While I know they’re not “real” mugs… we’re still celebrating another MUGSHOT MONDAY with these fun paintings by Robert Sedestrom currently hanging in the Lillstreet 2nd Floor Gallery Annex. Robert’s studio is kinda across from mine… but it’s great to see what he’s been working on in there when they’re displayed properly on the white gallery walls.

Possibly the cutest little cup & saucer ever… part of my class demo last week about “throwing-off-the-hump.” Where you start with a large lump of clay, center just the top nugget and throw smaller pieces off the top.

Just finished stamping, trimming & adding colored slip details to the lidded jars I started as part of a demo for my Intermediate Wheelthrowing class last week. Always feels good when everything fits together… and you set them aside to start drying!

GOTTA LOVE THE GOURD!
I’ve always been a huge fan of gourds… even more than pumpkins! I love the colors, the curves, the warts and the colorful fun of a bowl full of gourds!!! Especially when the bowl is made of rusty tools, right?!

A cutie-patootie vase perfect for a cutting of lantana flowers…
with a cute-patootie cat keeping watch. Thanks for the photos Kristy!

Lots of clouds. Lots of wind… with rain predicted for later in the day, this morning was a bit blustery with a race for the sun to rise before the sky covered with clouds. Beautiful… but the clouds won!!!

I did a LOT of trimming today… mugs, vases, jars, etc. Could have been a tough day… but so much easier with some of my favorite studio tools! Loving my Giffin Grip & DiamondCore Tools … the perfect pairing to make trimming a joy!!!

Makes me LOVE TRIMMING even more!!!

Well, it took awhile for my dahlias to bloom… and I had no idea I would get a second “harvest” of blooms! This is the first time I tried growing dahlias in my yard and I was very pleased… and planning on growing more next summer!

Another beautiful sunrise ride… although I’m thinking I might need to pull out the heavy Winter gloves soon?! It was pretty chilly this morning… colder than I expected. I love Fall, but I’m not a big fan of frozen fingers while riding so soon. Can’t we hang on to the warmer weather for a few more weeks… please, oh please, oh please?!

As part of FALL INTO DAMEN AT NIGHT, my other pottery student Chris is the proud owner of District Chicago. A very cool & stylish home furnishings store on Damen. The store’s style is great – so well curated… loving the bronze bears with eyeglasses! And oh, but wait there’s more… Chris also refinishes all of the vintage furniture himself. A fun night seeing two of my students outside of pottery class… and to see what they do outside of taking my pottery class!

Follow Chris and his store DISTRICT CHICAGO on Instagram – @districtchicago