I create my jewelry pieces from either an earthenware clay or from mid-fire porcelain or stoneware clay. I create each bead by using my hands adding all layers, textures, and details to the piece as the original idea evolves. Once the beads are dry (usually 3-4 days) they are fired in my studio kiln to bisque (1855 degrees Fahrenheit). When cool, I hand paint each bead with several colors and layers of glaze. The beads are then fired again to over 2200 degrees Fahrenheit for mid-fire clays and over 1800 degrees for earthenware. Pendants and buttons are made in the same way, with either an embedded wire loop or with holes for attaching. Because I do not use molds in my work, each bead, pendant, and button are unique, one of a kind piece of art! All of my finished jewelry is created using my beads, pendant, and buttons with accents of either Czech glass beads, crystals, or other artisan made beads to add additional dimension to the finished pieces. The earrings are always on hand formed sterling silver earwires. I use only high quality, naturally dyed genuine leather in my pieces.
