Discover Pottery in Seagrove, NC

On this blog entry, I will be displaying photos of various pottery stores from my family’s trip to Seagrove, NC. In the following link, you can see a past article I wrote on the individual pottery artist’s pieces along with some history on the area. The photos show some of the pieces made by talented potters.   http://elizabethssecretgarden.blogspot.com/2013/04/pottery-showcase-in-seagrove-nc.html 

This first store is the Seagrove “Creations” Pottery Gallery & Hearthside Coffee. Yes, a pottery store that doubles as a coffee shop which makes this pottery shop very unique. The idea behind this was to allow customers the joy of having coffee and pastries as they look upon the wide selection of pottery.  

Their Website: http://www.potteryofseagrove.com/

The Seagrove Creations Pottery Gallery & Hearthside Coffee store sells pieces from over 65 of the local potters and crafts people. It was very entertaining to walk through and gaze at the large collection. From crystalline pieces, to coffee mugs, and shimmering plates, this stores seems to have it all. It even has felted hats and other knitted & crocheted items.

 

The Noah’s ark was one of my favorite pieces. So much effort goes into creating each item. The beautiful detail work really makes the ark stand out.

 

A detailed birdhouse and what looks to be a fish shaped soap dish also have wonderful detail work.

  

These decorated bottles really stood out to me as I was taking pictures and I thought you would enjoy them as well.

The Seagrove Pottery store was another of the many pottery store in the area. Often times, walking though such elaborate stores is like stepping into a museum and observing the variety of well thought out designs.

 

Walking into the store at first was over-whelming. It was hard to decide where to begin!

  

 

There were many hand crafted signs, but this was my favorite of course. This is for all the knitter enthusiasts.

This next store had some amazing pieces that were very curious indeed. The most unusual one which you will see below appeared to be a vase with an alligator head coming out of it along with a fish in its mouth. I have to say, I’ve never seen anything like it!

The store has its work shop inside the building and has demos everyday. You can contact them by e-mail at uwharriecrystalline@yahoo.com

Lantern Hill Pottery has showcased their pottery in 8 different states and received many awards for their artistry. They offer custom designs for pieces desired for gifts or events.

Website:  http://www.lanternhillpottery.com/ 

 

The grand finale is the Crystal King Pottery. The entrance is beautiful with a water fall and lush plants. It is very welcoming and the inside is even more beautiful. http://www.crystalkingpottery.net/

 

   

Crystal King was featured in the Country Woman magazine. It was an amazing opportunity to meet her and look around the store.

She also allowed me to take pictures inside the studio. It was a nice finish to my family’s tour of Seagrove, NC. These few stores I’ve listed are just a few of a hundred different stores. Seagrove is a great place to visit. Especially for those who love art and crafts.

Elizabeth’s Secret Garden’s Book

                            

Since the butterfly season is here again, I wanted to share a brief look into a book on butterflies I wrote. My book describes the life cycles of 10 North American butterfly species including the Monarch, Queen, Cloudless Sulphur, White Peacock, and more. Each butterfly in the book I’ve raised and documented  the life cycle with pictures of the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. It includes several tours of butterfly gardens and conservatories.  It also explains how to raise butterflies using inexpensive, readily found supplies. My book Includes photos from my personal photography with detailed descriptions of butterflies, host plants, common butterfly diseases, predators, and helpful facts. It has been purchased by teachers as a study guide. My goal in writing this book, is to educate people about butterflies and how they can raise them so we can increase the butterfly population that is struggling from habitat lose and threat from pesticides.

 

My book also includes funny experiences I’ve had while raising butterflies. This page shows a Polydamas Swallowtail caterpillar that made its chrysalis on top of another chrysalis. Another funny moment depicted above is one of my caterpillar dangling by a silk strand that one of the larger caterpillars spun. The little caterpillar then climbed off safely afterwards. I believe that learning can be enjoyable by incorporating fun and memorable moments.

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into my book. To purchase or like my book go to:  https://www.createspace.com/4083202

Pottery Showcase in Seagrove, NC

Seagrove, NC may be small, but it has a great reputation for being the “Pottery Capitol of the United States.” It has many potters that are passionate about the artistic pieces they create. Pottery in Seagrove traces back to the 18th century when English and German immigrants settled in the surrounding area. This ancient art began to spread as Seagrove potters passed their knowledge down to children and interested apprentices. Also, the community colleges began offering ceramic art classes. About 100 pottery shops and galleries now extend across Seagrove, NC and neighboring towns. Many stretch across Hwy 705 which is the official “NC Pottery Highway.” (See picture at end of blog entry.)

The pictures below are pictures I took while at the Seagrove Pottery Festival. I selected photos of my favorite pieces  from 5 different pottery artists. My next blog entry will show some of the stores I visited with my family.

Pottery Pieces by Doris Petersham
Doris receives her inspiration from African textile designs. She has traveled overseas and taught at several Universities in the US. She displays great talent and loves what she does. As I talked with her, I could tell that she is passionate about creating pottery and sharing this skill with others.
Contact through e-mail: dpetersham@rivercto.net

                            

         

                           

Pottery by Piney Woods Pottery
As stated on their website, “They are well-known across the country for their specialty in creating angels, dogwoods, roses, magnolias, and other decorative three-dimensional pottery.” Their ceramic plates are beautiful and unique.
Their website is http://www.pineywoodspottery.net 

  

  

Pottery by Country Hearts Pottery
Country Hearts Pottery captured my attention because I love gardening and love their whimsical creative appeal. These pieces are well suited for making any garden or home beautiful. I believe they deserve recognition for the creativity that went into each one.  
Contact at dixon1779@hotmail.com

 

 

Phil Morgan Pottery, World Famous Master Potter
Phil Morgan’s piece’s are created by using a rare glazing technique. He uses a crystalline glaze that is embedded with crystals! The finished product shimmers and sparkles with an elegant appeal. As stated on his website, “Phil Morgan’s pieces have been featured in national publications, presidential collections and museums around the world. Phil has appeared on ABC TV’s Good Morning America and on CTV's Good Morning Canada.” These are great accomplishments!
Website: http://philmorganpottery.net/

 

                                 

Lantern Hill Pottery
Lantern Hill Pottery has showcased their pottery in 8 different states and received many awards for their artistry. They offer custom designs for pieces desired for gifts or events.   
Website:  http://www.lanternhillpottery.com/

 

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into “The Pottery Capitol of the United States.” North Carolina is my new home so I will be sharing my adventures in this beautiful state. Keep a look out for my next entry that will feature pottery stores in the area!