Blow it hard & make a wish…

Some fun new color to add to my garden… a new Bergenia plant from my Cousin Kim. I’ve never tried one of these before… but I’m in!!! I mean… I’m riding high after my success with my hellebores. How much harder can these be?!!! HA!!!

I’m SO excited that these hellebores have started blooming in my garden! They are first ones to ever survive a Chicago winter in my garden. Sure, it could also be the lack of care, or dogs & kids walking on them?… yes, I get a LOT of that! And not to gloat… or jinx myself… but they are looking very happy & healthy right now!!!

Here’s a shot of my latest orchid to be re-blooming. People always ask what the secret is to get them to re-bloom… and my answer is almost always “neglect.” But then again… I also think it needs to be happy in a handmade stamped & soda-fired flower pot. Just sayin’… I mean, they asked.

… but worth it.

Here’s my latest batch of hybrid mugs… with groovy cool patterns & textures made with some of my newest MKM Pottery Tools handrollers. Now they just need some flashing slip while they’re still leatherhard. Then it’s off to drying, bisque firing, glazing, wadding & soda-firing. Still a long ways to go before these are ready to go!!! Lots of steps… not just in the making, but also in the finishing.

Always a bright spot in Spring gardens all over the City.

Time to mark your calendars for the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR. I will once again be one of the Guest Artists at the Sandwich location… home of My Talented Friend Cory McCrory. Last week was the Sandwich stop’s “Feature Week” on Instagram… and here are my feature photos! It’s going to be a great weekend with pottery at several stops along The Tour. Check the dates Saturday, June 7th & Sunday, June 8th… not that far away!!!

For more information… www.northernilpotterytour.com

With a string of cooler days, it’s so nice that some of the magnolia flowers in my neighborhood have been hanging around a little longer than normal. Such delicate flowers… all it takes is a strong breeze & these could all start falling down!!!

A sweet Sunday sunrise. A little chilly, but a promising sunrise to start the day.
Looking forward to another beautiful Spring day.