Looks like Tess’s mom is enjoying her new “Birthday Mug”!!! I love when a good pottery surprise gift makes a great smile like that! Well played Tess!

From Karen in Maryland… “I forgot to send this on Christmas Eve. We were at Stephanie and Andre’s… and Travis got a cup of coffee. I heard Travis say ‘Is this a Gary original?”

Now I don’t know any of these people… Stephanie, Andre or even Travis… but you gotta appreciate that Travis knows what he’s talking about!!! Apparently word has been spreading… HA!!! Thanks for sharing this funny story Karen… perfect for another MUGSHOT MONDAY!!!

When bad things happen to good mugs… looks like Bill’s favorite mug went for a tumble. It was apparently his favorite mug… so he’s already looking for a good replacement. Gravity can be a terrible thing!

Looks like my friend Tracy is celebrating another MUGSHOT MONDAY with one of my hybrid mugs… ceremoniously placed on a coaster with her favorite Mouse!!!

On a damp & rainy night here in Chicago, looks like Emma has settled in for a yummy night of soup! Remember, food always tastes better in handmade pottery! Thanks Emma!

Today it’s all about MUGS in my studio… with over 75 mugs looking for good homes! Whether it’s your home or a friend’s… everyone lives a nice handmade mug! Stop by my studio today until 5:00pm to help support & celebrate SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY.

Today’s the day to celebrate SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! Come out, shop & support the small businesses in your neighborhood. And if you’re near Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago… I will be in my studio selling mugs today until 6:00pm! It’s the perfect gift for a friend, a co-worker, family or even yourself!!!

Lillstreet Art Center – Second floor – 205 West, 4401 North Ravenswood, Chicago

Busy this afternoon setting up for my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW this weekend. The shelves are filling quickly… and I already have OVER A HUNDRED MUGS ready to go!!! They make the perfect holiday gift for your friends, co-workers or even yourself! Always food-safe, dishwasher-safe & microwave-safe! Surely there will be plenty of handmade mugs here to choose from!

As most of you know, I hate glazing! But oddly, I totally enjoy waxing bottoms!!! A zen-like process with one clean hand & one wax hand. Wax on, wax off. Now I just need to keep my motivation alive & start glazing all of these if I hope to have them ready for next weekend’s HOLIDAY HOME SHOW!!! Wish me luck…

Handles attached & mugs are done for today! For now they’re under wraps for the night so they can “rest” and let the moisture levels even out before I open them up to dry fully. Then it’s into a bisque kiln… and then a glaze kiln… and then to my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW in less than two weeks! Giddy-up!