HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Randal, Fred and the rest of The Rogue Potters on getting a new sign… now looking so “legit” and official. Hard to believe it’s already twelve years since I met the “merry band of Rogue Potters” during the Minnesota Pottery Tour… not an official tour stop, but a great add-on with clever signage on the highway! A talented group of potters… so glad I’ve been able to be part of their journey! The sign looks great guys!!!

I love when your “friend-worlds” collide! Like earlier today when my good college friend Kelly & her mom Mimi met up with my pottery friend Cory McCrory during an art fair at the Vrooman Mansion in Bloomington! I know Kelly has been an online “fan” of Cory’s work for several years… so this “friends-collision” makes me very happy! Plus, it looks like a few purchases were made too… which also makes me happy!!! Fun pottery for everyone!

I “behaved” the whole weekend… until I saw Kenyon’s cups and I just had to have one!!! I think I must have touched them all at least twelve times… narrowing it down slowly… until I finally decided that THIS ONE was the one that “had to” come home with me! Crazy cool design, patterns, glazes & soda-fired effects. Well done Kenyon… and THANK YOU!!! It was great hanging with you guys all weekend in Sandwich!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Sandwich this weekend for the first in-person NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR! It was so much fun seeing everyone celebrating pottery & appreciating handmade wares! Great fun hanging out with some talented potters all weekend as well… Cory, Kenyon, Lindsey, Linda & Nancy (errr… Burt)!

Another huge THANK YOU to my talented friend Cory McCrory for hosting us at her studio location in Sandwich! She made it such a wonderful event for all of her guest artists. So thoughtful, so welcoming, so appreciated! You’re the best Cory!!!

Whimsical illustrations with kind of a groovy retro vibe by Nancy Gardner…another one of the potters at the Sandwich location of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR.

Layered with technique & style, Linda Lee Kiepke combines her love of clay & illustration in her pottery… another soda-firer at the Sandwich location of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR.

Lindsey Heiden is my “booth neighbor” in the yard…
sharing her whimsical approach & witty attitude shine through!

More beautiful pots by Kenyon Hansen gracing our garden setting. Great style, design & craftsmanship all finished in the soda kiln.

Our pottery tour host Cory McCrory has a line-up mugs standing at the ready… and lots of other amazing pots in her tent! All ready for another day of pottery fun!

We’re now just 40-hours away from the kick-off of NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR… not that I’m counting… but just a quick reminder, and a fun map to help you find all of the Pottery Tour locations! From west to east the tour would be Sandwich, Aurora, Villa Park & Chicago. I will be at the Sandwich location at my friend Cory McCrory’s studio, along with four other talented potters!

For complete details… www.northernilpotterytour.com