Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: craftsmanship, creativity

Just a little bling & sparkle for a Saturday afternoon! I told my friend Pam that I may have just found her sparkly new Christmas present… but I would need a few people to go in on it with me! HA!!! I mean, she does love her bling!!!

I’m not really a “fancy car guy”… but, this is a 1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur… covered with a MILLION Swarovski crystals! Each crystal set by hand by five full-time setters over a period of six months! To see this sparkly masterpiece in person, it is currently on display at Navy Pier’s LIGHT UP THE LAKE. A fun & sparkly holiday event inside Festival Hall complete with millions of lights, ice skating, food, drink & plenty of Instagram moments!

Categories: classes, flower pots, garden

As part of our final class of the Fall session, my Intermediate Wheel class did a fun “trading-exchanging-stealing game”… with a category theme of handmade flower pot with a plant in it. Some people were “racing” with the kiln and weren’t quite able to get a plant, but we were pleased their flower pots at least made it out of the kiln in time! Always a fun way to end a great session with fun students!!!

And, in case you’re wondering… I came home with the beautiful red flower pot with a red anthurium flowering in it from Darcy… perfect for the holidays!

Categories: platters, pottery, stamped

And yes, if the dishes on Chris’s Thanksgiving table look familiar… that’s because she just picked up her special order dinner plates the night before Thanksgiving! Just in time for the big holiday feast! She requested a set of dinner plates that are all different… different stamps, different squiggles, different coloring… but at the same time would still “read” together as a group.

Remember, your pottery collection does not need to be all matchy-matchy…

Categories: holiday, pottery

A little pre-dinner photo of Chris’ Thanksgiving table from yesterday. A beautiful placesetting just waiting for an amazing feast to be shared with friends & family. Homemade food always tastes better on handmade pottery… make it part of your holiday traditions!

Categories: family, food, platters

Sure, we had pumpkin pie & my cheesecake for dessert yesterday… but who doesn’t want some chocolate brownies too?! My niece Taylor made a batch of brownies to add to the celebration yesterday… just one more yummy platter on the table!

Categories: food, platters

… which I’m sure won’t survive the rest of the evening!!!

Categories: food, holiday, platters

Since I know someone else is bringing the pumpkin pie… I decided to go with a classic cheesecake… with a little splash of chocolate & cherries! I hope they like it? And again, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of you!

Categories: food, platters

Trying to make a little last-minute magic in my kitchen for today’s dinner festivities! Still a work in progress…

Categories: holiday, platters, stamped

Here’s hoping everyone is celebrating the day with plenty of family, friends & pumpkin pie! Relaxing, making memories, and gearing up for the festive holiday season to come! Special THANKS to everyone who has been so supportive & encouraging over the years! You are all very much appreciated. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you & yours!

Categories: mugs

Apparently it’s tea-time on a chilly Monday afternoon. Looks like Rachel is enjoying her new mug from this weekend’s sale with some Benner Tea… staying warm & cozy on a Mugshot Monday. Thanks for taking time out & sharing your photos Rachel.