| Greetings! |
Welcome to the latest issue of N ews & Notes.  It's March on the calendar, but outside it feels and looks like January. There has been a lot of complaining about the weather this winter (guilty as charged). As one of my business contacts who lives in Texas pointed out, you know it's a bad winter if even hardy Wisconsinites are complaining about it. True enough. But there's still beauty to be found if, just for a minute, we stop being sad/angry/disappointed about what we're not seeing and notice what's around us in this moment... like the gorgeous frost on this tree sparkling in the sun yesterday morning. I would have appreciated it more in January, but hey, we'll take what we can get. It would have been too cold to go outside and take this photo back in January. So, spring will come. And with it will come shows, and dogwood blossoms, and Mother's Day. We're plodding ahead and keeping the faith. Join us?
Warmly,
Kristin Cramer
Ephraim Faience Pottery
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A new Reserve Edition just in time for Mother's Day! |
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Dogwood Bowl
Reserve Edition
Approx. 3 1/2" h x 7 1/4" w
$198 (+$20 s/h) |
Our newest Reserve Edition, the Dogwood Bowl, features the lovely and delicate dogwood flower, a beloved sign of spring. In our interpretation, flowering dogwood branches rest gently on the shoulder of a slightly ovoid bowl. The clay on the rim is manipulated and trimmed into softly flowing curves. Choose from two spring shades: Leaf Green or Pale Aqua. The Dogwood Bowl would make a wonderful gift for Mother's Day or a spring birthday.
Each piece is a numbered, handmade original. You can view more photos and details in our online store.
The ordering deadline is 5:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, March 17. There is a limit of 2 pieces per couple or household. These pieces will be shipped in late April and should arrive in plenty of time for Mother's Day.
To place your order, please shop our online store or call us at 1-888-704-POTS (M-F 9-5 CDT). If you have any questions, please let us know. Thank you!
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Help us develop a new piece | |
It's product development time at Ephraim Pottery! This is when we brainstorm ideas for meaningful subject matter and experiment with various forms and glaze combinations. The goal is to come up with great new pieces to offer our customers.
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Various stages in the development of a piece: subject, form, sculpting, and glazing. |
This year, we thought it would be fun to offer our customers and Facebook fans the opportunity to participate in the development of a new piece. The concept is similar to the "fan-built episodes" that some t.v. shows have done. The pot will be "built" in steps: first the subject matter, then the form, then the sculpting, then the glazing, and finally the name. Along the way, fans will be able to vote for their favorite choices by "liking" them on our Facebook page. Step by step, a new piece will take shape and eventually be offered for sale.
The first step is coming up with the subject matter for the piece. Do you have an idea (or ideas) for something that you think would be a great subject for a vase? For example, a flower, animal, tree, architectural element, etc. Post your ideas on our Facebook page. Please be specific; for example, "tulip" vs. "flower." If you have a good reference photo, post that along with your suggestion. You can suggest as many ideas as you want. If you're not on Facebook or prefer to email your suggestion, please send it to Kristin at info@ephraimpottery.com instead.
We will accept subject matter ideas through this Sunday, March 9. We will then review all of the suggestions and pick the three we like best that seem doable. We will post them on Facebook on March 13 and give you a few days to vote on them before we move on to the next step (form).
We can't wait to hear (and see) your ideas! |
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Employee Spotlight: Paul McVicker | |
 Paul McVicker has been throwing pots since he was 13 years old, when his older brother got a kick-wheel and set it up in the backyard of their California home. His brother taught the young Paul to throw, and he was hooked. Paul started ceramics classes as soon as he entered high school and continued through graduation. After a semester at college, Paul was offered a full-time job as a potter. He took it and never looked back. That was 1977. Prior to joining EFP in May 2005, Paul worked for production potteries in California and Wisconsin. Paul is a multi-talented artist with skills in throwing, sculpting, glazing, and glaze chemistry. Paul currently spends the majority of his time managing the work flow in the studio, formulating and troubleshooting glazes, and throwing. We are so fortunate to have someone as dedicated and passionate about ceramics as Paul working in our studio.
Q & A with Paul
Why did you choose a career in pottery?
I was immediately drawn to pottery - my brother and I and his friend built a large brick kiln when I was 15. A lot of hard work and endless joy. I have never looked back. I love pottery.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the constant exploration of ideas, and the hands-on effort to bring them to fruition. To collaboratively conceive an idea and work together to make it happen is highly rewarding.
If you could invite any famous person, living or dead, to dinner, who would you invite and why?
Kris Kristofferson. I admire his free spirit, zest for life and his amazing intellect - he is a Rhodes Scholar with a very creative mind. |
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Coming Events |
TWO NEW SHOWS JUST ADDED!
Embassy Suites
4554 Lake Forest
Blue Ash, Ohio (Cincinnati area)
Sale open to the public
Sat 12-5 and Sun 11-4
Admission: $6
April 25-27
San Mateo County Event Ctr
San Mateo, California
Fri 11-8, Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5
Admission:
Seniors $8
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Studio Collection & Catalog
for 2014 | |
This year we will be presenting only one, larger, Studio Collection. The new collection is scheduled to go online during the second half of June. Print catalogs will be mailed in mid-July.
We will also be offering several Reserve Edition pieces this year. These will be announced by email and posted on our Facebook page. If you want to know when new pieces are available, please check your inbox and our Facebook page so you don't miss any notifications. |
| Contact us | |
Ephraim Pottery Office & Studio
203 W. Lake St., Lake Mills, WI
Website & Online Store
Orders & Customer Service
Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00 CDT
Toll free 1-888-704-POTS (7687)
920-648-5269
Ephraim Pottery Gallery
130 East Lake St., Lake Mills, WI
Tel. 920-648-3534
Winter Hours: Wed-Sat 10-5,
Sun 11-4
Ephraim Pottery West
728 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
Tel. 805-924-1275
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4
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