Christmas Weekend Raku

 I spent some time Friday, Christmas day (waiting for my sister and niece to arrive) and Sunday doing some raku firing. It is not fun in the cold...I do it out in my shed. I was even worried about the thermal shock to the pieces, going from the very hot kiln to the cold air. But everything turned out OK. These pieces are slowly going into my Etsy store. I did about 36 pieces total. This weekend the temp is supposed to go up near 50! Maybe I should have waited...well, who can predict the temp in OHIO?

New dragonfly design..carved into lino then pressed into clay




Beautiful cobalt blue and copper



This one is really SHINY and I need to get a better photo

This has a wonderful matte and shiny copper finish on the tree

Snowy Trees

Sunday, my boss at work had a pizza party for us at a park shelter.  It snowed that morning and I wasn't certain if I wanted to drive in it.  Well the snow stopped in time and the roads looked clear, so I went.  It was the most beautiful drive.  The snow was heavy and wet and clung to the trees, to make the most magnificent winter wonderland.  70 people were supposed to be at the party, and 5 people plus 4 children actually attended!  My poor supervisor sprang for 25 pizzas, salad and desserts.

Anyway, the snow on the trees inspired these snowy tree pendants.  Aren't they lovely?  For sale on Etsy.

More Star Ornaments

Here are a few more of the star ornaments that I made to put on my Christmas cards this year.  Many made with red clay instead of white.

Jewelery Accord

Last week I got an email from Erin Siegel.  One of my raku bracelet focals will be featured in a design in the book she and Lorelei Eurto are publishing.  The book is about making jewelry with fiber.  Wonderful news!

December Sale

My December special is buy $25 worth of merchandise in my store, and receive a coupon for 15% off your next order.

I have been posting a lot of new beads.  I call these Crown Beads.  They are glazed to match some of my pendants.