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In this green design business profile, I salute Carol Sorensen-Baumgartel of American Clay. I met Carol in early 2006 in Seattle at the Home Show. Carol is the VP of Marketing/Co-founder of American Clay Enterprises, Inc. Carol studied painting and ceramics, earning a BFA in Ceramics from the University of Denver. In 1980, she entered the world of Interior Design and was President of the ASID New Mexico chapter (1991-93). Specializing in interior finishes for commercial builders, residential builders and architects, putting elements together to highlight the physical aspects of a building – and won some interior awards for model homes in the process.

The impetus to the creation of American Clay arose from the health issues which plagued her son, Croft Elsaesser (now CEO and president) as he practiced his profession of Faux Finisher. The physical illnesses –headaches, skin rashes, breathing difficulties-created by the materials he had been using to create magnificent surfaces for his customers were worrisome. Finding natural alternatives to the paints, sealers and acrylic/gypsum wall finishes became paramount to continuing in his profession.

American Clay Natural Earth Plasters bring the appealing finishes of Nature to your Home, Office, School, Business, anywhere you want to add healthful beauty to your interior walls and ceilings. Manufactured in and using materials from the United States, American Clay uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments in each of three beautiful finishes.

Ecohaus in Seattle shares details about American Clay. My project, Casa Montecito, utilized American Clay entirely for the nearly 7,000 square feet.

Tags: American Clay plaster, design, green, home, natural, walls
Posted in Green Design | No Comments »

William Kennedy, an art loving client and Facebook friend, recently shared his favorite photos of 2008. When I saw this image I was thrilled. You see, I love textiles in general and rugs in particular. When I discuss custom rugs with my clients I am eager to share how the process of rug making works and the design opportunities. Sharing this photo of the natural dye pigments is an opportunity to show the beginning of the process.

Necessary of course are the sheep, llamas and alpacas who add the wool to combine with the dyes for yarn. The yarns unite the artisan weaver and the designer to create motifs for the myriad designs. Subtle variations in colors in combination with intricate designs result in richly vivid details. The themes and images deliver a treasured rug to be shared for generations.

All the dye options you see in the photo are natural. Dyes like those shown in the photo are used by Peruvians to make textiles, belts, ponchos and wall hangings as well as rugs. Central to the heritage and customs of Peru are weaving and everyone weaves in Peru. The designs pass from generation to generation along with the techniques. Thus rug and textile making is preserved for the future.

William, his wife and two sons, explored South America and this photo was taken in Peru. I asked William and his family to comment about their insights from visiting Peru and seeing the textile process. I hope you will enjoy hearing their first hand impressions.

Next, I asked Brad Andonian, of Pande Cameron in Seattle to join in as a guest blogger. Brad represents the third generation of family ownership of this highly regarded rug importer. With locations in Seattle and Bellevue, Pande Cameron proudly serves metro Seattle as a leading resource for fine imported rugs.

Tags: Area Rugs, artisans, color, customs, decorating, heritage, interior design, interiors, natural, peru, Textiles, wool
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 1 Comment »