My little Emmie

This is a picture of my friends little girl yawning! How adorable is this??? On top of thinking that she is absolutely ADORABLE...her Mommy asked me today to be Emily's Godmother! What an honor!!! I almost started crying...so...I am on cloud nine today and just had to share with everyone how adorable my God-Daughter is!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Hot DOG!!!

Yes this is my adorable BooBoo Dog aka - Shadow! One of my coworkers asked me if I had a dog because they needed one for a photo shoot...my dog now lives with my Mom (landlord won't allow pets)...so...Shadow came in for his very first photo shoot! He was so well behaved (because I promised him a tee of his own!

All of these loveable doggy tees were made using products from our Tulip® Pet Lounge™ line(which is NEW!)...check out the project section of the web for other "pawsome projects"!!!

Off to go make Shadows tee!


Artfully Yours,
Ceramic Diva

Haute Couture

Duncan Enterprises is proud to introduce Duncan Designer Glazes™, a line of premium ceramic arts glazes inspired by Fashion Couture! So...turn fashion designer elements into home décor! Now Duncan makes it easier to create decorative pieces for the home that imitate the fabrics, textures, and colors people love to wear!

With fashionably named colors like Distressed Denim, Organza Orange, Carbon Chiffon, Natural Linen, Forrest Flannel, Crimson Chenille, Khaki Canvas, Teal Tweed and Saffron Silk, Duncan Designer Glazes™ instantly bring to mind your favorite fabrics that are sure to inspire one-of-a-kind creations. The lustrous finish, accented by the unique color breaks these glazes produce will make each piece – simply stunning!

I am totally excited to create all types of projects using these glazes!!! Check out the projects featuring Designer Glazes™ on our website!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Hip New E-Cards

I just received a fun little e-card from a friend...she told me about this cool website Hipster Cards. They have 100's of awesome cards for every event plus the best part is they are FREE!

Plus another place that I recently found was Career Builder "Monk-E-Mail". You first pick your "Chimp"...Pick your Accessories...Pick your location...the last part is hilarious, you personalize your card. Now I am talking you can talk into a mic, or type text in. You can even have an English accent! Plus the eyes of your character follow your mouse around!

Go send a card...I am sure you can create one for any occasion!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Duncan Polytechnical Portfolio Day

Duncan Polytechnical High School was created in 1985 as a 4-year speciality school organized around five career pathways: Agriculture, Heath, Public Service, Business and Industrial Technology. Duncan Poly is considered a model school for occupational education...So I was honored that I was asked to participate in Portfolio Day!

It started with a brief orientation and then I was off to go to my classroom! I had a group 9th graders first...who were so nervous and then a group of 10th graders! Everyone did an exceptional job! Each student had put together a portfolio of the work they had completed over the school year, plus talked about their career path. After each group of presentations I had to fill out an evaluation form...giving my feedback about the good and bad of each portfolio/presentation. The students were so enthusiastic and eager to share information about school, family life, and their special interests.

It was an amazing experience and I hope to be invited back next year!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Mother's Day Treats!

Sunday my Mom and I went to Farmers Market for an outdoor breakfast...I haven't been to Farmers Market since my previous career in retail...it doesn't change! Still fun, fresh foods, and delicious treats! We ate breakfast at the French Crepe Co....FABULOUS!!! My mom had "La Versailles" (Crepe filled with fresh strawberries and lightly sprinkled with sugar) and I went for the decadent La Napoleon (Crepe filled with Nutella, fresh strawberries and bananas)! After a breakfast like that we had to walk it off!!!

We hit up kiosks to check out the Pandora Charms, bought an adorable LA Dodgers jersey for my dog Shadow, shopped Anthropologie, Arden B., Marciano, Michael Stars, Nordies, and Tracey Allen Jewelery. Plus a major bonus was while we were shopping inside Nordies shoe department I noticed they were setting up for someone to sing...I though it was going to be some piano player doing show tunes for Mother's Day or something...I was WRONG! It was Robin Thicke (for those of you who remember the TV show Growing Pains it's Alan Thicke's son!!) who is a great new artist...I just fell in love with his voice! But we got to see him upclose! It was way cool!!! Only in LA!

After all of the shopping we decided to hit up Sunset Blvd on our way home...this strip is filled with beautiful upscale shops, along with kitschy boutiques, plus fantastic restaurants! We decided to have a late lunch-early dinner at Mel's Diner...where we saw our SECOND star of the day...this time it was Vin Diesel!!!

We had a magnificent time! The best thing about our trip wasn't the shopping, food or the stars...but it was spending a weekend with my best friend...my mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Shop till you drop!

My mom has got to be the #1 shopper...she knows her way around any mall, if she has been there before or it's all new! Absolutely AMAZING! On Saturday we hit up 2 shopping centers...first we started at Westfield Mall...which had so many stores...Charles David, Cole Haan, Dooney & Bourke, Juicy Couture, L'Occitane, O& Co., Restoration Hardware, Tiffany's, plus one of my favorites, The Container Store! My mom and I both agree that we could have spent several hours in that store!

Our next mission was the Beverly Center...we hit up, Nine West, H & M, Arden B, Aldo Shoes and Accessories, Guess, LeSportsac, Macy's, Bloomies, Pet Love, Pottery Barn, and Steve Madden! After all the shopping we had to grab a bite to eat...so P.F. Chang's sounded yummy! Then we hit up MORE shopping!!!

Once we got back to our hotel...there were about 3 events going on, a wedding reception, world poker tour, benefit (yes...stars were there!!). My mom and I dropped off our shopping bags and headed down to Trader Vics in hopes of seeing any famous stars! No luck, however this hot spot is really fun...totally feel like you are right there in Hawaii!!

Tomorrow our Agenda is The GROVE!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Welcome to Hollywood...

We left arrived in Southern California Friday afternoon and it's absolutely beautiful here! Our hotel looks kinda 50's-Retro and the inside was simply beautiful!!!

With only 4 minutes to spare my Mom and I finally made it to Pantages Theater. Our seats were phenomenal...which made the actual show even better! I most definitely recommend going to see this show...especially if you are a fan of The Wizard Of Oz...I watched that movie as a child and Wicked totally captivated me in the same way. It was funny, heartwarming plus had a romantic side! It's a MUST to go see!!!

Oh how I love LA!!! Tomorrow is our day of SHOPPING!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Mother's Day Weekend!

It's Mothers Day this weekend! I am so excited to be spending the weekend with my Mommy!
You guessed it, I am a Mommy's girl!


Our weekend is going to start off by driving down to Southern California! Friday night we have tickets to see the musical Wicked, which should be amazing! Then Saturday it's going to be a day of shopping!!!! Our plan is to hit up The Grove, Beverly Center, Kitson, Downtown Santa Monica, and hopefully the Fashion District! With all of that shopping we are trying to get in, it's a must to get some sun in too! We plan on hitting the beach (or at least lay by the pool of the hotel!). On Sunday our plan is to go to Farmers Market for breakfast. Next week I will post some pics from LA! It's going to be a blast!!!


Also...for Mother's Day I am creating 2 gifts for my Mom...the first one is a set of 4 coffee mugs. I was inspired by a mug that I saw at Starbucks...which I almost bought them for her, but then I thought hey...I can do that!!! So I used 2 base coats of Envisions Translucent Glaze, then created a cool design using French Dimensions, then added another coat of Envision Translucent Glaze! Can't wait to see it come out of the kiln...it's that magic factor that I love! The next gift is a painted canvas for her to hang in her kitchen...using Tulip Soft Fabric Paint, then adding embellishments with Tulip Fashion Bead Paint...and it wouldn't be me without some Tulip Glam-It-Up! Iron-On Crystals...I LOVE BLING BLING! The great thing is you don't have to iron on the bling...I am using New Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive! Hope she loves her gifts!!


Happy Mothers Day!


Artfully Yours,
Ceramic Diva

Happy Birthday!!!

On Friday my friend delivered a little girl...now it's celebration time! To welcome baby Emily to the world...she needed something personal from me...so...I went to Target purchased onesies and
baby socks, then purchased Tulip One Step Fashion Dye...late Friday night I was up in the garage going crazy doing all different tye dye techniques! I created 10 little onesies plus matching socks! Once I get a picture of her in them I will post it on my blog! Baby Emily is ADORABLE!!!!

Then Saturday night we went out for tepenyaki to celebrate my sisters upcoming 18th birthday! It was so much fun...(Today is my sisters actual birthday)...so Happy Birthday Sis!!!

Yesterday I started a ceramic project using Translucent Envision Glazes and French Dimensions...once it comes out of the magical kiln I will be sure to share the photo and project instructions with you!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Coordinate Your Designs!

Last week I told you about the 21 NEW Duncan Oh Four™ Bisque designs that had just been released...this week I just have to let you know that not only did we just release 21 new shapes...but we also have amazing coordinating designs!!! I am thrilled about the new additions to our Asian Collection...plus using the coordinating designs are going to make serving take out so much fun! The Asian Collection was decorated with Neon Concepts® and X-Treme Dimensions™! It just shows that you can do so many other great things with dimensional glazes!


Click on the photo to take you to the project instructions.


Be sure to check out our website for other fabulous projects!


Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Sassy Intensions!

I am so excited for our NEW Duncan Oh Four™ Bisque designs to arrive so I can begin working on new projects!!!

A couple of my favorite designs are the new Soy Sauce Pot, Sake Decanter, and Sake Cup which are editions to our Asian Collection! I have the inspiration to create a set for take out nights!!!

Now for one of my favorite new bisque shapes...Yes...for those of you who know me personally, I love Justin Timberlake! That is why when we created this new addition to Duncan Oh Four™ Bisque it seemed so perfect to put saving for Justin T Tickets! I am definitely a "Sassy" saver rather than a "Sweet" saver! But the choice is up to you...make it your own! One great thing about this project is it's decorated with OS™ Opaque Acrylics. Which is a "Non-Fired" product...so...if you don't have a kiln it's cool to seal with any of our Spray Sealers!


So...what are you intending to save for???

Artfully Yours,
Ceramic Diva

Getting Inspired!!!

Although I have a passion for ceramics I thought I would try something new! Being that I work for a FABULOUS company Duncan Enterprises, they offered a course to learn a really cool mixed media art like Candace Marquette!

In class we blended Tulip Soft Fabric Paint colors together and created a background for design work, then used more Tulip Soft Fabric Paint to create different designs, once everything was dry we took a sharpie marker and outlined the designs to finish the tote bag. But what handbag would be complete without a little bling...so...I added some Tulip Fashion Bead Paint to add some dimension and just jazzed it up!!! Now one more finishing touch...some Tulip Glam-It-Up Iron-On Crystals!!! My first tote project is going to my mom...I know she will just love it! This was such a fun craft project to do, I am totally inspired to try this type of technique in Ceramics! Check out other projects available on our website!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Happy Easter!!!

The baby shower on Saturday was absolutely wonderful! I am so excited for my friend to have her little girl! Emily Ann, what an adorable name! Well...baby Emily received so many wonderful gifts...one of my favorites was the tye-dyed cloth diapers! Way to cute!!!

Sunday was so much fun! We spent the day at my cousins house in Coarsegold! As you can see each one of the kids painted a tile for the patio table using Neon Concepts...I am so excited to see how the finished project looks! I will share pictures once the table is complete!

Easter with our family isn't just eating lunch then getting the Easter Egg Hunt over...we do crafts, go out on the pond to take the kids fishing, ride horses, go karts & ATVs, plus spend time together! Check out the photos below from our big day!

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Spring into Creativity!

I am so excited about this weekend! There is so much going on...Love it!

On Saturday I have a baby shower to go to for my friend who is having a girl!!!
Then get cooking for the Easter festivities at my cousin’s house! I am to bring my decadent chocolate brownies and a yummy green salad! On Sunday we are going to my cousin’s house in Coarsegold…it is going to be wonderful to see family that is from out of town…plus we are going to do a ceramic workshop with the kids! My cousin came up with the idea…I am just offering some help! He purchased several ceramic tiles for each one of the kids to decorate…I am bringing Concepts® Underglaze, Dimensional Glazes, Tools, and Clearglaze…then we are going to let the kids create their masterpiece! After the tiles are fired my cousin is making them into a counter top for his patio table! Such a wonderful idea I can’t wait to share the joy of ceramics with my family!

On Monday I will share the pictures from my fabulous weekend!

Have a Happy Easter!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Bye Bye NYC!!!

Yes...today is the day that we are flying home...but I wouldn't live with myself if I didn't go out with a bang! So...yep, SHOPPING!!! My mom and I headed out early again, hitting up a fabulous find called Laila Rowe.
They had accessories for every color outfit you could possibly own at cheap, cheap prices!!! Think Claire's accessories but not made for kids...totally amazing! After spending an hour and a half in there we went over to get our daily Starbucks...then to keep on truckin'...

Time Square was going to be our last stop before we had to check out of the hotel...but I got caught up being a kid again at Toys R Us! The photo on the left is the Farris Wheel inside of the store! OH MY...LOVE IT! What kid wouldn't want to hang out here all day! On our way back up 7th we still had some time before checking out and there is this place I read about called Alcone Company...which sells make up to theater/broadway, TV and movie stars. They are so helpful and I had such a fun time in there!!! The staff was super knowledgeable plus they didn't push their products on you...plus the prices were reasonable!

Now it's check out time...so sad to leave NYC...but I miss home!! Can't wait to see my husband tonight!!! Plus get back to work (sounds crazy I know but I love my job)!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Top of the ROCK!

Monday morning my mom and I were out of the hotel by 7am! (that's 4am Cali time!) We took the subway down to Chelsea Market and walked around there...then had a yummy breakfast at The City Cafe! Now that we had a full tummy we were ready to tackle a day of shopping & sightseeing! We hit up H & M (yes, I am addicted!), Maolo Blahnik, Tiffany & Co., plus other delightful stores!

The photo on the top is my mom and I "On Top of the Rock". Absolutely breathtaking...then we went down to the Ice Skating Rink in front of Rockefeller Center!



We had a great day shopping and enjoying spending time together! So...to end a wonderful full day of shopping we hit up "Chat n Chew" for dinner! What a fun atmosphere and cute place! If you like diner-ish food check it out!!! After dinner we hit up some more shops plus checked out a "Chocolate Bar" called "Chocolate by the bald man Max Brenner"...it was something that I had seen on Food Network, so I HAD to go there!!! I ended up getting some yummy gifts for people at home!

Tomorrow we leave to go home...I can't believe it's been about a week that I have been here!!!

I love NYC!!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Soaking up the city!

It's Sunday and a beautiful day here in New York City! Today my mom got up early and headed out for our shopping extravaganza in "Soho" (slang for South of Houston Street)...there were so many stores we didn't know which to hit up first!!! MoMA, Sur La Table, H & M, MAC, and tons of other boutique stores!!! After all that shopping we headed to Lombardi's for some classic NY Pizza...oh my...it was AMAZING! If you are in NY you MUST hit this place up for lunch or dinner!!! After lunch we hit up a couple more shops...then took the subway back uptown to our hotel to get ready for the show tonight! My mom and I went to see The Color Purple, the musical...it was FANTASTIC! Such a great story and message...I am going to read the book now for sure! Since we had a late lunch we went out for dessert at Serendipity 3...we were totally SICK after eating that much but it was so totally worth it!!!

Tomorrow is going to be full of sightseeing, and of course shopping!!!

Artfully Yours,
Ceramic Diva


(On the left is the Frozen Hot Chocolate my mom ordered and on the right is my Hot Fudge Sundae!)

It's Over!!!

NAEA is over! Although I am sad about today being the last day...it was a great experience meeting educators from around the world! Here is the final photo of our booth...isn't it totally awesome! It's so sad that we had to pack up and go home! Next year NAEA is going to be held in New Orleans! I can't wait to talk about our fabulous Duncan products again!


After a long day of work on Saturday we went out for a yummy dinner at Ruby Foo's...what a delicious dinner!! Plus keep in mind that today is St. Patricks Day...so it was WILD in the streets of NY! I love this city!


Check back for the shopping 411 on Sunday!


Artfully Yours,


Ceramic Diva

A Room With A View

Day 2 was another success for Duncan Enterprises! I had several teachers say that all they use are Duncan Glazes!!!
So today I am a little tired...mainly my feet hurt...plus with the change in weather it doesn't help. Talk about a challenge trying to walk in the snow without falling on your bum! The photo on the left is the balcony off my room. Totally amazing...but really cold!!!

Tomorrow is the last day of our event...which makes me sad! I love to share all of the wonderful products that Duncan has to offer...plus I love to talk about the techniques and project ideas available on our web!

Well..it's almost dinner time here! Talk to you tomorrow...hope I don't fly away from the 30 mph winds!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva