43/52 Mini Moon Flask

One of the first things I made on this year long challenge, it was way back in January, was a moon flask. I've made several more since and I teach making these in my Porcelain Illusions / Joyful Moon Flask workshops. 

I love the shape of these moon flasks and decided to revisit the making of them and have a go at a miniature one! It is all made in silver like the bigger flasks, but I've developed a slightly different technique for making it :D

Each side is enamelled...

...and it has a little stopper so you could use it for perfume. The stopper on this one is set with a 4mm faceted rainbow moonstone cabochon. I think it looks a bit like rock crystal. I chose it because it seems to suit the different colours on each side of the flask. 

 

The round main body of the flask measures just 18mm in diameter. 

 

Here it is with one of its 'big brothers' to give you a better idea of the sense of scale...

 

 

 

...and in my hand. 

Cute isn't it! :D

If you want to make a Moon Flask do get in touch! :) 

Have fun!

Joy x

1/52 - Chinoiserie Dreaming

My first challenge piece of the year. Exciting!!!

I've called this Chinoiserie Dreaming. 

I recently visited the Ming exhibition at The British Museum - it was wonderful, and so very inspiring. I particularly liked the blue and white porcelain flasks which were the inspiration for this piece.

It is quite a large piece measuring approx 40mm x 38mm, and the flask itself weighs in at 35g. I made it using Art Clay Silver. Here's a shot of it before just firing. The piece is reversible with sakura cherry blossom on one side and bamboo on the other.

As it had taken quite a while to make I held my breath while it fired!! (Well not all the time of course, it was firing for quite a long time and I wouldn't be here to tell the tale if I had of done!!) ;)

Once fired it was polished and enamelled, I was keen to come up with a technique that gave the impression of the blue and white porcelain. I was fairly happy with how it went.

After a great debate (with myself!) as to what to hang it on (silver chain?? red silk cord???) I eventually settled on making a silver chain with metal clay elements added in, and dyed sea bamboo beads to give a nice colour accent. I gave the chain a nice antique look to match in with the flask. 

Making chains for my pieces is one of the things I will be concentrating on a lot more this year. Before I ever encountered silver clay I made loads of chains. It's time to incorporate them back into my work :)

I had great fun making this piece, but there was an ulterior motive to it as well. This will be a new teaching project for me. 

So...anyone up for making a Ming vase??? :)

Have fun!

Joy xxx

WCC 8/52 - Bronze Jalien Alpha

 

This weeks critter is another Jalien!! He is Bronze Jalien Alpha and is a Goldie Bronze pendant set with a 3mm lab ruby.

 

When I fired him and took him out of the kiln he came out with the most wonderful kiln patina, in the photo below. I did debate keeping this finish but when I put a sealer on it the colours dulled a bit, and also I worry that the high spots will wear smooth anyway and ruin the look. So he was duly polished and with a heat patina applied came out as above - and I really like him! )

 

Here is his poem - short but sweet!! lol

 

An alien face

From outer space
A Jalien race

 

Have fun!! :)

 

Joyx