Changing of Seasons...

I love the feeling that I get from looking at these pieces!

It reminds me of upcoming fall events...my birthday (only 2 weeks away, but already celebrating "birth-month"), leaves changing, pumpkin pie and spending time with family!

Last year I painted a pumpkin using Courtyard Art Glazes - Pumpkin Spice and placed it on my table. The rich color was stunning...I think that I need to add coordinating pieces to complete my set!

Click here for instructions to complete the project above!

Artfully Yours,
Ceramic Diva

Race for the Cure!

This is the month of pink...it's breast cancer awareness month. One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in her lifetime.

One of my friends has a team to support the Komen Fresno Race for the Cure® on October 27th in the fight against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure! Please support my friend by clicking here and making a donation...remember any amount helps! Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically undeserved communities and national breast cancer research.

I am very excited that my friend is doing this...I remember when my mom and I did a marathon...hard work but the reward was soooo worth it!

To support in the fight against breast cancer...I made a "Bank of Intentions"..."Saving For The Cure!"

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

A Little Mystery...

On our way to the Winchester Mystery House I couldn't believe the developments that have popped up in the area! There is a shopping area "Santana Row" that looks like a combination of Italy and France...really beautiful. The shops ranged from Donald J. Pliner to Sur La Table...

they have EVERYTHING!!! (next time my mom and I need a place to go shop we are going here!)

Our tour began at 11:30 and was about an hour long...

The story is Sarah L. Winchester spent about 38 year remodeling and adding onto her house...some rooms had great details while others were lacking those finishing touches. Although I do have to say her Tiffany Art Glass collection was stunning. Plus the original ceramic tiles that were surrounding the fireplaces were beautiful...the colors were so rich and creamy. It totally reminded me of some of the colors we offer at Duncan...like our Designer Glazes™. The amount of money that was spent on this mansion is crazy...but I can't get over how much time was spent...24 hours a day and 7 days a week! In 38 years that is a total of 332,880 hours total!!!

On our way home we stopped at Casa de Fruta (a family tradition!) and got a little snack to help us make it home! I love traveling...but there is no place like home!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Boardwalk!

This morning I was worried it would be really cold and cloudy...but everything burned off!

We took off for Santa Cruz this morning and really had an amazing time! Of course you had to start the day off right by riding the Giant Dipper (then again a few more times)! My husband and I walked up and down the boardwalk several times...we had the best time people watching while enjoying the famous fried artichoke hearts! We played more video games...went on the haunted house ride (which was mainly in the dark the entire time!) and my husband kept grabbing my arm making me think someone else was...once I would scream he would start laughing! (it wasn't that funny!)

After a full day of being in the sun at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk we went back to the hotel to get ready for our special dinner!

If you have never tried fondue...even if you have...you MUST try the Melting Pot! They start you off with your choice from 6 cheese fondues plus vegetables and bread for dipping...then you move onto your salad...and the main course which was a sampling of fillet, sirloin, garlic & herb chicken, citrus pork tenderloin, mushroom raviolis, red pepper raviolis and veggies cooked in Coq au Vin (herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices, and wine)...what is crazy about fondue is the portions are perfect without getting too full!...The finale was dark chocolate fondue (yes, I am a dessert junkie!) served with fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, brownies, and marshmallows that are toasted then rolled in either crushed oreos or gram cracker are just a few of the dipper options!

After dinner we walked around downtown San Jose to check out all of the adorable boutiques and the nightlife!

Today was such an amazingly great day and I am totally excited about the Winchester Mystery House tomorrow!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

And we're off!!!

On our way out of town Friday it seems like we hit every pocket of rain their could be! But we finally made it to our hotel...then we went out for a bite to eat!

Not sure if anyone has ever been to a Dave & Busters but it's soooo much fun!!!! The motto is "Eat...Drink...Play" and that is what we did! As soon as you walk in you have the option of going up to one of the two bar areas to watch sports & have a drink...or you can put your name down to play some pool or for a dining experience...or you can venture out to the arcade area to choose your video game!

Well...we started by putting our name down for dinner, then sat at the bar area had a drink and watch the baseball game! Dinner was fabulous!!! All I have to say is hot doughnut holes with chocolate fudge dipping sauce!!!! YUMMY!!! After dinner and dessert we needed to burn off some calories...a little skeeball and friendly video game competition!!

It was a great night and couldn't wait for tomorrow's events at the Boardwalk!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Anniversary Time!!!

Yes...it's my anniversary! I can't believe that it has been 4 years since my wedding day!

Normally we plan a extravagant trip...but this year I thought it would be fun if the plan was geared towards places that my husband has never been to!

So Friday we are off to San Jose...our plan is hit up Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Winchester Mystery House!

Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

R & R!!!!

This weekend was awesome!!! My husband and I needed a little R&R...life seems so busy sometimes it feels good to take a break from the phones, computer and work!

This is a photo on the way to Courtright Reservoir...We stayed at Wishon Village which is just about 15 minutes away from Courtright Reservoir!

Our weekend was filled with cooking breakfast on the fire together, going for walks, driving to Wishon Reservoir and Courtright Reservoir...we even saw a total of 4 deer!

The weather was a bit chilly at night...but relaxing and being in natures elements were well worth it!

Here are some other pictures from our trip!

Courtright Reservoir

Courtright Reservoir

YES! It was REALLY COLD!!!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Childhood thought...

I just read Fashion Girls blog...it was all about the Snoopy Sno Cone Machine!!!!! It's being re-introduced! As a child I wanted one so badly...keep in mind that I wasn't deprived of much, but I bring the Snoopy Sno Cone Machine to my mom to give her a hard time!!!

Hey mom...my birthday (aka birth-month) is in 52 days!!!!!!

Don't go without a Sno Cone Machine!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

New from Duncan U!

As you know Duncan has released a new product family... Designer Glazes™! These colors are striking and projects look absolutely haute! Just in case you aren't quite sure what "Haute" means...(Adjective)Pronunciation (ot)1. Fashionable2. High Class

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

We have a new Duncan U Course...Designer Glaze POS! (Product Orientation Session) This course will give you the tools you need to get excited about Duncan Designer Glazes™ plus showcases features, benefits and techniques!

Each project is soooo marvelous! You have to sign up for the class!!! To find a class near you ...check out the Ambassador locator!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Envision...the world in NEON!

Duncan introduces 6 new HOT neon colors to our Envision Glazes product family! They are perfect for schools because they are nontoxic and dinnerware safe. The creamy rich intense colors apply with semi-opaque coverage and are super easy to use! Plus Neon Envisions provide amazing results when paired up with other fabulous Duncan products. These bowls are so fun and fresh...I am thinking of painting them! Don't you think that they would look perfect on a kitchen counter or table??

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

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