Here’s a quick preview of the seven potters (eight?) who will be showing their work at the Sandwich location of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR! Our host is the mega-talented Cory McCrory. I will be joining her again this year… as will Kenyon Hansen, Lindsey Heiden, Natalie Steinmetz , Jam & Bee & the NIPT organizer Amy Song! I’ve never seen the work of Jam & Bee… do they make it seven or eight??? Ha!!!

Click here for more details : www.northernilpotterytour.com

Closing out my tour of pottery purchases… I also snagged one of these jars by Ernest Miller during the ST. CROIX VALLEY POTTERY TOUR. Ironically enough, the night before we were talking about my pottery tour “wish list”… and I said that I’ve always wanted one of these by Ernest, but they’re always sold out by the time we get to that stop. Lucky for me… it has now been checked-off the “wish” list!!!

One of my other “splurges” while at the ST . CROIX VALLEY POTTERY TOUR was a couple tiny additions to my ever-growing Becky Lloyd collection. She makes these incredibly intricate sgraffito pieces with such fine details & line work. Crazy cool designs… yet even more AMAZING at the tiny scale that she works in. Sweet additions to my collection! Thanks Becky!!!

While at the ST. CROIX VALLEY POTTERY TOUR this weekend… I “may” have added a couple pottery pieces to my personal collection. Like this fantastic sgraffito bowl by Matt Metz. I don’t think I have ever seen him making larger serving bowls like this before… so it just “had to” come home with me!!!

And while we’re enjoying some much needed sunshine today… I’m also enjoying another stained glass piece catching some sun today! It was my first piece from my friend Retta who makes cool stained glass pieces that include some unconventional parts & pieces. She had me at STOP… part of a vintage reflector!!!

Be sure to look her up on Facebook at “I Do Windows” by Retta Hentschel. Or plan on coming out to ART IN THE GARDEN in Glenview this September to see both of us there!!!

Thank goodness for big bags of recycled bubble wrap!!! Today’s a packing & shipping day… always better with recycled supplies! Well that, and the bright colors streaming through Retta Hentschel’s beautiful stained glass piece in my window!!!

With the early-morning sun streaming through the windows… Rhonda & I are replenishing for Day Two of BOWLS & BUTTONS Holiday Home Show. It might be freezing outside, but we’re nice & toasty here with snacks & hot apple cider to take off that chill while you shop! We’re open today from 10:00am-6:00pm… c’mon by!

1353 West Rosemont #3, Chicago, Illinois 60660

BOWLS & BUTTONS : We’re officially OPEN!!!
Plenty of holiday gifts for everyone on your holiday gift list… including yourself!!! Lots of pottery & handmade button jewelry … handmade by myself & Rhonda Gurgone. We’re here at my condo today until 6:00pm… and again tomorrow from 10:00am-6:00pm. C’mon by!

1353 West Rosemont #3, Chicago, Illinois 60660

Another dinosaur arrived in the mail!!! So excited to now have TWO of Brett Kern’s annual dinosaur ornaments for my tree… adding to the all-handmade vibe of my tree!!! Check him out Brett Kern Ceramics! I’m two-for-two… already can’t wait to see next year’s dino!!!

Just a quick reminder that this weekend is BOWLS & BUTTONS… my Second Holiday Home Show. Perfect for all your holiday shopping with pottery in every room of my Christmas decorated condo!!! Plus food & drink in the kitchen & the back porch is my “Tired of Shlepping Sale”. Big discounts on lots of pots!!!

As an added bonus, my talented friend Rhonda Gurgone will be at my place too with beautiful jewelry she makes out of vintage buttons. So unique… and the perfect gift for that special someone… or yourself!!!

Stop on by Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm.
Come with your holiday gift list to crank it out… and bring a friend or five!!!