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Working In My San Diego Home Studio
Rewiring My Large Kiln
ALL MY JEWELRY PIECES ARE HAND MADE IN MY HOME STUDIO. THE MATERIAL USED IS PORCELAIN AND STONEWARE. THE PROCESS BEGINS WITH AN ORIGINAL SCULPTURE WHICH I CAST IN A PLASTER MOLD TO FACILITATE PRODUCTION. AS IS THE NATURE OF HANDMADE CLAY ART, DESIGNS WILL SELDOM BE EXACTLY ALIKE.
THE FIRED CLAY IS DURABLE AND NOT DAMAGED BY EXPOSURE TO SUN OR HEAT. SURFACES MAY BE CLEANED WITH SOAP AND WATER. STUBBORN STAINS MAY BE REMOVED WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL, OR POLISH REMOVER.
STEPS INVOLVED IN MAKING CLAY INTO ART
It takes about 7 days to complete the process.
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the clay takes shape in my mold
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while damp the back is personalized
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when dry it is removed from the mold
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the clay dries overnight
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surfaces are smoothed with a wet sponge
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an electric kiln does a bisque firing
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the kiln cools down over night
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bisque pieces are removed from the kiln
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surfaces are polished with a buffing pad
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a design is hand painted with a glaze
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the clay is fired a second time
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after cooling the kiln is unloaded
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fired clay pieces are removed from the kiln
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metallic glazes are applied for accents
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the clay pieces get a final firing
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the kiln cools and unloaded
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pieces are ready for jewelry beautification
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gemstones, beads are often added
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earrings become posts or drops
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pin and bracelet pieces are finished
OTHER COMPONENTS USED IN MY WEARABLE ART PIECES ARE GEMSTONES, GLASS BEADS, SHELLS, STERLING-SILVER-CRIMPS, PEWTER BEADS, SILVER-PLATED-BRASS FINDINGS, AND ANTIQUE-PLATED-COMPOSITE BEADS. NO NICKEL OR LEAD IS USED. EARRINGS ARE ON SURGICAL-STEEL WIRE. ADJUSTABLE COTTON CORD IS WASHABLE. IF WRINKLED, WET THE CORD, RUN YOUR FINGERS OVER IT, AND LET IT DRY STRAIGHT.
Mom Lending A Hand
Dad helping as well.
THE STAFF:
My parents visit several
days each month. They
are immensely helpful
during my busy seasons.
Over the years, they’ve
become true artisans.