BOCFFAW to

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-85187099834653320442011-12-31T16:51:00.000-05:002011-12-31T16:51:42.201-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! For once I am in the Northern hemisphere, visiting my daughters and grand children for the holidays. I'm spending any spare time at the library and book store catching up on jewelry trends. This post is a result of one of my library finds. I don't know how many of you already make your own findings for  your ceramic beads, but if you are thinking of starting, It's

Work Of Our Handshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10864198268862718212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-41972231054051142142011-12-27T00:01:00.000-05:002011-12-27T00:31:48.614-05:00

These days I'm cooking nourishing food, fancy food even, and not clay. I'm sure I'm not alone! In the interest of honoring those of us with dual roles, adding to our pleasure and not our  stress (my own included), I'm sharing an inspirational "thing I do" to expand my visual library. By now, you know I love to explore history and culture. So, this post is about tapping cultural resources...

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-25539396511841238472011-12-25T05:17:00.000-05:002011-12-25T05:17:19.700-05:00

All of at Beads-of-Clay wish you a very Merry Christmas!! 

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-59455148733257649572011-12-22T04:42:00.000-05:002011-12-22T04:42:40.856-05:00

Ordinary Items for Extra-Ordinary Textures I thought it would be fun to find some ordinary items and make interesting textures. I spied the top of a water bottle and voila! I had lines to press into my small balls of clay. That got me to thinking about rectangles. I found the end of a Popsicle stick and poked them into these balls of clay. As fun as that was, I remembered the lava rocks I

Natalie -- NKP Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846679058751653271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-21718814160259735572011-12-21T05:59:00.000-05:002011-12-21T05:59:53.981-05:00

Since the techniques used to make beads are simply a miniaturized version of those used to make pottery, I've been wondering for some time why we don't see more wheel thrown beads. So I decided to make a batch of wheel thrown beads and find out if it was a viable bead making technique. To start with, several slender, hollow, cylindrical forms like those used for spouts or goblet stems were thrown

PorcelainJazzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267248185703251005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-64698752275878084232011-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:002011-12-19T00:00:04.499-05:00

Things seemed to be a little quiet on the publication front for a couple of months but it looks like the end of 2011 is going out with a bang for ceramic bead artists in publications!  Diana of Suburban Girl Studio has a pair of starfish and seashell raku charm earrings featured in the current issue of Bead Design Studio (Formerly Bead Unique Magazine). MaryAnn Carroll has SIX finished

Mellisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14275653505481965896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-65474344485723007782011-12-16T12:55:00.000-05:002011-12-16T12:55:32.654-05:00

Welcome to the December post for Cone 6 commercial Glazes. I'm going to continue my previous tests (the large cone 5 and 6 results soon). But I was having some issues with some of my older Cone 6 glazes that were dried up and thought that since a lot of you might be having the same issues - we could discuss how to remedy it.  Sometimes glazes just dry up a bit over time and need some extra

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-1563970670440277452011-12-10T12:50:00.001-05:002011-12-10T12:58:15.406-05:00

Welcome to the monthly post on the Second Saturday here on Beads of Clay to see into the state of your studio - your creative space. Your creative space does not have to be just about ceramic clay beads, but of anything related… Marsha Neal Studio Wet Clay Shards This is the final post 2nd Sat for 2011. How has your space changed in the last year? Do you have

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-52538834747983341802011-12-08T07:32:00.001-05:002011-12-08T16:32:17.278-05:00

Handmade Ceramic Christmas Ornament Star - Woodland Gold by Starry  Road Studio I have put together a collection of ceramic ornaments made by our  BeadsofClay group for your enjoyment.  They are beautifully crafted.  I hope you will visit these artists' on the web.  Each picture has a live link.Thank you for stopping by. Fir Tree Charms Set of 4  by Mary Harding Rustic Angel- handmade ceramic

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-78106109039597622892011-12-04T00:37:00.001-05:002011-12-04T00:37:01.230-05:00

Last month I wrote about making your own paper clay, so this month I thought I would show you some finished products.  These are actually Christmas ornaments, but made slightly smaller could be pendants. If you missed the "how to" check it out here  http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4469792236996064066#editor/target=post;postID=8437742941792661520 More ornaments. These are hollow inside .

Work Of Our Handshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10864198268862718212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-81968359051069938472011-12-03T11:39:00.001-05:002011-12-03T11:55:02.634-05:00

Over on Etsy.com a number of our Beads of Clay shop members participating in the First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com simply by using the tag BOCFFAW. Some have been working on creating curated Etsy Treasuries to help promote other BOC team member items to help promote this event and bring in new customers to their shops and to Beads of Clay. Please take a look at some of these collections and

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-12204032056407420862011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:002011-12-02T00:00:00.238-05:00

Welcome to the December Beads of Clay Blog Post where you can find links to our members shops that are participating in the AWETeam's First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com Here is a taste of some of the shops that are participating (more below). Want to do a search for BOC members participating? Click HERE. Some Beads of Clay shops are using coupon code: BOCFFAW For this special Art

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-88809817521472251922011-12-01T08:05:00.000-05:002011-12-01T08:05:53.962-05:00

Today's post features work by SOME of our BeadsofClay blog staff.  All of these pieces are available for sale in the BeadsofClay Etsy Shop.    Next month I will feature more members of our Blog writing staff.                           So Purple donated by VIKAVika writes a monthly post on the 4th Tuesday Called Vika's Inspirations Moss Pebbles Handmade Ceramic Pendant and Accent Beads Donated

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-32954430435835857572011-11-29T21:37:00.001-05:002011-11-29T21:50:44.956-05:00

Out of 51 total comments on the BOC Blog, and Melinda Orr's repost of the blog post we have picked a winner! Congrats to Colleen Maher - the 27th commenter on the BOC blog post! Thanks Colleen for sharing our Cyber Monday sale on your FaceBook page! I've sent you a FB message to get your shipping address privately. And THANK YOU everyone that helped spread the word about this one day event

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-42600647651854819712011-11-25T16:37:00.003-05:002011-11-27T23:36:46.149-05:00

Beads of Clay is once again sponsoring a Cyber Monday sale this Monday Nov 28, 2011 and making it even more exciting by offering a chance to win the beautiful pieces shown below, donated by some of our wonderful clay artists.   Help us promote this sale and then leave a comment on this post and be entered to win! Drawing will be held Tues Nov 29, 2011 and pieces will be shipped to the

Shaterra Claynoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-33608060724361041752011-11-24T07:15:00.000-05:002011-11-24T07:15:05.345-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving !!We are thankful for your friendship.Have a wonderful day wherever you are.  From the Beads of Clay Group

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-17340004240152133242011-11-23T04:15:00.002-05:002011-11-23T11:23:17.254-05:00

I was sitting with my work at a show last Thursday and noticed some clay buttons on one of the other lady's hand crocheted hoods and from there we began talking. The upshot of the conversation was the beginnings of a trade: porcelain buttons for a hand crocheted hat and scarf. So later on I went into the studio and whipped up a batch of porcelain buttons. As I worked I became curious about the

PorcelainJazzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267248185703251005noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-64555828817805550022011-11-22T00:01:00.000-05:002011-11-23T11:44:13.091-05:00

Sometimes I am inspired by very simple things. Reading in archaeological accounts about the various items found in women's and children's graves around the world, I felt remarkably tender about the buttons, small beads and other artifacts of their daily lives that they took with them, on final journeys. One item, in particular, held my attention. Often buried with women and children, across

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-25071739792552455832011-11-17T23:22:00.001-05:002011-11-18T00:26:06.381-05:00

Welcome to the Third Friday Commercial Cone 6 glaze test post.  This is part 2 of I'm not quite sure how many. Part 1 is here. This second part is running the same tests, in the same kiln - but instead of my normal Cone 5 (for a cone 4-6 glaze), I fired this batch to Cone 6 in my small test kiln. These photos are the Georgies glazes I was testing: Cone 5 Small Kiln = Left pendant. Cone 6

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-54376044332452278422011-11-17T10:01:00.002-05:002011-11-17T10:02:53.236-05:00

Iron Oxide Decals ... You may have run across this phrase the last couple of years and wondered what all the fuss was about.  Many bead artists also love to draw.  The iron oxide decals give us that creative opportunity. For example, this pendant set was created by Marsha Neal Studio.    The drawing designs on these pendants are her own drawings and are copyrighted by Marsha Neal Studio, LLC.

Natalie -- NKP Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846679058751653271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-92162831438356976822011-11-12T05:00:00.000-05:002011-11-12T05:00:00.380-05:00

Welcome to the monthly post on the Second Saturday here on Beads of Clay to see into the state of your studio - your creative space (not necessarily clay creative space)… Marsha Neal Studio Wet Clay Shards Hard to believe it is November already! What kinds of things have you been up to this month? What is on your To Do list? Are you busy gearing up

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-34383547566464490602011-11-10T01:00:00.001-05:002011-11-10T04:57:17.197-05:00

Ceramic pendants by Beads of Clay membersfrom my personal collection Most of us have a use for Jump Rings.  For our pendants and for the jewelry we make.  I have been busy these last weeks getting ready for the Annual Artists' Studio tour in our area and needed quite a few.I have had this Beadalon Jump Ring Maker in my tool box for quite a while, but just started using it about a month ago for

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-84377429417926615202011-11-06T01:00:00.001-04:002011-11-06T01:00:02.884-04:00

Cover of Paper Clay (Ceramics Handbooks) I recently had a request that I provide some large beads, but make them fairly light weight.  I knew there were several ways to accomplish this, making hollow beads being one way, but I had recently purchased the book on Paper clay by Rosette Gault, so I decided to give it a try. My information is from this book as well as my own observations along the

Work Of Our Handshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10864198268862718212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-67739605724153183032011-11-03T14:35:00.001-04:002011-11-03T14:43:45.974-04:00

Welcome to the November Beads of Clay Blog Post where you can find links to our members shops that are participating in the AWETeam's First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com Here is a taste of some of the shops that are participating (more below).  Want to do a search for BOC members participating? Click HERE. Some Beads of Clay shops are using coupon code: BOCFFAW For this special Art

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-13528263029415619202011-11-02T19:53:00.001-04:002011-11-02T21:09:45.934-04:00

Here are some pieces from our members' stores that will be participating in the Etsy First Friday Art Walk this Friday Nov 4, 2011.   Take a tour: some of the stores will be offering discounts.

Shaterra Claynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-40323692501329275842011-10-30T12:04:00.000-04:002011-10-30T12:04:22.316-04:00

Passing through life one day at a time has been a real struggle for many this year…. And sadly it is nothing new. It has been just a continuance of many changes in Earth’s patterns due to numerous reasons, and sadly again, one of them being humans’ interference. We have departed from what we ought to be… part of our planet. Instead of embracing it, we have used and abused and destroyed. The

Aleksandra Micichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17060760865734118063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-17295296040847203152011-10-26T01:00:00.002-04:002011-10-26T01:00:05.430-04:00

In my last blog post I said I would give you all some pointers on making and using colored clays in this post so here we go. Above can be seen two bead sets made from colored clays. In the petal set the clays were stacked in thin sheets to form a block which was then cut across the colors to give small slabs striped in colored clays. Petals were pinched from these slabs. The color,

PorcelainJazzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267248185703251005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-77239141759867224982011-10-25T00:00:00.000-04:002011-10-25T01:52:23.581-04:00

My introduction to etegami via Deborah Davidson coincided with a personal awakening: my buttons actually function as canvases. Since then, I have often been looking at her work, admiring and learning from it, as well as reading her blog. Trying to imagine myself painting in such a small format, then realizing that I do, has spawned a number of very helpful internal dialogues. For this post, I

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-46639717806425469802011-10-21T00:01:00.000-04:002011-10-21T00:01:03.181-04:00

Welcome to the October 2011 Beads of Clay post for commercial cone 6 glaze tests. I've recently gotten my hands on a bunch of Georgies Cone 6 Glazes. Click to visit the Georgies website Some of the glaze I have are new, some old (to me anyway). Before I get to my results, I want to point you over to the Georgies Website where you can gather a ton of great technical information through

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-17326410382241956672011-10-20T01:00:00.001-04:002011-10-20T02:44:03.016-04:00

Painting with Nature - Literally! This is a demo article on how to make a paintbrush from a yucca plant.  You can use any yucca plant. I happen to have access to a Red Yucca plant.  It doesn't matter how big or small the frond you cut off is. You can cut it to any shape.  I prefer a sharp diagonal shape.  The more a yucca brush is used, the softer the shape becomes.  This makes for a unique

Natalie -- NKP Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846679058751653271noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-79473799684309076702011-10-13T03:26:00.000-04:002011-10-13T03:26:47.534-04:00

Copper & Green Raku Charm Pair Donated by Suburban Girl Studio                                           Earth Tone Links and Beads Donated by Macarroll                                      Handmade Pendant and Beads Donated by Yolandas Clay                            Heart of Bone Porcelain Heart Charm Donated by Beads Birds and Bones                                 White Glazed Terracotta

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-61691851915229188232011-10-08T07:02:00.000-04:002011-10-08T07:02:17.869-04:00

Written By Marsha Neal Studio Welcome to the monthly BOC post where you can share the state of your studio (your creative space) with us… You do not have to be working in clay to have a "studio" space. It is a lot of fun to see into everyone's creative spaces. Marsha Neal Studio Wet Clay Shards Are you undergoing a seasonal change in your area where

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-12663740148809318972011-10-06T22:57:00.000-04:002011-10-07T21:19:16.956-04:00

Welcome to the Beads of Clay First Friday Art Walk Celebration. This blog post in in conjunction with the AWE Team's: First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com. This is a monthly event where members of our Beads of Clay team can join up and use the team tags: BOCFFAW or BeadsofClay FFAW Here are a few samples of what you can find... Black and White Stoneware Owl Pendant By YolandasClay

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-38377685494636435192011-10-06T05:10:00.000-04:002011-10-06T05:10:19.414-04:00

        In Memorium      1955-2011

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-15887826379121016672011-10-04T00:01:00.016-04:002011-10-04T11:02:32.515-04:00

October 2011 BOC Spotlight Artist Gaea CannadayofGaea Studio                             Tell us about yourselfI just realized that this will be my 12th year making pendants and beads and my 28th year of loving and working with clay (and yes, I am counting my teen years! My parents and grandparents were all creative from poetry to silver jewelry to painting. My grandmother Betty was a

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-33416952386210325672011-10-02T01:40:00.000-04:002011-10-02T01:40:38.257-04:00

Hello again, It's spring time in Africa. I'm enjoying strawberries from my garden, and lots of flowers. It seems just last week I was reading about Spring time in the Northern hemisphere, and now it's here in the Southern. As promised, here are pictures of the finished ornaments from last month's post on making your own stamps. (They are still warm from the kiln, finished just in the nick of

Work Of Our Handshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10864198268862718212noreply@blogger.com5B1, Okahandja, Namibia-21.983299 16.913191-29.508150999999998 6.8057690000000015 -14.458447 27.020613tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-76712354875695679032011-09-30T00:01:00.001-04:002011-09-30T00:01:00.458-04:00

2ND Wed (Sept.21st) Giveaway Winner is.......  Roni from BEADS BY RONI! CONGRATULATIONS! Just look at these Awesome Beads and Findings!You won this collection valued at OVER $150! 1. Beautiful little Birdies from Cindy Dolezal Designs2. Porcelain washers from Marlasmud3. DIY Handmade Copper Earring Kit by Melinda Orr Designs4. Handmade Walnut Patina on Brass Clasp with pewter,copper flower&copper

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-69453701770427881522011-09-29T07:32:00.000-04:002011-09-29T07:32:24.366-04:00

Aqua Black Burgundy Connector bead by Artisan Clay A great tool for making jewelry is having connector beads.  Today's post features a sampling of Beads-of-Clay artists' beads that are specifically designed for that purpose. 2 bisque oval connectors from BisqueBeadSupply Dragon Fly Connector by JoanMillerPorcelain Handmade Raku Connector Bead by LisaPetersArt Blue Leopard Ceramic Link by

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-75871872991654109082011-09-28T00:30:00.004-04:002011-09-28T00:30:00.344-04:00

Because of the high price of energy here of late I've been experimenting with once firing my beads. The kiln I am using is a Skutt 1018-3"with computer which has the 3" soft brick to increase heat retention and, therefore, reduce firing costs. Even so, I figure if I can halve my firing costs I'll be ahead of the game. OK so why do we bisque? Well for most of us we do it because our teachers did

PorcelainJazzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267248185703251005noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-59238804803761385092011-09-27T01:00:00.000-04:002011-09-27T01:00:02.792-04:00

Russia has a miniature tradition that is relatively modern compared to those of south Central Asia, China and Japan. It began with the end of imperial Russia in 1917, when the power of the church came to an end. When the church lost its power, the tradition of icon painting also ceased. A hundred years before those events, German lacquerware, in the form of tobacco containers, had made its way

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-13365017316652258452011-09-24T19:20:00.000-04:002011-09-24T19:20:03.376-04:00

Hallo all present and future BOC members! You still have time to join a theme project named "Emotions In Earth" to be finished by the end of this year 2011. "Emotions In Earth" is a theme project for a unique ceramic artistic jewelry piece or collection. To participate you need to be a member of BOC which is not hard at all. Participant chooses a theme around which a collection of ceramic

Aleksandra Micichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17060760865734118063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-64734664674543349662011-09-22T05:05:00.001-04:002011-09-22T05:07:57.535-04:00

Have you seen Heather Powers' new book??  It is wonderful.  And best of all it includes the work of  many Beads of Clay artists. The cover necklace features a handmade ceramic pendant by SeaUrchin, ceramic rounds by Elaine Ray and Gaea. Heather's focus in the book is artist's beads.  Beads-of-Clay is well represented as seen in  this list of BOC artists included in the bookChinook JewelryDiane

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-87553938839177086062011-09-21T06:35:00.002-04:002011-09-21T06:37:27.328-04:00

2ND Wed Giveaway Time! .......yes, its a week late! Just look at these Awesome Beads and Findings!This collection is valued at OVER $150! 1. Beautiful little Birdies from Cindy Dolezal Designs2. Porcelain washers from Marlasmud3. DIY Handmade Copper Earring Kit by Melinda Orr Designs4. Handmade Walnut Patina on Brass Clasp with pewter,copper flower&copper swirl toggle by Melinda Orr Designs5.  

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-85401562012633449882011-09-16T00:06:00.001-04:002011-09-16T00:07:26.362-04:00

By MarshaNealStudio Welcome to the monthly Third Friday Cone 6 Commercial Glaze post. This month I am continuing and possibly ending some of my Coyote Glaze tests (not by any means "done"with them) but I've got a bunch of other glazes that I want to test out too…  Georgies, Amaco, Laguna, Spectrum, and so many more! Detail of Test Tile for Sept 2011. Marsha Neal Studio. I will admit, this

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-57821126460244136722011-09-15T09:25:00.000-04:002011-09-15T09:25:26.593-04:00

Fairy Silk Ribbon  Bundle from MarshaNealStudio on Etsy I am feeling the need for color since the first hint of Fall has been encroaching on our summer of warmth.  The trees are not so green anymore and the grasses are getting brown.  For ceramic pendants and beads, the colorful silks available today for designing jewelry are a quick and wonderful color inspiration now that our flower gardens are

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-88586639194735328152011-09-12T23:32:00.002-04:002011-09-13T11:05:26.324-04:00

 September 2011 Spotlight !Valarie GarberOKAWA CeramicsCreative Director: Work Of Our Handswww.workofourhands.blogspot.com Tell us about yourself. I have always been interested in artsy things, but have always had trouble knowing what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. I’ve been a tole painting teacher, a floral designer, an interior designer ( that’s my degree) , a craft designer, a teacher of

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-50899924356755668532011-09-12T03:00:00.002-04:002011-09-12T03:00:07.213-04:00

Last time I went over various ways to decorate ceramic up to and including the glaze firing.  But it doesn't stop when its glazed.  There are almost as many options available in the overglaze category as we have talked about up to this point.  Overglazes are an option that most potters and ceramics people overlook or only occasionally use. Diffuser with Liquid Brite Gold By Marsha Hedrick

Marsha Hedrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206830867313731939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-25195146371538896922011-09-12T00:00:00.000-04:002011-09-12T00:00:00.922-04:00

It's been a quiet month again for Beads of Clay in print.  Anyone in the fall issue of Stringing Magazine?  Unfortunately my copy didn't arrive so I didn't have a chance to browse for pieces this month. There is one piece that was brought to my attention by Diana of Suburban Girl Studio.   She currently has a set of stoneware charms featured in an earring project in the September issue of

Mellisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14275653505481965896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-88741087246894983562011-09-10T01:57:00.000-04:002011-09-17T04:20:10.718-04:00

Written By Marsha Neal Studio Welcome to the monthly BOC post where you can share the state of your studio (your creative space) with us… You do not have to be working in clay to have a "studio" space. It is a lot of fun to see into everyone's creative spaces. Marsha Neal Studio Wet Clay Shards What kind of new work are you making? Do you have a list of

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-51401018101099934072011-09-08T01:00:00.001-04:002011-09-08T01:00:03.078-04:00

Patterns Using Abstract Design with Clay Beads This is a book a friend gave to me when I first got into pottery.  It is one of my favorites. It's a prequel of sorts in some ways to the current craze of zentangle.  The ideas in this book can help a bead clay artist in designing a unique stamp using precise drafting tools (t-squares, triangles and protractors).  Or you can use Autocad (or one of

Natalie -- NKP Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846679058751653271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-16232726054305569252011-09-07T07:31:00.001-04:002011-09-07T07:33:12.768-04:00

Our Beads Of Clay (BOC) Etsy Team just Gave Away a Full year's Subscription of  BeadStyle Magazine to: Shaiha ($27.00 value) Shaiha! YOU just won! Please contact me with your address. (billmarla@sbcglobal.net) And Congratulations!!!

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-12934613060456489782011-09-05T15:49:00.000-04:002011-09-05T15:47:56.039-04:00

We now have an Official Fan page on Facebook for Beads of ClayPlease join us! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beads-of-Clay-Organization/197510326964384

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-90164835212458188992011-09-04T06:22:00.000-04:002011-09-04T06:22:45.005-04:00

In this series I will talk about making multiples of your creative efforts, thus saving time.                Today I will show how I make texture stamps, and next month, I will show bisque mold making. TEXTURE STAMPS Whether you create  a stamp or a whole texture plate, the process is the same. First draw your design, keeping in mind the shrinkage of your clay. Roll out your clay at

Work Of Our Handshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10864198268862718212noreply@blogger.com7Namibia-22.95764 18.49041-30.4305105 8.382988000000001 -15.484769500000002 28.597832tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-16237624114737693812011-09-01T21:00:00.000-04:002011-09-02T01:14:31.134-04:00

Welcome to the first official post for First Friday Art Walk here on Beads of Clay. This will be a monthly post on the first Friday of every month to celebrate exhibits featuring: The Art of Handmade Ceramic Beads Our very first Beads of Clay First Friday Art Walk Treasury: September First Friday Art Walk Beads of Clay Artists And another All Beads of Clay First Friday Art Walk Treasury:

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-40824473162223111362011-08-31T23:33:00.013-04:002011-09-07T07:28:42.529-04:00

Our Beads Of Clay (BOC) Etsy Team is Gave Awaya Full year's Subscription to  BeadStyle Magazine to: Shaiha ($27.00 value) Shaiha! YOU just won! Please contact me with your address. (billmarla@sbcglobal.net) And Congratulations!!!

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-16634590737986372012011-08-28T23:55:00.007-04:002011-08-29T17:31:43.647-04:00

FIRST EVER!Beads Of Clay Members Sale!~TODAY ONLY 8/29/11~ Just Click on the participating Members Names below. And enter the coupon codes listed. Winchell Clay Works! 25% off with the coupon code "bocblowout" 1. Shaterra ~ 25% off entire store. Use Code BOCCYBER2. Yolanda's Clay ~ 15% off entire store Use Code Aug29 3. Artisian Beads Plus ~ 20% off entire store Use Code

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-69479604971514091262011-08-28T02:37:00.000-04:002011-08-28T02:37:45.618-04:00

 by Aleksandra Micic (micicart)    There are so many things one can learn from fire, but most of all - how to lose fear. I was standing in front of a huge pile of cut branches, dry weeds and grass that needed to be burned. I already saw in my mind the whole forest around us burning in flames.... so I postponed what must be done. After a few days of mowing and cutting weeds,

Aleksandra Micichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17060760865734118063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-53674836677597366502011-08-26T15:40:00.002-04:002011-08-26T15:42:58.706-04:00

BEAD OF CLAY CYBER SALE! Monday August 29th! At least 16 BOC members are having sales at the same time!Check back here Monday for a full list! Don't miss it!

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-62628366377583954212011-08-25T10:55:00.000-04:002011-08-25T10:55:08.838-04:00

Keep your eyes on our Blog!Monday August 29th is the day!Something very special!!!! First time Ever!!!!! Don't miss it!

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-11059815090642282512011-08-24T01:00:00.001-04:002011-08-24T01:00:01.359-04:00

Making Bead Press Molds and Stamps Stamps, rollettes, press molds, carved block printers, and found objects are all texturing tools that we use to add dimension, shape and tactility to our beads. Here in this blog post I’d like to concentrate on those texturing and dimensional tools that I tend to make for myself out of readily available materials. There are several ways to produce stamps and

PorcelainJazzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267248185703251005noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-53847916139020452422011-08-21T08:30:00.006-04:002011-09-05T08:03:44.970-04:00

I spent some quality time doing searches on Etsy for the last few days and was amazed by all of the Beads-of-Clay artists' pieces used in gorgeous jewelry. So I thought I would share some of my finds!This gorgeous necklace features a pendant created by Mary Harding. The necklace is made by designedbyLu and you will find lots of other great wearable art featuring beads of clay!

Jessica Sharrahnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-82265807760393035832011-08-20T05:00:00.001-04:002011-08-20T05:00:04.061-04:00

Today I would like to go over various methods that we use for decorating our ceramic and porcelain beads and jewelry items.  The types of decoration and methods used can vary greatly in the time, tools, products, and talents required to accomplish them.  They also vary in where in the production cycle they are applied to a piece.  It is this variety and choice that is one of the things I like

Marsha Hedrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206830867313731939noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-53042349978259896222011-08-19T06:39:00.001-04:002011-08-19T06:39:24.042-04:00

Welcome to the Beads-of-Clay Third Friday Commercial Cone 6 Glaze post. This may be the last week that I'll concentrate on the Coyote Glazes, although I might have one more post with some of the red glazes I didn't get around to testing. This month I decided to test out some of the clear or creamy neutral tan colors. Before Glaze Firing. After Glaze Firing. The Coyote Glazes that were

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-20996999372820950642011-08-18T01:00:00.002-04:002011-08-18T01:00:07.594-04:00

My small collection of Indian Wood Block Stamps A few weeks ago I wrote a post about Indian Wood Block Stamps.  This week my post is about some ceramic art beads that several Beads-of-Clay artists have created using this kind of Wood Block Stamp and some of my insights into how to use them.  I also want to mention that the next Tool Talk Thursday post will not be until September 8th, as I will

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-39057176615712561712011-08-17T01:00:00.015-04:002011-08-17T01:00:00.992-04:00

And the winner is>>>>>>> Lucid Moon Studio!!!!! Congratulations!!! You have WON, ALL of these  beautiful handmade ceramic pieces from: Pam Cresswell, Elaine Ray, Dana Sieben, MaryAnn Carroll.... ............AND............Yolanda Miramontes This months giveaway is valued at over $95.00! Please email me with you shipping info:sales@bisquebeadsupply.com

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-31757166520823544122011-08-16T00:05:00.002-04:002011-09-25T13:08:04.744-04:00

In my last two posts, I wrote about Chinese snuff bottles and about the tradition of Persian and Moghul miniature painting. In this post, I’d like to share a bit about a Japanese miniature art form: netsuke. The joint ornamental and functional nature of netsuke is a continuing inspiration. If you'll look carefully at Japanese paintings and drawings from the past, you will notice that earrings,

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-49974471931894922912011-08-13T00:03:00.000-04:002011-09-10T01:48:30.145-04:00

Written By Marsha Neal Studio Welcome to the monthly BOC post where you can share the state of your studio (your creative space) with us… You do not have to be working in clay to have a "studio" space. It is a lot of fun to see into everyone's creative spaces. Marsha Neal Studio Wet Clay Shards How are you finishing up the season? Did you accomplish what you

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-26989618376351126592011-08-11T04:25:00.000-04:002011-08-11T04:25:30.192-04:00

Rosa Rugosa   Rose Hip    A wonderful intense red orange This time of year colors are everywhere for your inspiration.  Here are a few that I am enjoying right now. Catnip  I love the mint plant greens..  Dusty and subtle. PhloxOne of my favorite shades of violet. GoldenrodSuch a delicate yellow.  So graceful and  innocent before the blossoms open

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-68098590310895560732011-08-10T00:01:00.010-04:002011-08-10T13:08:03.492-04:00

Why do we give away our work? Because we can! Today we are giving away ALL of these  beautiful handmade ceramic pieces from: Pam Cresswell, Elaine Ray, Dana Sieben, MaryAnn Carroll.... ............AND............ Yolanda Miramontes This months giveaway is valued at over $95.00!Just share this giveaway with all your friends on Facebook, your blog and twitter.Then post a comment showing the links

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-72963103190386299992011-08-07T01:00:00.005-04:002011-08-08T13:09:48.723-04:00

Five Rand Squatter's Camp Okahandja Namibia. Home of fairly traded, OKAWA Ceramic beads. ( small treasure) There are a few extra challenges in Africa, when it comes to to ceramic bead making. Mostly however, it's the same challenges all ceramic artists face. I'll describe our process, and if you are new to bead making, maybe it will help. If you are an old hand at it, maybe you can give me a

Work Of Our Handshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10864198268862718212noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-29295377868767139412011-08-06T08:17:00.002-04:002011-08-06T08:19:36.744-04:00

Letterpress and Patterns in ClayIt was truly an exercise in restraint as I pointed my browser to EBAY this morning in writing this post.  I love geometrical patterns and I am always searching for perfect geometrical shapes to stamp onto my beads.  I have found rubber stamps to work great but there is something so spectacular about plain old letterpress.   Combining simple geometric shapes can

Natalie -- NKP Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846679058751653271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-2151566066956468402011-08-04T23:59:00.002-04:002011-08-04T23:59:01.574-04:00

The REAL August Spotlight Artist!*** OK, I forgot that it was supposed to be Mellisa .......where is that rock....***Mellisa Essenburgof Chinook Jewelry Located in San Diego, CA What do you call yourself?... artist, beadiest, ceramic artist, potter.??? Hmmm, ceramic bead artist?? I usually just say that I make ceramic beads and pendants. How long have you been working in clay? Since 2005. I

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-88617498476548337332011-08-04T03:12:00.000-04:002011-08-04T03:12:08.931-04:00

This is a mold line clean up  tool.  The curved blade is designed to cleanup the line left on pieces from a slip cast mold.  How cool is that? I thought I would show some pics today of unusual, but useful clay tools.  You can find these on line at Bailey Ceramics and  Big Ceramic Store This tool has two rubber ends.  Can be used to leave lines in your wet clay, remove wet glaze and a

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-51597942482401559642011-08-03T08:31:00.003-04:002011-08-04T08:54:18.470-04:00

August 2011 Spotlight Artist ME.....:-) Marla James ofMarlasmud and BisqueBeadSupplyLocated in Detroit, Michigan What do you call yourself?... artist, beadiest, ceramic artist, potter.???Having had no formal training in Ceramics, I guess I don't feel worthy of any title like these. I would probably say I am a Ceramic Crafter.How long have you been working in clay? Well...... Since 10th grade! So.

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-49809737722488291502011-08-02T00:01:00.003-04:002011-08-02T02:15:31.053-04:00

In this post we'll try to explain our way to fighting one of the common studio challenges - arranging the glazed beads, pendants, etc, in the kiln, in the most effective and safe way.Let me start from the beginning - as boy, in the middle of the '80's, I was totally addicted to computer games, especially to Tetris (everybody remembers it, I hope :-). Later I played a lot of the 3D version of it

Vlad, golemstudio.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04612362907481510097noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-85324219048990911882011-08-01T13:14:00.001-04:002011-08-01T13:16:32.189-04:00

This weeks MUDDY MONDAY post with Vladislav of Golem Studios will be here tomorrow!Stay tuned!

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-44331523370607535612011-07-29T11:09:00.001-04:002011-07-29T19:10:16.114-04:00

~~~~UFO Sighting~~~~UFO for us means.....Unique Fabulous Originals! Every now and again, we will sneek into our members stores and snap a picture of some of their Awesome pieces of Art. Then we will bring it back here for all to see. Todays UFO sighting comes from the stores of: PAM CRESSWELL and MARY HUBBARD Stoneware Rose Window Focalby Pam Cresswell of INDIAN CREEK STUDIO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-78431626761438964652011-07-28T04:37:00.001-04:002011-07-29T19:47:16.844-04:00

I found these wonderful wood stamps from India on Etsy.  This one is from  AmandaJames1  She tells us she buys them herself on her travels.  She has many more in her shop. Like this antique hand carved wood fabric stamp.I just love the leaves!! A wooded Indian block stamp was used to decorate these delightful buttons from YolandasClay Other stamps I found recently were on Bailey Ceramics.  They

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-87096621118491291552011-07-27T00:01:00.043-04:002011-07-27T00:01:01.052-04:00

~~~~UFO Sighting~~~~UFO for us means.....Unique Fabulous Originals! Every now and again, we will sneek into our members stores and snap a picture of some of their Awesome pieces of Art. Then we will bring it back here for all to see. Todays UFO sighting comes from the stores of: DANA SIEBEN and LYNN BARNETT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Festive Fiesta Wear by:Dana Sieben~~~

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-12106068730888882622011-07-26T00:01:00.027-04:002011-09-25T13:10:44.329-04:00

This entry comes second, but really serves as an introduction to my interest in small format art around the world, so it is a little bit longer. As a high school student, my schedule permitted me to take a sculpture class at the nearby community college. To my surprise, I discovered we would be working with live models. After my initial shock at seeing naked people in the classroom, I was forced

Victoria Cochranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197508979834896276noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-75723790609041139842011-07-24T18:58:00.002-04:002011-07-29T19:48:44.656-04:00

 Beads of Clay Members Goodies! Get them while they are HOT! Blue Stone Feather Necklace by: Yolanda Miramontes of:Yolandas Clay~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Shipwreck Architectural Big Circleby Mellisa Essenburg of:ChinookJewelry

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-29924018552339574082011-07-22T09:35:00.001-04:002011-07-29T19:49:38.309-04:00

2nd Wednesday Giveaway results.Set of 3 Original design Pendants from Marlasmud AND THE WINNER IS!!!!Yolanda M. Please contact me at your earliest convenience! True Random Number GeneratorMin:Max:Result: #4      Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-81589103420452184392011-07-21T06:23:00.001-04:002011-07-29T19:50:14.806-04:00

Great new emag to hone your wire wrapping skills to enhance your ceramic bead stash. I downloaded my copy a couple of days ago. I am thrilled with the live videos that give you a close up demonstration of essential wire wrapping skills. This emag also has fun projects for you to make. I love the button bracelet. And an added bonus is the fact that several of the projects feature ceramic

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-33130708157133249112011-07-18T06:41:00.003-04:002011-07-29T19:50:35.519-04:00

Melissa is away so I am filling in for her today.  I thought I would start with a different angle on clay in print today.  I have included  some info from Stringing Magazine of their Artisan Village ads because so many of the shops are those of ceramic bead artists.  Included in the line up is none other than the BeadsofClay Etsy shop and 10 other ceramic clay artists, many of whom are

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-21222910251710415032011-07-16T00:00:00.008-04:002011-07-29T19:54:43.016-04:00

Saturday Finds...Available now! Get them while they are HOT Marsha Neal Studio's Porcelain Clay Shards as seen in Stringing Summer 2011 Available Here:Marsha Neal Studio on Etsy~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And..... An AwesomeStoneware Starfish Wave Pendant by Lisa BoucherYou can find it here: Clayworks by Lisa Boucher 

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-60863551652890864912011-07-15T05:00:00.002-04:002011-07-15T11:45:31.804-04:00

Written By Marsha NealStudio Welcome to the July 2011 Third Friday Cone 6 Glazing Post. This month's tests were using a selection of Coyote glazes in the yellow/brown-ish family (this is a continuation of tests I'm running from ordering Coyote's huge sample pack of all their glazes). If you want to see all my recent Cone 6 Glaze test posts to catch up, click HERE then go click back until

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15326184577849290068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-51333806426508637202011-07-14T10:26:00.001-04:002011-07-29T20:07:04.260-04:00

Single Fired Buttons by Vika    Last week on Tool Talk Thursday, I focused on the option of firing ceramic beads, buttons and pendants just one time instead of the usual bisque and glaze firing.  This week I wanted to show you some pictures of some Single Fired work.  We begin with an assortment of buttons by one of our blog authors, Victoria Cochran, known as Vika on Etsy, who has been doing the

maryhardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107181280006153915noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-83005467304576440952011-07-13T10:40:00.002-04:002011-07-29T19:42:09.152-04:00

2ND Wednesday Giveaway! The second Wednesday of each month we will just give stuff away!Why?.....Because We Can! :-) This month we are giving away 3 cool pendants from:  MARLASMUD These pendants are original designs by Marlasmud!Total value of over $45!And all you have to do is answer one question.......WHY do you like Ceramic Beads and Pendants? Post your answer here and we will draw a winner 

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-62057359299243471112011-07-12T00:01:00.004-04:002011-07-29T20:07:41.704-04:00

Tuesday Finds! Cool Handmade Freeform beads by:Marti Conrad To see these and more of Marti's work go to:Marti's Buttons-n-Beads ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And Another Find! Fleur de lis HEART POTTERY PENDANT by: Clay Designs by glee To see this and more of Gerry's work go here:Clay Designs by glee

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-76655937598909560522011-07-11T00:00:00.004-04:002011-07-11T11:20:57.393-04:00

Hello everybody! Please, excuse us for the long break between our blog posts (previous one was was posted on 7 of March) - we were crazy busy the last few months preparing for the Bead and Button show. In this Muddy Monday post we will show and explain how we glaze some of our pieces. In our previous post, "Birth of a ladybug" we showed in detail some of our favorite carving techniques, so it's

Vlad, golemstudio.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04612362907481510097noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4469792236996064066.post-55035531396324605142011-07-10T00:01:00.002-04:002011-07-29T20:08:23.621-04:00

Sunday Finds! A Cool Rainbow Sphere Necklace by: Suebob's Clay Shop You can find this piece and more here:Suebob's Clay Shop ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And Another Find! This handmade Owl comes from: Emma Ralph of EJR BeadsYou can find this piece and more here:Emma Ralph of EJR Beads 

Marla Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495498131731069537noreply@blogger.com0