Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud...

Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood...

Well actually, it's got my blood racing lately and of course by mud I mean beads and jewellery elements made from clay, ceramic, porcelain, earthenware etc. I'm not clever enough to understand the nuances and differences of each of these but I'm growing to love them all.

If you've ever visited this blog before you'll be very well aware of my fondness for lampwork glass beads and that will never change. This year though I want to stretch myself and my jewellery designs  by using different materials more and by mixing materials together. So obviously I've had to do a bit of shopping to build up some supplies (there is always a way to justify shopping) and today I thought I'd share some of my favourite 'muddy' finds.

I just love these bead sets by Bo Hulley... the gorgeous glazes are so light and bright and I can't wait to use them for some fun summer jewellery. I found Bo on Etsy but we are in fact almost neighbours, with just a few miles of land and a stretch of water between me on the south coast of England and Bo on the Isle of White. Amazing then that I've only just discovered her beads but I'm so glad I did - her shop is full of lovely colourful goodies.

These beauties are part of a large consignment I have on order from the lovely Marla James of Marla's Mud. I love the natural forms and cool hued glazes on Marla's pieces and her shop is just full of temptation in the form of organic and nature inspired designs. I can't wait for these to arrive from the USA so I can get cracking.

Here we have selection of more of my favourite finds...The 'sweet tweets'  are by LeAnne Weih of Summers Studio and although I've just bought the little birds I've actually had the owl forever as I can't bring myself to part with him. 

More fabulous glazes on these textured disc charms and pendant from Mary Hubbard of White Clover Kiln. That green is to die for and they're such versatile pieces.

The ceramic Bracelet bars are from Captured Moments and although I love them they are quite a challenge to my natural design style...but I am determined to rise to that challenge!

The  pretty set of beads with a heart charm is  from Gaea Cannady. I love the mix of natural but rich colours in this set - so pretty.

My 'last but not least' selection includes gorgeous beads by Rob Johnson of Pebble Dreams. I was actually scouring Rob's shop for lampwork when I noticed these lovely organic beads in rustic tones and had to have them (needless to say I bought some lampies too!).

Caroline Dewison of Blueberri Beads made the pretty earth toned beads and tree of life pendant and I just love the tiny sea urchin beads that she makes in a range of colours.

I was really drawn to the 'brick' beads from Duane Collins of Elements Pottery. The chunky shape and matte textured finish contrasts with the pretty pastel colours and will be very interesting to work with. 

Finally, another set of beads form Gaea - love that pumpkin.

Now all I have to do is work up some designs that push me beyond my usual design habits and show off all these pieces in their true glory. Once I've cracked that I'll come back and show you the results. Oh, and if you'd like to share any of your sources of muddy treasures - please feel free, but just in case you haven't had a enough mud for one day, I've made a companion Etsy treasury for this post which you can find here - enjoy

And don't forget - If you haven't entered my magic numbers giveaway yet there's still time - the winner will be drawn this coming Sunday January 30th.

Lesley