A Visit to Pewabic Pottery

Pewabic Pottery is one of the Motor City's true gems. It was founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton, making it one of the oldest existing potteries in the United States. It has thrived at its current location (pictured below) since 1907. The building is a National Historic Landmark ~ it houses a museum, design center, production facilities and galleries where contemporary works are displayed. The pottery is open to visitors and admission is free, although it is nearly impossible to walk out of the place without purchasing a piece of art from the gift shop, as I learned on a recent visit. Most recently, Pewabic earned national attention when some of its tiles were featured in Anna Sui's Fall collection, which debuted during NYC's Fashion Week. Sui's collection was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. This artist movement placed emphasis on quality over quantity. To this day, Pewabic uses the same production methods as it did in those early days.

Pictured below are some vases from the museum's historic collection.

A photo of the founder, Mary Chase Perry Stratton. I cannot imagine doing any type of work in a long dress like the one she is wearing. Gimme some sweatpants, please!

A peacock tile, inscribed with the initials "MCS"

Pewabic tiles can be found in private residences and public places all across the country. Their beauty never fails to amaze me. Here is an example of how some were used to adorn the outside of Comerica Park in Detroit, where my Tigers play baseball.

I now own my own Pewabic pottery! There is something to fit every budget at the gift shop. The two pieces on the left were created by independent artists. Pewabic also sells the work of artists from across the country. The light green tile on the right is authentic Pewabic. The lotus motif is a historic design (c. 1910-1919) by Mary Stratton. It was originally used as a 6x6" tile in her residence in Detroit.

If You Really Loved Me . . .

. . . You'd buy me something from this list. (Hint ~ my birthday is this week) Just sayin' . . .

From l-r:

Wise Up Ring, from Vernon Bea

Cast Iron Fleur de Lis wall hook, from MonkeyandSquirrel

Tea Buddy, from mePottery

Snowdrift Necklace, from SilverSparrow Designs

Black Mohair Warm Shawl with Fringe, by TrendyKnitting

Milk Glass Hobnail Vase, from jwhite2

February Giveaway Winner

The phrase "a day late and a dollar short" is my new motto. I'm a few days late in posting the winner of my latest contest, and I do apologize for that. The past week really got away from me. At the same time, nobody was beating down my door to hear the news, so I think we're good. ;) So, without further adieux, or ado, or whateva . . . the winner is MistressFizz. I'll be in touch soon with your $15 Gift Certificate, Mistress. Thanks to all who entered :)

Here's the Dish: Greek Chicken and Barley Salad

I stated in an earlier post that I've had this thing for salads lately. Believe me when I say that I wasn't kidding. I'm really excited to share this one with you, because it is probably my most favorite of all the ones I've made recently. This recipe comes from the January 2010 issue of Cooking Light magazine. I love CL because it presents healthy recipes in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. I can honestly say that I've never disliked a dish that I have re-created from one of their recipes. So, even though this might sound like a plug for the publication, I promise you it is not. Trust me, there isn't any payola going on here ;) I've made this a few times already ~ once for company (it was a hit), and another time to take for lunch during the week. The original recipe calls for Kalamata olives, which are not a favorite at my house. I added red onions instead. Other than that, I really didn't think any other changes were necessary. Click here for the recipe.

February Giveaway

I promised there would be another giveaway last week ~ unfortunately some unexpected events occurred in late January and I fell short on my promise. However, I am always true to my word, (or try to be!). On that note, I’d like to announce my giveaway for February ~ Here’s one more reason to celebrate this month, aside from Groundhog’s Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and my birthday . . . Man, that’s a lot of holidays in one month :)

The Prize: A $15 Gift Certificate to my Etsy shop

How to Win: Visit my shop, and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is ~ it’s that easy! Do this by 12am EST on 2/14/2010. A winner will be selected at random and notified on or around 2/15/2010. Be sure to leave a way for me to reach you ;) This contest is open to anyone age 18 or older. The prize will be awarded in the form of an e-gift certificate that will be emailed to the winner.

EARN EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!

**Here's how to increase your odds of winning ~ you can earn up to two additional entries by doing any of the following:

• 1. Become a follower of this blog --------------------------->
• 2. If you have a blog of your own, post a link to this contest on it.
• 3. Tweet about this contest on Twitter.
• 4. Become one of my fans on Facebook.

Just be sure to let me know in your comment which of the above you have done so I can give you extra credit for them :)

Good luck, everyone!