One of my Facebook followers just shared a photo of her “first batch” of ceramic fortune cookies with me… and I felt like I should post it for all of you!!! Thanks for sharing Joanne… they look GREAT!!! And yes… I add little beads of clay to mine too!!!

From Joanne… “I just made my first batch after being inspired by your post. I single fire but wanted to see how I could get a color on them to highlight the patterns. I used underglaze and wiped back. I am hoping it works! ( I added little beads of clay to get a rattle, but not sure how well that works, lol)”

So I made another batch of fortune cookies last night before heading home. Left them out to dry… and I’m a little intrigued on how “randomly” they’re drying. Creating a crazy cool ombré blend from the lighter-drier ones to the darker-wetter ones. Kinda cool…

So while those bags of clay rehydrate… my afternoon plans changed too. I grabbed a different bag of clay and made a quick batch of fortune cookies… with fun textures made with handrollers from MKM Pottery Tools.

More fortune cookies have been FOUND!!!
It was another great day for hiking & searching…

According to Nicole who shared these photos : “I was looking forward to this hunt all 2025, counting down the days to the New Year. Thank you for doing this, your work is absolutely beautiful. This year was just my husband and I, we really enjoyed the hunt. Here are our treasures & nature shots… the snow was magical today.”

More fun at ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK… with more folks out hiking & hunting! Another great note from a fortune finder!!!

From Stacy – “Out walking today with my hubby and I told him about this. I found one right at the beginning of our hike! We love going to the beach trails at any time of year but it’s just so magical in the winter. Your adorable and beautiful fortune cookies was the cherry on top of our whole day! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Have a wonderful 2026!!”

Another fortune cookie claimed… with a great story that came with the photos!!!

“Not that I’m competitive, but when the ceramic fortune cookies scavenger hunt rules state that you take one/person to keep it fair, well – I couldn’t let my husband find one yesterday and not me. (Could I??… Correct answer is no… HA)”

“Back to IBSP today. Another 5.5 miles on different trails. Ta Da! Success!!! Actually found 3, but since we play fair, only took 1. So, locals, there’s more out there to be found. Thanks for another fun day at IBSP!”

Another fortune cookie claimed!!!
This time by the “youngest” searcher yet… along with her Mom & Dad who have been collecting fortune cookies for a couple years! Never too soon to get the little kids interested in art… even if they are napping right through it all?! HA!!!

Another one claimed… Sherry braved the cold temps today and found this one
along the Sand Lake Trail. Congrats… and here’s to a “fortunate” New Year!!!

So people are searching… and Leslie sent me this fun photo!!! She found the picnic table where I set out the “26” in fortune cookies before hiding them! I considered wiping it away yesterday… and now I’m glad that I didn’t!!! Too funny… a little “snow shadow” on the picnic table!!! Leslie… I hope that was just a harbinger of good things to be found!!!

Here’s a text message I got from Tina when she found these two fortune cookies!!!
Too funny!!!