Thrift Store Find Meets Ceramic Find

The only thing better than a great thrift store find is a great thrift store find that  costs a whopping
75 cents.
Really....how often can you expect to find something wonderful for less than a dollar?
I had that rare, lucky day recently when I found this small, textured brass tray at a local thrift store.

The carnage began almost immediately.

Using metal shears, I cut out sections that could then fit into my disc cutter.

Yes, I saved those dimpled pieces of rim....who knows when they might come in handy.

Once some discs were cut, I sanded all surfaces.

Some were drilled with top/bottom holes to later become links or earring components.

Others were center drilled to become bead caps.

When using large beads, I often like to use caps to help the beads 'sit' securely, both functionally and visually.

The caps also present an opportunity to introduce additional texture to a piece.

 

Bead caps from my thrift store tray were used in a newly completed necklace that features another great find....

this beautiful raku pendant by local ceramic artist, Joy Kerschner.

I purchased this pendant at the Wayne Art Center Annual Ceramics Sale.

The colors and textures of the raku pendant spoke to me (loudly spoke to me), and I knew that I wanted to make an equally colorful and textured necklace to properly complement Joy's inspired work.

The necklace that I made includes the recycled glass beads and bead caps, carnelian, amazonite, discs from a silver plated thrift store platter and a handmade clasp.

 

I am lucky to be living in an area that has a very active arts community.

With three art centers and many galleries near my home, I have the opportunity to take part in classes, workshops, exhibits and festivals.

I also have the opportunity to meet a nice variety of people who share a similar passion for creating a life filled with artistic expression.

 

Joy and I plan to meet soon to talk about the possibility of future collaborative efforts.

I am so looking forward to this meeting!