Spicy Ceramic Surprise!

I know I am supposed to be posting Liquid Clay to Shining Lights - Part 2 Ceramic Christmas Trees, but to our surprise we receive an 'emergency' ceramic order :)  Two days ago we got a call from a wonderful woman in New Jersey who is putting together a very special Bridal Shower for her daughter in Missouri. To make the occasion very special, the theme for the shower is Sweet & Spicy and it seems that our Red Hot Chili Pepper holders fit the bill perfectly!

Red Hot Chili Pepper Rest - Ceramic Holder

Now, we do not stock large quantities of any item, so for the next few days, we are busy pouring, painting, firing and finishing all 60 of these little chilies --- a tall order indeed! We only have two weeks to complete the order, but we are determined and thrilled to be able to make such a special occasion a memorable event.

I will be posting Part 2 very soon. Stay tuned :)

Bloomin' Cactus!

Well, it's mid-August and still awfully hot here in Southern Arizona. Amazingly though, just this past Saturday, I noticed that despite the high heat some cactus around the house have started to bloom! I was thrilled to see such beauty in the middle of the hottest and driest season.....rather late bloomers I must say!

The colors on this small barrel cactus are really dramatic~

I love the flower-within-a-flower on this tall flowering cactus~

I just planted these cactus in April 2009, so to see them doing so well is inspiring. I must not be too bad at gardening :)

Also on Saturday, I went to a local art fair hosted by the Central Arizona College. I brought along some of my favorite ceramic pieces to show. Unexpectedly, a local store-owner in town commissioned me to make several sets of cactus salt and pepper shakers and a couple of large saguaro cactus for them. So it turned out to be a wonderful bloomin' cactus kind of day!

Custom order for Cactus Salt & Pepper Shakers will include
"Casa Grande Arizona" painted on the front of each piece.

The Wild, Wild West

We are located in Casa Grande, Arizona, about half-way between Phoenix and Tucson, which is one of the hottest and windiest places in the U.S.! It amazing that anything can survive (and thrive) in this climate. Right now, it's 110 degrees F outside and I am staying inwith the air conditioning! :)

Our shop is located next to a beautiful mountain and we are fortunate to have incredible sunsets almost daily...




There is such diversity here.... rabbits, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, quail, snakes, lizards, road runners, prairie dogs, coyotes, and of course desert flowers, mesquite trees, saguaro cactus and even purple colored cactus are all seen here throughout the year.

Rabbit in Mesquite

White Lined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth at our Honeysuckle Bush

Crystal Castles saguaro cactus taken locally by Cory Schreider

Lone Star saguaro cactus taken locally by Cory Schreider

Being in this rural location is such a treat and indeed some of our work is inspired by the nature and scenes of the Southwest. We thought it would be wonderful for people to be able to bring a little of the Southwest into their homes, patios, gardens, even some red-hot chilies to spice-up your kitchen...

Saguaro Cactus in ceramic with howling Coyotes

Authentically Painted Southern Arizona Rattlesnake

Red Hot Chili Peppers - bring on the heat!

Classic Symbol of the Southwest - Steer Skull & Rattlesnake

and one of our very favorite pieces -- hanging on my living room wall as we speak....

Gecko made in Bronze Glaze

Horse Whisperer Shadow Caster discovered at chriscrooks

I love this "Horse Whisperer Shadow Caster" made by Chris who we actually met at a local arts and crafts show in Tucson this year! He does great work and I was thrilled to see his work on Etsy.

Hope you will follow-along as I embark on my next blog project... posting the process of making ceramics start to finish. It's a messy business, but we love it!