Raku is a hand-molded Japanese ceramic style which originated in 16th century Kyoto. The outstanding tableware is used in traditional tea ceremonies. However, the beautiful range of glazes this low-firing and take-it-out-while-it's-hot technique produces has made it popular worldwide.
So when Duane Collins introduced himself on my blog's chatbox as a full-time specialist Raku bead designer, I was intrigued. Duane's Etsy shop is called Elements Pottery.
His way of producing raku beads and pendants involves removing the red hot pieces when his kiln reaches 1850 degrees. He places them in a barrel of paper, straw or sawdust which ignites. The barrel is closed to smoke the pieces for a while. The resulting gorgeous patinas are " truly painted by fire and smoke." The copper hues dance with green-blue highlights as you turn the beads around.
This Michigan based master potter makes all kinds of pieces but he began making beads and pendants only about a year or so ago for his jewelry designer wife. I think he is onto a good thing!
Other ceramic posts:
Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
So when Duane Collins introduced himself on my blog's chatbox as a full-time specialist Raku bead designer, I was intrigued. Duane's Etsy shop is called Elements Pottery.
His way of producing raku beads and pendants involves removing the red hot pieces when his kiln reaches 1850 degrees. He places them in a barrel of paper, straw or sawdust which ignites. The barrel is closed to smoke the pieces for a while. The resulting gorgeous patinas are " truly painted by fire and smoke." The copper hues dance with green-blue highlights as you turn the beads around.
This Michigan based master potter makes all kinds of pieces but he began making beads and pendants only about a year or so ago for his jewelry designer wife. I think he is onto a good thing!
Other ceramic posts:
- Turning Mud into Gemstones
- Kitchen Jewelry - Wearable Pottery by Gesine Hackenberg
- Broken Pottery Jewelry - The Broken Plate Pendant Company
Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
Those beads are stunning!
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awesome beads
ReplyDeleteWow...these are gorgeous beads Pearl!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm next to a potter at one of my markets and they do Raku pottery...it is stunning!!!
Cheers
I've always been intrigued with the lovely iridescence created by the Raku firing technique and have a talented friend who teaches the art of Raku. Now I really want to enroll in one of her classes. The beads pictured at the bottom of this post are unbelievably beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work!
ReplyDeleteThese beads are enough to pull me away from using recycled and refashioned elements! There is a blue heart on his site that is calling my name....
ReplyDeleteI love raku! Love love love it! Hafta go on over and have a look!
ReplyDeleteRaku is a wonderful technique- creating stunning results.
ReplyDeleteThanks all! I appreciate the comments! :) Duane
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