More Spring buds working their magic in the park…
actual leaves can’t be far behind!

While exploring north along the lakefront, it’s been a bit of a challenge finding new routes away from people… but fun finding new locations to stop & play. Like this historic lighthouse up in Evanston. It was a bit chilly this afternoon for a bike ride… but better get it in before it snows tonight, right?!

Another chilly day here in Chicago… with more SNOW predicted for tomorrow!!! Sadly, I’m not quite sure how these little cuties will survive if we get some snow accumulation as predicted?! But they’re pretty enough today, right?!

While everyone is still sheltered-in-place, it’s good to see my friends are keeping up with their Disney Trivia… all the while “fireplace surround-ed” by some handmade, stamped, textured & soda-fired tiles! A little Throwback Thursday to a project I installed a few years ago out in the suburbs!

So I finally finished stamping a new batch of bowls. I’ve been trying to stay productive and get into the studio as often as possible… but with all of the craziness going on these days, it’s tough. Luckily, my studio is very safe & isolated these days. Lillstreet has been closed to the public for weeks now, and I am seemingly the ONLY person there working at night… safely “trapped” in my own little work space… well-isolated from anyone else! And as a potter, I feel like I’m washing my hands ALL the time!!!

So they’ve been stamped… and now they’re all under wraps waiting to be trimmed… and then fired… and then glazed… and fired again! I remembered to take photos of the stamps that did the magic… well, for some of them any ways?!

Bowl A

Bowl B

Bowl C –

Bowl D –

Bowl E –

Bowl F –

Bowl G –

Bowl H –

Bowl I –

Bowl J –

Bowl K –

Stamping more bowls… just adding some textures & patterns around the rims to celebrate another TEXTURE TUESDAY!

Mugshot Monday… Mugshot Moments.
Just a few detail shots to celebrate the day & celebrate the mug!
You know they’re my favorite thing to make!!!

And never fear… I am being “safe” while biking!
Not only am I trying my best to avoid any crowded parks or paths.
But I am also covered from head to toe!!! Nothing is going to get through all of this!!! And for the record… sunrise rides also get a headlamp on top of the helmet!!!

Although I will admit that I do feel like I’m “cheating” just a little while self-isolating. I know they say you should get outside to exercise… but I don’t know that I’m supposed to enjoy my solo adventures as much as I do!!!

I made it up to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve along Fort Sheridan while seeking alternative routes & zigzagging through through streets off the beaten path. Striking vistas, prairie plants & the serenity of Lake Michigan. I had hoped to continue further north, but by the time I got there… the clouds were moving in and the temperatures were dropping quick. So I turned around hoping to make it home before the rain… and I did!!! Whew.

Beautiful blankets of blue covered with spreading scillia plants.

A wonderful blue carpet with an occasional “pop” of daffodil yellow!
Spring is wonderful!!!