Clayful Impressions

Growing as an artist.

2011-10-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Three months ago I succomed to scheduling a Ceramics/Jewelry Party for one of my long term jewelry clients! I was reluctant to take on a ceramics party because I was concerned that I might be overloaded with Ceramic orders, so I required Jewelry purchase in order to purchase Ceramics. Much to my surprise most people attending the party ordered just jewelry. Although the individuals purchasing ceramics well made up for the others. I think it was the best balance I could have asked for! Not too much for me to finish before Christmas, and a good bit of jewelry to work on also.

The most wonderful part of the day was meeting all my old clients. Most of the Moms attending were at my client's first party several years ago and only had one child...now they have two! So, of course they need a second charm to add to their chains! I thorougly enjoyed seeing pieces I first created again. I was able to see how my work has changed throughout the years. Each individual's personal taste can be so different! After seeing the "newer" version of my pieces, each Mom with the older style jewelry still wanted one made similiar to the ones they had. I love that they love their pieces!

Although I have trouble sometimes seeing myself as an artist, I do believe it to be true. ARTIST: a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria. AESTHETIC: a.of or appreciating beauty b.artistic

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder for sure, and all artists' work is up for interpretation by each and every "other" person's eye. But, I do believe if you have thousands of people that think your work is beautiful too, you are a wonderful artist. As long as I continue to do my best and create pieces I like to look at, my work will change but always be loving pieces of work that people will continue to wear and keep close to their hearts!

I love my job, and look forward to printing each baby! Thank you all for allowing me to make you keepsakes that mean so much to you. Thank you all for all your wonderful complements this weekend. It was great to see you all again. Without you (and my family) I would be nothing...

....without him I could do nothing. John 15:5 (I'm not usually one to quote scripture, but I felt it to be applicable here!!!)

Thanks,
Kim

KISS!

2011-04-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

This was an article I had written for a magazine for the Valentine's Issue that I kindof missed the publishing deadline! So, thought I would share it with ya'll! ENJOY!! Please leave comments :)

Keep It Simple Sister! That was the “modified” topic of the latest conversation I had with my husband. He enjoys reading Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad books teaching about financial education. As my husband travels statewide and also out of state for different opportunities with his job, he sometimes educates me on the knowledge he acquires during all his free time.

This expression popped in my head recently while contemplating on taking my business to the “next” level. As many stay-at-home moms do, I run a small home-based business in order to have a little money of my own and make life a little easier for our family. However, because of my nature, I am constantly trying to grow my business. By offering more products to my clients, I can reach a bigger client base. Working on new and innovative projects keeps my business and life fresh and exciting. Now that I have achieved my original goals and have a large client base and several new and fresh projects to work on, the next step would be a storefront. Right? How nice it would be to have a peaceful place designated just for my work! Shelves filled with supplies, room to grow, merchandise displayed for all to purchase. Expand! Expand! Expand! Well, this is something I and many other Individuals have struggled with. However, if you pay rent and stock up merchandise, how many more hours would you have to work to afford the STOREFRONT? In my case, probably more hours than I can afford. Time is money and my time now is priceless. Storefronts in a nice area may bring in customers you wouldn’t reach otherwise, but nowadays Facebook alone reaches the same amount if not more!

If you are a strong-willed individual and a hard worker, I believe these feelings of “growing” never subside. As my husband moves up the ladder at work and gains experience in his career, I feel held back by my choice to be a stay-at-home mom. I feel stuck in this world. That’s when KISS comes in play! Keep it Simple Sister! It’s stressful and not fair to me and my family to try and put myself through the rigorous exercise of Growing a business while raising three young children. My choice was to stay at home with my children! My husband and I were successful enough to allow me to do so. I have to tell myself to be happy with what I have, everything will happen in God’s time, and I will just have to wait for now! In the end, my choice was to be with my children and not hold down a +40-hour a week career. So be there or don’t, but don’t try and do both. I am stressing myself out when I should sit back and live life to the fullest. I won’t have this time again. Soon, they will be at school most of the day, and then hopefully I will have the time to do more! I know there are other moms out there that must feel the same way. Right now, I relax, realizing most businesses fail within the first six months, and so far my business has thrived for a good five years or more by just little old me working when I can and enjoying what I do. So, as I began my journey to expand, I now have decided to do my best, and forget the rest (borrowed from Tony on P90X). My constant and continual business motto is simply this: Do my best! If I know everything I create is the best I could do, I am satisfied, whether my clients are or not. Strangely enough, most of my clients are repeat customers and praise me with each piece they commission. By taking on projects I can successfully tackle with the time I have, and learning to say no to those projects that are not worth my time, I can continue to grow as a successful individual and business owner and still run my business my way!

For all those Moms and Dads juggling work and home as I do every day, take consolation that raising kids is a full-time job, and when you take on more, that would be a second job! Kuddos go out to those Moms and Dads that work a full-time job and then come home to take care of the kids.

We all make everyday decisions based on our own life experiences. Staying on track with your life goals can be a rigorous and on-going task. Those small decisions may build up, and make you feel snowed under and disabled or “stupid”(The actual saying is “Keep It Simple Stupid” but I felt “Stupid” was a little harsh). By keeping it simple, you will no longer feel stupid! Stay Positive and Stay steady and you’ll move through all the bumps those decisions may bring.

Kim Usry is the Artist and Owner of ClayfulImpressions.net in Brandon, MS. She has been creating keepsakes using your loved one’s hand, feet, and fingers since 2006! Visit her site to view her work and set up your own personal appointment. Become a Fan or “Like” us on Facebook to have access to all that Clayful Impressions has to offer.

New Endeavors!!!

2011-01-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas, I sat down with a sweet couple. They had lost a baby several months back and were pregnant again. The mother had contacted me through a friend who hosted me in her home to print ceramics and jewelry. They brought with them every piece they had of little Bryton. They were lucky enough that the hospital actually printed the child's foot in plaster of paris. I quickly made copies of all the prints they had. Most were light and digits were not all there, but overall the nurses did a great job and did several prints for the parents. Why the hospitals quit using "real" ink for printing newborns, I am not sure. I remember Michael and I trying to print our first son's feet on a hospital gown for a sweet memory. The ink would not stick to the gown and my plans were spoiled :)

As my children lay sleeping the parents told me the story of Bryton's birth. Inside I felt guilty, having three well children and never having experienced this before. I felt an urge to assist these parents in providing them with the keepsakes they were never allowed to create with this child.

I was indeed able to lift a pretty good print from the plaster of paris keepsake the nurses gave the parents at the hospital. Kuddos to whatever nurse took this. I will never understand how nurses deal with these situations on a daily basis. It's a tough thing for anyone to experience, especially on a daily or weekly basis. As emotional as I am, it is amazing that I can hold my composure to print these stillborns. I am amazed with myself and others that remain non-medicated and can keep from falling apart! I truly believe God is with me and others during these times. We all have a heart and compassion for parents who have lost a child, and thanks be to Him for allowing us to help others and do our jobs.

Thanks to Bari Lynn, I have taken on a new adventure! I am now able to turn these weak and light printed hands and feet into a keepsake for parents to cherish. A life size ceramic print can be created or jewelry can be created. All are customized to meet your needs and wants. I was just so excited I am posting the proofs. The actual work will be posted as a follow up once I have completed the project.

If you have a need for these services please contact me......if you are not local......these can be scanned in and emailed to me. A quote will be sent before any work is commenced and you will see a proof like below before any money is transferred!

Jewelry Proof:

Ceramic Proof:

Prints taken from hospital:

Ceramic Ornaments Created for Parents:

Getting into the Rythm!!!

2010-09-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally adjusting to the schedules,rules, and such which begin with Kindergarten. It was extremely tough at first, but now I'm getting it together and staying on top of everything. I'm constantly working, and absolutely love every minute of it. I literally have to make myself stop so my life is in balance. I'm so grateful to all those who let me print their loved ones and hope that my work continues to go as well as it has been!

I'm trying to figure a way to make updating my internet pages easier for me, since I have two pages...a personal facebook site for my business and my Business Facebook page...plus my own business website...I wish there was a tool for posting pics to all of them at one time! Any suggestions PLZZZZZZZZZZ let me know!!!!

Here are some of my recent works:

I'm really proud of this one. That's my baby :)

Hope you can click on that pic and see the perfect rings on the child's thumb!

See more photos on my facebook page....just search for Clayful Impressions!

Oh, the thumb-sucker's thumb

May look wrinkled and wet

And withered and white as the snow.

But the taste of the thumb

Is the sweetest taste yet

(As only we thumb-suckers know).

-shel silverstein

Back to School!

2010-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kids are getting ready for school and boy am I glad. I know I'll cry and miss them, but I'm so ready to have some alone time to get some work done! I've been busy this summer, and I am gearing up for the holidays already :) New projects are coming in and I love every minute I get to spend working with my metal jewelry and ceramics.

Newborn Neely with charm "in" necklace!

I really love doing special requests, and hope I can satisfy all my clients. Most of my business is from repeat customers and word-of-mouth. Lately, I've been visiting the hospitals more often and love seeing all those newborns! Here are some pictures of my recent pieces:

I wish I had more time to write and post more pics. But, I've got to get back to my work! I absolutely LOVE my job! Have a great week ya'll!

Keeping Busy this Summer :)

2010-06-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed my time with the kids this summer, and now I'm ready to get back in the saddle again with my work. As they head to summer school next week, I'm challenging myself to make appointments and start working on some new ideas. Currently, I've created a silver thumbprint from an ink print a client had sent and that will be off to the family soon! It was a challenge and I did my best, so I'm proud of the product I created and hope the family loves it too. Left is the ink jpeg. Right is one of the finished prints.

I think the key to getting a detailed silver print is sending the clearest jpeg possible so that it won't turn out like a "blob" with little definition. Some of my recent ceramic works have been fun to! I got to work with a Loving husband who wanted a platter to give his wife for their anniversary. I also got a return client who was one of my first customers. I was so glad to see her and her little boy. Here is the plate I did for Becky this time:

Hoping I'll be posting some pics soon of the Glass Thumbprinting Jewelry! Have a Great Weekend Everyone!

Some pics of custom pieces I'm proud of ;)

2010-05-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Above: Actually the "pinky" for a sweet petite pregnant momma!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !!!

2010-05-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for coming out to Reunion Fest to see me !!! It was absolutely a beautiful day. I felt like I was on vacation. No Kids, and a beautiful beach with entertainment all day. I had a great time and I just loved it. Thanks to Jay for having me :)

CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO ENLARGE AND SEE ALL THE LITTLE PRINTED DETAILS:

Above are just a sample of what I've been busy doing this month for Mother's Day. I did so many kids this month. I am so proud of all the Dad's that thought of their wives for Mother's Day this month; Happy Mother's Day to all you lucky Mom's out there :)

THE WIND MADE IT A LITTLE DIFFICULT TO SET UP AT REUNION. WITH A LITTLE RICE TO HOLD DOWN MY CARDS/FLYERS AND SOME STAKES+PLANTS HANGING ON MY TENT, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP "MOST" OF MY STUFF FROM FLYING INTO THE BEACH :)

RW of Mississippi Magazine

2010-04-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Eventhough my writing skills are a little rusty, it's been fun writing an article for RW of Mississippi. I'm excited that they are featuring me as their Christian Artist in the Sept/Oct. issue. The photo shoot is tomorrow evening, then I have bunco !!! How could I ask for a better evening? The lucky pieces I'm planning on taking with me to the shoot are some of my ceramics from Erin Cummins of Trilby and Alicia Mattern's (plus her party). Don't start calling girls, I'm not completely finished with ALL Alicia's pieces but I'll be painting and firing for the rest of the week and weekend working on them !!! Busy Busy Busy with Mother's Day Gifts. I'm doing jewelry and other events prior to mother's day so PLEEEEEEEEEEEase don't wait until the week before mother's day to order jewelry...I might not be able to schedule you. I've found that Word of Mouth works better than any advertising I've tried...besides Fernando's !!!

I, and my family, so appreciate all my referrals and come back clients. Thank you for your business and I look forward to creating your one-of-a-kind keepsake :)

Some Pictures:

Above, these are pictures of my finest works !!!

Little Caroline !!!

2010-04-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Posting Pictures of Little Caroline's Prints reminds me of that sweet innocent child that now lays to rest and is with the Lord :) This was the first of and many to come of my In Memory Of... jewelry. You can read more about this story in the Sept/Oct issue of RW of Mississippi. If you know of anyone who may not be able to afford something like this and would like a piece of jewelry to remember their loved one, please shoot me an email. I have committed myself to doing one "gift" each month for someone in need. Hopefully I can send a kit and have a nurse or parent get the print next time. I can't say that I would be willing to print the loved one myself, but I will be willing to give a mold kit I use in these instances. These are a finger and toe and each individual piece is unique to the print taken. With the mold kit you can print whatever feature you would like me to make into a keepsake. These can also be re-created multiple times for parents, grandparents, etc. Discounts are also given for multiple prints.

Alicia Mattern's Party !!!

2010-03-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to have "My Assistant" do something when I have Home Parties, so here are the first of many pictures he will be taking at the Party.....Soon to be a hit like the VIP magazine pics, right? ;)

Here are some of the jewelry pieces:

This is a double sided pendant...

Perfect Pic of Unoxidized Silver Pendant w/Bail on a small Omega Chain

This is a newborn "DaniLynn" from River Oaks Suites

This is little Bailey's print, Renea's newest Grandbaby, on bail with Amethyst Charm. I liked this pic because of the shine on the left side...I don't re-touch my photos...I wouldn't know how to do that. Leave it to nature to provide the best pics of all. This one shows the prettiest background that I created by accident!

Isn't that cool!

Little Jack's Print on a Cable Chain!

I had lots of fun at Alicia Mattern's party and want to thank everyone again for showing up in the rain :) I really enjoy the parties and hope everyone else did too !

Of Course all these pics are available on my site in my photo gallery, but I was so proud of my photo session today I just had to post them here also! I am printing tomorrow and have lots of work to do so have a good Spring Break Too!!!!

Great Friends!

2010-03-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

I visited River Oaks Suites again today and printed Christie Ward's new baby! What a beautiful little girl and blessed mom and dad :) The difference in this print than all the others, was the friendship that I witnessed tonight. Misty and Christie are such good friends that they EACH bought one another the same pendant as birthing gifts! What a sweet and thoughtful gift to give your best friend. I was very impressed with the love these two showed eachother...they both got free birthstones :)

PS...River Oaks has a no-advertising policy! I've had so many people give me names and numbers to call to place literature up there...but they don't allow advertising...sorry :( Most of my work is spread by word of mouth through referrals...so tell a friend, tell anyone, everyone deserves a memory of their babies!

Pet Prints!

2010-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

If you don't have kids, you probably had pets! Check out my pet prints, custom made to order just like my other designs.

Reverse Molds

2010-02-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

Just finished working on some reverse molds that were requested by some of my clients! Very cute and a great way to make your piece different. These allow your little one's hands and feet to jump out of the platter instead of into the platter. The raised prints require extra steps, but are definitely worth it. Plus, the molds I use can be kept to make more prints or actually framed (Contact Demetria at Plain Jane Frames or Corie with Jonesyworks for ideas on that).

Also, I am currently working on restoring someone's piece that was broken years after the actual printing. So, in that case, it would definitely make for an easy redo. My molds are LESS breakable than the finished ceramic pieces.

Little Hands are so hard to get when they first are born, but with the molds it allows for a little more comfort for Mom and Dad! These are examples of my molds and then prints of Reverse feet made special for a client. If you have any other ideas that I could use, I would gladly give you a free piece if it turns out to be a hit. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Just Delivered Valentines Giveaway!

2010-02-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

~My Valentine Giveaway to Heather Williams of Pearl, MS~

Heather Chose an "H" charm with March's birthstone on a 16" necklace!

I think it turned out beautiful and have had several requests since this morning from customers wishing to add their own letters and stones to their thumbprint jewelry. I would like to see someone order their letters on some earrings with a larger Script letter pendant necklace. I think I could probably get $35 for the set plus whatever chain they choose! A nice addition to any other jewelry you already have :)

View my Current Giveaway!

FREE LUNCH FOR TWO AT CERAMI'S OR A FREE THUMBPRINT!

2010-02-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

What a great gift for Mother's Day! To win one of these items you must:

Be a Fan of Clayful Impressions on Facebook
Be a Fan of Cerami's on Facebook
Be a site member of Clayful Impressions (with a valid profile name,etc. to connect w/you on facebook!)
CC me at clayfulimpressions@gmail.com and 10 of your (valid) friends about this giveaway!

Thanks and Good Luck! I will draw names on May 1, 2010! For every 10 friends you email about this giveaway you are entered an extra time. If you cut and paste my blog button html on your site/blog you will double your chances of winning...but you must let me know you did this, and it must be a permanent addition to your site/blog.

You can cut and paste this sample email to send to your friends:

Hi,

I just found out that Clayful Impressions is giving away a Silver Thumbprint and/or a Lunch for Two from Cerami's! I'm so excited, I've emailed all my friends. All you have to do to enter is:

Be a Fan of Clayful Impressions on Facebook
Be a Fan of Cerami's on Facebook
Be a site member of Clayful Impressions (with a complete and valid profile)
CC clayfulimpressions@gmail.com and 10 of your (valid) friends about this giveaway!

Thanks and Good Luck! The lucky winner will be drawn on May 1, 2010! If you resend this For every additional 10 friends you email about this giveaway you are entered an extra time. If you cut and paste Clayful Impression's blog button html on your site/blog you will double your chances of winning...but you must let ClayfulImpressions@gmail.com know you did this, and it must be a permanent addition to your site/blog.

Good Luck!

Rankin Children's Group Logo

2010-02-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

Just finished printing for today! Here's a pic of little Lilian Clark's feet in Rankin Children's Group ceramic logo! If you like my work and would like your business's logo created in ceramics with your or an employee's child's prints, just let me know! It makes a great addition to your storefront or home!

Thanks To Sandra Clark for lending me those sweet little Feet!!!!

SNOW!

2010-02-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

Just enjoying the snow in Mississippi!

My Little Snow Angels!!!

Michael Knows how to build a Snowman!!

VALENTINES GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

WIN THIS! Of course your choice of letter and birthstone. Just become my site member and a fan of mine on facebook. Visit my site for details at : Giveaways!

CURRENT SITE MEMBERS ONLY:

If you post my button html on your blog/site permanently you're name will be entered twice! All the information you need is on my site under Blog Button or on my Homepage!

Business Owners:

I try and do as much advertising as possible to promote my business...I may be small scale but I get 1300+ unique hits a month. I'm growing and would definitely be interested in giving away your products as long as they are not similiar to mine! I'm also considering creating a sister site that features only free products...so if you have something you would like to list please let me know!!!

2010-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Latest Creations

2010-02-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

Little Trilby Grace was my latest creation plus Robyn Pott's beautiful Platters! We did three platters while her kids played with mine :) It was a fun day and finally we see the great results. I am very excited about these platters and hope to get more of these ordered soon!

My Blog Button

2010-02-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Love Little Trilby Grace!

2010-02-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

Just finished up with little Trilby Grace's prints from River Oaks Suites Tonight! Isn't that a cool name? It looks great on the platter, and I am so excited about the molds Erin ordered. She wanted to keep those feet and hand prints in case someone else wanted one. Sooooo sweet and cute, and what a great family she has been born into. Mom and Dad were super sweet and I was so relaxed while printing. I felt like family! She was hands down the quietest little baby I've ever done before. I don't even remember her fussing at all, even after sticking those little prints into my cold clay. Watch out Erin, I learned with my first one that that only lasts the first night :) Thanks for letting me print those little newborn hands and feet Erin :)

I love my JOB if you can call it that :P

Nice day to be Inside!

2010-01-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

Today is a nice day to be inside working by the fire! It's freezing outside with snow flurries since this morning. I've been reading all these posts about snow and such up north. I'm not sure I could survive anywhere North of here...but....I would love a chance to live SOUTH of here on a beach somewhere.

Got a chance to get online and surf a little last night...or early this morning...and found lots of great resources for moms like us. If anyone has one that they believe to be the best please let me know. I'm looking to advertise and offer a free gift to one of these websites or blogs but they all seem to have a large following and I'm kindof lost as to which one to choose.

Also, if you own a small business and aren't on Facebook and twitter...I suggest you try it. I have gotten more half of my hits from Facebook. It's just a good way to network and I just got on, so I'm sure there are so many other things to explore in that realm.

The Usry's are just having a peaceful weekend at home trying to stay warm! Hope you're all doing the same.

Kid's eat free at Fernando's tonight!!! We went last night to hear the music....I just love Hosea at Fernandos, it makes it great to be waited on. Ask for him...he's the best!

Fired Up!

2010-01-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

Kiln's firing and Silver Necklaces are done! I should sleep well tonight. Check out my website for pics although when I get done I'll try and post some pics on my blog. These thumbs are gorgeous!! I used REAL freshwater pearls for the June birthstone, plus the light amythest! I absolutely love them, the necklaces and even the funky initials...the monogramming type initials are really a hit. KUB for Kimberly Breah Usry...Looks original and I love it too...thanks to Heather Crane for the suggestion! No extra cost, but you do have to ask for it. Ya'll have a good night.

Done Painting for Tonight!

2010-01-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Update: Kim Burkett's Home Party and Selena Hill's items should be ready for drop off by Tuesday. I will call/email as soon as I am finished with them. Will post pics to my blog and website as soon as possible....If you are giving your items as gifts and don't want the pictures posted just let me know and I won't post for another few months or so.

Also, I wanted to send a thank you out to all who have sent me referrals! I have totally been relying on referrals and love getting them. They are the BEST COMPLIMENT I can receive and hope everyone will take advantage of the $5 friend credit. I do keep a record of these and try to let you know...but that's kindof the last thing on my long list of to-dos. So if you are planning to order something just ask if you have any credits and I'll try to get you an answer within 24hrs :)

Some customers with at least 1 or more friend credits just off the top of my head:
Demetria Raper (3)
Lindsay Smith (1)
Kelly Vandavere (1+?)
Kim Burkett(1)
....I only remember these because they are recent....

I really am working on a way to alert people when they receive a credit, but some people don't have internet access and it has to be one way the same for all or some may get left out...any ideas?

Had a GOOD constructive day thanks to my hubby and looking forward to relaxing tomorrow! Good Night :)

Advertising

2010-01-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Please look for my new ad coming out in Parents-Kids Magazine in February....

Also, a special thanks to Rankin Children's Group for allowing me to display my Rack Cards with their offices...I was so excited to hear from Amy...

We're looking for local boutiques and online businesses to carry my thumbprinting kits...be the first and ONLY carrier in your city...call me for availability.

We're always looking for new advertising opportunities so hurry, before I give that chance to someone else!

If you work for or visit Jackson Healthcare for Women put in a good note to Bill Brown! I'm hoping to accessorize their newly built clinic.

Well I'm off to finish my painting!

Good Night