And here it is… one of the collaborations between Kristin Conneely and myself finally coming together. I gave her the stamped frames almost a year ago at last year’s ART IN THE GARDEN. I’m loving that she took on the “collab-challenge” and has come through and made this beautiful masterpiece! I can’t wait to see this one-of-a-kind mosaic piece in person next weekend at this year’s ART IN THE GARDEN!!!

For more info… https://www.grassrootsartfair.com/

Just a little sneak peek at some of the “characters” who will be showing up at ART IN THE GARDEN next weekend! Metalsmith Amy Taylor has been working on a few of my porcelain platters doing some adorable sgraffito carvings as part of our collaboration project. She’s created a whole menagerie to share with us at ART IN THE GARDEN… can’t wait to show them off in-person!

More info – www.grassrootsartfair.com

Crazy cool flowers growing in my garden right now… thanks to my Peoria friends Rosene & Gerry! I planted these several years ago from little spin-offs of their mother plant. It took awhile, but these Bear’s Breeches are looking really cool now! Even better… I have three more little spin-offs that I’m nursing through now. Hoping they take hold soon… and look as cool as these next year?!

Striking clouds creating a colorful sunrise & moody reflections on the lake. This morning was ever-changing as the sun played amongst the clouds. Seemed like I was stopping every few minutes as the sky-show kept changing! And I didn’t mind at all… as it was STUNNING!!!

Another “sneak peek” into the ART IN THE GARDEN collaborations… this time it’s a glimpse into Cory McCrory’s studio! And some of the parts & pieces that she’s making to add onto our terra cotta birdhouses! I can’t wait to see how her whimsical handbuilding skills add to my birdhouses! Big debut next weekend in Glenview!

More info – www.grassrootsartfair.com

It took awhile, but I finished loading the soda kiln last night. Lots of pots made it in… and quite a few pumpkins!!! Firing today & unloading Monday night… just in time for ART IN THE GARDEN next weekend! Fresh new soda-fired pots coming soon!!!

As usual, I added some masking tape “seat belts” to my studio rolling cart… so that all of my glazed & waded pots would make it safely down to the kiln room via the rickety freight elevator… with none of them jumpin’ off along the way!

Last night started with an empty soda kiln… full of possibilities! Not quite sure why the bottom floor shelves are standing vertically?… but it’s an easy fix before loading!

Another beautiful sunrise with clear skies, warmer weather & smooth water perfect for some rippled reflections. A quiet & serene ride to start my day… and now it’s off to the studio to fire the soda kiln!!! At least I got to play outside a little today!