About the time I learned the theme for this month's Art Elements blog hop: Holiday Creations, I was planning to make a set of kitty cat themed ornaments for a tree for our aging cat.  We have a new glassed in front porch and thought it would be a perfect way to decorate it for the Holidays.  And for ceramic ornaments, it would be safe from the elements. For the last few years we have been having an outdoor tree instead on one inside.  We have it out on the deck and decorate it with brightly colored netted bird treats.  It is so fun watching the birds flutter around the tree and peck at these ..read more

This  is my first time participating in an Art Elements Blog Hop.  I was intrigued by the theme of foliage since that has been my theme for most of the years I have been making ceramic  beads.  I usually make a mold from plants and use it as the basis for pendants, toggle clasps and cabochons.  I always hand paint on the colored glazes and almost never use underglazes. The photo above is a sample of pendants in my usual way of making. For some time I have been thinking about other ways of making leaves and flowers.  I have a collection of dried leaves that have fallen off a rubber plan ..read more

I have decided to enter the #The100DayProject   this year and it begins today April 2, 2019 My reason for doing this is I know that visiting my muse daily will bring surprise, frustration, joy, and new ideas for creating.  The last one is what I am hoping for.  I am nervous because it is a big commitment.  I am excited because already I am feeling inspired.                         Handmade ceramic cabochon by Mary Harding Above is a picture of where I will be beginning .  My project is 100 days of free form peyote stitch stitching.  I have backed this cabochon and done a blanket stitch arou ..read more