Porcelain Jewellery

Julie Apap

I have always had an interest in jewellery. I see each pendant and necklace as a miniature work of art.

I would have liked to learn how to make silver jewellery, bur never got the chance. Instead I decided to make pendants and earrings in the medium that I did know… Clay.

I chose porcelain clay because it is strong, smooth and works well with my glazes.

Patterns and shape are important, and I am always on the look out for new patterns that I can use from whatever source.

It may be something bought or the pattern from the sole of my shoe!

Porcelain is a bit difficult to work with when wet, but as it dries it can be smoothed with a sponge, and detail scratched in it.

Some pieces are cut with shaped cutters, some rolled at random and built upon, the permutations are endless.

At many stages the pieces are sanded down so that there are no rough edges.

Glazing is a mixture of stoneware glazes, which I have made, sometimes applying one on top of the other. Often I use bottle glass melted into a recess, which gives a lovely crackle effect.

Sometimes if a piece is not how I want it, it is fired again with added glazes.

They are finally fired in an electric kiln to 1240c.

Nearly all my pendants are different. I want them to be unique pieces of art, lovingly made.

When ready, they are assembled with glass, porcelain beads or semi precious stones, together with sterling silver wire, earring hooks and clasps.

For more examples of my work www.soulwork.julieapap.com

Cut squares of porcelain with patterns

Some tools used

Cut from shaped cutters, with patterns

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