Tiny Ceramic Vessels
As a nature enthusiast I find that I like to pick up and collect little things while outdoors and bring them back into my studio for inspiration.
Some of my favorite things to collect are seed pods, small flowers that my kids pick for me, and just about anything with cool textures.
Rustic Seed Pod Collector Vessel
And with my body of work going more towards these organic shapes, textures and color palettes, it just seemed natural that these old seed pods would find a home in these. I also liked putting a little air plant from the local garden center into them!
Hanging Ceramic Vessel with Air Plant.
Here is a bit of a visual insight into how I create these and make them ready for you to use in your home:
Ceramic clay rolled out into cones, holes added, set up to dry, then bisque fire.
Layers of glaze applied to bisque pieces. Pieces are suspended during the glaze firing (over 2200 degrees F).
Soft copper wire (16 or 18 gauge) is oxidized and cleaned for a rustic look.
When working out an idea, one has to start with what you know.
Just like with jewelry design, every piece needs to details attended to – no wire ends poking out.
This beginning phase is a good place to try out technique to see how to get to the end fastest without compromising quality.
Some things work, others don’t. Taking pictures and notes help with remembering lessons learned.
Nylon jaw pliers are great for cleaning up those bends from forming.
Time to gather Seed Pods and the vessels to take photos in natural daylight.
I love the way this torn Seed Pod Collector Vessel looks.
Rustic Seed Pod Collector or Air Plant Holder Vessel.
Glazed Seed Pod Collector or Air Plant Holder.
Royal Blue Seed Pod Collector or Air Plant Holder Vessel.
These will start out in my Marsha Neal Studio Etsy shop where most of my OOAK work is.
My Marsha Neal Studio website is still there – especially for individual silks. One week I will sit and get it all reorganized so people can shop in either places.
Sooooo cute!!!
Thanks Linda!