I sent Susan a raku pendant. Wow! What she did with that pendant was AMAZING! Take a look. I can't even begin to imaging how long it took her to do it. I love her use of accent colors that she took from the Raku piece. It is so interesting to see what another artist would do with something you created. Thanks Susan! I hope we can partner again.

Beads of Clay recently (well ok maybe NOT so recently) had us partner with another artist and swap beads/pendant and have the recipient create something from their work.

I partnered with Susan Rouleau from South Dakota. I was so excited to get her package - Inside was a beautiful porcelain pendant with Mother of Pearl and Gold Luster. I wanted to make something where it's elegance would stand alone. I made an off white brocade evening bag with a gold lame lining. Her pendant became the button to hold the bag closed. I added a touch of gold, pearl and golden crystal beading to the bottom of the bag.

What have I been doing lately?

I created these for the 2010 Bead Swap this month. This is my first time participating. It will be interesting to see the different beads and pendants I get (I will post pictures when I get them! It will be like Christmas in February.

I have gathered almost all my supplies for yet another fun project. I have read Paul Lewing's excellent book on China Painting. Purchased a 'gaggle' of old china paints on Craigslist. In the box of paints were some REALLY old china painting books. They are amazing! These date back to when china painting was the rage - my grandmother's era! I am making my own 'fat oil' - thickened turpentine that I need for mixing with my paint pigment. Boy does it STINK! It should be thick and ready to use by mid February. I have lots of test tiles to practice on. I have lots of ideas and can't wait to get started!

Silk Painting

The winter has been horrible! Snow, Ice, Cold, Wind and now thanks the our January Thaw - the roads are MUD! It is cutting down on my studio access - it is freezing out there. This is the last silk painting that I have done. Lots more on the drawing board. Just need a break in the weather!

Latest work

I have always wanted to try mosaics. I have lots of china that I have collected to "someday" make a mosaic. I instead decided to create my own! The need for several wedding presents started my creativity! This is the one I did for Susie's son. The words came from their wedding invitation. Each piece of clay was hand formed, decorated, bisqued, glazed, raku fired, sealed and grouted. The red is actually a copper flash. I am still trying to get my camera to capture what is REALLY there! If at first you don't succeed......try try again! (That seems to be my motto!)

At Last A New Year's Resolution Realized!

After many false starts - here goes - My blog is born!