Clayton Hill Studio

Posted on January 4, 2014 by claytonhill

Baby, it’s cold outside!

But we’ll get to that in a minute … First, you have got to see this cuteness!

Rolls upon rolls of ADORABLE! I’m grateful I’m surrounded by puppy breath. Otherwise, this week might stink! We had a pipe burst in the wall of our family room today. I am really glad we were home, heard the noise and caught it pretty quickly – but it still managed to ruin the carpet, drip down the wall of my office (old studio) to pour water all over the drop ceiling and drywall! (The missing furniture is being ‘stored’ in my entryway, dining room and living room …)

(Thank goodness I’m not busy next week – having surgery or anything … I refuse to believe this is some kind of forecast for 2014! And, ya know – I love a good challenge!!! OK, whine and pep-talk over …)

In the meantime it’s COLD outside, with more cold weather, snow and crummy road conditions predicted for the weekend of my ER tour! Stay warm, safe and out of the Emergency Department Y’ALL!

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Posted on December 26, 2013 by claytonhill

Stepping into the light and embracing the day

We lost power on Saturday. Repair estimate had us getting electricity on Christmas night at 1130pm. So, I had started to wrap my head around embracing what I would officially call the ‘Dark Christmas’ … I was excited about the prospect of ZERO cooking (watch out Taco Bell, here we come). But, unlike many of our Michigan neighbors … our power was restored before Christmas.

Shift gears, plan menu, embrace the day. So we did. I tried my hand at making candy (caramel dusted with sea salt). Tastes good, but the consistency isn’t right (VERY soft!) … I did make a tasty Christmas Turkey with Apple Whiskey dressing and the rest of the fixins’ …

My whole gang stopped in … We had a great family day. Here are a couple of the surprise gifts: my 7 inch tablet, and the twins’ pop maker.

Wrapped the night up working on a new knitting project (Brier Toque by C Glowik-Macdonald)

So, with Christmas 1 successfully behind us, I plan to get back to the studio tonight! Merry Christmas y’all!

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Posted on December 21, 2013 by claytonhill

T minus 4 …

And the shopping is done! Sweet. Plus – I received an early Christmas present … Don’t you LOVE her? I do!

DH says it’s a pretty fine line between Betty Boop Nurse and HER! Winking smile I say, “Choose carefully!”

Spent just a bit of time in my studio this evening … My sister has requested a blue stringer bowl, so the needed materials have arrived. Pretty sure it won’t be ready for Christmas, but maybe for her birthday …

Time to sleep before the weekend tour … Sweet dreams y’all!

“With Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap … the Zombies were marching and screeching, OH CRAP!”

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Posted on December 19, 2013 by claytonhill

T-6 … so what’d you do today?

Less than 6 days ‘til Christmas … Wow, it’s really coming extra fast this year.

Of course, a houseful of squishy-faced-love adds to the fun and hectic level of activity.

DH and I did a little Christmas shopping today, when I finally decided that my left axilla was officially bugging me. To review: I had a decent chunk of tissue removed some 4+ weeks ago; The hole was repaired with dissolving suture – or so I was told; Irritated nerve pain running through one’s arm pit is an annoying sensation; So much so, I let DH do a little home surgery. This is what he got out. [BTW … no, that’s NOT a picture of my retarded tape worm!*]

And – there’s still another chunk of that fishing line in me … but it hurts now. Dang doctors anyway!

So, I got lost in my studio for a while (=good therapy). I’m working on a special request, along with some other cabs. And, I’m making lists of projects for 2014.

Before I end the night, I’m up for some pain meds, a bit more love-time with my pooches, and I’ll wrap up this Christmas punch-list! (Code for internet shopping with expedited delivery …)

* My dysfunctional tape worm is always hungry, but I gain the weight!

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Posted on December 11, 2013 by claytonhill

Almost human … AKA ‘I got sick’– i.e. GINGER VIRUS

WWU: I got sick – at work. For a minute there, I thought maybe DH was trying to take advantage of my food allergies (umm, poison me! – But ya know, my life insurance policy stinks, and I’m not quite THAT paranoid); so maybe it was …

– actual food poisoning;
– salad overdose;
– some new mutant viral strain of bizarre-cave-disease;
– Hippo Flu (cuz, it couldn’t be anything established … like bird flu!) … ???

Two days (ok, technically 45 hours) into it … I’m feeling almost human again (= just a tad bit like recycled road-kill), so it was probably some type of flu. A huge apology to my coworkers for tanking on you the last two hours of our tour (and – a ginormous THANK YOU for taking care of me)!!! Since I don’t think my illness was any version of this year’s standard influenza – I have to work on a really cool name for my obviously UNIQUE (Brand NEW!!!) illness … so, GingerVirus, maybe … Winking smile

Anyway – I’m getting back on the horse – only a couple days late this week. My studio is up and running with more ornaments, bottle slumps and dichroic jewelry. And, I’ve got a special request bowl in the works, along with several new listings for the online shops coming … It’s all good!

I’ll be heading back to the shop on Thursday. And, we’ll have photos of squishy-faced EYES-OPEN (neapolitan mastiff) puppy-love coming soon.

I’ll close with a big THANKS(!) to my family, too … You ‘nursed me’ [back to health/normal-ness] wonderfully! Momma’s kitchen will re-open later today! Winking smile

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Posted on December 4, 2013 by claytonhill

Catching the Christmas spirit …

or is that SPIRITS??? (We’ll get to that…) I’m happy. I’m gathering up small projects/music to keep myself occupied while I work the art shop tomorrow. Come join me from 12n-8p … I’ll have Pentatonix rockin’ on my MP3 player for some a cappella Christmas cheer (thanks L.T!!)

Back to spirits … I’ve been putting all those recycled wine bottles to good use! I will have hors d’oeuvres trays, man-cave nick-nacks, spoon rests, change-collectors, bowls, tchotchkes – whatever the heck you want to call them – at the shop tomorrow AND at the Warm N Cozy Bazaar on Saturday … so come visit! And – for all who have been saving their bottles for me – THANK YOU! Please keep ‘em coming! (I can only drink so much!) Winking smile

Meanwhile – my three kilns will keep running with bottles slumping and various platters, bowls, spoon rest projects. Time to get back to it …

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Posted on December 3, 2013 by claytonhill

Countdown and three kilns …

Click, click, click … go my kilns (happy sigh – ) ALONG with the other 886 COUNTDOWNS ticking away. Deep breath!

Review (since my last post):

1) We have babies! Momma Iz finally got serious Friday night, and we have 7 new Neo babies in the house (DH has the photos, and I’m so far behind on email correspondence – don’t even get me started!) … [Don’t look for pics here – I told you, DH has them!]

2) WWU – it was busy; No one died under my watch; Legal blood draws keep finding their way to us; Crummy (cancer) diagnoses in the ER will forever and always piss me off (make me hurt); It’s over for another 180 hours (give or take).

Now:

3 kilns running (and will continue – for a while). Currently, I have decal-mania in the coffin kiln, combined with more spoon rests and bottle-slump-fest 2013.

In the last week-ish, I have ‘created’ 27 slumped bottles/bottle bowls. Next up, DH will sandblast. Which has me thinking about SO many other sandblasting ideas and techniques … but, deep breath, it will hold until it’s time (the right time) …

I’m taking photos of items for the shops (abstract dichro badge reels):

Later: I have the DARN SANE meeting (in about 9-ish [A.M.] hours). More studio time, more puppy time, more twin/family time;

I’m 36 hours away from my (temporary) 4th job shift =art gallery shop worker (for the next two weeks);

I’m 5 days away from the next art show/weekend nursing tour;

13 days away from our oldest child graduating from COLLEGE (have I mentioned I am so stinkin’ proud of her?!?);

23 days away from Christmas 1 – for the twins – to celebrate, honor, spark creativity and confirm love (– all while finding/giving that ONE special gift that makes the year!)

29 days away from a New Year (=new page, chapter, opportunity);

38 days away from my next planned ‘weight loss’ procedure;

Christmas 2 to follow shortly there-after (with Martha Stewart-esque-ness = Clean/sparkling home and great food/gifts/family time).

And a few other deadlines/daily duties to meet – like Momma and the babies (day 3 and we’re all doing great!); meal planning/prep (Mama’s Kitchen – it is always open); adult living (bill paying, mail/email correspondence); regular care of my 2 and 4 legged family; and – a little bit of sleep here-and-there … [SIGH…]

Did I mention I have three kilns running? Winking smile

OH YEAH – I could also say (in 5 hours) that I have been smoke-free for the last THREE months! (Or 12 weeks, 6 days and 19 hours … but that’s a bit anal …)

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Posted on November 28, 2013 by claytonhill

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’d say Happy Turkey Day … but we had ham. Was my youngest daughter a little bummed? Maybe … But – since she didn’t move her lazy-butt off the couch all doggone day … I’m not impressed by her vote.

And, while I embrace our house-full-of-hormones with sarcasm, I am thankful for my family … and dogs … and beer … Winking smile

And my health. I got to knock another bizarre disease process off the list this week. So even though the pathologist doesn’t know what to call my latest ‘tissue contribution’ … we’re moving forward. No more testing … Just fix it! Yay!!!

And –I am thankful for my studio. I’ve got all three kilns running and the studio is toasty warm. I’ll be sandblasting next week. I’m slumping bottles like a wild-woman. My decal trial is working well. And we set up a (temporary) Christmas shop in Milford/Highland, along with 8 other artisans. So – if you’re in the area from December 1-22 … check out 153 N Milford Rd. – you’ll see my ‘lil display. Or – you can catch us at the Warm N Cozy in Hartland on 12/7 …

All that’s left is for my very stubborn (Neo) Mom to have her babies. Yep – Isabella is holding out. We had her to the vet earlier this week – all is well. She’s just being stubborn. While she continues to eat, drink and sleep well – I’ve whispered in her ear that we are going back to the vet tomorrow – and will consider a c-section if she doesn’t uncross her legs … Sure hope she’s listening!

Anyway – Happy Thanksgiving Ya’ll! Here’s a pic of (most of) our youngest son … who is very-much enjoying the ‘no school’ pajama day rule … all decked out in plaid (his idea – not mine!) – Crazy Boy!

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Posted on November 22, 2013 by claytonhill

Some good, some bad … But – the 3rd time’s the charm!

The GOOD:

I’ve been producing in the studio;
I have a few leads for ‘show-casing’ my ART;
I’ve been working on some glass special requests (… I absolutely love those!);
My family (both 2- and 4-legged) are healthy and well;
I finally have a solid game plan to fix my ‘lil medical issue;
I’ve lost weight … One CHUNK at a time seems to be my current motto;
And … I’m on pain meds (- Better living through chemistry, right?) …

The BAD:

I’m in pain (… And – more is coming … WTH???);
Life is moving a little too fast for comfort right now (but, ya know – I have all the plates successfully spinning in the air – at THIS moment);
I’m on pain meds (… Dang – did anybody make dinner???) …

But – the THIRD time IS the charm. I’m convinced. I know it. IT WILL WORK!!! What – you ask? Some stupid-a$$ recycled wine bottle project with special (fricking costly) enamel decals on them – to make an “OH SO CUTE” hanging chalkboard TCHOTCHKE. Why?!? … Because I bought the darn full-sheet decal – and it was COSTLY. Could I have used some $4-$8 chalkboard spray paint??? Ummm … probably. But, THIS is better. I’m sure of it. And, even though the first two 14 hour coffin-kiln programs had the decal wiping off – like it was flipping ‘dust’ … this time around, IT WILL WORK. And … It’s gonna be beautiful …

I’ll show photos once they’re done. You’ll see. It’ll be awesome. But, here’s what I have so far (Come on now – use your imagination):

Meanwhile, photos of other things I’ve been working on:

And, I think I finally figured out why my mica pieces (from that long-time-ago MICA post) EXPLODED in the kiln … DUH!!! With light (tack) fusing (– my typical first round), all edges may NOT completely seal – EVEN if they look (naked eye) sealed. One MAY get water trapped within the cabochon while final-grinding (for that pretty ‘fire-polish’ fusing finish). And, then BOOM … beautiful success turns into WTH-Nastiness that jumps/flies all over your kiln. Photos one and two show the promise/heart-brake. Photo three visibly shows the culprit (trapped water)!

And, lastly … other items I’ve been making:

Any other important-else will promptly be reported on … If/When/Should it become significant. In the meantime, I’m collecting SARCASTIC wisdom for future ‘tchotchkes’ … I see sandblasting in the near future:

“I would agree with you, but – then we’d both be wrong!”

“EXERCISE??? Oh – I thought you said ACCESSORIZE!”

“So, I just found out I’M AWESOME! You might want to get yourself tested …”

“Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed …”

“If our dog doesn’t like you – we probably won’t either.”

“Exercise is a dirty word. Every time I hear it, I immediately wash my mouth out with chocolate.”

“I don’t want to brag or make anybody jealous or anything – But … I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.”

“I may look calm, but in my mind I’ve maimed you three times …”

“I love you more today than yesterday … Yesterday, you really pi$$ed me off.”

“SWEAT … It’s FAT crying.”

“A meal without wine – is called breakfast.”

“I love you with all of my butt. I would say my heart – but, my butt is bigger …”

[Giant smile] I’m going to bed now … Smile

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Posted on November 14, 2013 by claytonhill

Hey Ladies …

Come on out tonight and start your holiday shopping. It’s “Ladies Night Out” at Muir Middle School in Milford. I’ll be there, peddlin’ my wares from 6-9pm. You can see, first hand how well I displayed 5 tubs worth of my glass work on one 8 foot table … or NOT!

I’ll have lots of jewelry, ornaments and a few select bowls/platters/spoon rests. All marked to sell! AND … you can find out what other shows I’ll be doing in the county over the next 3 weeks … Duhnt, Duhnt, Dahhhh [suspenseful cliffhanger] … (BTW – not a great photo, but I’m in a hurry.)

In the meantime, since I’ve become an international seller, I’ve also been doing some international buying! Yep, I have etching supplies coming (Holland), and bought some jewelry supplies (China). I even found a source to get stainless steel chain (no more tarnishing, thank you very much) – so all of my pendants now come with necklaces. I still have the sterling silver to offer those who prefer it.

But, I have to point out, being a complete American idiot, I’m not comfortable with the metric system. I thought, however, I’d overcome that deficit. Ummm, NO! I ordered a few pendant trays and cabochon settings. Wanting something large enough to accommodate intricate etchings – I figured 50mm would be nice – roughly two inches. Not bad. And, when I saw 65mm, I thought that’s okay … I can go that big. CRICKEY! Apparently, I want to make ROCKY jewelry (MC Hammer???)!!! And – I bought 4 bags of that nuttiness! Anybody looking for medallion settings? DH keeps laughing at me, and says “Ok, crafty girl – now what?” (Photo one = heart medallion on top of industrial packaging tape dispenser – for scale.)

I’m wrapping up my jewelry kick (sort of), for now anyway. My next projects have to do with bottle slumping, as I’ve collected a few hundred bottles …

Life wrap-up: Celebrated turning 29 again (I think I almost have it right! And, had a good family day. Plus – it’s my birth month, so I’m shopping like it is!); all pups have moved on to their new homes and are doing great; our oldest graduates FROM COLLEGE in less than a month (SO PROUD of her!); still smoke-free; gaining weight by the second; don’t want to talk about nursing!

Time to start packing the car with glass art … I’ll leave with a few pics of my cabs in their various stages: