Back in September 2016, I did a post about the Saturday metalsmithing class and the wonderful collaboration we did. Each of the students took on the challenge to incorporate one of my textured tile pieces into their metalwork. They all did a wonderful job. Such a great project.

Click here to see the original blog post about the collaboration challenge.

Well, here’s one more entry into the mix. A little late, but well worth the wait.
And to be brutally honest, I got these pictures a LONG time ago… I’ve been a slacker in posting. Sorry.

Anyway, Lillstreet metalsmithing student Erika Novak created this amazing pendant using one of my textured pieces as her “cabachon gem”… so to speak.

And the back side is an amazing “reproduction” done with CAD design and cast in bronze.

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Another night of stamping while watching the Grammy’s.
Adding a little texture around the rim of an otherwise “normal” round platter.

It’s just three months away… and time to start counting the days!
To my favorite Pottery Tour of the year. The St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour.
And this year’s tour promises to be one of the best ever!!!
It’s their 25th Anniversary!!!

As usual, there are seven host locations on the tour. And this year they have invited fifty-two guests artists to join in the celebration. Promising to be an incredible three-day weekend in Minnesota!!! So many pots to see. So many potters to chat with. So much fun for everyone!!! I’ll be coming up as usual to play at all of the locations… and “quite possibly”, add a new pot… or two… or twelve to my collection?!!!

I know I will be going up for the weekend. Wouldn’t miss it. It’s an annual adventure!
Unfortunately, I haven’t been “invited” to be one of the guest artists… yet… so I will still be there shopping, chatting and admiring a TON of wonderful pottery with everyone else!!! It’s the best pottery weekend every year… and I’d love to see some blog fans there!!!

To see the full list of participating potters, and complete Tour details,
click here for the Minnesota Potters website.

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One of my friends has been busy in the kitchen making some loaves of banana bread…
and letting them cool on a couple of my textured tile trivets!!!

Another platter going from plain to stamped.
I also tried a “new” more-open spiral on this one… kinda liking it so far.

And the stamp that did all of the work…

Street art along Ashland Avenue in Chicago… taking a nap on the sidewalk?!

While many of us are tying to finish art fair applications and “finalizing” our summer schedule, word on the street says that the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival has been discontinued. After 43 years, they have decided to cease with producing the art fair. No official word as to why… nor any direct announcement to their artists… just a simple “discontinued” message on their website. So after nearly a decade of playing on the lakefront, enjoying my beautiful “backyard” booth view of the Lake, and chatting with my North Shore clients … mwah, mwah mwah… NO MORE FUN IN EVANSTON!!!

So, for those of you who used to stop by and shop in Evanston, please plan accordingly. And if anyone out there has any recommendations for a “new-to-me” art fair that I should consider, please let me know. Unfortunately, a lot of application deadlines have already passed. But maybe there’s a way to squeeze something in still.

Thanks to all of my Evanston Peeps for a decade of fun at the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival. I hope to see you “somewhere” in the very near future!!!

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Some of my more “advanced” beginning students are tackling a lidded oval casserole challenge this session. And it’s great to see them coming together so nicely… like these beauties by Grace!!! Stamped, slip-painted, handled and drying!!!

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Dinner at Margie’s Candies a block away from Lillstreet.
And a huge hot fudge sundae with banana & marshmallow!!! And did I mention the “extra” gravy boat of hot fudge on the side?!!! I should be extra “entertaining” for my pottery class tonight. Ha!!!

Thanks for joining me Pam…
and for continuing your Birthday Celebration Week…. err, Month!!!

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Looks like little Rosie really enjoyed putting together her jigsaw puzzle today…
one of a VERY limited edition of “prototype” puzzles!
Maybe there will be more to come???

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