New Jewelry by Tahmi – The Art of Woven Metal
New at Brooke Pottery week is a stunning collection of handwoven metal jewelry by Tahmi. Embedded in glass, woven sterling silver and gold wire is magnified to reveal intriguing patterns. Shop Tahmi jewelry online or read on to learn more about the artist.
We fell in love with this jewelry at market and are excited to finally share it with you! Tahmi’s new Woven Aster collection have an aster flower cast in relief on top of each glass square, with a woven “fabric” of sterling or gold wire beneath. The result is dazzling. If you are searching for statement jewelry that you can wear time and time again, with any color, Tahmi jewelry is an intriguing choice.
Left: Silver Aster Collection. Pendant, $100. Bracelet, $123. Earrings, $45.
One intrepid weaver is the source behind Tahmi Jewelry. Iowa artist Tahmi DeSchepper is inspired by ancient textiles and weaving techniques.
Tahmi DeSchepper in her studio
I don’t have any formal art or jewelry training. My degree work was in the area of ancient history, which is probably why I’m drawn to the more ancient and medieval jewelry making techniques. If it can’t be done with simple tools, you won’t find it in my jewelry. Everything I do is based on “cold” working – simple bending of wire either with pliers or with brute force. I don’t use any soldering, melting, smelting or anything that involves heat or fire with my metalworking. (Since I have a tendency to burn my fingers while making toast this is probably a very good idea!). I even consider my glasswork as done cold. The glass goes into the kiln at room temp, ramps up to fusing temperatures, then comes back out of the kiln at room temp – much safer for me than flameworking!
I relish the challenge of figuring out how to replicate textile techniques with wire. Some experiments work, and some don’t. But even the ones that don’t work yield interesting insights to base the next experiments on. So the moral of the story is to keep on trying!
First Friday Oct. 7 – Motorcycle Mania
Dog on a Hog by Rich Kolb
Downtown Lakeland’s Motorcycle Mania event in February was so successful that’s is back for First Friday 6-10pm! Vendors far and wide have responded to our call. About 80 motorcycle groups and related vendors will fill Kentucky Avenue and Main Street. Bay and Pine Streets will be prime motorcycle parking. (Parking tips below)
Kentucky artist Rich Kolb in his own words “creates new friends out of old odds and ends.” He makes imaginative animal art pieces using scrap metal, hardware bits and castoff tools. Dog on a Hog, pictured above outside Brooke Pottery, is one of the larger sculptures that the shop carries. We also have wine caddies, napkin holders, salt and pepper shakers, desktop critters and garden sculptures. Rich Kolb’s humorous menagerie of Yardbirds, Junkyard Cats and Dogs is a hit with customers looking for unusual gifts.
Enjoy various music groups along the streets including SOUTHBOUND at the corner of N. Kentucky Ave. & Bay Street. As always, Classic Cars will be displayed on Tennessee Street at Munn Park. Because of the many vendors, Downtown streets affected will be closed at 4pm. Find ample parking in the Main Street garage, Oak Street lot and along Tennessee south of Main, Kentucky south of Orange Street. Whether you ride or not, October 7th should be an exciting First Friday. There’s so much fun and activity planned that hours are extended ’til 10pm!
Return of the Raku Fish – Hooray!
We are so happy to once again offer the fabulous hanging raku fish! As some of you may know, the artist responsible for the fish, Risk Ellsworth, has retired (boo!). But Mr. Ellsworth has trained a new artist in his technique for making the fish (hooray!). The new artist is Madd Mud Pottery. Isn’t that a perfect name for the maker of these kooky fish?
We’ve been quite sad while these fish have been missing from the store, as they have such personality and quirkiness. Each fish has a different expression on its face, and it’s always a joy to uncover each one as we pull it out of its shipping box. We usually try to match each fish with one of our relatives. (“Oh, this one looks just like so-and-so!” Um, please don’t tell so-and-so I said that.)
If you’ve missed out on getting a fish that looks just like one of your relatives, or if you just want to put a smile on your face, please come on down to the store. I’m sure we have a fish for you!
Buy One Get One Half Off on Thursday Nights
BOGO at Brooke Pottery? It’s true, and it starts tonight! We hope you’ve been taking advantage of our extended shopping hours on Thursday nights. But to give you even more incentive to join us for Thursdays on Kentucky, we’ll be doing a buy one get one 1/2 off sale!! Buy any item in the store and get half off any other item in the store. Here are your requisite caveats: Discount cannot be used on prior purchases, special orders, bridal registry or layaway items. Discount will be taken on lower-priced item. Limit of 4 items. Offer good on Thursday nights from 6-9 pm only through September 2011.
Stranded Glass Jewelry by Gail Crozier
This month we are excited to add Gail Crozier’s gorgeous handmade jewelry to the Brooke Pottery shop . This Missouri artist creates her own lampwork glass beads and sterling silver elements, infusing her Stranded Glass Jewelry with personality. The style may appear simple, but Gail’s use of bright color, interesting shapes and unique wire work results in jewelry that makes a bold statement and always gets noticed. The Puzzle Link Collection (bracelet pictured above, left) combines intricately coiled sterling silver wire with vibrant glass disk beads rimmed with black and white stripes. Truly a work of wearable art! And no less fun to wear is the Ring Charm Collection. Ring Charm bracelets and necklaces practically *DANCE* with color. Very pretty! Browse our online jewelry shop –> to see more incredible designs by Stranded Glass.
Live Music on Thursday Evenings
If you enjoy the classic hits that Hank and Paul play for us at Brooke Pottery during First Friday, then you’ll be pleased to know that Hank will join us for Thursdays on Kentucky. Brooke Pottery is now open late every Thursday 6-9 pm. Come by after work and shop to the pleasant melodies of Hank’s guitar solos. As always, we offer helpful gift ideas and free gift wrapping.
Our month-long August clearance ends this week. It’s the last chance to save 50% on selected jewelry, pottery, glassware, pewter table accessories, garden stakes,wine racks, candles and wood dancers. Wanna get the scoop on future sales? Sign up for our e-newsletter to get news and seasonal coupons by e-mail.
Artful Time Pieces by David Scherer
New arrivals in the shop this week include six new sculptural clocks by Michigan artist David Scherer. Explosive in color (and sometimes even form) these new artful time pieces are truly wonderful!
Well known for his 3-D paintings, David Scherer works in a variety of mediums and brings an intriguing, distinctive style and vibrancy to all of his art. Scherer attributes his unique direction to the expansion of his cumulative experience of more than 30 years as an artist. His sculptural wall clocks are energetic and complex, yet David modestly states “I am what I am, I do what I do”. And we love it! Shop online for David Scherer clocks at brookepottery.com.
Brooke Pottery is now open late on Thursdays
Brooke Pottery will be staying open until 9 pm every Thursday night to better serve our customers and give them a fun shopping opportunity. Several businesses in the North Kentucky Avenue area will be staying open late every Thursday (hence, “Thursdays on Kentucky”), including the Black Swan Bazaar, Reflections of the Past, and Bay Street Bistro (with a five-course wine pairing menu!). Other stores will be joining us as the year progresses. We hope you’ll come down and join us.
The Cats are Back! New arrivals from Dewey Studios
Raku cats by Mary Gates Dewey are back in the shop and they are as rascally and humorous as ever! When a shipment from Dewey Studios arrives, we rush to open the box. What will the cats be up to this time?! Mary’s highly collectible raku cat sculptures capture the grace and impishness witnessed in the daily feats and follies of her feline friends. Click here to browse or shop for Dewey cats.
Mary Gates Dewey’s stylized cat sculptures are handmade of clay. The color and patterns are produced by an ancient method of firing called raku sawdust or “pit” firing. Once the piece has been bisque fired in a kiln, it is buried in sawdust and the sawdust is burned. The smoke from the sawdust produces permanent colors in the clay at random.
About the artist:
Mary Gates Dewey was born in South Florida, attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, and studied ceramics at the University of Alabama. She moved to the Appalachian foothills in the 1970′s, building a house and studio in the midst of the woods. Mary Gates Dewey created her first raku cat in 1982, and today only cats are produced in her studio.
It is tradition among potters that a new kiln have a kiln god made of clay to ensure successful firings. On the day of the firing of Mary’s new kiln, a cat came marching through the woods. Kaygee, short for “kiln god”, presided over that first firing and dedicated his life thereafter to inspiring Mary’s cat designs. Mary now lives and works in southeastern Ohio, continuing to find peace and inspiration in the woodlands. For decades, her Raku Cats have delighted and enchanted animal lovers around the world.
New Arrivals from Barbed Wire Jewelry
We have a great new selection of Barbed Wire jewelry back in stock. This sterling silver wire and glass jewelry with architectural twist is designed to be colorful and lightweight, a fun addition to your jewelry collection. Each piece is handmade by Barbie Levy in her Baltimore studio to guarantee high quality craftsmanship. The artist’s interest in architectural lines, geometric shapes, and balance has been a strong influence on her work. Over the years we have found Barbed Wire jewelry to be timeless, appealing to women of all ages.
Pierced Earrings $43/ Clip Earrings $58/ Necklaces $34
Shop Barbed Wire Jewelry now at brookepottery.com.
Now Shop Online for Allan Ditton Pottery
Now you can shop for Allan Ditton’s high-fire stoneware online at brookepottery.com. Each week we add new products to our online shop with the hope of providing out-of-town customers with better access to their favorite American Craft Artists. Not familiar with Allan Ditton’s work? Have fun browsing. Allan’s high-fire stoneware is characterized by rich textures of overlapping lines and concentric spirals beneath vibrant crackle glazes of cobalt blue, celedon green, soft red and earthy black. 
The matte textured terra cotta on rims and tops of pots is actually a watertight and food-safe glaze. The pottery is safe for the dishwasher, microwave (mugs and bowls) and oven. Simply start in a cold oven and bring the baking dish up to temperature. Allan Ditton Pottery is handmade in upstate New York.
Big Sale Tonight – Rain or Shine!
Are you ready for the big sale? Don’t miss Brooke Pottery’s 50% Off Sidewalk Sale this evening 6-8:30 pm during First Friday. Selected pottery, jewelry, glassware, garden art and housewares are marked and ready to go! If it rains, we’ll simply move the Sidewalk Sale indoors. Shop early for the best selection and please note that Brooke Pottery will close at 8:30 in time for everyone to enjoy the fireworks at 9pm.
To coincide with Independence Day, we are excited to announce that we are extending our 5% discount program, which we currently provide to teachers, to members of the military. All members of the military, including veterans, are all eligible for this discount. To sign up, just ask any of our associates during your next visit to the store. We thank you all for your brave service to our country.
Brooke Pottery will be closed on Monday, July 4, and reopen Tuesday at 9 am. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
Freshen your Home with Fragrant Wax Vessels by Habersham
Our garden gallery smells absolutely wonderful thanks to new arrivals from the Habersham Candle Company. These colorful wax bowls are designed to release unique fragrances without burning, which makes them safe to use around pets and children.
Available in two sizes – the large diameter bowl is $60, the small 7.5″ bowl is $25. Shop now at brookepottery.com.
The hand poured wax vessels are created one at a time in Habersham’s Georgia factory. Each is decorated with a combination of real and synthetic flowers and leaves, and no two are exactly alike. From calming Lavender-Chamomile and soft Garden Vanilla to spicy Pink Grapefruit-Patchouli and Mandarin-Ginger, Brooke Pottery offers a range of fresh fragrances for your home.
Above: Rose Garden, Hydrangea and Butterfly Garden Fragrant Wax Vessels. Best sellers include:
- Butterfly Garden – naturally appealing, this infusion of leafy green basil is perfectly complimented with sweet notes of sage, chopped parsley and thyme. A touch of ceder wood and a shimmer of lemon grass complete this garden fresh fragrance.
- Seascape – ozone, sea salt and water musk mingle with a touch of sea lavender and orange flower. This fragrance will send you on a sensory journey to the Beach!.
- Magnolia – a southern classic, this bowl is infused with the heady scent of fresh magnolia blossom and a hint of lemon zest.!
Last Call for Raku Fish Ornaments
June 3 Update: That’s it for the Raku Fish. They have all found good homes!
It nearly breaks our hearts to announce that the Ellsworth Raku Fish is an endangered species. Rick Ellsworth and Paula Kenworthy of Mountain River Arts recently announced their retirement, and Brooke Pottery was lucky enough to get some of their very last Raku Fish hanging ornaments. 
Brooke Pottery has carried these wonderful, whimsical clay creations since Gloria Brooke started the shop in 1988. Gloria met the Ellsworths at an art show in Washington State, and the Raku Fish have been offered at Brooke Pottery ever since. Whether slim or round, with puckered lips or wide-mouth grins, the hanging clay ornaments have been a tremendous hit with customers over the years. Orca whales and puffin birds in a similar style debuted in the 2000′s but the original Raku Fish is the most beloved.
History of the Raku Fish from an article by Stephen Reed published in The Ledger, May 1991:
The fish are a strange success story for the Ellsworths, who have built a business around them. In 1975, Sharon and Rick Ellsworth were making more serious pottery when, during a late-night rush to meed a production deadline, they got a little giddy.
“We were just being silly one night,” Sharon Ellsworth said. “We just started playing around, not with the purpose of making anything.” From a glob of clay on the potter’s wheel, “someone pinched a face. And somebody else added eyeballs. All of a sudden, we had this stupid little face.” Fins were added and a booming business was….hatched.
The raku fish are formed on a potter’s wheel from soft white clay, starting with a small vase-like structure. Their characteristic grins and puts are shaped with a pinch of the fingers. Small, rolled eyes and clay-slab fins are added. After an initial firing in an electric kiln and the addition of some bright spots of yellow, green, blue or red glaze, the fish are fired in an outdoor gas kiln at 2,000 degrees. They are removed from the kiln with tongs and settled on a bed of dried oats, which smolder to give the creatures a smudged appearance.
The process takes about two weeks, and each handmade fish is one of a kind. While Rick and Paula hope to find another artist to carry on the Ellsworth Raku Fish designs, we certainly will miss their indelible mark on these special clay ornaments. Their Raku Fish have brought amusement and joy to hundreds of people around the world, including many Lakeland residents and visitors. Thank you for sharing your talents with us over the past twenty-three years!
New Pottery by David Voll
We are delighted to welcome new work by New Jersey potter David Voll. For a lighter step this spring, we ordered stoneware bowls, pictures and vases in Voll’s gorgeous yellow ash and moss green glazes. Completely made by hand, each piece is wheel thrown, hand shaped or carved with details, glazed and then fired to over 2200 degrees. David Voll’s pottery is safe for use in the oven, microwave and dishwasher.
Left: Pierced Rim Bowl in Moss Green, 11″ diameter, $213.
David Voll established his pottery studio at Batsto Village in southern New Jersey in 1976. Located within Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village is a historic community that has been preserved as a state park to exemplify early American history. The original Batsto community formed around an ironworks in the 1760′s, transformed into a window glassblowing community in the mid 1800′s, and then became a source of forestry and agricultural industry in the 1900′s.
Left: Tulip Vases in Moss Green, Small $70 and Large $95.
That history strongly intertwines with Voll’s pottery. David built his first kiln at Batsto from bricks salvaged from the abandoned Winslow brick works and spent a career working with local clays and developing glazes from local bog iron. David and his wife Lorraine, a weaver, lived and worked at Batsto Village park for over 20 years. In 1999, Voll moved his studio to Port Republic, NJ, where he can be found “practicing traditional techniques, balancing creativity and craftsmanship and trying to run a successful studio at the same time.” Bravo!
Left: 11″ oval shaped Waverly Bowl, $213.
David Voll’s serving bowls strike an elegant balance between strong lines and graceful curves.Five Sided 10″ Serving Bowl in Moss,$113. Square 5″ Salad/Soup Bowl, $30. Small 4″ Square Dip/Dessert Bowl, $20.
Shop for David Voll Pottery now……
Pi Day Sale This Weekend, March 12-14
Come celebrate the coolest of numbers, pi, and the birthday of one of the world’s most brilliant thinkers, Albert Einstein, with us this weekend. Of course, we all learned in school that pi is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and that pi = 3.1415 (and so on). Pi Day is celebrated by people who love numbers (such as former math teacher and Brooke Pottery co-owner Margaret Stephens) on March 14 (3/14, get it?). March 14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday, and we all know who he is. The universe is just bursting with all kinds of mathematical goodness on March 14! So to celebrate, Brooke Pottery will be serving real pie for the extended weekend – Saturday, March 12, through Monday, March 14! Mmm, pi(e).
More pi-related fabulousness: Get 14% off 3 items or fewer during the Pi Day celebration! (Limited to 3 items, but these will be your 3 most expensive items. Valid in-store only March 12 – March 14. No coupon required.)
When you come Downtown to celebrate Pi Day with us, don’t forget to check out Spring Obsession in Munn Park on Saturday, March 12 (9am-4pm). Spring Obsession is a celebration of garden, art, and music featuring local and regional nurseries, garden vendors, and art for and about the garden.
Spring Flower Jewelry by Michal Golan
In honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day today, we’re sharing the work and story of one of our favorite jewelry designers – Michal Golan. New arrivals at Brooke Pottery this month include enamel and beaded necklaces and earrings from Golan’s pretty Spring Flowers 2011 collection.
Michal Golan has built a successful career as a jewelry designer, printer and ceramist working in New York for nearly 30 years. Golan’s distinctive designs are immediately recognizable for their ornate, intensely colored arrangements of gemstones and crystals. The work, notable for its meticulous attention to detail, highlights Michal’s mosaic-inspired aesthetic and reflects her Israeli heritage and familiarity with the intricacies of Middle Eastern Art.
Born in Haifa, Israeli, Michal Golan moved to the U.S. in 1976. She earned a BA in graphic art from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in studio art from New York University. Beginning as a 2 person team working out of an apartment and selling at craft fairs, Michal has grown her art business into a company with 40 full-time staff members. Today, Michal talented artisans produce jewelry, Judaica, belts and gifts in by hand in Golan’s New York studio. Michal Golan’s work is sold in over 1,500 stores worldwide. Brooke Pottery is proud to carry Michal’s jewelry and Judaica, and we celebrate the artistic contributions and success of this Israeli-American woman. Spring Flower Jewelry, $45-85.
Bead and Gemstone Hamsa Necklaces
Part of our new spring order from New York artist and jewelry designer Michal Golan includes her beautiful, handmade Hamsa necklaces. Encrusted with crystals and gems, each Hamsa pendant is suspended from a beaded necklace in coordinating colors. In addition to Hamsa necklaces, Brooke Pottery offers Michal Golan’s Hamsa wall plaques and key chains by special order.
The Hamsa (also known as the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam or the Hamesh hand) is a Muslim and Jewish symbol of good luck intended to ward off evil and protect against the evil eye and the envious. The Hamsa is shaped like an open hand stopping or warning an enemy. It represents the belief in the magical, protective properties of the number five in both Islamic and Jewish mysticism. Traditionally, Hamsas have been used as either wall and door plaques or as protective amulets. Hamsas have also generally contained either an eye design (representing the evil eye) or a protective prayer in the center of the palm. It has attained both religious and cultural symbolism. Israeli artist Michal Golan has tried to integrate both the cultural importance and the mystical significations of the symbol in her Judaica line. Although she has invigorated the Hamsa through the use of gems, colors and textures, she has also worked to maintain the original integrity of the Hamsa through the inclusion of traditional eye designs, prayers, and Stars of David in the center of many of her Hamsa designs.
Rodeo Roundup on First Friday Jan. 7
Brooke Pottery will be open late 6-9 PM on Friday January 7. Come enjoy the Rodeo Roundup activities this First Friday. Downtown Lakeland will host square dancers, cowboys, line dancing and live music – plus bounce houses and the kiddie train. Americom Pro Classic Rodeo will parade down Kentucky Avenue at 7 pm. Click here for the parade route. Sign up for the “Fastest” Pie-Eater in the West Contest featuring scrumptious cream pies by Fred’s Southern Kitchen,or enter your child the Cowboy/Cowgirl Cutie Contest. Free family fun in downtown Lakeland.
20-40% Off Christmas Items This Week
Stock up on American artisan Christmas ornaments and home decor during our week long sale. Take 20% off hand-painted Christmas gourds by local artist Pat Basile and Holiday Stained Glass by Kathy Plowman. Enjoy 40% discount on Christmas ornaments, garlands, wreaths and fused glass plates by Peggy Karr. Sale runs through December 31. The shop will close early at 4 pm on Friday and will be closed on New Year’s Day. Best wishes for a happy new year! 
Above: Blown glass ornaments by Whitfield Designs, Leandra Drumm’s whimsical pewter characters, Santa gourds by Pat Basile, and textured glass ornaments by Boyce Art Glass.
The Old World Charm of Cornwall Bridge Pottery
We are excited to share new work by Cornwall Bridge Pottery from Connecticut. With over 35 years of experience throwing clay, Cornwall Bridge has developed a wonderful assortment of tableware, baking dishes, lamps and garden pots. The pottery is also a haven for visiting artists, fostering a community love for clay. Cornwall Bridge Pottery’s unique 35 foot long woodfired tube kiln is based on a design used in 10th century China. Founder Todd Spiker believes that “the potter’s challenge is to use nature’s palette — air, earth, water and fire — to create settings for domestic treasures, whether cooked, gathered or arranged that are as timeless as they are beautiful.” Hold a mug or casserole by Cornwall Bridge and you will feel what he means – it exudes an unmatched old world charm. Come see Brooke Pottery’s new selection of Cornwall Bridge Pottery, including the beautiful blue bird pattern shown below.
Hooray for Small Business Saturday!
Thank you to all you wonderful customers for shopping with us on Black Friday. It was the first year we have opened early, and your support for American Craft made the day a whole lot of fun. If you missed Brooke Pottery’s Black Friday Sale, you can still do some feel good shopping today because November 27 is Small Business Saturday.
Haven’t heard the buzz about Small Business Saturday? Well, it’s a national movement to encourage support for local merchants across the U.S. A day to come together in support of the small businesses we love. The shops and restaurants that employ our neighbors and reinvest our money close to home. The businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.
American Express is offering a $25 statement credit to cardholders who register their card online and shop at small businesses on Saturday, November 27. For details, see http://www.smallbusinesssaturday.com/
Why is supporting small business important?
Brooke Pottery has extended shopping hours now through December 23: Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 11-6. As always, we’re open 9-6 Monday through Thursday. Free gift wrapping. UPS shipping is available.
Dec. 3 – Shopping Night for Carlton Palmore, Lawton Chiles and Lincoln Schools
Turn your holiday spirit into school spirit by shopping at Brooke Pottery on First Friday, December 3. We’ll donate 15% of your purchase to Carlton Palmore Elementary, Lawton Chiles Middle School or Lincoln Avenue Academy when you mention your school’s name during checkout. No coupon required. Many of you will be downtown to watch your schools perform during First Friday Holiday Happenings, so stop in before or after the perfomance and choose holiday gifts that also give back to your school.
Teachers and Parents: Brooke Pottery offers a year round 5% discount to Polk County Teachers. Now, we are extending this discount to PTA members. Simply show your school ID or PTA card.
Just In: Smart Glass Jewelry
Atlanta jewelry designer Kathleen Plate recycles ordinary glass bottles into extraordinary jewelry, lighting and art installations. We are very excited to share our new assortment of Plate’s wearable art known as Smart Glass Jewelry.
Left: Classic Coke bottle necklace and earrings
About the Artist:
Kathleen Plate grew up in rural Washington learning to maximize resources during the fuel crisis 70′s. The resourcefulness of Plate’s eco-conscious upbringing sparked her artistic creativity. It is Kathleen’s hope that her jewelry will raise a consciousness about the small choices people can make in their daily lives, which will inevitably inspire environmentally responsible choices on a much larger scale. “It’s easy for advocates to live green, but I love it when an everyday person will try to make a small change for the greater good. I create Smart Glass Jewelry to compliment outer beauty as well as inner beauty,” says Kathleen.
The Smart Glass collection ranges from simple circle earring and pendants to collars of dazzling glass drops wrapped in sterling silver. Whether you are shopping for an accessory to compliment your holiday party dress or shopping for unforgettable gift, Smart Glass is a gorgeous option. Priced $26-$125.
