New Endeavors!!!

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!!!

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!

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 :)

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 ;)

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

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !!!

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

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 !!!