MM Collection
- Brilliant . Unique . Different -
A story about my beads
This article explains how ceramic beads are made and what we wish to accomplish.
Ceramic beads making are involved the raw clay preparing process before it can be used to make beads or other ceramic items. Raw clay normally can be found locally. Sarawak clay has its own beauty because local clay comes in a few natural colour, such as yellowish or brownish, depending on the origin of its source. These natural effects will make the beads unique and special.
The raw clay preparing process could take a few days before it is ready to use. The clay must be in the right consistency (not too moist nor too dry) when it is formed, or else this will affect the quality of the product.
The beads then air-dried before they go through the first firing process that will take about 8-10 hours with 800-1000'c. Next, when the beads have turned into 'stones', beads are now ready to be coloured or glazed. Once the glazing work done, the beads are to be arranged on the high-temperature wire before the final stage of the firing process. This normally takes about 10-12 hours with 1060 -1200'c heat. All these steps will ensure the quality of the end product, perfect ceramic beads and other ceramic product.
For beads making we often choose the pattern from the local plants such as 'Buah Engkalak', 'Buah Terung Dayak', 'Buah Dubai' and many more. While in the plates making, we use the pressing technique by using leaves from the garden, such as hibiscus, guava, papaya and even 'Pokok Ulam Raja' and 'Midin' (a famous wild vegetable among local delicacies).
The design of the necklaces or other accessories is often inspired by nature like sceneries or places around Sarawak. We have a design named after a famous beach that has glowing neon blue algae; Tusan Beach and I called this collection "Starry Night at Tusan Beach", and of course we have a lot more designs that are inspired by places around us here.
We are seeking to give Sarawak's traditional beads a modern touch and fuse ethnic Sarawak styles with modern designs.
Our aim as a clay jewellery maker is to promote Sarawak ethnic design by giving them a contemporary twist so it can suit all ages, affordable and wearable at all time.
All these special criteria make each piece of the product unique in its own way, thus through our product, we are telling the story about Sarawak to people out there.
We hope this simple story about our product, will help the new generation and people out there appreciate our heritage and knowing more about Sarawak in this land of Borneo.
By Wini Copper