As you know if you read the last post I am headed for the IPCA retreat/conference in Chicago in less than a week. I have signed up for all three swaps and then hit a road block. I wanted to create beads that were uniquely me and still met the requirement of the two swaps to focus on "hot" colors.

I have been attempting for a while now to perfect my faux raku and have bought two books featuring ceramic raku to use as guides, and as this photo shows, I think I am almost there.

I still have a little bit of tweaking to do to make me completely happy. And I am trying very hard to use only supplies that are easily replaced so I won't have to remake my recipe later on.

This next photo shows all the bead backs I made last night. All 160 of them! I am using a method I learned from Louise F. Cozzie with alterations to fit my needs. Thank you Louise.
So today all these beads need fronts and it is time to return to the studio to do that. I will not show the finished bead sets until I am at the retreat just in case anyone wanders in to my posts. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for the other swappers.


So until next time it is off to the studio....and the sewing machine...and the housework...and the garden....etc., etc. At least I shouldn't get bored.

My Favorite Polymer Pieces

Long time no write. My bad. But today a treat. I am listing my biggest and best "jewelry jar" to date as well as a sample of my faux raku.



The jewelry jar is built around an odd shaped glass bowl/vase. It features faux turquoise, coral and bone/ivory. The spots around the lower edge are handmade with the buffalo motif and are the type usually reserved for better women's western wear. Around the lid is the necklace and it has faux and real turquoise and coral. The earrings are featured as a tassel. The inside of the jar is lined with velvet so it can be utilized to hold other jewelry items.


The faux raku bracelet is one of my favorites because I have worked so hard to imitate raku in a realistic manner. I have a lovely raku piece on my wall from a trip to San Antonio years ago. When I hold this bracelet up to it, it looks the same.


I hope to be posting photos and delightful encounters for the next few weeks. I leave next Sunday or Monday (depending upon how well I can contain myself) for Michigan to see my grand daughter and then to the IPCA retreat and conference in Chicago. I am buzzed about the trip and hope to be disciplined enough to share it properly here.