Hi Lynnie, sorry didn't see your ? about clay. Yes I fire the clay, I keep a small kiln in my garage. I have had a small studio sized one for several years, it is smaller than a bushel basket. It is as important to me as my sewing machine. Funny how we get used to things. I have been busy with snowman heads and tiny stars this month, Fons & Porter has bought three of my designs, one of them is in the current issue they did such a great job with it, the next one will be published in a few weeks. I'm trying to stitch a few of them for presents this year. I have been making buttons for around 35 years, it is my passion!