A chronicle of the meanderings, false starts (which in retrospect, while sort of embarrassing turned out to be highly instructive), epiphanies, selective apathy (still evolving), wild mood swings, opinions (subject to frequent change), and life lessons of an inveterate dabbler (and her latest dabblings).

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Glories of Raku

Velvet Plum Wine
This is the first piece I have ever done with raku pottery. This is a button by Duane Collins. I couldn't believe the depth and iridescence of the finish when I got it, it's phenomenal. It's like layers and layers of glass, plus pearlescence. It also reminds me of a shimmery, deep-pile velvet. I love the deep colors in this one--plum, merlot wine, a little violet, even a flash of intense, earthy red. I had my hoard of pearls from Fire Mountain Gems, and the "copper peacock" stick pearls were like nature's version of this raku, so I had to put them together. I added a splash of garnets, and of course antiqued copper. I love how moody and luxe this is at the same time. I have two more raku focals and I can't wait to use them! One is a more subtle, jammy color, and the other has a more urban feel with a copper/red fire.

A real pleasure to design around! This is available in my Etsy shop.

8 comments:

  1. The finish on raku can be so beautiful - you played with it just perfectly!

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  2. I love the raku and it paired perfectly with the pearls.

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  3. These are beautiful and your components are a perfect complement to the focal. Raku is so mesmerizing. Lisa Peters is another bead artist who creates awesome raku beads, button and cabs.

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  4. Oh I love this necklace as I love all your gorgeous pieces!

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  5. Raku is a fun technique, both visually and in the actual making- the results are always a surprise.

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  6. Love the use of the copper swirls over the button holes, I don't think I have ever seen that before and I am definitely stealing it! Another beautiful piece.

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  7. yes, gorgeous necklace! can't wait to see what you create with the other raku pieces.

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