Additional Colour Info...!

One of the great things about the range of American Clay Plasters we carry is not only do they have an extensive colour pallet (which by the way is abut to grow considerably) but they also have great colour support. By this I mean that the versatility of the product enables many different applications using many different techniques with MANY different colour blending possibilities. Whether you choose to mix on the hawk, in the bucket or on the wall, we have enough technical knowledge and support to give you the tips you need to be as creative as you want. One of the best tools we have is the Colour Blog of Carrie Williar. Which in the next few weeks, you will be able to directly connect with through a link from our website.

A catalyst for creativity, Carrie packs a rare combination of tools that enrich and enhance American Clay’s day-to-day operations. An art therapist by training, Carrie also brings a welcome arsenal of skills with her history in marketing, business development, corporate training, fine arts, and green building.

Prior to her work with American Clay, Carrie was an artisan applicator and American Clay trainer in Richmond, VA. Additionally, Carrie has consulted to help several businesses develop a more sustainable business model. Fueled by the belief that innovation, openness, and a natural curiosity can be the most valuable tools for professional success, she brings that mentality to her work with American Clay’s clients.

Carrie is active on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and welcomes opportunities to meet and connect with others in the industry. 

How high can you go...with bales?

Its great to see just where the UK is in its continued approach and focus to the Green and Sustainable issues of our time. The new innovative ideas and focus of those Architects, Designers, Contractors, Manufactures and others alike who have recognised the need for change in our construction industry and implemented ways in which to deal with its fundamental problems, is admirable. We recently read an article of such a project...Largest Strawbale Building now in the UK. Take a look as the UK yet again breaks new ground!

Anyway, enjoy the article and its links, we feel its definitely a great step in the right direction!

So, as we get a number of questions asking the origins of our American Clay Plasters, we thought it was a good idea to post a little about the American clay company history!

The Story of American Clay

American Clay Earth Plaster was developed in New Mexico in 2000 by Croft Elsaesser, a high-end furniture and wall finisher/artisan who was looking for an alternative to the highly toxic finishing materials typically used to do custom finishes. Unable to find a product that was non-toxic, cost- effective and adaptable enough to create a variety of wall surfaces/finishes, Croft returned to the original natural building material of history, clay. His idea was to create a wall finish that could equal any old-world finish in beauty, be healthy for those living with the material in their homes, and be manufactured in the U.S. of locally abundant materials.

With advice from ceramicist Carol Baumgartel, his mother, Croft developed a clay plaster recipe that met his demanding specifications. As a professional interior designer, Carol recognized immediately, the growing market for environmentally viable building materials.

After two years of experimentation and market research, American Clay became a viable, mass produced product available to the greater building industry. Applying for a provisional patent June of 2002, American Clay was awarded the Patent Pending in July of 2002.

American Clay is now sold by distributors and dealers across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Antigua, Mexico and Japan. The company continues to be run by Croft and Carol’s family, their investors and their many employees. Today they remain committed to the company values that helped build their product: Integrity, Innovation, Quality, Communication, Well-being, Sustainability, and Service.