I’m not sure how to start this post other than to say a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful jewelry artists that have supported me the past ten years.  You have made my beads look fabulous over and over again. After an incredible 10 years making beads full time I have now returned full time to my previous field of Occupational Therapy.  When I decided to return to work as an occupational therapist my plan was to continue to make beads part time, but - plans change… So I wanted to let everyone know I’m ending my career as a bead maker. Ornamentea currently has a variety of Elaine Ray Beads in stock on their web site and in their shop.  Along with that, I have a small stock of finished beads and one more kiln load to glaze and fire, which, to be honest I have no good timeline for, but I’m aiming for a spring delivery. After that, I’m packing it all up and won’t be making more.  I’m sad that I won’t have a ready excuse to get together with the great people at Ornamentea as often, but I’m happy to be back working as an occupational therapist. Again - thanks for all the support and great friendships - it has been an incredible journey with all of you and I hope to stay in touch. - Elaine

Artisan Whimsy 5 X 5 test team

This last month I had the great opportunity to be the "host" for the Artisan Whimsy 5 X 5 test team.  The idea of the test team is this:  One "host" sends a set of 5 identical items to 5 jewelry designers.  The designers are chosen at random from a list of volunteers.  The designers have approximately one month to design, construct, photo, and blog about their finished pieces.  To be honest, I think I had the easier part of the deal.

Melinda Orr asked me to provide pieces that were new and "not in circulation" yet.  I had been wanting to make some head pins for a while and this seemed like a perfect opportunity for me.  But - five sets of head pins seemed too redundant, so I concocted a few more designs and settled on these.

Feeling inspired?  You can get your own components here: http://store.ornamentea.com/store/category/9/59/Elaine-Ray-Ceramics/ 

Please let me know what you make - I love pictures!

Now onto the main show.......

Hop on over to each individual's blog for more pictures and insight into their creative process.

Cheryl Folies
http://cherylsartisticendeavors.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/getyourbeadon




Marcia Dunne
thealternativefoundry.blogspot.com
etsy.com/shop/alternatives
















Cory Tompkins
tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com/

etsy.com/shop/tealwaterdesigns

Sharon Palac
sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/
etsy.com/shop/SharonPalac




Robin Showstack
allprettythings.ca/
etsy.com/shop/HEARTSDESIRESJEWELRY

Thanks for stopping by, 

Elaine

Elaine Ray last chance beads

I'm trimming my bead selection and soon the glazes Amazon, Patina and Denim will no longer be available.  When these sell out they are gone.  Take a look here:  http://store.ornamentea.com/store/category/9/187/Elaine-Ray-Last-Chance/

New glaze - Lagoon

Have you seen my new glaze?  The combination of the dark red clay and green / blue glaze remind me of the wonderfulness of clay beads.  Beads made from tiny bits of our incredible earth.

Thanks for stopping by,
Elaine

Finally - Orange beads!

Orange!

 As many of you may know I have been experimenting with different orange glazes for at least a year, never quite getting a color / clay combination I was happy with. The end of that search is here and now I have orange beads! By the way, I really love the color orange, and if you can't tell, the fact that I have orange beads again makes me super happy. If you want to be super happy with some orange beads, you can get them here about 1/2 way down the page:http://store.ornamentea.com/store/category/9/59/Elaine-Ray-Ceramics/page2.html

I think they would look cute with one these penguins:

Let me know what you do with your orange beads - Thanks!

Paragram Frame Beads to be discontinued

These Paragram Frame Beads make great toggles, earrings or small pendants for a light weight necklace.  They will be discontinued as they sell out, so get them while you can!

Thanks for taking a look - Elaine

New bead - Drops, tiny cubes and tablets.

Drop beads in 4 colors:  Dusk, Passion Fruit, Butterscotch and Ocean.  

Tiny Cubes and Tablets in Squash Blossom, Raspberry, Kiwi, Paperwhite, Purple Hyacinth, and Parakeet.  

I love it if you'd send me a picture or link to any of your finished jewelry using these or any of my beads.  Thanks! - Elaine