A Day Of Clay

Ceramic Beads To Make


   A sunny day here in the fens and today I play with clay, no throwing on wheel or coil pot making for me, it's ceramic bead ideas that have pestered my mind these last few days, round, disc, curved and much more, how busy my hands will be.
   With the light rain falling here in the east and clay in my hands I think of that little blonde haired boy sitting mixing mud in the garden of that thatched family home, with sticks and twig he mixed his mud to form those small bricks that would sit and dry in summer sun, castles and walls would be built with moats that drained in minutes and plastic soldier placed inside, how long ago it seems.
   No fire dragon for me to feed today just warm kitchen in which to work with large pine table to roll my beads, the barn will rest this January day, no lights to glow and flame to flicker and still corners will stay dark while glass rods will feel safe once more.
   Clay will work in my hands until placed to dry on wooden tray, tools to carve and engrave will be busy and holes will form in every piece. Rolling and twisting will be done while thoughts of spring will run in my head and cups of tea will help to make this day another of interest and fun.
   What will people like, designs of old or something new and crazy say, maybe narrow and long they will be or chunky rustic country nugget with no side the same, I'm sure I'll try them all and some will be found that will sell.