Natalie Pappas

As I have explored pottery forms, I discovered quite by accident that I could take some of the leftover clay, form a ceramic bead, and glaze it. This to me is as satisfying as making pots, vases, bowls, or mugs. The stoneware and porcelain beads are a wonderful way to experiment with color, form, and texture in miniature.

Along with the pottery and ceramic beads, I have also become interested in making clay whistles.

These whimsical and functional whistling art beads are a joy to create.

The entire pottery process is fascinating. Many steps go into making a pottery, bead, or whistle.

My favorite clay? Porcelain? Yes! I love the way it feels, the way it fires. It's marvelous! Stoneware? Yes! It is incredibly pliable yet amazingly tough. Glazes perform on stoneware in a way that is unique to that specific clay body in that particular kiln, electric or gas. Earthenware? Yes! It's just yummy. It's fun to work with. And I love the rich dark colors of these types of clay. Paperclay? Yes! It can do things that regular clay cannot do. It continues to amaze me. I haven't decided upon a favorite clay body yet. I have given myself permission not to play favorites.

Take this demonstration link to learn how I create hand crafted beads and pendants from porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware clay. My goal as a bead artist is that my handmade beads remain unique and that I continue to learn and grow in every aspect of learning pottery.

Please visit my blog to see what I'm currently doing. I have uploaded quite a few photos to Flickr over the years and the link to You Tube will showcase some of my work with music as well as a short Ceramic Bead Making video.

If you are interesting in purchasing any of my work, on the top left hand side of this page are two links to choose from: Artist Beads and Pottery. Thanks so much for taking the time to read about me, my pottery, and my clay beads. Oh, one last thing ... check out my links page for many potters, bead makers, and pottery related organizations. Directly below are a few blog entries. Thanks for stopping by!

-- Natalie Pappas