to create these beautiul pieces is labor intensive. Each bead is hand sculpted, dried and fired for the first time. Glazing and firing techniques are then selected. After final firing, beads are cleaned and polished. Finally ... beads are combined with sterling silver, natural elements such as pearls and semi-precious stones to form these unique pieces of jewelry.

s a basis for each bead, it is important that the right clay is used to achieve the desired outcome. Susie concentrates mainly on stoneware and porcelain clays, occasionally using a batch of Egyptian paste, which was used in the first know methods of jewelry making thou sands of years ago.

After the beads are formed, they are dried and fired to the bisque state making them ready for finishing techniques. These refined methods are applied to define the look of each bead.

Saggar Firing is a method where the beads are individually wrapped in foil; each in their own cocoon with added materials which act as colorants. They are fired for several hours. Once cooled, they are removed from the kiln, cleaned and polished.

Raku Firing is another process used. Beads are covered with special glazes and fired until molten (a glowing 1900 degrees). They are carefully removed from the hot kiln, placed in a combustible material and smoked. When cooled and cleaned, they are ready for design.

Pit-Firing is when a hole is dug in the ground, a fire laid, and beads added along with other various materials to produce a variety of surface colors. Beads are fired over night, removed from the ashes the following day, cleaned and hand polished.

Egyptian Paste is a one time firing technique. After much experience, you can achieve either bright shiny colors or beautiful muted tones. The formulas can be adjusted to encom pass a range of colors.

High Firing is often used to give fantastic surface coloration. Beads are glazed and fired in a gas kiln where it is able to reach 2300 degrees. A variety of results can be achieved through the combinations of different glazes and temperatures. For additional effects, soda ash and water can be sprayed into the kiln giving the beads a softer deeper look.

Once any firing is complete, those beads become a limited edition making each piece of jewelry as individual as its new owner. Although firing techniques may remain the same, the results are unique to each firing and cannot be duplicated.

To enhance the natural beauty of their jewelry, the Suz have incorporated other natural elements such as pearls, semi-precious stones and sterling silver. Each necklace has been created out of a love of art, nature, friendship and pure enjoyment; hoping these feeling will be translated to the new owner each and everytime it is worn.