Jennifer Heynen, aka Jennifer Jangles is teaching both in Miami and at Bead & Button this year!  Visit Jennifer’s site for additional information or to contact her.

Ceramic Vessels and Rattles and an Intro to Raku

Date: Sat and Sun, April 18 – 19, 2009, 10 AM to 4 PM in Miami

Description: We are taking ceramic bead making to the next level to create vessels & rattles. Students will learn basic ceramic bead shapes as well as how to create hollow forms: vessels or rattles. For those who didn’t take the 2008 class, the focus will be on basic bead shapes. But, don’t worry, the 2008 class is not a prerequisite and the required kit includes all materials for bead making! In addition, all students will get an introduction to raku, with an opportunity to complete one pendant.

Here are the Bead and Button Classes…

Making Ceramic Beads, Components, and Findings
Come learn the techniques of ceramic bead making from the author of “Ceramic Bead Jewelry.” In this fun class, you will learn everything you need to know about making, glazing, and firing your own ceramic beads. Students will learn how embedded wire is used for making components and findings as well as beads. Class will focus on making the basic shapes, links, components, hollow beads, and pendants. Different decorating techniques will be discussed. Past students have completed as many as 30-100 beads in class.

Making Ceramic Beads and Vessels
This fun class is taught by the author of “Ceramic Bead Making.” The class will focus on the basics of ceramic bead and vessel making. Learn to make basic ceramic bead shapes and pendants. Also learn vessel-making techniques for making rattle beads, miniature amphoras, and more. Learn to decorate the beads in class using underglazes and glazes.

Ceramic Bead Making
Come learn the technique of ceramic bead making in this class. This fun class is taught by the artist and author of “Ceramic Bead Making.” Students will learn to make basic bead shapes, pendants, and components. Students will decorate the beads in class using underglazes and glazes. Additional session offered Sunday, June 7 (B09325).

Kilns 101
Have a kiln but are afraid to use it? Thinking about buying a kiln and not sure which one to buy? This is the class for you. Many kilns can be used for ceramics, glass, and metal clay. Students will learn which kilns are best for each media. There will be demonstrations on loading and firing ceramic beads, glass fusing, and firing metal clay. We will go over sample firing schedules for all three medias. There will also be an extensive question-and-answer session, so students are encouraged to bring their kiln manuals to class.

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Artist: Erin Siegel
Every Heart Crafts
Every Heart Crafts etsy shop

The best advice I ever received was simply ‘Follow Your Dreams’. Look deep in your heart and do what you’re passionate about. Too many of us learn the hard way by suffering through jobs we don’t like or constantly catering to others needs and ignoring ourselves. Take care of yourself first. You’re no use to anyone else if you’re unhappy. Set aside time at least once a week to do something for you, whether it’s beading, jewelry-making or whatever it may be. Believe in yourself and follow your heart!

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All the Daughters of Eve

I’m going to be tantalizing you with lots of beautiful handmade beads this month (stay tuned for tomorrow’s post!), and so I thought it might be a good idea to remind you that we’ve got a treasure trove of links on making your own beads. Every year, I like to add to my personal repertoire of techniques, so if you are in agreement that that’s a good way to keep your designs interesting and fresh, check out all the different types of beads that you could learn to make for yourself!

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What makes Jennifer’s beautiful (and colorful!!) book really unique is that she spends time covering both the making of ceramic beads AND the construction of finished jewelry that features them! I love this book. I don’t do any ceramic work at all – just a little bit with polymer clay – but Jennifer has got me convinced that I can. And that I want to! Her pieces are so vibrant and fun, and her writing style is so friendly and inviting that I’m really tempted to try.

If you’ve ever had the urge to try your hand at ceramics, or if you’re a ceramicist who’d like to try your hand at jewelry making, this is the book for you!

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The Spirited Bead
Beautiful polymer beads by Karen Lewis, aka Klew

Clayfulmingles
Mia Rox’s polymer cane beads

Beyond Beads Gallery
Porcelain beauties by Jean Christen

CF Originals
Spectacular critters and more by Christi Friesen

Columbine Beads
Raku beads and pendants by Linda A Hendrix

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[Wicked big disclaimer: I've got 7 pieces in this book, so of course I think it's really good!]

OK, that being said, it is really good! Page after glorious page of beautiful designs. Some so simple that you say, “Yes, of course! That’s all it needs.” Others are complex enough to make your jaw drop. I will be leafing back through this book over and over and over…

One of my pieces even (sort of) made it onto the cover! There it is – a teeny piece of it anyway – in the lower righthand corner. Here’s what it looks like on the inside:

So you know, this is purely an inspiration book. Although there are a few pages in the back of instructions on some basic techniques, it cannot be called a project book at all. There are no explanations or even materials lists for any of the pieces shown. But as an inspiration book, I think it hits its mark…I know I’m inspired by looking through it!

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My friend Melanie, of Earthenwood Studio, made these terrific steampunk-inspired ceramic beads and sent a bunch to me to play with. This is what I made:

***FREE STUFF ALERT***FREE STUFF ALERT***

I’ve got two sets of spacer beads and one tile, all in black and white, left over from this project. The beads and colors are great, but they just didn’t fit in with what I made. So Melanie and I decided to do a giveaway! I’m going to send these beads to a winner, and in addition, Melanie is going to do another drawing and giveaway on her site too! We’ll be running it this week, with the winners chosen on Friday. You are welcome to enter on both our sites to double your chances

Here’s the question that we want you to answer in the comments section. Since Melanie’s beads are all about gears and machinery and time, what would you do with an extra free hour? Completely free. No obligations. What would you spend your free hour on?

Leave me an answer, and you’re entered into the drawing!

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Beads of Clay
Celebrating the world of ceramic bead artists. Artists working together to promote the art form.

Mystic Spiral Studio
A tutorial on different bead shapes and how to make them with clay.

Ceramic Bead Artists
Tutorials for both the beginner and the more experienced artist.

Ceramic Bead Jewelry: 30 Fired & Inspired Projects by Jennifer Heynen
Scheduled for release in June 2008. Can be pre-ordered now.

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