Video Description of our Upcoming Clay Workshops

We have 1 spot left in our August workshop! RSVP by emailing Carrie at surfaceelements@gmail.com, or by calling at 804.475.9645.

200-year-old Clay Walls!

This photo was taken a few weeks back during a consultation with a family in Rustburg, Virginia who seek help restoring their farmhouse. The walls are made from a mixture of Virginia red clay, lime, and hog hair, among other things. Over the years, the walls have begun to fail in different places, and the family is hoping to save them. They turned to us for help, hoping that American Clay may be a good solution. Unfortunately, AC is a veneer plaster, not one that would help repair the walls. we offered to try to help find some plasterers skilled in historic renovations and techniques. If anyone has an idea of where we might find a good resource, please email me. It would be greatly appreciated!

Decorative Techniques

A client recently requested to see some designs of decorative elements for their home. There are clay walls throughout the space, and the homeowners are looking to integrate some of the colors from their Mexican tiles and Southwestern-style furnishings. After perusing a variety of patterns and techniques, we've started by accenting this recessed niche with rich mineral-based pigment. These pigments are fade-resistant, and will remain brilliant for years to come.

Next up, a custom Mexican motif to accent an archway in their dining room. Stay tuned for more photos!

American Clay, a Natural Mold Deterrent

A dear friend of mine recently bought a house that has a nightmare bathroom. Many years with poor air circulation and too much humidity has resulted in quite a moldy space. Having heard so much about American Clay, she remembers me talking about the clay's natural mold-inhibiting qualities. She's remediating the mold problem now so I can get in there and trowel it with a beautiful coat of Sugarloaf White. When we're done, her mold won't return.

Several clients specifically seeked me out because I work with this health-supportive product. Asthma, breathing problems, mold and dust allergies...If you or someone you know is considering renovations, consider a healthier alternative to traditional products. My clients say their walls give them more than just a beautiful space to enjoy. They provide peace of mind.

August & September Hands-On Clay Trainings

1-Day Professional Workshops

Saturday, August 1st 10am - 4pm

Saturday, September 5th 10am - 4pm

Location:

Bettencourt/ECO Supply Center

1310 Roseneath Rd

Richmond, VA 23230

***NOTE: Attendees, please save instructor's cell phone number (listed below), as attendees frequently get lost trying to find the class.

Class Description:

Participants will learn basic and intermediate application techniques using all 4 American Clay plasters, artistic techniques, and repair methods. A written test will be given at the end of the session. Attendees can expect that, upon completion of the class, they will have the proper knowledge to ensure a successful clay installation. This class is ideal for contractors, designers, and homeowners. Participants seeking to use American Clay professionally will receive tips and advice on how to ensure success on-the-job. Come prepared to be creative, get dirty, and meet others who love this innovative product.

The cost is $150 per person, and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Classes fill quickly, and spaces are reserved with a 50% deposit of the class fee.

To RSVP or contact with questions, feel free to contact the instructor: 

Carrie Williar
Surface Elements
surfaceelements@gmail.com
804.475.9645

American Clay on HGTV July 6th!

Thanks to American Clay for the heads up on this chance to see American Clay on TV! 

If you missed HGTV’s “My Big Amazing Renovation” on May 27th or if you want to watch it again, this episode will be repeated this month on Monday, July 06, 2009 at 6:30 PM e/p. Please check out your local listings for episode #HRENO205 by clicking here.

The all natural, interior wall plaster will be used across a very good portion of the whole house.

We hope you enjoyed the show!

Creative Additives for Clay

I've just returned from the Outer Bank where I spent the 4th of July weekend. The weather couldn't have been any better, and I loved watching fireworks on the beach. I've returned home with some souvenirs that I'll be incorporating into a new sample board in the near future. I collected a container of small shells from the beach that I'll blend with some clay plaster to create an interesting textural effect. The shells are smooth and multi-colored - It should make for a beautiful finish!

American Clay Wall Repairs

At the beginning of May, an old student of mine called and asked if I could come take a look at a residential Enjarre job that had been damaged during a build-out. Enjarre is American Clay's newest product, and it was developed with the intention of making clay plaster more affordable for large spaces (10,000+ square feet). It can be sprayed in one coat and back-troweled to get the desired finish. Upon arrival to the site, I realized that the damages were extensive, with months of contractor traffic having taken its toll on the beautiful clay walls. 

American Clay is a medium-hard plaster, and can be damaged when bumped by heavy objects and sharp corners of furniture. One of its best selling points is that it is repairable in a way that is easier than with other types of plasters. Unfortunately in this case, there were so many damaged areas that the homeowners knew they'd need assistance fixing their walls. It was unreasonable for them to feel like they could do all of this themselves. I spent many hours repairing the walls, and it's almost finished, 100+ repairs later!

To those considering having American Clay installed in their home:  Please wait to have clay walls installed until late in the construction process. Take into consideration how much traffic and equipment could potentially damage the plaster. It will save you much time, money, and heartache.

Richmond's Professional Training a Success

On June 25th and 26th, Shaylor Alley, VP of American Clay, visited Richmond to provide a professional training for contractors, builders, and decorative painters. I was on-hand to help out and to glean some new information from Shaylor to incorporate into my own clay trainings. I was grateful for the opportunity to network with people who've been in the plaster business for 20+ years. They were full of ideas - It was truly a great group. I feel like I learned a lot. Thanks to Mike Endreny of Bettencourt Green Building Supplies for his hard work and planning that made the training a success!