As everyone heads to the polls to vote for the 2008 Presidential Election, the staff at American Clay just recently voted as well. No- not for the next president- but for which pumpkin they felt should win the second annual staff pumpkin carving contest. After the front office “sweep” of last years contest, the warehouse staff was out to prove their creativity. Once the polls were closed and the ballots counted the warehouse staff got their vengeance! Juan took first and Martine won second place. Now the question is: Who will win next year? Only time will tell. From all the staff at American Clay we hope you had a safe and happy Halloween.
Nominees:

Winner:

Second place:

Professional applicators of American Clay products are true artisans!  We recognize that they drive our business.  Not only do applicators apply the product– they articulate it. We marvel at their excitement in creating magnificent surfaces that many applicators thought only possible with Venetian acrylics, Italian traditional hydrolic limes or PVA/ gypsum acrylics.

Applicators are the heart of the business; their love and passion bring American Clay products to life. Without a trained applicator our product sits in the bag.  Applicators, like Johann Fitzgerald have fallen in love with American Clay’s product and its process. They have become not only successful in business, but also in life. Johann Fitzgerald has created a business in San Francisco and with the help of American Clay, his business continues to grow. Here is his story:

These words of wisdom have helped guide me to create a business that I love to wake up to every morning. Fitzgerald Studio is the culmination of an education in fine art, experience in the building trades and a passion for texture.
 
My last “real” job working with an Italian marble fabricator set in motion a love for stone with its variable surfaces and colors. During a trip to Italy I became very interested in plaster and surfaces.
 
After that, I took the time to learn about lime putty plasters. I love the way it can be burnished hard or smooth. I also began to look for a product that was flexible, repairable, and friendly to use. I was introduced to American Clay through a client who wanted it in her home. As I began to investigate I enrolled in a workshop with Orit Yanai and opened a new direction for my business. To my delight, with the American Clay, I discovered a wall covering that resembled the clay used for pottery; very tactile, friendly to handle, versatile, and easy to apply.
 
One of my basic concerns with wall coverings is the affect they have on the living environment and the occupants. American Clay provides me with the option to make available a product that is healthier for the applicator and the people living in the space where the plaster is installed. American Clay makes my business versatile because it adds a desirable product to the repertoire of what I offer. Minor touch ups can be made for little or no cost to my clients.
 
I like to think that I sell more than a product or service. I sell relationships built on trust and a desire to provide a one of a kind living environment that reflects the personality of the occupants. I listen to my clients and help them put together a colour scheme that makes their house a home.
 
The rising popularity of American Clay has been a nice boost to my business. The support of the staff at American Clay is exemplary and has helped me to solve issues quickly. Always friendly and helpful, they play a large role in my small business.

Johann Fitzgerald

We’re sad to report that Hayley Shoemaker has left our fold at American Clay.  She has been an asset to the establishment of American Clay’s newsletter and blog over the past year.  Hayley is as sharp as a tack, quick with the keyboard and has a keen eye for style.  As the first official blogger for American Clay, she shone light on many goings-on in the continuing growth of the Albuquerque-based company.  Hayley has had fond memories of American Clay:

“I would have to say the staff was incredible. Everyone there was so great to work with and I learned so much from all of them. It was amazing to see a small and growing business from the inside, and see firsthand how it all works. I was amazed that such a small group of people can have such a huge impact on the world of green building products.”Hayley Shoemaker

As for her future plans, Hayley has decided to answer an inner call to serve.  She will be heading to Peru very soon to volunteer her talents as a cook.  She will be missed at American Clay, but not forgotten! Thanks, Hayley for always staying organized and for being so productive during your tenure here.  Best of Luck!

Steve Weymann and his wife Laurie just recently discovered an amazing use for their old plaster bags. After using American Clay plaster on their straw bale home, they decided to reuse their plaster bags to create seat cushions.  According to Steve, his wife “. . . made them into the best seat cushions [he has] ever come across.”