Back to reality… with the kick-off of my summer art fair season just over a week away, I’ve really got to finish labeling & stamping my postcards so they get in the mail today!!!

After three days in Dover, Delaware… it was great to get back home
and find out that I was once again one of the Top Ten Sellers
at “Art In The Barn” last year! Good news to come home to.

Mark your calendar now for “Art In The Barn 2013.”
Saturday, September 28th & Sunday, September 29th, 2013.

Now I need to send in my applications for the rest of my summer art fairs!
It’s always a busy time of the year… trying to make plans for the rest of the year!

Great fun in my mailbox this weekend…
The posters for the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour are out!!!

Mark your calendars for May 10th, 11th & 12th to make a trip up north
for an incredible weekend of pottery! This year there will be 50 well-known potters
from around the country showing at the seven local studios.

Sure, most of the standard favorites will be there… Bob Briscoe, Matt Metz, Suze Lindsay,
Steven Hill, Sylvie Granatelli, Ellen Shankin, and Delores Fortuna!!! But there are also a
few new faces on the Tour that I’m excited about too! Great artists. Great fun. Great pots!!!

If you’re still looking to check some people off your holiday shopping list,
I’ll be in my studio this Sunday 12/16 from noon-5:00ish
for any last minute shoppers! Be sure to stop by to pick-up some pottery for that
special someone on your list. And a little somethin’ somethin’ for yourself!

Feel free to stop by my studio on the second floor of Lillstreet Art Center.
When you come in the front door, make a quick turn and go up the stairs to Studio 205W.
4401 North Ravenswood, Studio 205 West, Chicago, Illinois 60640.

And then, just a couple blocks north of Lillstreet, you can find even more holiday gift ideas
with “The Chicago Art Girls” and their Holiday Pop-Up Show. Stop by and see jewelry by
Amy Taylor, chain maille by Melissa Banks, fine prints by Judy Zeddes, colorful ceramics
by Nancy Gardner, groovy “recycled” pieces by Melissa Kolbusz… and many more FEMALE
artists!… although I’m still a little annoyed, perplexed & amused by the overtly sexist omission
of any ART GUYS?!!! Maybe next time?…

The Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop Up Shop – December 15th & 16th, 11:00am-5:00pm.
Helium Gallery – 4710 North Ravenswood, Chicago, Illinois 60640

Special thanks to everyone who came over this past Saturday for “Mud & Metal.”
It’s always fun to see so many friends, family, groupies & Facebook Fans all in one place!!
And thanks to Amy Taylor for sharing the day and her incredible work with us too!!!

Shelves are stocked and the doors are open!
C’mon over to do a little holiday shopping, a little chatting and to share some holiday cheer…
and treats! And yes, that is indeed the “Knight Before Christmas” standing guard in the
corner of my dining room!

Still getting ready for tomorrow…
Still replenishing. Still cleaning. And most importantly for you…
Still marking down more pots for the “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” on the back porch.
Lots of neon orange stickers with great bargain prices… including some marked “FREE.”
No, really.

Just one day away… “Mud & Metal” is tomorrow from 10:00am-6:00pm.
Be sure to stop by ready to cross some names off your holiday shopping list.
I’ve replenished the shelves… including the “Tired Of Shlepping” shelves.
And Amy Taylor will be bringing her beautiful work early in the morning.
Share some handmade holiday gifts this season!

Here’s a little more of a “sneak peek” at Amy Taylor’s wonderful work.
Keep in mind that practically everything has a hinge in it to give an extra swivel.
Even better – she’s coming to my home this Saturday with all of her lovelies this
Saturday, December 8th for “Mud & Metal : A Collaborative Holiday Show.”

So plan on stopping by my place this Saturday from 10:00am-6:00pm to stock up,
do a little Christmas shopping, hang out, and tackle that holiday gift list! We’ve got
a lot of wonderful gift ideas in every room of my home. C’mon by this Saturday!

Another week to wait.
Another chance to finish your holiday shopping.
Another Holiday Home Show… in case you missed the first one.
Another guest metalsmith with beautiful jewelry!!!

Mark your calendar for next Saturday, December 8th for the second
Holiday Home Show. This time it’s “Mud & Metal : A Collaborative Holiday Show”
with my friend & metalsmith Amy Taylor stopping by my place for the day. Her work is
wonderful with a bit of whimsy along the way. She’s most known for her hinged pieces…
and if you’d like to see more of her work ahead of time, click here for her website.

With my pottery in every room, fascinating jewelry in the dining room, food & drink
in the kitchen and even more “Tired Of Shlepping” bargains on the back porch,
you’re sure to find something for everyone on your holiday gift list… including yourself!