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Clay- For the town in the United States, see Clay, New York.
Clay is a generic term for an aggregate of hydrous silicate particles less than 4 micrometers in diameter. It consists of small crystals of the minerals silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). These elements, silicon, oxygen and aluminum are the most abundant in the earth’s crust. Clay is generally formed by the chemical weathering of silicate-bearing rocks by carbonic acid, but some are formed by hydrothermal activity. Clays are distinguished from other small particles present in soils such as silt by their oblong shape, affinity for water and high plasticity index.
There are three main groups of clays: Kaolinite-Serpentine, Illite, and Smectite. Altogether, there are about thirty different types of "pure" clays in these categories, but most natural clays are mixtures of these different types, as well as other weathered minerals.
Clays hardened by fire were the first ceramic, and remain one of the cheapest and most widely used materials to produce even in the present day. Bricks, cooking pots, art objects, spark plug tips, and even musical instruments such as the ocarina are all made with clay. Clay is also used in many industrial processes, such as paper making, concrete production, and chemical filtering.
Varve (or varved clay) is clay with visible annual layers, formed by seasonal differences in erosion and organic content. This type of deposit is common in former glacial lakes from the ice age.
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Moonshine Trading Company Fairy dust bottles, incense holders, and jewelry made from custom clay beads. http://www.moonshinetradingco.com/
Omodt Art Designs Hawaiian designs using a millefiori technique. Includes a selection of watchbands, animal figures, jewelry, wall art, clocks, and vases. http://www.omodtart.com/
Hershberger Designs Art kazoos, sculptures, wall pieces, masks, jewelry, and keychains, by Lynn D. Troldahl Hershberger. http://www.digiserve.com/kazoo/hershberger.html
Anne Klocko Vinyl Clay Artwork Three dimensional framed wall art with a section on technique and information on the artist. http://anneklocko.com/
Polka Dot Creations Features customized jewelry, ornaments, beads, and instructional books and videos. http://www.polkadotcreations.com/
Olga Ayala Handicrafts Functional original home decor items and jewelry displayed in various galleries. Also offers information on the artist. http://mywebpage.netscape.com/olgaayalataino/index.html
Crafty Goat Offers a selection of jewelry, stationery, and home decor items. http://www.craftygoat.com
Absolutely Polymer Amulets, pendants, and vessels by Pax Nidorf. http://www.frodinart.com/polymer/start.htm
Artistic Hands Creations include eggs, pens, pendants, candleholders, pins, perfume atomizers, and ornaments. Custom made items are also available. http://www.artistichands.com/
Three Rubies Designs Home decor items, sculptures, wearable art, and gifts, as well as customized miniatures, business card holders, and jewelry. http://www.threerubies.com/
Polymer Clay Babies Selection of miniatures listed by theme as wells as dolls, angels, a variety of animals, and cake toppers. http://www.polymerclaybabies.com/
Kaina Point Designs Collection of jewelry, pens, and eggs, as well as faux Turquoise and Agate. http://kainapointdesigns.theshoppe.com/
Swirly Designs by Lianne and Paul Ornaments for all seasons made by Lianne and Paul Stoddard, artists from Stoneham, MA. http://www.swirlydesigns.com/
Clay 2 Clock Handmade clocks in standard creations or by custom order. http://clay2clock.com/
Miniature Gift Thai Individual craftsmen and collectors who are members of the "Khong Jiew" association in Bangkok. Miniature flowers, food, and animals, as well as accessory items. http://www.geocities.com/miniaturethai/
The Dragon's Chest Wearable and decorative handcrafted dragons. Contains color choices, different styles, and the incorporation of birth stones as well as a gallery. http://www.thedragonschest.com/
Absolute Artisans Offers one of a kind handmade colourful creations made in Ontario, Canada. http://www.absoluteartisans.com/
Winter Moon Designs Features fine art polymer clay creations of all types. Information, history, gallery, and techniques. http://www.wintermoondesigns.com/
Beadunique Features a selection of nature themed items, show list, and clay history. http://www.beadunique.com/
The Wild Bunny Jewelry and artifacts including: eggs, pens, cake toppers, beads, and miniatures. http://www.thewildbunny.com/
Crafts N Scraps Offers handmade angels, buttons, mermaids, jewelry, collectibles, and beads. http://www.craftsnscraps.com/
Random Acts of Craftiness Jewelry, boxes, eggs and pens by Nancy Thompson. http://www.mindspring.com/~randomacts/
Only Child Creations Jewelry, barrettes, pens, and containers. http://www.onlychildcreations.com/
Portraits in Clay Made to order, three dimensional portraits for wedding cakes, birthdays, or any special tribute. http://www.portraitsinclay.com/
Fimo Clay Creations Music boxes, animals, and dolls, handmade in Abruzzo, Italy. http://www.worldtelitaly.com/ilmosaico/indexuk.html
Jean Jackson Handsculpted, three dimensional light switch covers in a variety of styles and designs geared towards children. Selection includes dolphins, stars and moons, Noah's Ark, jungle animals, and tropical fish. http://www.craftassoc.com/clay.html
Mary's Jewelry Necklaces, earrings, barrettes, and miniature bears. http://www.angelfire.com/biz/MarysJewelry/index.html
Christy's Rock Garden Necklaces, pins, and bowls designed in nature and Native American themes such as flowers, feathers, and animals. Artist: Christy Ann Hensler. http://www.povn.com/rock/gpoly.html
Crafts by Chris Offering handmade personalized gifts, ornaments, and earrings. http://www.craftsbychrisonline.com/
Carol's Creations Selection of one of a kind caricatures, custom ordering details, artist biography, and various galleries. http://www.c3creations.com/
Angel Hug Creations Angels, holiday items, patriotic pins, and football pins in team colors. Artist: Rita Topp. http://ritasclay.tripod.com/
Marcy's Claypen Items listed by theme in various galleries. Includes: miniatures, garden, Christmas, sun, moon, and stars, bride and groom, hearts, birdhouses, teapots, jewelry, ornaments, Thanksgiving, teachers, and sports. http://www.marcysclaypen.com/
Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery Offers a themed selection of beads, jewelry, dolls, masks, barrettes, pins, pendants, and sculptures. http://www.polyclay.com/
Dolls by Cheryl Riello Features a selection of hand sculpted dolls. Also miniatures, teddy bears, wreaths, and jewelry. http://users.rcn.com/criello/
Clever Creations by Amy Features a selecting of hand sculpted jewelry and picture frames. Includes a show schedule. http://www.clevercreationsbyamy.com/
Good Night Irene Features handmade clocks, mirrors, wall pieces, switchplates, pens, and letter openers. Also background information, store listings, and show schedule. http://www.good-night-irene.com/
Blue Raven Clayworks Figurine sculptures, puppets, wall, and wearable art displayed in various galleries. Also FAQ, profile, and craft information. http://www.pacificnet.net/~rhaiven/
The Rock Garden Southwestern themed necklaces, earrings, bowls, and pins, as well as a selection of floral pendants and beads. http://www.povn.com./rock/gPoly.html
Joan Wells Offers embossed switch plate and outlet covers in metallic finishes and a selection of American flag pins and earrings. Custom orders accepted. http://www.joanwells.com/
Hoss Studio Custom made representations of people, pets, vehicles and objects, as well as a selection of ornaments and other artwork. http://www.hosstudio.com/
KlayKabobs Selection of place cards, cake toppers, custom favors for baby showers, wedding showers or any theme party. http://www.klaykabobs.com/
Rose Petal Designs Features a variety of handmade gifts and accessories. http://www.rosepetaldesigns.com/
Rose Buddies Handmade polymer clay roses, stems, flower pots, and pet faces available as gifts for any occasion or by custom order. http://www.rose-buddies.com/
Dj's One of a Kind Crafts Selection of pins, necklaces, bracelets, small figures, vessels, eggs, and boxes. http://secure.paynetsystems.com/catalogs/store.asp?catid=21323
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