New Technique

Wanted to try to create some pendants to resemble the PMC in the Bronze with my pottery in earthenware clay. This technique cuts down on the firing of the pieces.
1st - on bisque I painted the piece in a bronze metallic paint. 2nd - I dry brushed the pieces with purple and greens. 3rd - Sprayed with a matt acrylic spray to seal the pieces. I am satisfied with the colors. Process is easy!!!

Beads-Of-Clay Giveaway

Beads of Clay is having a great giveaway on their blog...
Click on the title "beads of clay giveaway" to bring you to their site.

~~~WiNNeRS ANNOUNCED!!!!

The winners of My Open Blog Event with the Beads of CLay are:::
The top pendant with the bluebird on the limb goes to ROCK CREEK CREATIONS.
The bottom pendant with the bird on the limb with branches around it goes
to MANEKI Congratulations to you both. Please send me your mailing addresses and I will get these out to you.







Here is what South Mississippi looks like today. The last 3 days have been raining. TOday it is cool, sunny and absolutely gorgeous out. This is the view of the lake outside of our backyard. The leaves are just beginning to put leaves on.



Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. Make sure to go to my etsy shop
where everything has been discounted 20%. I will leave these prices good through Monday morning. Items may not be shipped out until Tuesday. Also, scroll to the bottom of this post and you will see the 2 pieces I am giving away to 2 lucky winners. All you need to do is leave a comment to be put in the drawing to win. Also, make sure to check all of the participants blogs and websites for their giveaways and discounts!!!
Thanks once again and have a great day!!!


State of My Studio
I absolutely could not show how my studio looks right now. It is literally upside down. So I choose to take the easy way out and show some molds and stamps I have created to help me in my work.


This photo shows some of the stamps and molds I have made to create my beads and pendants.

~~~~Inspiration~~~~~
O.K. so where does my inspiration come from??? Great question. Not sure if
there is one SIMPLE answer. I cannot ever remember a time that I wasn't
making and or creating something. I have always loved being creative. Whether it
was sewing at age 9 or 10, cooking with my mom, crafting at school or in 4-H...
later I started painting in acrylics and then that led to watercolors. I have made pottery now since 2006. In painting I always saw color...in making pottery, now I see everything as TEXTURE. What is really great is that now I can combine the love of bright colors with the textures in creating pottery pendants and beads. I find myself looking at everything as a way to use that object as texture in creating a new stamp or to use the object in stamping a design in a piece. The above photo shows some of the molds and stamps that I have made in order to create some of my pendants and beads. Most are made of clay. Some I have used sculpey to make the stamp. The yellow ones are molds made of rubber. I will in some future posts start showing how I am making some of these stamps and molds.






Giveaways!!!!
And last but not least....what everyone has been waiting for...
Yes, the two photos of the two little bird pendants will be my
2 giveaways to 2 lucky winners. The bird on the top is from a stamp that I handcarved and the one on bottom I just made the stamp from twigs and leaves and a metal bird ( part of a finding).
All you need to do is leave a comment in order to try to win. I will leave this open until around 6pm and then announce who won. Please leave me your email address
when you leave a comment. I have a special surprise for both of the winners....
If by some chance I have 20 or more comments, I will include an extra happy for each of the winners....so get out there and tell all of your friends to drop by and leave comments!!!!

Do not forget to go by the Beads of Clay Blog and check out all of the participants in this event.

LOOK WHAT I WON!!!! ~~Necklace by Marie Cramp~~

I couldn't believe it when I got the email that I had actually won this beautiful necklace made by Marie Cramp with Skye Jewels. The pendant was made by Martha at Menagerie Studio. Make sure you check out the photo that shows the backside of the pendant...it is just as pretty as the front side. Marie and Martha both do absolutely wonderful work. Thank you both so much for a stunning necklace......AND IT IS ALL MINE!!!!

UPDATE on METALSMITHING!!!

Here is the update of my metalsmithing journey. With some warmer weather down here in the south (the last week has been 65-75 degrees)our "Warehouse" where we are taking the classes are much more endurable. We just completed week 5 of our 10 week workshop. 3 of the classes have been freezing cold with RAIN!!!! Makes one very cold in an old warehouse without heat. BUT WE ARE TROOPERS AND WANTING TO LEARN ALL WE CAN!!!! So we go without complaint to learn to make MORE JEWELRY!!!! Enough of this......
This photo shows my bottom layer of the pendant which is on the left and is made of brass...and the right photo will be the top layer which is made of copper. The bird took 5 hours to saw and 12 blades....the leaves on the right took 1 hour and 50 minutes and only 5 blades...but whose counting???? Yes, I have improved~~~practice does make one PERFECT!!!! I SO WISH!!! I am such a wannabee!!!! hehe

Here is what the 2 pieces of metal will look once they are connected through a process of "cold connections". But...trust me...there is still lots of work to do on these two pieces before they are riveted. I have lots and lots of filing and sanding. AaRrrrGGGG!!!!! I need to be "Bewitch" so with a twinkle of my nose the not so fun things can be completed FAST FAST!!!!


Yes, this is so exciting....here are my first 2 rings I have completed...well I do still have to polish up the metal...and then they will be completed!!!!
The one on the left is a cabachon that I made and the one on the left is a small dichroic cabachon I purchased. They are not perfect....but still...it was so exciting to learn to make this!!!! The rings are made of brass. The base on the dichroic glass is copper. I like the contrast with the brass and copper on this one.

New Earrings

So this is what I was up to later this evening. I received these antique brass components and much more than what is actually shown. It seems as though I have no time
to actually make JEWELRY anymore.....so I sat down and made these earrings. I will bring these to my bead shop and hopefully sell some for Valentine's Day!!!!

Metalsmithing Workshop

Yes, it has been a long long time since I posted.....shame on me. I have been a busy girl. My newest journey in life is a metalsmithing workshop I started January 21st in New Orleans taught by Steven Donnelly. He is an excellent teacher!!!!!
I started metalsmithing 3 years back...but didn't learn much!!! I have worked with
metal in cold connections for the last 2 years. I always wanted to continue with the metalsmithing and the opportunity came up over the Christmas Holidays.
The ladies I go with to New Orleans is Sheila Smith and Chris Goulet. We have loads of fun finding new coffee shops and restaurants in the Marigny community (right on the outskirts of the French Quarters). I truly am learning more about New Orleans.....I think Marigny is New Orleans best kept secret....anyway, this week I will get pictures of the area and post to my blog.

In our workshop we have some ongoing projects to teach us the techniques.....the second project is what I am working on now. It is going to be a 3 layered pendant or broach....haven't decided yet.



I have sketched out a bird on a limb. You will see this on the first photo.....I still have the tracing paper glued to the design.



At this point I have only broken 12 blades....whooooohooo!!!! I might have set a record!!!



In this photo I have completed the second layer.....the cutting anyway. I will need
to file and sand the edges. This top layer is made of 18ga brass. The bottom layer will be made of copper. I will continue to work on this later tonight.....all the layers are suppose to be cut by Friday. Got alot of cutting still to do.

New Rings with Swarovski Crystal Cabachons

Well, well, well.....I have been making these swirl rings for 3 years now. I opened a bead shop exactly 3 years ago. The problem in making these is that you need a large hole rondelle....well, well, well....easier said than to actually find large hole rondelle beads. I have been seeing some of these rings as of lately....then the light bulb goes off....as to why not make my own beads....so I did that about 2 weeks ago
and then last week more light bulbs went off and I decided to try making these with a little bit of a bling added to them. These are the first 3 I have made.....
I am very happy with the results. Maybe it really doesn't take a whole lot to make me happy.....which is really nice.

I WON THESE!!!

I am so excited. I won these great pieces on October 24.
The group I am member of Beads of Clay (BOC) had an open
Studio Blog Event on that day. All of the participants
were in a drawing and these are the pieces I won.
These are the artists and their items they created:
Mushroom - Summers Studio, LeAnn Weih
Leaf - Mary Harding
Dragonfly - Melinda Orr
Oval Tree - Marsha Neal Studio
Noel - Clayworks of New Hampshire, Lisa Boucher

All of these pendants are awesome!!!

YiPPPEEEE GLazed Pieces

This shows my new raised design. I like how the glazes work on the raised designs much better. I LOVE HEARTS!!!!

I have lots of hearts....some with raised and recessed designs. Some have slip that I have made designs then glazed. I am experimenting with slip. I love the look!!! It really is fun playing, experimenting and seeing how something will come out once it is fired. It can truly be a hit or miss!!!! I take lots and lots of notes in my journal whenever I am experimenting. Sometimes things get so hectic and I can be in such a hurry that I notice that I mess up my notes in that I know what I wrote is so NOT CORRECT!!!! My new thing in life is.....NO HURRY, NO WORRY!!!
Why is this so much easier to think than do!!!!

Here they are.....actually...not all of the 257 pieces. I worked Saturday and Sunday to get these items glazed.

BISQUE BEADS

Wow....I was busy last week. These photos show my bisque beads that I made last week. They are made of white earthenware clay and raku. I fired these this past Saturday. I handformed 257 beads and pendants.



This shows my Fleur de lis Beads and Pendants. I have a new raised stamp. I can't wait to see the glazes on this. I have been using mainly stamped designs that are recessed. I think I will like the new stamp with the raised design. I put a glaze firing on today....can't wait to get these out of the kiln. I am still playing with my bumble bee colors. Also, tried some new things with the glazes....anyway...let me keep on task. I also have a larger heart cutter that I have used. Went to Michael's over the weekend and found some wonderful oval cutters and a larger 2" round cutter. Found these in the Cake Decorating section.




Here are some of my BEADS. In the middle look really close and you will see my one and only snowman!!!! I do believe he will be a lonely snowman....he took way too long to make!!! Bet he is gonna be too cute when he is painted.
As I said earlier in my rambling on....I put on a glaze firing today and will get everything out in the morning. I will show some of my new pieces when I get these.

NEW EARRINGS ON ETSY

These are some new earrings I put on etsy.
They are made with my Handcrafted pottery beads.

CLOSING OF OPEN STUDIO EVENT

This concludes our live OPEN STUDIO EVENT.
I would like to thank all of you that participated in this event.
Thanks to Marsha and Mary for all of their hard work.

Please continue to shop all of our BEADS OF CLAY Artisans and
their websites for their specials. The specials will continue
long into the evening although the live Event is now closed.

I will have 30% off my etsy site. Please click on the link to
the right of this post to go to my etsy shop. ----------------------->

My winners of my 2 giveaways are: Tesori Trovati and Colleen
Congratulations to you both. Please send me your mailing address
through my email so I may ship these out to you. gerrysbeadgallery@yahoo.com

Clay Designs by glee website http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayDesignsbyglee
BOC Blog http://beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/

CAKE IN A CUP RECIPE

The winner of my 2nd giveaway is Colleen. Congratulations.
Email me your mailing address and I will get these shipped out to you.
gerrysbeadgallery@yahoo.com



Cake in a Cup

1 Angel Food Cake Mix
2 Boxes same flavor Cake Mix (ex. 2 boxes chocolate) in this recipe
(total of 3 boxes of cake mixes)
Mix these 3 boxes of dry cake mix in a gallon zip lock bag.
To make the cake: Place 1/3 cup of dry mix in a cup with 3 Tablespoons water,
mix well. Place in microwave for 1 minute. That's right.
1 minute. Take out of microwave and top with icing, ice cream,
cool whip or nothing at all. It is hot and yummy all by itself.

Hint: Use cake mixes with lots of flavor. Vanilla and butter flavors are
not as good. Use spice, carrot cake, chocolate, strawberry, etc.
I also tend to add a little more mix and more water. The more water you add
the moister it is and sometimes downright gooey!!!
This recipe was given to me by a friend, Nancy Grandaw, in Wisconsin. Thanks Nancy!!!

BOC Blog http://beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/
Clay Designs by glee Etsy Site http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayDesignsbyglee
30% off on my etsy site until midnight today, Sunday, October 24

2nd Giveaway

The winner of my 2nd giveaway is Colleen. Please
send me your mailing address...it is on its way to you.
gerrysbeadgallery@yahoo.com



We're having fun NOW!!!!
This is my 2nd giveaway. A cross pendant and 2 coordinating beads. This pendant
is made from a mold that I created. The glaze is in a green/blue/brown.
Please leave a comment about this set for a chance to win.

Be sure to go to the participating artists to win their pieces as well.
Beads of Clay blog has the participants http://beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/

Please visit my site until midnight tonight for 30% off on all items
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayDesignsbyglee

Don't miss my next post. YYUUUMMMMYYY Cake in a cup Recipe!!!!

Welcome to My Studio

Wellllll, Actuallllyyy my studio is just about anywhere in
my house. I converted a bedroom into a workshop for my pottery and
jewelry making. Now you ask, "How is that working for me?"
HAHAHA!!! I do use it sometimes. I work alot in front of the TV
in the evenings so I may visit with my husband. During the day
I work at the Breakfast table to glaze the pottery. There are times
I will work in the Bedroom/Workshop on rare occasions!!!
This photo does show the Breakfast table. My husband wants to know
why do I not put it away everyday??? He just doesn't understand!!!!
TOOOO MUCH WORK TO GET IT ALL OUT!!!!

Check out BOC Blog and see all participating artisans.

BOC Website: http://beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/
Clay Designs by glee etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayDesignsbyglee

1st Giveaway

The winner of my first giveaway is Tesori Trovati. Congratulations!!!
My husband pulled your name!!! Please send me your Mailing address.



This is my first Giveaway for today.
I have a Pendant with glass in terracotta and 8 beads.
Leave a comment on my blog and you might just win this.
Be sure to visit the BOC blog http://www.beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/ to see all participating artisans.
Go to my website to get 30% off all items. Link is to the right of this message.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayDesignsbyglee

Welcome to the BOC Blog Event

Welcome to BOC Blog Event. This should be a fun event for everyone.
Here is a schedule of what is happening on my blog and the BOC Blog.

1:00 Artist Introductions Live Open Studio Event Starts
1:45 1st Giveaway is open....leave a comment to win beads and pendant
2:00 Winner announced of 1st Giveaway
2:45 Welcome to My Studio...or part of it!!!
3:00 2nd Giveaway....leave a comment to win beads and pendant
3:30 Cake in a Cup Recipe...YYYUUUMMMMYYY!!!
3:45 Winner announced of 2nd Giveaway
4:00 Closing of Open Studio Event.
Please continue to shop our websites all evening for our shop
specials.

Please go to the BOC Blog for a list of all participating artisans
http://www.beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/">

Please be sure to go to my website http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayDesignsbyglee ---> link to the right ---->
where I am offering 30% off all of my items listed here. Prices do reflect 30% off. If you are local and want your items picked up at June Bugs I will refund your shipping fees.

SNEAK PEEK FOR BEADS OF CLAY OPEN BLOG EVENT

Here is your chance on Sunday, October 24th, to join myself and the BEADS OF CLAY (BOC) members inside our studios via our Blogs. All members will be having giveaways on their blogs. You will have the opportunity to leave a message on our Blogs and win great pendants or beads.

Also, every member participating will have specials on their own personal website.
I have not decided on what discount I will offer....but you won't want to miss it.

This event will be Sunday, OCTOBER 24, from 1:00-4:00pm CST
For more information on this event go to http://www.beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/



This photo shows one of my 2 giveaways during this event.
One is a pendant with 8 coordinating beads for you to create your own jewelry.

BUBBA LIKES BEADS

This is our cat "BUBBA". He loves Beads!!!! Actually this is what happens
when he is around and I get ready to work. He has to be in mine or my husband's lap. Today I am taking photos of beads to upload on my etsy site. Well, he can't resist....jumps on the table and wants to play with the beads. He is ONE SPOILED ROTTEN CAT.