So, this is a bit of an add on to my Inside the Studio post last Friday. If you read that you’ll know that I’d just picked up a bumper load of beads after firing (I haven’t got a kiln yet). Anyway, I didn’t have time to take any pictures so I’m sharing them today. On Friday I included a picture of some earrings made with a couple of dinky bird beads. Well, I’ve made quite a few birds…
If I have a spare bit of clay left out after making something I tend to make it bird-shaped. There are bird sets, lone birds, and birds in pairs for earrings.
Talking of earring pairs, I’ve made rather a lot of them.
There were several casualties on the way to getting these warp-free, and I’m sure there’ll be more warping in the future. The glaze on the pair on the right is beautiful (and it’s not like I made it, so I’m allowed to say that!), but, frustratingly, I’ve struggled to take a picture without having all of that light reflecting off them.
I did say lots of earring pairs, yes?
I do like crackle glazes. I’ve also always been a sucker for any glaze with crystal inclusions, like those I’ve used on a couple of these pairs.
They can be messy to use but I love them. Had to make these glossy bonbons using them too.
I tried making up some of my old polymer designs in ceramic. These turned out quite nicely.
And, of course, there was bound to be some owl-age.
Which fox do you prefer – realistic fox or stylised fox?
These have a hole running down the centre at the back. Here’s another fox-y piece:
And here’s some more pendant pieces.
I’ve been having a go with glaze stains; I’m quite pleased with these sets.
This is a bit of an ongoing project – faux beach pottery. I’ve yet to get them exactly how I want them.
Here’s a few more miscellaneous pieces. I particularly like the tiger stripes and the cobalt feather set.
Yellow may be my favourite colour of rose. The rosebuds above, to the right, have also been an ongoing experiment. I really wanted to get a pinched, paper-like feel to them. Here’s an earlier set that I made as I attempted to get the look I was after.
If you read Friday’s post you may remember that I said the prize for the ITS giveaway would be a mystery bundle of beads. Well, let’s clear that mystery up! The winning commenter will receive this set of roses. But I promised a bird too, so here’s everything that’s up for grabs:
If you’d like to win these, head here and add a comment saying what piece of equipment you’d most like for your workspace.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little preview of these new beads. I have many more: a frankly alarming amount of photoshopping lies ahead. I’m hoping to get them in my shop within the next week or so.
Bye for now, Claire
Gale
August 28, 2014 at 12:35 pmWow! I wish I could do all of that without a kiln! You really achieved a variety of marvels there. Your foxes are great, and I think the stylized one is special.
Kathy Lindemer
August 28, 2014 at 3:00 pmI love all d the beads you made. Both foxes are great, but I prefer the ne on the right. Your birds are darling!
Divya N
August 28, 2014 at 3:00 pmwow, each piece is so beautiful, that it looks complete by itself. I can only imagine the amount of work you did to create them
Kathy
August 28, 2014 at 7:13 pmSuch adorable pieces! I love all of them. I particularly like your landscape pendants. As for the cute foxes I'm with the others–I like the stylized one better but both are great.
-Kathy (PajegoArtHouse)
maryharding
August 28, 2014 at 7:26 pmFabulous beads Claire!! I especially like the stained feathers and the stick type beads.
You just jumped in all ready to be a pro. Congrats!!
Saraccino
August 28, 2014 at 8:00 pmThey all look so great (and more the reason to really also want to have a kiln for myself ^^)!
bairozan
August 28, 2014 at 8:10 pmI thought birds and houses were my favorites ever but now I am in doubt 🙂 Fantastic! All of them!
Purple Pixie (Denise Perrett)
August 28, 2014 at 8:19 pmLove these Claire, cant wait for your shop update x
Ann Schroeder
August 28, 2014 at 11:35 pmWow, what a wonderful assortment of beads. I love the variety. I just loved each one as I scrolled down. I'll have to look at this post numerous times to take it all in.
Klassy Joolz
August 29, 2014 at 6:48 amLove the foxes…all of them…well I really love all your beads…They are all so fun and unique!
Melanie McGready
August 29, 2014 at 7:14 amGreat selection of beads Claire!! I adore the foxes!
Jill H
August 29, 2014 at 9:46 amI love them all. The roses are magic! I know animal print lovers would flip on those tiger beads. So…equipment for my little beady room? A good way to store wire , ribbons and leather. Some sort of spool system? Thanks for sharing your work. Always an inspiration. J
Mokki
August 29, 2014 at 1:04 pmWow! I love the houses and the pendants with hills and houses. But really they are all beautiful. I prefer the darker brown fox. You've done such a good job on creating all of these lovely beads and pendants!
Cory Tompkins
August 29, 2014 at 10:14 pmClaire your beads all look great! I especially like the stain glaze sets and the bunnies. Your birds are adorable too! Thanks for a chance to win.