Well, we’ve waited a very long time for Spring colors to start coming back… I’m tired of Winter’s grays & browns! But in this case, I had to drive all the way down to St. Louis to see some Spring flowers just starting to bloom! And I’ll take ’em… and try my best to bring some color back to Chicago too!!

Fanciful butterflies flitting around on this large sculpture at the St. Louis Library. Pretty impressive as the late afternoon sun was still illuminating a few of the butterflies… err, mariposas!

After spending time at the Gateway Arch, I had a little more time left to explore St. Louis. Admiring some of the architectural details & craftsmanship around town. Textures, patterns, reliefs, rusty metal, patina finishes & so much more!!!

I also made it to CITY MUSEUM… but that’s a whole ‘nother crazy post unto itself. Those of you who have been there, know what I mean… CRAZY!!! But in the best way possible… you’re gonna have to wait while I sift though all of those photos!

It’s pretty hard to miss… so you totally know when you’ve made it to ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI!!! The gleaming Gateway Arch National Park right along the Mississippi River. And it’s pretty cool how the angles & geometry of the arch seem to change as you walk around the park and see it from different vantage points… with a special little sunset gleam on the side!!!

A beautiful day for a road trip… blue skies… puffy white clouds… just cruisin’ through Chenoa on my way to St. Louis. Always enjoy getting my kicks on Route 66!

Another shamrock mug in its new home…
looking yummy with some foam, a cookie and some FROSTING!!!
Looks good Diane!

As this mug now has a beautiful backyard view! Chilly, but warming up with a cup of hot tea & honey on a cold & sunny day. Plus, I’m totally diggin’ the reflection shimmering on the tea… thanks for sharing Kelly!

I’ve added a few layers of colored flashing slips to my mugs. A band of color along the top, and some smaller dabs of color inside most of the stamps! Hopefully these colors will “play well” during the atmospheric soda firing later! And now it’s off to class downstairs…

Score, slip, attach, repeat… repeat.. repeat… Another batch of mugs assembled… now they just need some colored flashing slip accents & details! Just hoping to get them all done before I go down to teach class tonight!!

Happy Mugshot Monday!!!

Little nuggets of clay standing at attention…
getting ready to start pulling some mug handles!!!