Raku, Jewelry Making, Kissing Ball, and Water Color....

I've been in a crafty mood lately....read on to see what I have made in local workshops during the past few weeks....

I was recently introduced to RAKU at Clayscapes Studio In Syracuse, NY:

This workshop was easy and quick as we chose a premade clay pot, each one numbered on the bottom with a corresponding strip of paper with the same number, for claiming the correct pot at the end of firing:

The process was simple, dipping the pot into one of three glazes available:

We then carried our dried pot outdoors for the firing process.  Raku firing is a process by which pottery is fired at a relatively low temperature and then moved, while hot, to a closed container with combustible materials, (such as paper or sawdust) that ignite and cause a reaction creating colors and patterns on the pottery's surface.

The pots were fired in garbage cans for about 20 min, then each pot was dipped into water and cooled down on the tarmac:

I discovered that this type of art is "you get what you get" and you have little control of the outcome.  I prefer to have control over my art, so this was a one and done for me!

Raku does not hold water nor food and is mostly decorative.

The second workshop I participated in recently was a jewelry making class at

Metal Morphosis Studio:

I made a pair of earrings, using jump rings.  This was tedious but enjoyable!

I loved the outcome:

My favorite seasonal workshop was making a Kissing Ball at Beaver Lake Nature Center.  I have done this for the last 4 years and my Kissing Ball usually lasts outside throughout the winter

I needed to add a larger bow to the top!

The last workshop I took was at the Everson Art Museum described as: Experience the magic of the Northern Lights through watercolor art at this hands-on workshop at the Everson! With gentle guidance from our skilled staff, you’ll create beautiful, winter-themed landscape scenes inspired by the natural wonder of the aurora borealis.  

This is my favorite painting medium, but i just can't seem to master it.

We dragged lots of wet paint onto the watercolor paper and then added drops of alcohol, which created a cool design.  (We could have also sprinkle salt, which gave a little different effect):

I added a few trees - although not museum-worthy, it was still a fun activity!