DECO Clay Craft Academy - Blog

Hawai’i is in bloom!

Hawai’i is in bloom!  This time of year, many species of flowers are in bloom on the island.  There’s Pikake, Pakalana, Stephanotis, Bougainvillea and one of my favorites the Rainbow Shower Tree.  Its majesty and gorgeous cascading flowers ranging in color from white, light green, orange and yellow are so pretty to look at-it reminds me of cherry blossoms.  When you see the trees all in a row along the highway or park it’s breathtaking to see!  Another summertime treat are Mangoes, they are seen pretty much everywhere here.  It seems like every home has one or two in their front or back yard!  I’ve had my share of good Mangoes this summer-they are so yummy…

I am busily working on some NEW upcoming projects for the Curriculum III course, along with custom orders, before I head off to Japan at the end of the week.  There are three weeks of classes scheduled in Japan and then I’ll be back in Honolulu at the end of the month.  I will be missing the July 4th festivities and fire works, but I hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July and enjoying your summer!!!

Yukiko

Living Hawai’i

 It’s summer! We have a summer swell in on the south shore. When you see and hear the waves, you know its summer. Here in Hawai’i we don’t have that much of a change from season to season; especially not like where I grew up in Japan. Living here you often hear more weather reports about how high the waves are around the island. When south swell is high, it is summer and in the winter the north shore is happening! How easy is that? :-)

We have been seeing so many people going to the beach with their surfboards, so you can imagine the beach being super crowded. I made myself go to the beach last weekend, motivated by new beach wear, but just a few minutes out in the sun you realize it can get very hot. It seems like we will have a very, very hot summer in Hawaii with bigger than average waves.

I have been looking at all the different colors for this summer, I love all these bright COLORS! I get inspired seeing the new summer clothing lines. The designs including stripes, dots and flower prints, vibrant colors for summer give me a big smile and it’s my favorite season for clothes and of course the weather is not bad. I found some pretty print fabrics that I’m hoping to use someday with my creations. I love pretty prints and colors .... just one of the many things that inspires me so much.

Now that summer is here, we at the Honolulu studio have arranged our class availability to accommodate everyone’s individual course. A student can work on their CI/II or the Tropical Flowers Course at any day of the week we offer classes, unless of course it’s a day/time slotted for our new CIII course for certified instructors. Check our class calendar to sign up. :-)

This past weekend we had another of our CIII classes. This time, the students were taught how to make more elaborate flowers and painting techniques to enhance them. They will have two weeks to finish their flowers. The assembling of the finished project will be done on our next meeting, and I just can’t wait to see all the different colors that they decide to use on their project…so FUN !

  

I just saw the first of several proofs of my new book “Clay Art for Special Occasions” from the publishing company. It is very pretty! The book is slated to be out in book stores by late September 2009. I can't wait !!!

Yukiko

How time flies...

How time flies, it’s been over 3 weeks since I arrived in Tokyo, and classes have been non-stop. I keep saying this over and over, but meeting up with students is always a delight! I see their beautiful projects and inspiration blossoms. (Excuse the pun)

So, how are all of you coping with the H1N1 virus? It’s such big news here in Japan, especially in Osaka. The majority of people wear protective masks, which made me feel pretty nervous. Several schools and businesses where closed due to the scare, and we were afraid that we may have had to cancel the Osaka and Kyushu classes. Sometimes I think that the media adds to the hysteria, don’t you think? In the end though, we decided to go ahead with the classes and we came back to Tokyo safe and sound. Isn’t it sad that we are under so many not-so-bright-news nowadays? There’s the tough economy, virus scare, and news of nuclear weapons. It’s definitely hard times for everyone. What gives me hope for the future? Meeting people that offer their kindness and warm smiles. :-)

Last weekend, my Mother and I went to an invitation only previewing of this years Christmas and New Years products at the main supplier in Tokyo. Overall, the displays we beautiful and we found some great products for this years Christmas and New Years kits. We also had the opportunity to attended a fresh flowers exhibit being held at one of the department stores in Ginza, Tokyo. We are planning to have DECO’s 30^th anniversary celebration there. I can’t believe it’s going to be 30 years in 2011! My Mother and I are already getting very excited about this BIG event!

 

With my busy schedule, I did take time out to go to the Onsen (hot springs) one evening…very relaxing…I highly recommend it! Then afterwards, I ate good food…life is good! No, we didn't eat the Koi fish:-)

 

I left Tokyo on Monday…looking forward to being back home in Hawai’i!

Yukiko

COLLECTIONS

I have been collecting teacups for several years now, and I’m always on the look out for that cute, beautiful, or unique teacup whenever or wherever I might be; be it here in Hawai’i or on my travels. I’ve recently added a new cup, to my ever growing collection, with a “special edition” by WEDGWOOD.  Wedgwood is renowned for its craftsmanship, designs, and high quality.  Even Martha Stewart has put her “name” alongside the famed Wedgwood mark of excellence! This cup is the first of three in the series…I’m so loving the style and design!

Now, you know the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so it’s not a surprise that collecting runs in the family.  My Mother has been a doll collector for years!  I grew up having them all around our house, since I was a little girl.  These are just a few of the many she has accumulated over the years, and of course a recently acquired one too!

Since we’re on a “collection” theme, I thought I’d show you the orchid plants we have in the DECO studio in Tokyo.  We have them near the window to catch the morning sun…they are so beautiful!  (And my favorite flower)

Here is a wedding order that was finished just before heading to Japan.

Yukiko

May Day is “Lei Day” here in Hawai’i!

It is a local custom in the Hawaiian Islands that on May 1st many festivals and events are held around the state (it even has its own song).  Everyone wears flowers, schools have pageants, a contest for the most beautiful lei or garland, a May Day Queen is crowned, dance competitions in both ancient and modern hulas, and popular acts entertain locals and visitors alike. There’s so much to take in and do!

 

My favorite part of “Lei Day” is to go down to Kapi’olani Park to look at all the beautiful leis that are displayed for the contest.   I found myself repeating over and over, “it’s so beautiful!” at every creation I laid my eyes on!  Another thing I found so spectacular was seeing all the different shades of colors, created by combining plants and flowers grown in Hawai’i!  If by chance you and your family are in Honolulu on May 1st, please make sure to stop by and check out the lei display at the park…you won’t be disappointed, and maybe even get wonderfully inspired!

Now, speaking of getting inspired…I just had to share the beautiful Peony bouquet that Chenli and some of the other instructors created for the CIII class project.  Chenli takes over teaching classes at the studio while I’m in Japan and helps me when I need an extra pair of hands for larger classes, such as the CIII course.  We’re constantly impressed by the talent and quality of everyones work! 

Good news…we have finally finished all the Mother’s Day orders for Macy’s and are now focusing on completing wedding orders…then off to Japan.

How does the saying go?  “All work and no play…?”  Anyway, even with my busy schedule, I was able to steal away some quality time and spend it at the beach!  One of my favorites is Waimanalo beach, which offers a scenic view of the valley.  The water felt soooo good!  (I should have added a little more sunscreen though…OUCH!)

‘Till next time-

Yukiko

Greetings from sunny, blue sky Hawai’i!

Just a quick update on my second book entitled, “Clay Art for Special Occasions,” slated to be out in major book stores by the end of September. We have just finished another photo shoot, to show the step-by-step instructions for each of the projects in the book. I am hoping that the variety of projects, which will include new flowers and accessories, will inspire you to create that one-of-a–kind gift for that special occasion or event.


Our new Curriculum III classes have been going very well here in our Honolulu studio. I am hoping this series of classes, with new techniques, will bring a whole new level to this art, as well as to our members. I have already seen so many amazing works that have been brought into the studio! Also, this month we’ve had many guests, from Japan, New York, and Chicago, pop in for a visit and take classes. One in particular is Lorraine, a certified instructor from New York, who has been coming to the studio on a yearly basis. This year she’s not only taking classes, but also working on a family member’s wedding bouquets. We love seeing new and old friends drop by at the studio!

It makes me happy that we add new members into our DECO Clay Craft ohana, but it saddens me that we have to say good-bye to some. One of our active instructors here in Honolulu, Debashri “Debbie” and her husband will be relocating. We will miss them terribly, but we are excited for them and know that great things are in their future. Also, farewell to Kim, who has been living in Hawai’i for the last 4 years, will be joining her family in Boston. Kim has been working very hard for the last couple of months to complete her DECO projects, before leaving Hawai’i. It’s great to know that they are planning to share their talents and the art of DECO Clay in their new place of residence. We hope you all stay in touch!!!

No surprise, but I’m leaving soon for another trip to Japan. But before I leave, I have several orders to fulfill and projects to complete for upcoming classes. Hopefully I can finish without getting too stressed out and to squeeze in some quality time in between.

Yukiko

Happy Easter!

Hello everyone!  I just got back last week, and my plate is already full.  I’m not complaining though, it’s good to be busy and back home! :-)

You would think, by now, traveling and being gone a few weeks at a time would not phase me, on the contrary.  It still takes me a couple of days to get over the jet lag, (I have yet to find a way to avoid this-any suggestions?) and to get back to my normal routine.  It’s just not the same being away from home.  What I miss the most is sleeping in my own comfortable bed, cooking in my own kitchen, and just lying down on the couch to watch TV!  It’s also hard to eat “healthy” when you’re away from home, especially if you’re visiting a place that offers wonderful local cuisine, that’s hard to resist!  So, I promised myself this year that I will cook healthier meals at home and that I go to the gym more often, not only for the health benefits but for stress relief, as well.  I’m lucky that our gym offers a beautiful view of the beach and sunset…makes working out less tedious.

 
Also, classes at the studio have been steadily constant.   I’m excited to say that the number of certified instructors has grown.  We had 9 people who applied last year and we already have 5 this year.  I hope to see this number grow every year, so that we can share our unique craft to everyone not familiar with it.  It’s also a treat to see the improvement in everyone’s techniques thru sheer practice and applying them to their own unique style and creations.  I especially love seeing this thru the “exam” pieces that they submit for the instructor certification.

My Mother and I are so happy to have shared our ideas with you and we could not have come this far without the inspiring relationship we have with all of you.  YOUR passion truly inspires US to come up with more new ideas and designs!  So, look out for more new things this year! :-)

Since Easter is coming up, I wanted to share this Easter egg(s) project I made last year.  Aren’t they cute?!  And very easy to make…just cover a Styrofoam egg (available at craft stores) with DECO clay, and decorate any way you wish.  This particular project can be seen in the book Clay Art for All Seasons.

 
Yukiko

Back from Hong Kong

Hello!  Sorry for the delay in posting, but we’ve been busy, busy, busy!

We have just completed our 15 days of classes in Japan.  The last three weeks focused on the first series of the new C3 classes, which everyone embraced right away and enjoyed.  I will be back again in May to teach the second series of C3 and will be returning to Tokyo, Kyushu and Osaka.  Again, it was nice to see everyone and that the classes were a success.

My Mother and I are now in Hong Kong!  We have just returned to our hotel after finishing up the first of four classes at the Hong Kong Clay Craft Academy.  Our hosts Rita, Karen and Dorothy have been teaching at the Hong Kong location for over 10 years.  They have a wide range of clay classes being offered at their studio and it’s amazing to see their extensive display of their creations in all shapes and sizes.  We have been fortunate that every time we come to Hong Kong to teach, Rita, Karen and Dorothy offer their studio for our classes.  :-)  So, if you ever come to Hong Kong, make sure to stop by at the Hong Kong Clay Craft Academy to see their work!  By the way, Rita’s husband also has a studio within the Hong Kong Clay Craft Academy.  His talent lies in painting and drawing, focusing on MANGA art.

Today was a hazy and rainy day in Hong Kong, but it didn’t dampen this exciting and busy city!  So many high rise buildings, busy streets, cars and people!  Looking forward to getting some authentic regional Hong Kong cuisine tonight…yummy!

Before leaving Japan, I saw signs of spring at a park, near the DECO studio in Tokyo.  By the time we get back from Hong Kong, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom.  I promise to take pictures to share with all of you, so you can see this spectacular display, which only happens once a year! 

Yukiko

Hello from Japan!

Even though March brings with it slightly warmer weather, it’s been very cold here and everyone is surely waiting for spring to arrive.

The classes are going quite well.  It has been 10 days since I got here, and in the span of those 10 days, we have had so many people come to take our classes.  It’s so nice to see all of the familiar faces at our class venues and to see their eagerness to learn new things and new techniques.  It brings a smile to my face, and my Mother's too, to see everyone’s excitement.  My Mother and I are having a great time teaching!  We are in Tokyo right now, and have 4 more days here.  Then next week we are headed off to Osaka and Kyusyu.

In between teaching, my Mother and I have been preparing projects for our classes in Hong Kong.  I thought I’d share a few things we worked on last weekend…

I also made a variety of decadent desserts and French macarons (or macaroons) out of clay.  Making desserts and sweets with clay is so popular in Japan right now.  I love the colors of these macarons…they look like the real thing…but I’m sorry…you can’t eat them! :-)

MORE EXCITING NEWS!

I am coming out with a new book, published once again by Island Heritage, scheduled to be released later this fall!  We just finished the photo shoot last Tuesday.

I had to complete this project within a month or so, but I caught a really bad cold (which I haven’t had in a long time), so I was down and unproductive for a week.  Once I felt a little better, I really had to concentrate on getting everything done.  I managed to get them all done with help from my wonderful cohorts.

Publishing a book is a long and arduous process.  Many people are involved from conceptualization, to printing, and then marketing…finally seeing your book manifests itself on bookshelves.  Even though it seems there is no end in sight, the long grueling hours leading up to the photo shoot is well worth the wait.  I love to do “styling” on the (photo shoot) set to make everything just so, seeing to it that each project will shine and get captured just right.  Sometimes I find it much easier to express my ideas and visions by “doing,” than to verbalize.  I’m so thankful to Island Heritage for giving me reigns, letting me share my ideas, suggestions, and for letting me be “hands on” from start to finish.

Before I head off to Japan, I have one more Macy’s order to put together, so as you can imagine, the studio is a buzz with work!

  

Yukiko

P. S.  I’ll do my best to post a few, on the blog, while I’m in Japan. :-)