Tuesday, January 5, 2010

~New Items for a New Year~

I have been in the process of moving studios over the last month. There is a larger room in my home perfect for my new Pottery Studio. I get great light and inspiration from the french doors that overlook the lush landscaping in the backyard and when I purchase a kiln (one day) I have the perfect space to set it up right outside my studio. So here is part of what I have been working on...

About My Process
I designed my Handcrafted Porcelain Collection "Elegant Simplicity for the Home" out of my love for creating elegant, yet functional pieces. I am inspired by all things French! My designs are constructed using the hand building technique. The entire process from design conception, hand building my pieces and packaging are all completed by me in my studio. Each of my pieces is adorned with one of my original French designs which I had turned in to stamps. I imprint the designs onto each piece. It is these imprints that turn my pieces into the elegant creations they become and makes each one truly unique. After the clay is dry the pieces are then placed in to an electric kiln to be bisque fired. When that process is completed they are then removed from the kiln and are ready for me to glaze. After that, they are placed back in to the kiln for a second firing. When they are completed, I package them up beautifully and safely and ship them off to you to enjoy for years to come...

My Inspirations

My studio, which is located just outside of Los Angeles, California is where I create all of my designs. My inspirations are drawn from Ornamental borders, architectural scrollwork's, floral imagery, antique French text and European textile designs. I love intricate details but, I also love simplicity. It is these mixed inspirations that have developed in to my collection. I feel that what we surround ourselves with should be inspiring. I am constantly inspired by everything around me. It is looking at the obvious outside the box when I come up with some of my most creative ideas. My goal is to have a beautiful, unique and cohesive Collection.

Why I chose to work with Porcelain
Porcelain's elegant beauty and rich history make it the perfect material to work with. I love the purity and the texture that you can feel and see in this beautiful clay. It is delicate, yet durable and after working with other clays, the quality of porcelain is by far, the best.
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Just a comment to let you know that all of the pottery pieces pictured below are unfinished and have NOT been glazed yet. The glaze will enhance all of the details in each piece and bring life and beauty in to them...

This is my newest Vase which I just made last night. I enjoy creating unique pieces and adding something completely unexpected to them. I wanted to create a vase unlike anything I have seen before.

In the front I formed a circle and added a pretty texture to it and then imprinted it with a French design. I love the way it dangles and drapes the front of the vase, almost like a piece of jewelry.


I placed four holes through the sides and then weaved a pretty satin trim through. I call this Collection of Vases "Love Intertwined."

For the finishing touch, I took the remainder of the satin trim and tied it in to a delicate bow to add a pretty detail to the back of the vase.

I am also making Vases in two sizes which will be available in five of my French designs. I love the elegant imprint that the stamp adds to each piece.

This Dish is so pretty with it's delicate curves and shallow body. It makes the perfect piece to display jewelry or any of your special treasures in. These are also stamped with my French designs. It is important to me to have an entire Home Accessory Collection that can be beautifully displayed together.


Another item I designed are these gift tags. You can add them to any present as an "extra" gift . They would also look pretty displayed as ornaments. Once ALL of my pieces have been glazed and completed, I will do another post of the finished products and then they will be available for sale.


These are some of the colors I am thinking of using for my glazes. I want to use soft, muted colors that will enhance my pieces without taking away from the designs.

My logo, which will be stamped on the box that orders are shipped in.

I made oversized business cards to add another unique detail to my business. If someone has a stack of business cards, mine will definitely stand out. I used a crisp white cardstock and plain black text because I think that pretty much descibes my Collection. Simple, yet elegant.

For those of you who are new to my Blog, here are "some" of my items from my French Cotton and Burlap Home Accessories Collection...


Cotton canvas Totes with a gusset for added durability and strength. I always take one of these with me when I go to the Flea Market. They are available in 2 sizes.

Cotton canvas Bucket Totes. I have these all over my own home. They are perfect for kids toys, magazines and spa accessories. They are available in 2 sizes.

Burlap and Cotton Sacks with a twine handle. These are so great to fill with any items around your home or to give as a gift. I have shown multiple uses for all of these items on my website and in my Etsy shop. There are links to both at the top right corner of my Blog.

My love of Pillows. These are what started everything, just eight short months ago. I had no idea that one Pillow would turn in to a complete Collection of Totes, Sacks, Buckets and now my Porcelain Pottery Collection.


I want to thank all of my retail customers, as well as my wholesale clients and friends who have supported my business from the beginning. I am looking forward to launching my Pottery Collection and having a great year ahead.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

~A Beautiful Day~

Those of you who have followed my Blog know that we are members of SRF Lake Shrine. Known, not only for it's Spiritual teachings, SRF welcomes people from all religions and walks of life. It has brought me so much peace and as you will see from the following pictures it has brought my Daughter this same peace as well.
Azaria praying at the Gandhi World Peace Memorial. A portion of Gandhi's ashes are enshrined in the 1000 year old sarcophagus behind her .

Meditating in Lotus Pose.

It's amazing to me the concentration and connection a five year old can obtain and maintain.



Every time we saw a bench, she wanted to sit quietly for a few minutes.


As you can see we had a wonderful day in Pacific Palisades.

Watch a video of Lake Shrine:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=6955295

Friday, December 25, 2009

~Merry Christmas~

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas!

I wanted a simple, yet pretty tablescape.



Cute place card angels that my daughter made.

Christmas morning...


Look what's on her lap...

Part of Santa's suit that must have got stuck on our fireplace. Azaria felt very lucky to have it, but felt bad that Santa ripped his suit. Sweet girl, so thoughtful!

Azaria and Brother Balananda. Seeing him was a special treat, she was so excited!

Azaria and her friend, Ellie.



My little Angel (5th from left) was in the choir last night at SRF Lake Shrine. It was so beautiful!

Monday, December 21, 2009

~A Christmas Craft~

So, today we decided to stay home since we will be busy, busy for the next five days. We thought of an easy, fun craft to do together. Pipe cleaner candy canes...

I took one red and one white pipe cleaner and just twisted the top to get it started for my Daughter. Then she did the rest and made a bunch of candy canes to hang on the Christmas tree and all the door knobs...

She is seeing one of her friends tomorrow and has a gift for her and decided that she also wants to give her one of these as well. She took the empty package of pipe cleaners and turned it in to a gift bag.

Here is she is hanging them on the Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas...

Saturday, December 19, 2009

~Family Visit~

My side of the family (which isn't too big) came for a visit. From left, My brother, my Daughter, Me, my Mom, my Son and my Grandfather. My Dad is taking the picture.


Out takes...


We all look a little goofy, but what's a family picture without some silly ones thrown in right?

My Daughter got just what she wanted from her Uncle and her Popeye!


I can't believe I have a 15 year old! Time sure goes by fast...

Grandson and Grandpa!

My big guy! The only time he smiled is when he opened his presents and there was money or a gift card.

Me and my Brother.


Oh! My little one and her Popeye...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

~Last Day of School~

My kids last day of school!





Last day of school party for my little one...


Sweet girl!


Best Buddies!

Here she is sharing our family holiday photo with her class.


Great Friends!


Sweet girls!

This is what my Daughter said when asked what she would give us. How sweet is that?
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Have a wonderful Holiday!!!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

~Getting Ready for Christmas~


Our Family Christmas Pictures... It took a few takes to get our 15 year old to smile!

Our Little Angel...

We love setting up the tree, and I especially love how it looks on Christmas Eve with all the presents piled up underneath.

I made homemade fudge tonight. My kids have been begging me the last 3 days to make it. Yes, I made it from scratch and I was so happy to see them as well as my Husband enjoying it so much!