Drawing and painting on ceramics

Inspired by Danielle Donaldson's, 

The art of creative watercolor book,  

I chose to experiment on ceramics.

I used a vintage wooden handled tracing wheel 

with dark glaze on it to freehand draw the shapes,

then filled in with color and details.

I made a large vase shape to play on.

And a large bowl shape.

Just a little creative fun at the cottage by the sea!

Now available at Haven, Laguna Beach.

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Mermaid necklace

Inspired by the cool coral mushrooms found in the sea

I've created my own version in clay!

Then fired them and punched holes to create buttons.

After firing using a little craft twine created this fun necklace!

They are called Corallimorph mushroom corals.

 I think they make the perfect mermaid necklace!

Grateful to have it them published in Jewelry Affaire magazine!

Seashell ceramic tree for holiday decorating

My latest clay creation completed just in time to decorate with.

Shown here with a collection of my previous concoctions

on my cocktail table to add a little holiday cheer!

and a snap of it before firing as it was still wet clay and

just out of firing showing it with the stand I made to accompany it.

Merry everything and happy always!

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Donating to a good cause

This creative vase/urn was created and donated 

to an auction to raise funds for the local veterans.



(the front)


I love that artists are given the opportunity to help the community with their art!

(the back)

(and when it is open)

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And so appreciative of the high bidder.

New lace designs in clay

I discovered a new cotton lace to play with by

dipping it in slip and incorporating into new ceramic designs.

These little dishes are the perfect size for holding baubles and beads.

A favorite rectangle shape plate,

a little pillow shaped vase,

and a cool oval box shape for holding treasures 

all embellished with lace!

I know it still looks like it is cotton lace, 

but after dipping it in slip and firing at 1200 degrees 

the cotton burns away and all you are left with is the impression in clay.

It's hard to tell until you touch it!

Grateful to share the fun in the Autumn 2016 issue of Somerset Home Magazine!

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Playing in clay

Creating a small ceramic floral top box...

With little balls of clay smashed between my thumb and finger

and layered in a circular shape then attached.

I used ball point pencil pressed into the clay balls 

for the effect on the centers.

Then a neutral parchment glaze over the whole piece

 and after numerous coats and firing

 an opalescent luster glaze on the flower for the final finish.

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Nautical shell

Art inspired by nature.

I was asked to do a little demo of my craft 

at a local gallery on Forest Ave.

This is what I chose to work on

 as it was all about art and nature month in my little seaside town.

Below is my finished version of the nautical shell

inspired by the real shells in front of it.

Both beautiful and useful,

as the artist and textile designer William Morris was quoted as saying. 

It is a great size for chilling your champagne in 

or for a favorite floral arrangement!

A little pink post, in honor of breast cancer awareness month

Nature inspires much of my art,

and I love to experiment with unusual tools,

Here is a collection of pink pretties 

that are beginning to take over my studio!

(sales help wanted, please email me if interested)

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Butterfly bowls in sherbet colors

I was playing with a lace butterfly appliqué and clay,

and created these charming ceramic bowls in sherbet colors.

This pale turquoise color is my favorite!

Perfect for serving summertime fresh fruits and desserts.

Celebrating Teatime

with my latest crochet lace doily and clay creation....

Beginning with a basic teapot and teacup shape in clay,

then cutting, draping, dipping in slip 

and shaping the doily over the teapot

and creating a vintage button look handle for the lid.

Lastly, glazing it all in white, then putting it in to be fired.

I'm happy with the end result,

and I like using the doily on top the teapot instead of under it.

A very romantic look,

both beautiful and useful!

Come and share a pot of tea,

my home is warm and my friendship's free.

Emilie Barnes

Holiday Trees

New ceramic creations completed 

just in time to decorate for the holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

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My personal favorite!

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It's a girly girl thing,

a sweet little tussie-mussie

created with eyelet lace and clay.

This tussie-mussie was fashioned as a bottle stopper for a small bud vase,

so when there are no fresh flowers, it is still filled beautifully.

And since several friends that were with me 

when I was fashioning it, had never heard the term before,

here is a brief description.

A tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet, 

typically given as a gift.

The term tussie-mussie comes from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901),

when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory.

Often they would include floral symbolism from the language of flowers,

and be used to send a message.

Sending floral fun your way…