Unloading The Kiln

I get super excited every time I unload a kiln. I always say it's like Christmas when you were a kid. Everything goes into the kiln covered in glaze that is all one color. My glaze these days is green so every button, bead and bowl is green when it goes into the kiln. I fire to almost 2000 degrees F so it's hot and I have to wait for it to cool down.

Over the years I have built up some heat resistant fingers. You know at restaurants when they tell you to watch the plate because it's hot? I just grab it without problems and it always gives the waitress a scare.

After I can open it all the way, it's about 150 degrees. Everything is suspended on high temperature wires. Glaze is basically ground up glass so when it reaches it's firing temperature it melts. If things were sitting on the kiln shelves, they would be stuck there forever. That is why everything is hung on wires.

I pull everything out and lay them on a metal tray. They are still pretty warm at this point.

Bowls and pottery have clean bottoms so they sit directly on the shelf.

Here are little bird nests sitting and waiting to be brought in to the studio.

 Pottery is waiting patiently as well.

After cooling a little bit more, the beads and buttons are taken off the wires. Next, I sort them, put the buttons on cards and photograph them for my shop.

Enjoy your day!

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About.com Jewelry MakingTammy hearts jewelry making! Find a load of heart-themed jewelry projects along with a free e-course designed around the theme of love.

Art Bead SceneAhoy Mateys! Cap'n Heather Powers sails us to a new ABS Feature - The Trendy Bead! This week's trend is nautical - no swabbin' the deck required!


Barbe Saint John's BlogTool Love-How many pairs of wire cutters can one girl own, and whats the difference between them?



Bead Style MagazineBeadStyle Senior Editor Naomi talks where her great finds from the Bead&Button Show will turn up next.


Jennifer Jangles BlogWant to know where to buy ceramic supplies? Check out Jennifer's Blog.



Katie's Beading BlogCheck out Katie's new video clip from the public television show Beads, Baubles & Jewels!


Naughty Secretary ClubGet all caught up on the latest office gossip with the Naughty Secretary Club Newsletter.


Savvy CrafterCandie's definitely been inspired by her Asian adventures---see a Fan-tastic necklace and some fabric she plans to make into a kimono shirt.

Strands of BeadsMelissa takes at look at Chinese character name stamps from a crafty point of view

Good Sunday Morning to you....

Hello everyone...
Just sitting here drinking my morning coffee and getting ready for the day. I have to work today, I had a sick little boy Friday and didn't get a thing done. But before I get out to the studio, I thought I would give you some great links to check out. It's hard for me to write a post and not show a picture. I guess it's the artist in me, I am a visual person. So here's my picture. This is a new charm bracelet that I have been working on. It will be one of my new kits. I am working on packaging them today. I got some really cute boxes and ribbon and oh they are going to be cute! As soon as I get some finished I will post a photo.

In the meantime, enjoy your coffee and check out these other great beader's links.

Later,
Jennifer

About.com Jewelry MakingWire is a great medium for jewelry making, and with this new DVD review you can find out how you can turn straight wire into super cool bangle bracelets.

Art Bead SceneObsessing over details leads Cindy Gimbrone to revise her MF Bird. No, she’s not frustrated she means Modern Folk Bird.

Jennifer Jangles BlogSee the first ceramic beads Jennifer made.

Jewelry & BeadingWhat to do with those odd-shaped treasures you pick up on vacation this summer!

Katie’s Beading BlogFeeling the economic pinch in your purse? There are plenty of ways to make cool jewelry with stuff you already have.

Naughty Secretary ClubSo many social networking web sites and so little time. Find out how Jen utilizes websites like My Space, Indie Public, Twitter and more to help promote her jewelry business Naughty Secretary Club and spread the crafty gospel.

Snap out of it Jean! There’s beading to be done!Margot will be posting in a cool crafting group but still visiting here. When I get the url, I will post it for that group. Until then, check out this repost of her fantastic pocketbook which I adore and treasure she made me!

Bookmarks

Project Instructions

Supplies needed for one bookmark

1 link bead, 1 2" headpin , 1 accent bead(I used a 6mm faceted czech bead), 1 silver plated bookmark, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers

1. Begin by stringing your headpin with an accent bead.
2. Make a simple wire loop and hook it onto one of the wire loops of the link bead. Close the loop and trim the excess wire.
3. Open the jump ring included on your bookmark, string on the remaining loop of the ceramic link bead.