Jewelry making

with a couple simple necklace designs 

to wear with clothing pieces I have.

I like laying out different choices of beads

and getting an idea of how the piece will look.

I'm not sure why these beads are looking pink in the photo above 

as they are actually lavender.

Beading wire used.

LoVe it!

A thinner wire was needed to go thru these tiny pearl beads.

Think flapper girl style long pearls 

done in a seashore themed necklace.

Perfect worn with crumpled white linen blouse.

As seen in Antropologie

Plaques with animal heads...

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Pleasant Pasture Wall Bust

I couldn't resist creating one with a turkey to celebrate the holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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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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Sweet ceramic coasters

Ceramic coasters created

with feminine little vintage lace designs all in white 

and the centers left unglazed so they absorb moisture.

They make great little jewelry dishes too!

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First time working with porcelain clay

and creating a back splash for the guest cottage pedestal sink.

I noticed a bit of water damage along the back edge of the pedestal sink 

in the guest cottage and decided to create a back splash to protect it.

I used a scrap of paper to draw a simple arched pattern for the shape.

 I rolled out a piece of clay and cut the basic shape

 and pulled out my seashell molds and started layering the whole piece with seashells

 then created a little lip along the bottom edge where it will set on the back of the sink.

It has been drying for days. When it is completely dry it will be fired

and then I plan on glazing it all in whites.

Here it is back from firing.

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Vintage doilies and clay creations

I've been collecting vintage doilies for some time now and love using them for embellishing clothing, tablecloths and yes, even ceramic creations.

When they are covered in liquid clay and attached to a clay form the cotton burns away in firing and you are left with the beautiful  lace pattern. 

before firing

Here is an example of how I am using the doily as the pattern to cut varying size holes in the clay forming a flower frog.

This is a great way to repurpose damaged doilies.

These pieces had stains and the two small ones were ripped in the center.

When it came out of firing,

 I liked the white matte finish so well that I chose to leave it and only glazed the insides and bottom to make the pieces water tight.

This is a creative way for repurposing someones handcrafted pieces beautifully 

and preserving the past.

Found Object Assemblage

After the contractor replaced the damaged doors

I had him salvage an undamaged corner from the original one.

I primed and painted the front and sides white.

Then I pilfered through a drawer with miscellaneous odds and ends.

Here is a look at some of the pieces that ended up being incorporated.

Vintage glasses, bits of tile, brass buttons, an old wooden handle,

a chandelier crystal, vintage wooden clothes pin, a bamboo reed,

small glass vial filled with sand, tiny brass clock, a leaf brooch,

a broken piece from a fan and a color copy of a sweet saying.

Making time for a little weekend creative collaging & blogging!

Thank you to Jana Holstein,

Managing Editor of Somerset Memories for asking to include it

in the Spring 2013 issue!

Simple Summer Slipcover

I needed to cover the classic white sofa in the sitting room,

the solution...

created with the purchase of 2 matelasse king size quilts

( I chose the matelasse because it was so thick and durable )

brought it home and laundered in very hot water

and then dried it on high for major shrinkage,

and sent it out to the upholsterer to create this slip cover.

He did a great job on fit,

and the best thing is

it washes and dries beautifully

and no ironing is needed

and it slips right back on !

Perfect for summer entertaining!

Seashell Teapot

My latest creation is just back from bisque firing

and looking so lovely all in white !

I am happy with how the placement of the seashells

on the lid disguise the opening,

and fit beautifully together when it is closed.

A little seahorse sculpture at the handle adds interest.

Summer fun and creativity continues at the Cottage by the sea.

To see it glazed and finished click here

I love, new beginnings...

a fresh clean canvas

blank books without lines

thick stacks of plain white paper

my new white bisque designs just out of firing

I see infinite possibilities ...

Here is to...

positive choices

boundless potential

and the pure joy of dwelling in rich possibilities!

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