Summer: outdoor living on the deck, the smell of charcoal, garden dirt under your nails… ( And festivals and clay camp but thats another story) When I think of summer insects I go to winged things. I love butterflies and moths! Their delicacy of structure and the boldness of color and design. So I knew immediately what I wanted to do:
Stoneware for an earthy look, and coming soon porcelain for a more ethereal quality. Cut from slabs of clay – I drew a series of templates from vintage illustrations; my own childhood books. Carved and textured, drilled, awaiting the kiln… a moth to flame?

Stoneware – waiting for stains and glazes. Sadly still a WIP.
With three shows in four weekends AND teaching every day – the moths haven’t been glazed and fired yet. I WILL have these soon, and for Beadfest if you are interested.
In my precious down time this month – I beaded. And I had to bead insects!

The classic, high contrast Monarch

A study in iridescence.

Matte finish for contrast to the others.

The trio takes wing.
These three are all brooches, approximately 3: in wingspan. I plan to frame them in shadowbox frames so they are easy to display when not being worn. And I have to give a shout out to Caroline! Her moth pin was a gift – and started this flight of fancy!
Please stop by the Art Elements team’s blogs – and our great guests this month! Pour a cold iced tea, and sit in the shade!
Guests
Art Elements Team
Oh Goodness! I don’t know how you had time to do so much beading with all your other activities but I am so glad you did. The butterflies & dragonfly are just beautiful!! I can’t figure out which is my fave-maybe the Monarch? They are all so lovely:-) And I can’t wait to see what glazes you use for the clay butterflies/moths.
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I know the clay ones will look amazing, since I own one from a prior batch! The beaded bugs are gorgeous!!!!!!!!
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Your beaded bugs are so pretty! I especially like the matte one. 🙂 I can’t wait to see your new batch of ceramic moths… I adore the ones I have. Sad I won’t be at Beadfest to snap some up!
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Yep, can’t wait to see them glazed, and I agree with Cathy, HOW do you find the time? The beaded ones are beautiful!
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Your clay beads are looking fabulous, I’m looking forward to seeing those finished (especially the majolica ones!!!). And I’m in love with your beaded trio too, they’re beautiful!
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I love that you made fully beaded bugs! It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but somehow been too intimidated to try. Also…please save me a few fuzzy moths when you have your glazing party 🙂
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both sets of insects the beaded ones and the clay ones look great. I’m looking forward to seeing the clay ones glazed and finished
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What beautiful designs Jenny, I can’t wait to see how your clay pieces turn out and oh my your beaded butterflies are stunning! I think they will look amazing in shadow boxes x
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You’re output never ceases to amaze me…can’t wait to see the finished ceramics and as for the beaded beauties…I’m a sucker for matt/etched finishes so that one win my first place rosette.
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I WANT half your energy!! those beaded pieces are fabulous!
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