Last day...

Today was the last day of the show...

Even though it's a lot of work...it's totally worth it!!!

Today we spent the day playing games, chatting with new friends, plus it was time for the drawing...drum roll...the winner is Liz Tilson of the Clay Cafe in Lubbock, Texas!!!! Lastly...we had to tear down the booth and the show is over!

Below are a few pictures I wanted to share from the show!

Here is a picture of Dippin Dean, Carolyn, Wendy and Lauren playing Hungry Hungry Hippo!

Our new Wine & Dine plates are totally unique!!!

The Condiments Tray and Bowl are perfect for a Tiki Party!!!

Transform any of our Slant Boxes into something from the jungle...

These Masks are awesome!!!

Try embellishing them with any of our Tulip Iron On Crystals,

just glue them on with new Liquid Fusion!!

Fresh fruit anyone? Our Square Collection is so sweet!

Contempo Collection

Chef Entree Dish and Wavy Edge Plate in full bloom!

Trendy look for our Provence Collection

Bank of Intentions...are you Sassy or Sweet???

Asian Collection

And the winner is...Liz Tilson of the Clay Cafe in Lubbock, Texas!

All of the finished projects from the booth will be loaded onto our website with step by step instructions! If you are looking for something or have a question email me at ceramicdiva@duncanmail.com

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

I wanna rock & roll all night...

It's time to paaaaarrrrty!!!!

Here is a picture of the crowd that showed up for Karaoke Night!!!

That is Dippin Dean on the left and Jeff from Joliet Ceramics singing "I wanna rock and roll all night...and party every day" by KISS...it was great!

Check out Fashion Girl wavin her hands in the air and our Duncan Ambassador Pat Hinz cuttin a rug to Dippin Dean & Jeff's song!

"We are family"...yes...everyone here earned 5 tickets each for singing!

I have to say...at first I was sort of hesitant about singing karaoke...not my strongest area. But Fashion Girl and couple of other girls got up and sang Real Lady Marmalade! We made a complete fool out of ourselves but we all couldn't stop laughing! It was SO much fun! I had a blast!!! Finally got to bed at 2am!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

We are family!!!

Today was a busy busy day!

First off...Tapestry of Leaves class at 9:30am and 11:00am!



After assisting David with the classes and doing a little clean up I grabbed lunch then hit up our booth!!! It was so much fun having people pop in to sing "We are family"...plus take the tour...play a games...and talk about our upcoming karaoke event!



Tonight was the Reception and Live Auction hosted by CCSA! It was great! Our auction item went for $1400 and all of the proceeds raised go to Susan G Komen foundation for breast cancer! The total event amount raised was over $53,000! Plus...WE WON BEST BOOTH!!!! Wooooohooo!!!!

Fountain created by Bisque Imports

Featuring Duncan Concepts Underglazes

Christmas Setting created by Katie Usdom owner of Glazed Expressions

The tree lights up and so do the lamps...plus Katie brought a CD containing children singing Christmas Carols...and there was even an "evergreen" scent!

This was our auction piece...it's our Provence Collection painted out with your own family members! How cool is that!!! Suzie is the artist that will be painting the dinnerware set...check out the plate with Summer Duncan painted on it! Suzie is so talented...I had her paint a mug for my husband as a Christmas gift...she was right on!

Now it's Karaoke time!!!!!!!

We are family.....


Ceramic Diva

The show opened today at 1:30...and we started the day off strong with our Rich and Bold Teapot class! Featuring Designer Glazes and Concepts on Duncan Oh Four Bisque. (The photo above is David teaching during Rich and Bold Teapots!) The last class of the day was Tapestry of Leaves the finished result is fantastic...putting Concepts Underglaze on Duncan Oh Four Bisque then add Courtyard Art Glaze over it creates a look almost like sgraffito! It's awesome!!!

Rich & Bold Teapot class times were 10:15am, 11:45am, and 7pm!

Tapestry of Leaves class times at 8:30pm!

In between classes I was able to buzz over to the booth...giving booth tours, playing Hungry Hungry Hippo & Connect 4 with with friends!!!

Tonight we hosted a swim party at the pool...the pool didn't quite meet our expectations...the online photos were much better! Ugh...so we went upstairs to the "bar on 2nd" to hang with our friends! It's only day 2 and I am wiped out! Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Opening Night!!!

Tonight was the big night! Not only did we set up the booth today...but tonight the doors opened and we get to see old friends plus make new ones!

It was so exciting!!! Everyone that I gave a booth tour to was so amazed to hear about our Duncan Solution and the booth giveaway!

We are giving the booth away!!! All you need to do is earn tickets...how do you do that??

Ways to earn tickets...

• Attend a Technique Class with David Hoff


• Attend the Design and Inspiration Business Class with Fashion Girl


• Play a game in the booth with a Duncan Team Member


• Ask a Duncan Team Member about Designer Glazes


• Take a picture with a Duncan Team Member


• Sing "We Are Family" in the Duncan booth (earn 5 tickets!)


• Wear your Duncan shirt during the show and earn a ticket each time you are spotted by a Duncan Team Member!

Plus we are hosting several events where you can win tickets!!! How does Karaoke sound??? Come by and sing to win!!!

Artfully yours,

Ceramic Diva

Set up time!!!

It all starts with the Duncan Family....
Duncan Enterprises is a family owned, family based business!





















"Family of Bisque" section
Your next stop is "Choose your design"...
We offer the highest quality materials, that offer consistent results every time! You will find exclusive designs ranging from home decor to dinnerware to designs created especially for kids and tweens!

"Families are Colorful" section...

Our solution is...decorate with Concepts, embellish with Dimensional Glazes, then Seal & Beautify with Clear Glaze! Duncan offers the most consistent high performing colors in the industry!

"Families are colorful...Brushes and Tools and Support Each Other"

Duncan brushes and tools are created for all your ceramic needs and for a variety of skill sets. Plus we offer support on our website with projects, techniques, lesson plans and so much more!

"Families Have Fun...Family of Distributors"


Have fun...bring smART Club or Masterpiece in Minutes into your studio!


















"Game Room!!"

Come play a game with us!!!

Come by and take a tour...plus find out how to win the booth!

Artfully yours,

Ceramic Diva

Easy projects!

Today I am flying out to Columbus Ohio for the CCSA event and thought I would check my emails! My friend Holly was working on a project and told me she would send me pictures once she was finished!!!

Holly had a baby shower to go to and wanted to make something unique as a gift. So she tye-dyed some onesies for the baby, using Tulip One Step Fashion Dyes and Tulip Baby Couture Iron-On Appliques! This was her first time tye-dying...Holly said that it was so easy that she created a tye dye tank for her daughter!

I though that this picture was too cute not to share!!!

Adorable!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Countdown...CCSA just 3 days away!

Today is my last day in the office before jetting off to Columbus Ohio for CCSA!!!

Such a busy schedule...

Tomorrow is our travel day...

Saturday is set up & the show opens!!!

(Once we get the booth set up I will download the pics and post them!)

Sunday will be day 2...

We have a total of 4 classes being taught by David Hoff...Rich & Bold and Tapestry of Leaves!

Monday will be day 3...

Which our own Fashion Girl is giving a little "Design and Inspiration" (the latest trends!) and David will be teaching another amazing class!

Tuesday which is the last day...

I get to spend all of my time in our booth talking with studio owners about my favorite thing...the DUNCAN FAMILY OF PRODUCTS!!!

I am so excited about CCSA this year and can't wait to share everything with you!!! Keep checking back for the latest CCSA-Duncan news!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Countdown...CCSA is just 4 days away!!!

The CCSA Convention is only 4 days away!

I can't believe it!!! Last year was so magical...not only because it was my first show but I was able to see what all of the fun was about! I had only been working for Duncan Enterprises for about 2 weeks when we jetted off to wonderful Orlando Florida! I was able to meet with so many Duncan fans and learn so much about products, techniques and was even able to squeeze in a little fun at Downtown Disneyworld!! This year the event is being held in Columbus Ohio! It's my first time going to Ohio and I am just delighted to reconnect with the awesome people I met last year!!!

Keep checking back...I will be updating my blog with the goings on for CCSA!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Sister Sister!!!

I just have to say I love my job!!! Not only do I work for an absolutely amazing company...but now so does my sister!!! She recently started working here as part of our design team! Plus she just finished some awesome projects that I can't wait for you to see in September on www.duncancrafts.com! I am so proud!

Watch out...it's double trouble now!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Design and Inspiration

The Oval French Bread plate was featured in our 2006 Duncan Creativity Guide...but I had to share this picture with you. I have been trying to think of a way to bring in a really fun design element into my kitchen...this piece just struck me! My kitchen has red walls with white counters, white appliances and mixed with chrome accents. Pretty plain! I am going to attempt painting this piece as an inspiration! Even if I don't utilize it as a serving piece it will add an awesome pop of color to my counter spaces! LOVE IT!

Which Duncan Ceramic project is your favorite?

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Get Educated!!!

Want to learn more about Ceramic Arts??? How about some techniques???

Well...I have the answer for you! Duncan University has just released New Essentials Courses!!! In each section you will learn about different types of products and their usage! I will give you a little sneak preview of what each section offers...

Essentials 101 - Full Day Course

The art of ceramics has endured thousands of years of history and cultural diversification. Experience new insights into this fascinating art form with this course focused on Concepts® Underglazes for Bisque.

Essentials 102 - Full Day Course

Learn the original form of decorating ceramic clay with two of the oldest types of colorants from traditional ceramic processes.

Essentials 103 - Higher Education
Nurture your knowledge and creativity with ceramic glazes in various finishes. This course gives you the tools to create beautiful works of art.

Essentials 104 - No Heat Required
This course will help round out your ceramic education and teach you about an amazing array of specialty products. Learn how to create excitement in ceramics without the use of a kiln.

As you advance in your skill level and knowledge of ceramic arts, you will be rewarded with special recognition and prestigious awards like the Certified Duncan Teacher Pin and diploma. After 25 courses are completed, participants receive the coveted Erma Duncan award and porcelain plate to recognize their achievement. Plus you are then able to join IADCCT which is a great group of ceramic lovers!!!

Click here to find an Ambassador in your area and to learn more about Duncan U Courses.

I am going to try to get a group of girlfriends together and sign up to take the new courses! Can't wait to sign up to take these courses!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Leavin Las Vegas

Ok...so maybe Vegas wasn't 100% relaxing! There was so much to see that I think we only got about 10 hours of sleep in 3 days!

Our days were spent lounging by the pools at our hotel...and our nights were spent hopping on the monorail checking out several other casinos...the Sirens of TI is a great show that Treasure Island has in front of the hotel...packed with dancing, singing, and fireworks!!!

We had a great time and can't wait for another trip to LV!!!

Artfully yours,

Ceramic Diva

Take 5 and Relaaaax!

Tonight my husband and I are off to one of my favorite places...LAS VEGAS! I usually don't win big at gambling...but win BIG at having fun!

I know that most people don't really think of Las Vegas as being a great place to relax...but let me tell you in the summer it's perfect! Our plan is to hang out by the pool during the day and then in the evenings (once it's cooler than 115 degrees!) We are going to hit the town! I am looking forward to going to the old strip, seeing the Sirens of TI, Fountains at the Bellagio, Lions at MGM, Shark Tank/Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, The Roller Coaster at NY NY, and my favorite thing...a little clubbin'! Looking forward to hitting the dance floor at Studio 54 and Tryst (located at the Wynn)!

When I get back from our mini-vacation I will post some of the pictures!

Artfully yours,

Ceramic Diva

Hootie Hooo!!!

Today I received an email for Daily Candy and fell in love with the necklace featured. When I went to the website for Maneki there were other great trendy necklaces and earrings...The necklace with the owl on it reminds me of my Grandma Gwen...she would have LOVED this plus the matching earrings!


Maneki creates each collection with names that are inspired from Japan's maneki neko, the famous beckoning cat that is said to usher luck and good fortune into one’s life. Designed by Sarah Elizabeth Eastep, the line features cheery charms that can only mean good things. Everyone needs some good things in their life!


Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Red...White...Blue...

Designer Glazes™ are totally captivating...I love that you can create an artistic inspired project or detailed project! The consistent results I get using Designer Glazes™ provide, plus their versatility and ease of use make these glazes ideal for both the casual ceramist and professional alike. They also work in perfect harmony with other Duncan glazes and underglazes as well as in combination with each other for dramatic results! Fabulous!!! I really need to start on another ceramic project using Designer Glazes™!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

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