Welcome to our B.O.C. blog. Learn about the world of handcrafted ceramic beads, buttons, pendants & components.

In The Fold

(Taken from her Blogger Profile)

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I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and have traveled around the world living for extended periods of time in both Germany and Italy. I received a BA in Art History from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Masters Degree in business management from the University of Mary. I have enjoyed studying a variety of art; including painting, black and white photography, two and three dimensional design and bronze casting.




This handmade Turquoise Blue Porcelain Pendant's textured surface is finished on both sides with a beautiful turquoise blue glaze. The perfect focal bead for an arty necklace. Pendant measures approximately and is 1 ½ inches wide, 1 3/4 inches in height, and less than a ¼ inch thick.





This Porcelain Pouch Pendant is approximately 1 1/2 inches tall, 1 1/4 inch wide,and 3/4 inch thick. It has two holes at the top, a glaze finish and gold highlights on the edges.





This handmade porcelain pendant has a smooth surface is finished on both sides with a beautiful luster green/blue glaze highlighted with a gold glaze edge. It was created in a high fire kiln process, therefore, the pendant is incredibly hard, thin and lightweight. With a single top center holem the pendant is the perfect focal art bead. Pendant measures approximately 2 1/4 inch diameter.
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MAKU Studio

(Taken from her Etsy Profile)

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My name is Marianne Kasparian and my friends call me "MAK". I first fell in love with clay in high school (over 20 years ago). I took three years back in the day and went on to get a degree from the University of Maryland at College Park in Textile Marketing.

I never knew that I could do what I love as a career! So now, after many years in the restaurant business, career counseling and much soul searching (The Secret,etc!), I have decided to pursue my passion.



Looking to make a statement!!! Funky, fun and very shimmery! This very large handmade raku pottery piece gives off many colors depending on the light shining on it. Looks more green with blue and gold shimmery glaze when the light is not shining on it. Much more exciting in person! Simply tie it around your neck or use it as a focal bead in your next jewelry creation!

Raku pottery was made long ago for Japanese tea ceremonies. It was modernized later into the process you see today. This involves taking a piece of pottery that has been bisque fired and glazed then firing it in a raku kiln (which my husband and I built ourselves). The piece is then fired to about 1800 degrees F and pulled out of the kiln while still red hot then placed in a reduction chamber containing organic materials such as newspaper, sawdust, leaves, etc. Smoke is created and reacts with the pot leaving the unglazed portion black (a very unique characteristic of raku). It's so exciting and creates one of kind colors which are very hard to duplicate.



This handmade raku hearts magnet will look great in your home or office year round! A little piece of art to brighten your day! Makes a great gift!

I have taken additional pottery classes along the years in Bethany Beach (DE), Sedona (AZ) and Phoenix (AZ). I will keep at it until I can make a living doing what I am meant to be doing.




This handmade raku focal bead has great irridescent colors and will look great in your next creation! Not in the mood to create, not to worry! This piece comes with a 36 inch hand dyed silk ribbon that you can tie right around your neck! You are sure to look fabulous! A little piece of art to brighten your day! Makes a great gift!


I am a member of the Arizona Clay Association. I now live in Phoenix, AZ with my husband, little boy, 2 dogs and 1 fish. I am particularly in love with the art of Raku. It's so exciting to see the finished product. I hope you enjoy my work.


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Clay Buttons

(Taken from her "About Me' Section of her Website)

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CLICK HERE TO VISIT HER FLICKER
Tari Sasser is one of five editors to Art Bead Scene

Tari Sasser is a native of Ohio and resides in an area where unconventional artistic style makes a big splash against a conservative backdrop. She began her studio based company, Creative Impressions In Clay in 2002.



Tari began making handmade ceramic buttons out of a need from a new internet clothing company.The company had suggested she make buttons for their line of clothing and a button business was born.



Free Form Picasso-esque buttons are made by drawing freehand designs into the clay. They are then glazed with a palette of 6 colors. Size and design varies every time buttons are made.

This button style has no mold for the designs. All designs are unique with inspirations from many places. Every button is handmade from low fire white clay using bright under-glazes.

With each button being hand-painted they are miniature works of art that can be worn, used in jewelry or felting projects, or as embellishments on many different items.

You are only limited by your imagination as to the many uses of Tari's buttons. Tari loves the process of pottery and has been perfecting her technique for over 15 years.



Tari was asked to make Puzzle Buttons for a very nice lady with the LA Chapter of the Autism society. She always provides excellent craftsmanship to her many collectors.

Her products can be found in shops across the Midwest.
She is currently expanding to different markets via the internet. Uniquely different, every piece of art is an original.

She currently resides in Liberty Township, Ohio (burbs of Cincinnati) with her husband and children.

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