Bead Scoop: beads-of-clay.org

Beads-of-Clay.org, a group that 4 of the ABS team members belong to, has recently received a face lift. This group is very helpful and informative for the earth clay bead artist.

Beads-of-clay.org is home to ceramic bead artists who are interested in working together to promote artisan ceramic beads. With members from all over the country and the world, the styles and techniques that we use vary greatly from artist to artist, giving us a rich and imaginative visual library from which we can inspire one another.

Porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, terra cotta, raku, Egyptian paste, and clay slip are among the varied materials our members use to make beads, buttons, and jewelry components.

If you are interested in learning about making or collecting ceramic beads, please check out our website which is full of information and artwork.

Earth clay is the common ceramic material used by all these beadmakers. The areas of expertise for these ceramic bead artists range from bright colored low fired clay all the way to high fired porcelain. Included in the beadmakers' skills are the handling of earthenware, stoneware, raku, porcelain and Egyptian Paste. The handmade beads and pendants may be glazed, unglazed or tumbled polished. Firing methods used include electric and gas kilns as well as raku and pit fired techniques. The variety and richness of these miniature works of art is a delight for the collector and jeweler.

In addition the BOC website, a new beads-of-clay blog has been started. Info on the lighter side of clay beads and the artists who make them. Please click on by and check it out.