Back from the Pottery Tour… and time to get back into production mode in the studio again. Starting with another 10×10 Challenge… this time more mugs with a newer shape! More than ten pieces thrown before 10:00am. Giddy-up!!!

Just a little but of “humidity” hanging low over the Chicago skyline this morning.
It’s definitely gonna got hot & sweaty today!!!

From dew-covered grasses to shimmering sunrise reflections… today’s ride was quiet & serene… and quite sweaty! The breeze was nice until you stopped moving. Then the sweat kicked in from the early morning heat & humidity already starting the day!

So this mug “may have” come home with me too! A sweet little mug from Lindsey Heiden. Loved the raven on the side… but it was the red balloon that he’s holding that really sealed the deal.

Anyone else remember the movie “The Red Balloon”? I saw it in third grade and for some reason, it has stuck with me ever since. One of my all time favorites. I even own an old VHS tape of it!!! So of course I had to get the mug with the red balloon. Obviously.

It’s tough to be standing around at a Pottery Tour surrounded by talented potters… a NOT get some souvenirs to add to my mug collection! Like these two from my friend & “booth neighbor” Kenyon Hansen that made the trip home with me!!!

Finally got home after a soggy wet & rainy pack-up in Sandwich. Unloaded the car & everything is still wet! So for tonight, my condo basement has become the “drying room.” With all of my shelves standing vertically with air all around them… and my tent sides & canopy spread out so they can dry overnight too. Late night, exhausted & sweaty. Such a glamorous life this art fair thing is, huh?!

And with this we say good night… to the end of this year’s NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR. We had a wonderful time thanks to those who made the trek. So much fun seeing everyone… potters & pottery fans alike! We had a great weekend in Sandwich… despite the two stormy deluges we had at the end of today! Sudden storms dropping a lot of rain in a very short time! Apparently two clouds, two storms & too much excitement hunkering down & securing our tents while customers were still shopping!!! We’re a hearty bunch… we potters!!!

Special THANKS to my talented friend Cory McCrory for hosting…
both the Sandwich pottery stop in her backyard, but also for giving me
a place to stay for the weekend!

Kicking off Day Two of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR with a little PARTY!!! Be sure to wish Kenyon a “Happy Birthday” when you stop by today! We’re open from 10:00am-5:00pm at the Sandwich location… pottery tour stop #5!!!

And thanks to Natalie for baking last night after a long & sweaty Day One of the tour!!!

A beautiful end to a beautiful day! We had a lot of customers & a lot of pots found new homes today as part of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR. It’s beautiful out here in Sandwich… and will still be tomorrow if you want to join us for Day Two of the pottery tour from 10:00am-5:00pm. C’mon by!!!