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| MaryAnn Carroll |
Often times, we forget that buttons can be used in our creative jewelry designs. These fabulous designs were shared with me by Karen Park. In two of her three designs shown here she used my porcelain buttons to complete her very unique beaded bracelets. The bead work is amazing. I love these and wanted to share them.
To see more of Karen's work you can visit her
And.... one of my most exciting times of the year is when my husband Bill is getting ready to stoke up the wood-fire kiln. I am so grateful that I am able to have this experience. I am also grateful that I am not the one out there all day (often in the cold) when he is firing. I do visit him and bring food, but I know if it weren't for him this is not something I would do on my own. I admire those that do. The work that goes into this process is amazing as are the results of what comes out of the kiln. With him retiring from 33 years of teaching art in the Syracuse City School District, he will finally now be able to do what he loves.... pottery, painting, wood-working and I'm sure he will find that there are many artistic ventures that he will partake in.
Here are some pictures of my beads mixed in with some very awesome pottery. The kiln will not be opened until tomorrow so this is the closest we could get for now. The grayish colors that you see on the beads are ash from the wood. Once removed from the bead trees, I'm sure what will be seen is a mix of gorgeous colors created with the glaze as well as a mix of ash. Clicking on any of these pictures will offer you a closer look at the beauty of wood-fire.
The picture below shows the backs of a few beads that have very little ash effect, but will have some.
The kiln...
And... before you head off to another blog, please remember to check back today to see if you won the earrings giveaway. The winner will be posted on the side bar.
To see more of Bill's work and learn more about wood-firing, you can visit his website SplitfirePottery.
As always,
Thank-you for supporting those who create handmade with handmade.
11 comments:
Wow! Those bead buttons and bracelets are beautiful and the pottery is lovely. Are those pictures taken inside of the wood kiln? How big is it? AMazing colors! <3
I don't know the actual dimensions. I just added a picture of it to the post. Yes, those pictures are taken by removing the one brick that is loose in the front of the kiln and putting the camera through that :o)
Thanks so much for including my work in your post, MaryAnn! I was so inspired by your gorgeous buttons and look forward to including more of your wonderful creations in my beadwork!
Cheers, Karen (Art and Tea)
Love the button clasps! What a superb idea for your artisan buttons! I also love Bills pottery. I use my mug from him every day and just love it!!!
Hope your day is magnificent!
{Hugs!}
The bracelets are amazing, the buttons and beads go perfectly together. And, wow! That kiln! So great that you and your husband have something you can enjoy together and with such fantastic results!
buttons are fun in any medium and yours are wonderful... i always love seeing bill's kiln... and as one who owns 2 of his beautiful mugs - i cannot wait to see what comes out of it! my youngest has decided the turquoise mug is his as he loves the feel of it in his hands! :0) can't say i blame him...
What an amazing peek inside the kiln...when I was in Eugene, I saw a sign that said, "Food tastes better on handmade pottery" and it is so true!
Ooooh...can't wait to see all the stuff that comes outta there!!
Ha! Everything tastes better in handmade pottery.... I must agree! I'm a little partial to wood-fired pottery myself. Maire, I don't blame your son.... They are great to drink from. I keep telling him to stop underselling and I think he is going to listen this time. There is a TON of work that goes into this process......
I always love a peek into a kiln! the beads look great- love that wood fired effect.
Its always amazing to me what people think of doing with buttons. I myself am at a loss.....no button creativity at all.
Wow thank you for taking us along inside the kiln.Its soooo cool for me to see that and the process of creating such treasures!!
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