Bentonite clay is one of the most common types used in face masks. It easily absorbs impurities, which makes it perfect for those of us who are prone to acne. When skin creates an excess of sebum and does not receive a proper amount of exfoliation resulting in the built up dead skin cells, blemishes are created. Bentonite clay pulls excess sebum and dead skin cells away from your skin leaving you with a clean and healthy face. You can find bentonite clay in our handmade Seaweed and Clay Face Mask.
Cambrian Blue Clay is a rarer type of mineral rich clay and is found in Siberian Lakes. This clay draws out impurities, but also helps maintain moisture by hydrating skin. You can find this clay in our Blue Clay Mask.
French Pink Clay is high in iron and silica, which make it the perfect clay to aid in cell rejuvenation. This type of clay is the best for exfoliation and regenerating skin. You can find it in our Pink Clay Mask.
French Green Clay is similar to Bentonite clay in that it helps absorb excess oils and exfoliates dead skin cells. This clay gets its green color from plant materials and oxidized iron present in the clay, which add to it's healing properties. You can find this clay in our Green Glow Mask.
White Kaolin Clay is the gentlest form of clay. This type is perfect for sensitive skin. Instead of the more intense exfoliation that other forms of clay provide, kaolin clay gently softens skin. This clay can be found in both the Blue Clay Mask and the Pink Clay Mask.
In order to have the most beneficial face mask make sure you choose one with a clay that matches the needs of your unique skin!
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Sea Salts that have been harvested from the Dead Sea contain at least 21 different nutrients such as magnesium, iodine, potassium, sulfur and zinc. These nutrients give sea salts anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This not only helps clear blemishes and toxins from the skin, but also soothes muscles and improves circulation. The magnesium in sea salts has also been shown to help keep skin moisturized even after you dry off from the bath.
A sea salt bath can reduce aches and fatigue in sore muscles thanks to the potassium, magnesium and bromide. Try filling a warm bath with one of our sea salt mixes to experience a relaxing physical and mental at-home spa like treatment.
Our Bergamot and Vetiver Bathing Salts have a deep aroma of vanilla and citrus.
Our Black Spruce and Juniper Bathing Salts have an earthy relaxing scent.
Our Detox Bath Salts have a clarifying blend of lavender and eucalyptus essential oils.
Our Calm Bath Salts create an ultimate relaxing bath with ylang ylang and vanilla essential oils.
You can't go wrong with any of these amazing bath salts, so pick your favorite and get ready to melt your stress away!
]]>We offer three highly concentrated facial oils for each type of skin.
Lapis Oil works wonders on acne prone and combination to oily skin.
Orchid Oil absorbs easily into the skin and boosts hydration for dry skin.
Phoenix Oil helps the skin regenerate with the help of CoQ10 and is perfect for mature skin.
Update your daily moisturizer to a facial oil and see the results for yourself!
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Marine algae has become the subject of many cosmetic studies. Scientists have found that seaweed can be used for lightening dark spots and for rejuvenating the collagen within skin. This helps keep skin looking youthful and refreshed. Seaweed can even help treat acne and Rosacea.
How does seaweed help our skin? Seaweed is full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins A, B, C, and E. When used in skincare, these powerful properties can help calm irritated skin and decrease inflammation. Try our Seaweed and Clay face mask for a spa like facial that treats your skin to the benefits of seaweed.
Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine. It helps remove dead skin cells that block our pores. Seaweed is the perfect gentle exfoliant. Our Seaweed and Lavender Face Exfoliant has the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of not one but three beneficial ingredients by combining seaweed with calming lavender and rose. Looking to exfoliate more than your face? We offer a Seaweed and Salt Body Scrub, so you can reap the benefits of seaweed on your entire body!
Try adding seaweed to your natural skincare routine and let us know how your skin reacts!
]]>We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our amazing customers. Thank you for sharing in our vision and for supporting artisans who make eco-friendly products.
We can’t wait to continue this journey in 2017!
-Holly
Founder of FlyAway BlueJay
]]>Co-worker who just started at your office - So far she seems lovely, but you are just getting to know each other. A candle is a sweet gift that doesn't require you to know the person that well. Anyone will appreciate a handcrafted soy wax candle scented with natural essential oils. We particularly love the floral notes in this Geranium and Rose candle.
Family friend - You've known this person forever, but they've always been closer to your parents than to you. Show you care with the Clary Sage & Grapefruit Bath Salts. These bath salts not only detoxify your skin and increase circulation, but they are packaged in beautiful glass bottles that she can display proudly in her bathroom.
Your health conscious cousin - She's obsessed with yoga, loves kale in every meal and is always looking for natural alternatives for everything. The Green Glow Mask combines all of her favorite super foods; spirulina, matcha and spinach with french green clay. She'lll appreciate that you really know what matters to her!
Your trendy sister-in-law - She's always reading Vogue and showing up to family dinners with the latest fashion statement. Right now minimalist, architectural jewelry is super stylish. Show her that you know her tastes with a beautiful handmade powder coated bracelet or earrings in the trendiest metal, rose gold.
Friendly locals - Maybe its your barista, the woman who always says hi to you when you stop in for a salad at your local cafe or the friendly people at your post office, It's always nice to show your appreciation for their kindness throughout the year. Ditch the standard Starbucks gift card and get them a gift card with a little more meaning. Let them choose from bath soaks to spoil themselves or stylish gold necklaces that fit their exact tastes.
]]>What you'll need:
Pinecones
Wire Cutters/Pliers
Wire
Twine
Step One: Cut the wire into 2" pieces.
Step Two: Use pliers to insert the wire into the tops of the pinecones. Use a little hot glue if needed to keep the wire in place.
Step Three: Twist the wire around the twine tightly to keep the pinecone from sliding around on the twine.
Step Four: Decorate with your newly created garland!
]]>What you'll need:
Mason Jars
Wide Ribbon
Thin Ribbon
Glue
Sharpie
Wide Popsicle Sticks
Step One: Measure out a piece of the wide ribbon to fit around the center of a mason jar. Use glue to keep the ribbon in place.
Step Two: Carefully write, "I am thankful for:" on each popsicle stick. Make sure to create enough for every guest you're expecting.
Step Three: Wrap the smaller ribbon around the top of each popsicle stick. This gives them a cohesive look with the jar.
Step Four: Have your guests fill out the Thankful Sticks!
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What you'll need:
Air Dry Clay
Gold Paint
Paint Brush
Knife
Step One: Cut equal amounts of clay and roll each into a ball.
Step Two: Starting from the bottom, begin pinching the clay to form a mountain-like shape.
Step Three: Use the knife to cut a slit in the top of the mountain for the name card. Make sure to check that it is wide enough to fit the name card you're using. Let the clay dry overnight.
Step Four: Use the gold paint to apply a gold cap onto the clay. Let the paint dry fully.
Step Six: Place them around the table and enjoy!
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What you'll need:
Tin Cans
Spray Paint in Chosen Color
Sharpie
Hot Glue
Drawer Knobs
Twine (optional)
Step One: Clean off the tin cans and spray paint them in your chosen color. It took us two coats of white paint to get full coverage. Let the cans dry fully before moving onto the next step.
Step Two: Using your sharpie draw out faces for your pumpkins.
Step Three: Glue the drawer knobs on top of the cans to create pumpkin stems. Tie on some string/twine to mimic pumpkin vine curls.
Step Four: Place them out on your porch or in a window sill and have a happy Halloween!
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Charcoal is a great detoxifier. It can absorb 100 to 200 times its own weight making it perfect for removing harmful chemicals from your skin.
A build up of dirt and toxins on your skin and in your pores can make your pores appear larger and eventually lead to acne. This is especially true when you live in a city and your skin deals with air pollution on a daily basis. When charcoal is used on your skin it binds to these toxins and dirt, which are then washed away after you wash off the charcoal.
Many cleansing ingredients today on the beauty market are not natural and end up leaving behind chemical residue, which can irritate sensitive skin. Because charcoal is completely natural and free of harmful chemicals, it's a great option for those looking to cleanse easily irritated skin.
Try out one of our Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Soaps, which use activated charcoal and tea tree oil to combat acne and detoxify your skin. Add some charcoal to your skin routine and see just how purifying it feels.
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What you'll need:
Set of wooden spoons
Paint in your chosen color
Masking tape or painter's tape
Step One: Use your tape to create lines around the spoons to keep your designs even. We chose to do one spoon with stripes, one with paint on the ends of the handle and one completely painted.
Step Two: Paint the spoons. It took us two coats to get a smooth look. Find a cup or jar to let the spoons dry.
Let the spoons dry and then take the tape off to reveal your designs! Now you've got a great set of unique kitchen spoons!
]]>When used in beauty products (often in the form of rosewater), roses are amazing for your face and body! They are anti-inflammatory and can help calm irritated and inflamed skin. They're also packed with antioxidants like vitamin-C, which help protect your skin from damage.
Rosewater is anti-bacterial and anti-fungul making it a great treatment for healing minor wounds and burns. This also makes it perfect for fighting the bacteria associated with acne.
Want to incorporate roses into your beauty routine? Check out these products to take advantage of the rose's powerful beauty benefits.
Jacho Rose Lip Butter is great for soothing dry lips.
Use Coco Rose Body Polish to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.
Spray Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist to soften and hydrate your face.
Now don't forget to stop and smell the roses!
]]>Instead of running to the store to choose between only two brands of travel size toiletries, why not use your own? We know from experience that sometimes your own trusted, very specific, tailored to your own hair, shampoo is your safest bet. Plus, these reusable bottles can still be used while you aren't traveling. Put them in a guest bathroom to give your guests a spa like experience!
What you'll need:
Reusable Bottles (can be found at your local craft store or online)
Waterproof Letters (vinyl works well)
Painter's tape
Step One: Using the painter's tape create a ring around each bottle. This will help ensure that your letters are placed in a straight line.
Step Two: Carefully place each letter along the tape.
And voila! You're all done! Now fill up the bottles and get ready for your trip!
Bonus Tip: If you prefer using bar soap over body wash, our sample soaps make a great addition to these bottles.
]]>Maybe you've heard these little blue guys referred to as a "super food," but what does that really mean? It means they are JAM PACKED with nutrients and vitamins!
Blueberries contain multiple nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamin K, which are vital for strong bones. In addition to keeping your bones healthy, they help fight off harmful free radicals because they're filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A and proanthocyanidin.
Blueberries are also little brain boosters! Studies have found that they help protect against degeneration in the brain and can help with overall memory and cognition.
Who knew that these little berries could be so helpful?! Try incorporating them into a few meals to give your mind and body a little boost.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy blueberries is in a morning smoothie. Try out this simple recipe and enjoy the bounty of benefits.
1 cup of blueberries
1 cup of strawberries
1 cup of orange juice
Combine everything in a blender and you've got yourself a delicious healthy treat!
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All you need are magnets, glue and your trinkets. Make sure the magnets are strong enough to hold your keepsakes without falling off the fridge!
Simply glue each small souvenir onto a magnet. Let it fully dry. For things like shells that have a concave shape you will need a larger amount of glue.
Now you can decorate your fridge with all of your memories!
]]>Chelcie: I grew up outside of Atlanta, GA in a tiny town called Woolsey. It's a special place because as kids, we were able to explore outside all day. We'd go to a local cemetery, catch fireflies, walk in the surrounding woods all summer long, and lay in the grass looking up at the stars. I realize as an adult that some of my favorite memories were these things that one just can't experience unless they're in the country.
When did you first start creating and designing handmade goods?Chelcie: I never considered myself to be artistic growing up. Music was my thing throughout my childhood and my teens. But after discovering that I didn't want to pursue music, I went to art school. Once I was there, I found myself drawn to the textile department. So I tried just about everything: screen printing, embroidery, felting, spinning, and weaving. Once I took that first weaving class, I was hooked. I bought my own loom right after graduation, and have been designing and weaving ever since.
What drew you to making scarves? What do you enjoy most about it?Chelcie: Scarves are an accessory that everyone loves to have plenty of. They're both beautiful and practical, and can be a real statement. When I started designing textiles, I was making pillows. I think I have more of a knack for home decorating than fashion, so it seemed like a no-brainer. But, until I'm able to hire more help, it's a lot of extra overhead and extra time to complete pillows after hand-weaving the fabric. After some thought of what I could create, I realized that the steps post-weaving for scarves were minimal. My designs started busier, and as I've grown have become more minimal and timeless.
My favorite part of making scarves is absolutely weaving them. I love the my finished product, but as long as I'm sitting at my loom in that meditative, repetitive state, I'm very happy with being a maker.
What is your creative process when you’re trying to create a new product?Chelcie: I always go through my own little dance when I design and create a new product. The dance consists of designing a pattern, realizing a few hours later that it's too busy, reigning in the design, going a little crazy again, then finally repeating to myself to keep it simple, keep it simple, keep it simple. Minimalism is what inspires me more than anything, but sometimes it's quite hard to edit. Once I finalize my design, I think about color and fiber choices, and finally map out how to thread my loom. Setting up a loom for weaving is a very detail-oriented process, full of math and planning. One mistake during this process, and the entirety of the fabric is flawed. But I love this challenge.
How did you come up with your company's name?Chelcie: The definition of Elytra is 'the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, such as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.'
I love insects, specifically beetles. I love their intricate design, their coloring, and their fragility. I have been drawn to beetles especially because I once read that Ancient Egyptian culture adorned so much with beetles and scarabs because it was a symbol of constant evolution. That is an idea that sticks with me personally as well as professionally. I want to always be evolving into a better person and a better artist; Learning from mistakes, and paying attention to what works.
]]>The use of lavender has been recorded as far back as ancient Greece and Rome. Romans used this lovely purple flower as a perfume to scent their clothing and baths.
The scent of lavender promotes a sense of calm and helps aid in sleep and deep relaxation. It is often distilled into an essential oil which can be used in a variety of ways. Using lavender essential oil in aromatherapy can greatly help in reducing stress.
Beyond smelling heavenly, lavender oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory making it perfect for healing irritated or acne prone skin. Because of this quality, lavender is an essential ingredient in many beauty products.
Want to start incorporating lavender into your daily routine? Check out some of our handmade natural products that make use of this powerful flower.
Take advantage of lavender's anti bacterial properties and cleanse your face with this seaweed and lavender face exfoliant or this lavender and matcha face mask.
Enjoy the fresh calming scent of lavender all day long by spritzing your locks with this sea mist hair spray.
Breathe deep and relax with this aromatherapy oil filled with chamomile, vetiver and lavender.
We hope you find a way to incorporate lavender into your busy life. We could all use a little rest and relaxation with the help of this beautiful flower!
]]>When did you first start creating and designing handmade goods?
Lee: I graduated in Visual Communications from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design about 4 years ago with a tingle in my fingers for textile design. Until then, it was a field I had very little experience in. After graduating, I started taking different courses to expand my knowledge and fell in love with traditional and modern printing techniques, and the combination of the two. It wasn't long after that I realized this is where my heart is.
Today, my designs are the result of a process of graphic design – collecting visuals (photographs I take), deconstructing them (drawing out the elements I am fascinated with) and reassembling the parts into a new visual element and finally, transforming it into a pattern and a refined fashion accessory, built to last but never boring.
We both started making things with our hands as kids, which evolved into selling our handmade goods in our early twenties before we ever met. I (Leah) was sewing things and Billy started a silk-screened T-shirt company. When we first started dating we both started our own companies, Leah doing women's swimwear and Billy doing men's jewelry and leather goods. Then after a while we decided we wanted to design and run a business together - that's when we conceived Baleen.
What drew you to making jewelry? What do you enjoy most about it?Making jewelry is really gratifying - you can think up an idea and within a few hours or less, you have a proto-type or even a final piece. We love to see that process in a shorter time-window and to bring new designs to life as we come up with them.
What is your creative process when you’re trying to create a new product?We both bring creative ideas to one another all the time, then Billy will usually mock something up and we'll analyze it together, then edit accordingly. We love pure, simple, uncomplicated design - and we always want our pieces to be affordable, so that gives us parameters to work within that we actually really enjoy. Its a fun challenge and the best part is that we get immediate response from our customers, so we know when we get it right.
How did you come up with your company's name?It really was as simple as "we like how this word sounds" and as a bonus it's a whale reference and we both really love the ocean. We spend a lot of time in Hawaii, and are based in the Pacific Northwest, so we are kind of like the Humpback whales in that we migrate to warmer waters every year. That was a fun coincidence and we just took it from there.
Any other interesting facts or stories you’d like to share?We just got married on Maui! :)
]]>What you'll need:
Natural colored doormat
Black spray paint
White spray paint and/or acrylic paint and roller
Cut out letters
Push pins
Step One: Find a well ventilated area to spray paint in. Tape down newspapers or any recycled paper you have around the house to protect your surface.
Step Two: Using the black spray paint cover the entire surface of the mat.
Step Three: Place the cut out letters on the mat and use push pins to keep them from moving.
Step Four: Using white spray paint and/or acrylic paint and a roller cover over the mat and letters. This took us multiple coats so take your time and let each coat dry fully before moving onto the next.
Now get ready to smile every time you come home!
]]>Matcha, created from powdered green tea leaves, can be traced back centuries. The method commonly used today of whisking powdered matcha in a bowl of hot water began in 12th century China. Zen Buddhists used this tea to help them focus during their meditations and maintain a steady energy throughout the day. Matcha spread from China to Japan in 1191 when a Japanese monk named Eisai witnessed the health benefits from this drink on an excursion into China. Eisai brought matcha back to Japan and declared the drink to be an “elixir of the immortals.”
Intense care and attention are given to the tea leaves used to make matcha. Prior to harvesting they are covered with a cloth to shade them from direct sunlight, which intensifies their chlorophyll and vitamin levels. The leaves are then de-veined and dried before being carefully stone-ground into powder.
Unlike traditional green tea, where tea leaves are steeped and then discarded, when drinking matcha you are ingesting the entire leaf along with all of it’s numerous health benefits. Matcha has twenty times more antioxidants than any other “super food” (for example: spinach, pomegranate, goji berries). Antioxidants aid your body’s defense system and help fight infections and disease. Matcha contains a specific type of antioxidant, catechin EGCg, which has been shown to counteract the effects of free radicals, which can lead to cell damage.
Matcha also helps increase your energy and metabolic rate, helping you to stay alert and burn calories. While matcha helps you avoid that mid afternoon slump, it also doesn’t give you the typical anxious, stressful energy that some experience with a cup of coffee. It’s packed with L-Theanine, an amino acid that relaxes your brain and helps promote clarity and focus. This focused energy boost along with numerous health benefits make matcha a perfect alternative to coffee.
Even if you’re committed to your coffee and not looking to switch up your morning caffeine routine, matcha can be enjoyed in so many other ways! Add in steamed milk and honey to create a sweet latte, pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink or use it in your favorite cake recipe.
Not only is matcha a powerhouse of body loving benefits, but it's also highly beneficial in skincare. Matcha helps soothe irritated skin and the antioxidants help to detoxify your skin. Try out our Lavender Matcha Mask for a soothing experience or our Green Glow Mask to super charge your skin!
]]>If you've been on Instagram lately you know it's festival season. It's almost impossible to escape the images of women dancing in cut off shorts and crochet tops. Whether you're lucky enough to score those coveted festival tickets or you're listening to your own "festival" music in the comfort of your home, its hard not to love that free-spirited flower loving lifestyle. We created a simple DIY so that you can feel festival ready wherever you're going!
What you'll need:
Jute
Artificial flowers
Hot Glue
Step One: Using a piece of jute, measure your head and cut the jute into the appropriate size. This will make sure that your headband fits perfectly! Next, cut three pieces of jute that are each twice as long as the measuring piece.
Step Two: Tie a knot in the three pieces of jute. Use something heavy to hold them in place and begin braiding.
Step Three: Continue braiding until the braid matches the length of your measuring jute. Tie a knot at the end when you're finished.
Step Four: Cut the jute right before each knot.
Step Five: Using hot glue, attach the two ends. Don't worry if it's a little messy because you'll cover it up with flowers later.
Step Six. Grab your artificial flowers and pop the top portion off. This should leave a tiny plastic stem attached to the flower.
Step Seven: Alternating between colors, place the flowers within the braids of the jute. Use hot glue on the stem to keep the flowers in place.
Now you have a festival ready accessory for any time you feel like adding flowers to your outfit!
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Creating cheery spring art for your walls with pressed flowers is easier than you think! We put together a simple DIY to show you just how simple it really is!
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Paint two of the eggs solid white and leave one unpainted to show off the natural wood.
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What you'll need:
A metal "N" or "Z" letter shape (which can be found at any Michaels or similar craft store)
Copper wire
Test tubes or small glass bottles
Wire cutters
Step One: Measure out four strands of copper wire. Ours were roughly 32 inches long. Wrap the wire around the letter. Repeat for each piece of wire, with one wire strand for each bend in the shape and one at each end.
Step Two: Wrap the ends of the wire around the test tube/glass vases. You could do either one or two glass bottles on each wire. We chose to do two!
Step Three: Cut a fifth piece of wire to use as your hanger. Attach each end to the shape so you can suspend the chandelier. Add flowers and fresh cut buds!
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Krizia: I grew up in the San Fernando Valley about 30 minutes north of LA. I'm more on the east side near the mountains so lots of hiking and horses are near my home. It's really quiet except for the some of the roosters in the mornings.
When did you first start creating handmade goods?Krizia: I started creating my pieces about 2 years ago, in my back yard.
What drew you to “your craft”? What do you enjoy most about it?Krizia: I've always been inspired by minimal work. I started Concrete Geometric because I was in need of product to shoot for my personal photography business. While I dont enjoy the production part of it because I'm always filled with dust I do enjoy the social media part of it where I've met and worked with some incredible people in just the two years.
What is your creative process when you’re trying to create a new product?Krizia: I sit and sketch an idea, then I bring it to my boyfriend and ask if he would buy that for himself or a friend. Then we both go over a few things to adjust the final piece.
Any other interesting facts or stories you’d like to share?Krizia: When I started CG I was working a full time job for a motion picture company and freelancing photo, I slept almost never and sometimes I would have stress meltdowns. I was able to quit my job recently to pursue CG full time. I've been able to create so much more with free time and catch up on a feww zzz's I was missing.
]]>What you'll need:
Keys
Nail polish
Tape
Step One: Use two pieces of tape to create a triangle on the first key.
Step Two: Paint the triangle with your first nail polish color. We chose pink!
Step Three: Use tape to create a straight line on your other two keys.
Step Four: Use your other two nail polish colors to paint these keys. Make sure to let everything dry fully before removing the tape. Some colors might require a few extra coats (our white and pink both needed two coats to make the colors really pop!) Feel free to get creative with designs and colors!
]]>Chentell: My name is Chentell Shannon, I am the founder of Convivial Production, Inc, based in Kansas City, MO. Originally, however I am from Maui, Hawaii. I was born and raised on the island and remained there until high school graduation led me to further pursue my education in Chicago and then ultimately landed me in Kansas City. Maui was an incredibly unique place to grow up. The access to adventure was available in every direction. Countless valley trails to hike, ocean beaches to swim, grounds to camp and land to simply explore. Fresh fruit growing in nearly every back yard, neighborhood chickens running wild, sun filled skies year round. Theres no place quite like it.
When did you first start creating handmade goods?Chentell: I first began working with my hands during my freshman year of high school. My older sister was enrolled in ceramics as an elective, and being the awestruck younger sister that I was, I decided to take the same course. As it turns out, I loved it. My teacher introduced me to traditional techniques, I took every ceramics class available, and when I ran out of options, I built an independent curriculum. I was mesmerized and in many ways I found it to be therapeutic. Discovering this really drove me to continue to work with clay and to seek ways to make the craft a long-term endeavor.
What drew you to ceramics? What do you enjoy most about it?Chentell: Convivial Production, Inc is the product of years of technical development colliding with my passion for hospitality and love for simplistic beauty. The potential functional wares hold for both beauty and utility stole my attention. I found the possibilities for hospitality, service and conviviality - the joining of people to eat, drink, and be well with one another - to be unique amounts a sea of artistic mediums. Often I tell people, it’s not ceramics that I am passionate about, rather how ceramics can be designed and utilized to serve others. Convivial Production was founded by these principles - the love of beauty, hospitality and the ways ceramic goods can set the scene for social vitality, gatherings, and ultimately conviviality.
What is your creative process when you’re trying to create a new product?Chentell: Deciding on new products is initially a natural progression. Ideas come and go. I have a new idea when I am cooking dinner and want a certain size dish, when I am sitting outside on the porch and see that I have a plant that needs potting, or when I am organizing my apartment and looking for the right bottle, votive, or bowl to set the scene. I often catch myself thinking, something of this shape and this size would look good here, and if I can see others thinking the same thing, I take the idea seriously. A strategic part of my role as a designer is to discern which ideas are worth pursuing, worth bringing to life, worth making a thousand times, and then selling and shipping all over the nation.
How did you come up with your company's name?Chentell: Conviviality, if you are unfamiliar with the term, means “the joining together of people to eat, to drink, and to be well with one another.” I came across this concept in college and was reminded of it by my husband when we were brainstorming company names. All of the products within Convivial are designed with the intention of setting the scene for conviviality. We make the plates, cups, and serving dishes that are essential for hosting and the surrounding décor that sets the scene. The vision within Convivial is that through our products we will continually inspire and enable individuals to host well—to gather, commune, and to share life with each other.
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