Last night in my LILLSTREET THROWDOWN class… it’s Week Two and they just got their “Main Make” Project!!! While they’ll have ongoing challenges, contests & projects weekly… this ongoing project needs to be done & presented for critique & final judging at our last class in Week 10.

Since we’re in the dead of winter… I figured it’s Soup Season! So their challenge is to create a full Soup Service Set. Complete with a lidded soup tureen, tureen plate, ladle, four soup bowls & four soup spoons! That’s a hefty challenge to take on with a strict deadline looming.

And oh, but wait there’s more… you know I LOVE a good theme. And since it’s “Award Season”… our theme for the soup sets is “Academy Award Best Picture” movies. I printed out a bunch of movie posters for them to choose sight-unseen. They just got a little hint of the year it won the award!

They were all very excited about their big THROWDOWN challenge project. And there was a good bit of googling & researching as them began to ponder their theme and how to best approach the project. I can’t wait to see how their projects progress!!!

And part of the painting party was Merryn painting another mug. So fun to watch her process from “sketching it in” with sepia tones, and then adding color… then finishing with highlight details! Looks GREAT!!!… as does her hubby Will showing off another masterpiece!

Perfect for another Mugshot Monday!!!

What better way to celebrate New Year’s Day than a little painting party with a bunch of little painters!!! Each creating their own masterpiece. Including Kieran who was working on painting one of my holiday mugs!

Who knew this was a thing?… today is NATIONAL GARY DAY!!! So it’s all about me?!… kinda. According to Google… “National Gary Day” is celebrated each year on November 20, and is a day to show appreciation for people named Gary in your life.

As a teacher and “self-proclaimed & unrequested life coach”… I’m always willing to tell you want you should be doing!!! Even if it’s just for my own entertainment! Kinda like today’s holiday… just a little extra FUN FOR ME!!! But trust me… it’s real thing!!!

Not only did we have a lot of great pottery at the Sandwich stop this weekend… but we also had a “Pottery Princess.” Our host Cory’s granddaughter Ivy was all dolled-up for the day. And making great notes for us to drop in our customers bags on Sunday! The cutest!!!

And unbeknownst to me… the “Pottery Princess” also transformed into the best little helper when it was time to pack-all of my stuff. She listened well, packed with care & had a great time helping me!!!

Thanks Ivy!!!

In one greenhouse at the Chicago Botanic Garden, you are greeted by an oversized orchid peacock… gently hidden behind a curtain of white flower garlands. Stunning… especially the detailing on the head & neck.

And while it was cloudy & gray before the sunrise, it was fun to find another flag that someone has placed at the end of a pier out by the lighthouse. Dark & gloomy… with a splash of piece, love & TIE-DYE!!!

BINGO before & after!

So who knew that IKEA has free Bingo Nights?!
Well, not me… but now I’m glad they do!
And after a night of Swedish meatballs, chocolate cake & LOTS of numbers…
no prizes for me, but just a great night of bingo fun for everyone !!! I’ll be back…

Not only did I have great kids making great pots this week at summer camp…
but I also had Eva who made me this amazing little origami dragon from a single sheet of paper!!

Yes, I’m bored… still “trapped” at the airport trying to get home!
But this made me laugh… and at this point, any little smirk helps.

The sign says “wet floor”… so I did.