charming quarters

my birdhouses posing in front of Knack's fabulous pillows.

Here's are two fresh birdhouses straight out of the kiln. I have made quite a few of these and find them inviting. One lady purchased a birdhouse from me and returned to my studio to let me know she had wrens nesting in it! I was delighted to hear that not only are these happy homes charming, they're functional as well!

show tonight!!!!

I am excited for our monthy First Fridays tonight 6-9! I posted the details earlier on the blog this week. I hope to see all of you greenville locals tonight at Flariron Studios!

my greeeeeeeeeeennn banner!

I am excited to get this banner of my logo printed, and it's SO GREEN!!!! This 5ft x 3ft banner will eventually be bolted to the outside of my studio! Knack Studios and Art & Light have theirs up on the building already, and they looks super fabulous! I am excited to get mine hung, but for now it looks great hanging in my front window. I'll be sure to show you a picture of it on the outside of the building when it's hung outside!

Mae Mougin

For those of you aren't already familiar with Mae Mougin, I want shine the spot light on her for a second. Mae is one of my personal favorite (among many) Ceramic Artists. Her ceramic work is so delicate it's almost "china-like" yet each piece it is organic in shape and form which in my opinion makes it so beautiful. I like her philosophy behind her work. The custom designed work of Mae stems from a life-long fascination with fashion, travel and art. Inspiration comes from Mae's unique view of the world--the overlooked objects of everyday, odds and ends while traveling and found in the natural world. Her pieces are playful but functional as evidenced in her M. A. E. line of ceramics. M.A.E. represents Morning--Afternoon--and Evening. Each piece in this collection is made with a special appreciation for the time of day. Mae was featured in Domino Magazine last month and you can read her article here. check out her website for more photos of her beautiful work.

First Fridays!

It's that time again...FIRST FRIDAYS!!!! hard to believe it's already here! Flatiron Studios, consisiting of Art & Light, Kanck Studios, and Lily Pottery will be open June 6th, Friday night 6-9pm and Saturday June 7th, 10-3pm. Lily Pottery is located at 1207 Pendleton St. For a complete listing of the galleries and studios participating as well as a map of where each is located you can check out the First Fridays website here. We've been busy this month creating, so come down and see what's happening in West Greenville's Artist District.

Also, make plans to join us Friday night, after the show at American Grocery Restaurant on S. Main St. We all head over around 9:30 pm Friday night and indulge ourselves in the french-pressed coffee and their famous house-made doughnuts! You can check out more at American Grocery's website here. See you guys down at the studio this weekend!

and the production continues...

I spent the day yesterday again producing mugs!!!! I snapped some photos of them all in a row. They reminded me of little soldiers all lined up ready to be "issued" their handles and signature "lily" scribbled on the bottom. I'm on a roll cranking these little guys out. It's been awhile since I've been in a large "producing" mode, and I'm loving it! I know it's sort of boring seeing these pictures of "unfinished" mugs, but there's something about a "freshly thrown pot" I just adore.

I'll be sure you see some photos of the finished and glazed products!

tasty!!!!

here's some more pictures of goodies from my mom's shop the eclectic curio. I would love to have everything in these pictures for my house! I just can't wait to get to Cincinnati to see it!!!!!

I've been producing!

Yesterday I was down in the studio producing mugs. I'm working on creating a whole bunch! Here's some pictures of just a few, and i'm off to go make more today!

a peacock tree

I just finished a felt tree today...and it reminds me of the peacocks that I loved to watch at the zoo when I was little, so I named it "the peacock tree" and I thought I'd share it with you guys. This is the beginning of a series of felt trees and landscapes I'm working on. I'll post pictures of them as I finish.

The Eclectic Curio!

I am BEYOND excited to introduce to you all ...The Eclectic Curio! This is my mom's newest endeavor! She is such a creative and talented woman, and I am so proud of her! My wonderful mom, Sherry Wikoff just "opened up shop" this weekend! She has been a huge inspiration to me as I have started out on my own "artistic journey". She just moved into a space at the Mercantile Mall in Milford Ohio. My mom has been so busy getting ready for this opening! The Eclectic Curio is full of curious finds that Sherry has collected. She has breathed new life into forgotten and vintage items! She has everything from funky furniture to vintage items. Check out her blog "Eclectic Curio" and see more pictures and acquaint yourself with my super talented mom!!!

Thank You!

I want to take a minute today and thank all of those who have served us and this country in the US military. There are quite a few of my family members who have served in the United States Marine Corps. These men and women have given so much to serve and protect us so that we can enjoy the freedoms we don't even think about, but exercise each day. My Great Grandfather, Carl G. Wikoff served in World War II and my Grandpa, Carl J. Wikoff served in the Korean War. I admire my husband, Sergeant Isaiah J. Stratton, for serving 6 months active duty and finishing up his 6 year contract in the reserves this past year with the USMC and has only about a year left in the inactive reserves. These brave men are my heroes. The fact they are or were willing to give everything for my freedom and the great county we live in, is honorable and laudable, and they have my utmost respect. So a huge thanks to all of you, and all the sacrifices you've made! I encourage all of you who read this to thank someone and anyone you know who have served us in any way in the United States Military.

THE MARINE

We all came together,

Both young and old.

To fight for our freedom,

To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,

We stand our ground,

And we protect our country

From all terror around.

Peace and not war,

Is what some people say.

But I'll give my life,

So you can live the American way.

I give you the right To talk of your peace,

To stand in your groups,

And protest in our streets.
But still I fight on.

I don't complain, I don't whine.

I'm just one of the men Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails,

Stronger than any machine,

I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,

And leave from your home.

Fight for the people who hate you,

With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,

Fight for the young,

So they all may have,

The great freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor.

Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door.
But when your time comes,

Do what I've done.

For if you stand up for freedom

You'll stand when the fight's done.

Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert~ UNITED STATES MARINE~ USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

my vintage lamp find

Much to my delight I found this vintage lamp with green flowers! I was so excited to come across it and it is in great condition! I have a small obsession with lamps and the fact that it had green flowers...i was done! I bought it for my guest bedroom which I recently found a vintage dresser for. The best part about this lamp is that I paid a whopping total of $4 shade and all! I actually found the shade seprate but the total of the two came up to $4! I'll be sure to post a picture of when I get the guest bedroom all set up with the lamp and dresser.