If you're looking for something different, funky, eclectic or unusual you've found it! This raku ceramic heart is the perfect accessory to express yourself! It goes perfectly when paired with a hand dyed ribbon (sold separately). Simply tie the ribbon around your neck and you're ready to go!
*The ribbon is sold separately and is not included in this listing, but I would be happy to use my color expertise to match the perfect ribbon to this piece!
Click here for a hand dyed ribbon:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MAKUstudio?section_id=7174463
Or, use this funky handmade focal raku ceramic heart pendant in your next knitting, felted, handbag, clothing or own jewelry design. Great for seed bead weaving and wire wrapping too! You can simply snip the wire from the piece to weave around or wrap. I recommend a stronger pair of wire cutters from your local hardware store or a less expensive pair so that you don't ruin your nice cutters!
*I handmade, hand sculpted (not a mold) this raku heart using stoneware clay, added some texture, and fired an upholstery nail directly into the clay.
*Bisque fired, glazed and raku fired in my home studio
*Matte blue, green and rust background glaze colors; glossy rust, bronze, gold with hints of pink flower petals; black from the smoke in the firing process where there is no glaze
*PMC (precious metal clay) .999 fine silver little beaded balls around the upholstery nail add a cool effect. Fired directly onto piece.
*Raku ceramic heart measures about 37mm x 42mm
*No hole; high temperature wire loop fired directly into clay
*Signed by the artist (that's me!) on the back "MAKU"
Thanks for looking! Hope you enjoy my art!
What is raku?:
Raku pottery was made long ago for Japanese tea ceremonies. It was modernized later into the process you see today. This involves taking a piece of pottery that has been bisque fired and glazed then firing it in a raku kiln (which my husband and I built ourselves). The piece is then fired to about 1800 degrees F and pulled out of the kiln while still red hot then placed in a reduction chamber containing organic materials such as newspaper, sawdust, leaves, etc. The materials catch on fire, the lid is put on and smoke is created. The fire wants oxygen to keep going and flames often shoot across a piece, pulling oxygen from the glaze. The smoke absorbs into the piece where there is no glaze creating the matte black color (a very unique characteristic of raku). It's so exciting and creates one of kind colors which are very hard to duplicate. Please note that raku is not food safe nor is it intended to hold liquid.
Caring for your raku piece:
Keep your raku in a air tight container or zippered bag when storing. Do not swim or leave your piece in water for long periods of time. Keep your piece out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, as it will affect the glaze. I wash my pieces very well, but on occasion you will see some ash residue that will rub off from the parts that are not glazed. This will come out of your clothing with no problem, but if it concerns you, you can paint clear nail polish on the back of a pendant.
Marianne "MAK" Kasparian
MAKUstudio: Raku Pendants, Beads, Jewelry, Supplies, Cabochons, Tiles, Buttons
http://www.MAKUstudio.etsy.com
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
