After a fun day at the ONE OF A KIND SHOW… we finally got all of Sarah’s stuff packed up, moved out & taken down to the loading dock by the union guys… nearly four hours later and it’s a beautiful night at the Merchandise Mart.

Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play |
After a fun day at the ONE OF A KIND SHOW… we finally got all of Sarah’s stuff packed up, moved out & taken down to the loading dock by the union guys… nearly four hours later and it’s a beautiful night at the Merchandise Mart.

Just a quick reminder… we’re kicking off the holiday season tomorrow night at Lillstreet Art Center. Another great chance to do some handmade holiday shopping… whether in the Lillstreet Gallery or in one of the many Open Studio spaces. I will be in my Studio 205W on the second floor with plenty of handmade MUGS for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

If you’re looking for some great handmade holiday gifts this year, mark your calendar for this Friday evening from 5:00-8:00pm for the LILLSTREET HOLIDAY PARTY! I’ll be there for the festivities… with plenty of MUGS in my studio for everyone on your holiday list!

Last session, my Intermediate Wheel class wanted a fun challenge & a holiday themed project. Inspired by my Mom’s ceramic snowman, I challenged them all to make their own version! And here they go…













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!


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!



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!


Many years ago, I bought this cute ceramic snowman for my Mom while on a bike ride. At the time I had just started taking my Beginning Wheel class. Fast forward to now… where I now own this guy after downsizing my Dad’s place…. and teaching pottery classes! My Monday night class was looking for a fun “challenge” project… something holiday… and something fun! So this guy served as the prototype for our challenge. Where they’re all making their own snowman in their own style. Tonight is the last class of our Fall session… so it’s also the big “Snowman Reveal.” I can’t wait to see what they’ve all come up with!!!

Last night in class, I surprised my class with trick-or-treat bags with goodies… complete with candy, pottery tools, Halloween toys & more… some even got little pieces of my pottery demos !!!



From this cute little Witch flying around Lillstreet thanks to some creative kids!!!

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Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
Lillstreet Studios ∙ 4401 North Ravenswood, Chicago, Illinois 60640 ∙ 773-307-8664 gary@firewhenreadypottery.com |