I MAKE Ceramic BEADS

All the Ceramic Beads are made by me and are painted with tiny brushes, one-at-a-time in my home studio. Because of this handmade process, no two beads are exaclty alike. Making each bead, a One-of-a-Kind, Unique, little piece of art.

There are 3 main stages in Ceramics:- Greenware, Bisqued & Glazed

Greenware

I start forming the clay into the shape I want either a ball, a flat bead, a twisty etc and either add a hole or pieces of high temperature wire as needed. After the beads have been slowly air dried, and this drying time can take a minumum of 4-5 days in winter, each bead is cleaned gently with a damp sponge to make sure the surfaces are smooth. Re-drilling is usually required because with this cleaning process, the holes can be partially lost.

Bisqued

Now the beads are placed in an electric kiln, for the first time - and this is known as a bisque firing - where the temperature reaches 1101 Celsius. The beads must be completely cooled in the kiln before removing. This whole process takes about 24 hours. After this first firing the beads are ready for underglazing and glazing. [At this bisque stage, you may cover the beads in PMC, Art Clay Silver, Bronze Clay, Resin, Enamel, Cloth, Acrylic Paint etc which of course eliminates the final firing]

Glazed

Once out of the kiln, each bead is painted with tiny brushes. Usually 2-3 coats of specially formulated underglaze colour is applied to each bead and then 2 coats of a clear glaze. After complete drying, the beads are inspected and cleaned as required, glaze left in the holes makes the beads stick to the wires - not good. Now they are placed back in the kiln, for the second 24 firing process. Known as a glaze firing. This time the beads need to be hung on supporting wires. Too many beads per wire can make the wire to sag. This is a bad things because if the beads touch each other, they will permantely fused together - also not good.

Once this second process is complete, I can hardly wait to open the kiln and catch the first glimpse of the small treasures I have created!

I hope you will enjoy my Handmade and Hand Painted Ceramic Beads as much as I do creating them.

So ... Jen-e-sais-quoi
Enquiries Welcomed
contact me

© by Jen Greeneklee; all rights reserved

SHOP on-line FAQ's

All the CERAMIC and GLASS beads are made by me in my home studio.
Although my finished jewellery may look similar, because my beads are made individually, each piece is a One-of-a-Kind!
The listed items are also available for immediate purchase from my bricks and mortar shop Art Platters Plus - 206 The Parade, Norwood South Australia. In this shop you will find loads more!
In the event that you love something that is already purchased, and that I haven't updated the *availability* on this site, I will issue you a full refund or if you don't mind waiting and extra 1-2 weeks, I will make a similar item for you.
Either way, if you leave me an email, I will get back to you.
You don't need a PayPal account, they accept credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard).
I will accept a Direct Deposit payment, just contact me first
contact me

SHOP on-line

CERAMIC and GLASS Necklaces

These necklaces are VERY LIGHT to wear and are great compliment attractors! Complete with Sterling Silver beads, I have wired these beads together with Silver Silver Wire and my Handmade Ceramic and Glass beads that I make in my home studio. The necklaces are approx. 56cm in length, known as Matinee length, are held securely with a STRONG MAGNETIC CLASP. Each Necklace is One-of-a-Kind, making each one UNIQUE. Be quick, they are snaped up fast! So ... Jen-e-sais-quoi

$127 necklace plus $10 postage

Enquires welcome artbyjeng@hotmail.com

Necklace CODE

SHOP on-line

CERAMIC Necklaces

Made with memory wire which fits comfortably at the base of your neck, it's one of my favourites because there is no need for clasps! The CERAMIC beads are made and painted by me in home studio. So ... Jen-e-sais-quoi

$25 each plus $5 postage.

Enquires welcome artbyjeng@hotmail.com

Necklace CODE

PEPPER STREET ARTS CENTRE Outlet

This gallery showcases a selection of my work, available until sold, at the PEPPER STREET ARTS CENTRE Magill, SA.
My Handmade Ceramic and Glass Beads with Sterling Silver

Enquiries Welcomed
contact me

THE HAHNDORF ACADEMY Outlet

This gallery showcases a selection of my work, available until sold, at the HAHNDORF ACADEMY Hahndorf, SA.

My Handmade Ceramic and Glass Beads with Sterling Silver

Enquiries Welcomed

contact me

STONY CREEK GALLERY Outlet

This gallery showcases a selection of my works, available until sold, at the STONY CREEK GALLERY Daylesford, Vic

My Handmade Ceramic and Glass Beads with Sterling Silver

Enquiries Welcomed
contact me

CLASSES with Jen

My Classes are Specifically designed to offer you something DIFFERENT and UNIQUE! For all ages, male and female.

MAKE Glass Beads:- is a personal tuition class specifically designed for people who want more out of their jewellery making, here.
MAKE + PAINT Ceramics:- is a 'grass roots' level class designed for the person to make their own ceramic beads, gaming piece or other items from clay, here.
PAINT Ceramics:- choose the shape you wish to paint - Small Plate, Hot Pot Coasters, Plaques, Drink Coasters, Hand Bag Hooks.
PAINT Ceramic Bisque Beads:- is a class specifically designed for people who want more out of their jewellery making, here
PAINT + MAKE Ceramic Jewellery:- is a class where you can paint ceramic beads and then make specific Jewellery, here.
PAINT + MAKE A Creative Ceramic Party Idea:- paint and swap ceramic beads with your friends, then make a Friendship Necklace, here.

Comments:- "...can't wait for my next lesson..." , "... very professional …” , “… highly recommend the classes ..." , "I had a great time..." , “… [Jen] is a very good teacher …” , “I love doing art and really enjoyed doing something totally different to what I usually do at school..." , “… my jewellery making is far more satisfying now that I can make my own beads!”

Where:- Art Platters Plus
206 The Parade, Norwood just left hand side of Power Brakes driveway.
Duration per class:- Up to 1½ hours
1 student:- Ceramic Classes Only - Wed: 10am,12pm; Sat: 10am, 12pm, 2pm (classes held during my shop open hours)
2 to 6 students:- Ceramic & Glass Classes - Wed: 4pm, 6pm; Sat: 4pm

***** Want a different day or time? With a Ceramic Class Booking of 6 students, I will do my best to work in with you.*****

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Enquiries Welcomed

8390 3763, artbyjeng@hotmail.com

KITS Buy, Make and Wear

Kits are satisfying and make an ideal gift for yourself or a friend.

I'm happy to post anywhere!

This KITS page is currrently under Construction.

Please either drop by again or contact me and I will let you know when this page is functional again.

Can't wait?

Then please check out my other shops Etsy, Made it

Jen

CERAMIC BEADS frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about my ceramic beads. If you have a specific question that isn't answered here, please send me an e-mail artbyjeng@hotmail.com

Do you make all the ceramic beads yourself?
Yes I sure do. Every single ceramic bead has been handmade and painted by me. This is a 'one lady' hobby and I really enjoy making my own ceramic beads. It is a lengthy process, but it's very rewarding. You can read about the process, here.

Sounds interesting, do you hold workshops?
Yes, I hold a several classes in my shop throughout TUESDAYS including school holidays, that are designed specifically for people who want to try something DIFFERENT and UNIQUE, for all ages, male and female.
MAKE Ceramics - is a 'grass roots' level class designed specifically for the person who wants to make their own beads from clay, here.
PAINT Ceramic Beads - where you can come and choose how many of my handmade unpainted ceramic bisque beads you wish to paint for your next creation, here,
PAINT + MAKE Jewellery - is a class where you can paint beads and then make specific jewellery, here,
PAINT + MAKE - a creative bead painting, swapping and making a necklace class that is ideal for parties, here.

Is it possible to just buy the unpainted ceramic beads from you?
You sure can. I have customers doing just that. My handmande ceramic bisque beads are perfect for every crafter as my beads can be covered in PMC, acrylic paints, polymer clay, foil, cloth etc. And with my unpainted bisque beads priced between 25c-$3, they make an inexpensive creative idea for art teachers, school holidays, gifts, projects and so on.

Do you make custom made beads?
Yes I do, if you would like a bead in a different size or shape, just contact me so we can work something out. You can see some beads I have made specifically for customers, here

Where do I find your ceramic beads?
In my bricks and mortar shop at 206 the Parade, Norwood which is open limited times during the week...see first answer...I also have a range of my Ceramic Jewellery available in selected outlets. I can send you a short listing if you like. I also have a selected amount that you may purchase on-line.
I live interstate, is that a problem?
Not to me, I love interstate enquiries. Shoot me an email so we can discuss things further.

And overseas?
Even better!

NB I use toxic free underglazes and glazesglazes.
I want to keep away from the harmful stuff as much as you do.