Merry Christmas to... Me!

This year I really got into the spirit of giving, and I certainly didn't expect anything in return. So it only makes sense, then, that I got more than my share of gifts from my friends and coworkers. Without a doubt my favorite gift came from my coworker Junji.

For some time we've talked about making our own ribs, quite possibly with the help of renowned Pittsburgh woodworker Tadao Arimoto, whose studio is behind ours. Today Junji surprised me with these three amazingly beautiful ribs.

The large Gyubera is commercially made, but the other two were handmade by Junji in Tadao's workshop. They're made from an exotic hardwood, quite possibly Purpleheart.

Happy Birthday Saya!

One of the things I love most about ceramics is that I have the ability to make unique, personal gifts for my friends. In this case, I made a porcelain cup for Saya's second birthday. Although this tea cup isn't terribly unique (even copyright infringement, actually) it's never the less very special.

Both of Saya's parents are potters, and her father is Japanese, so an Asian-style tea cup is rather fitting. But what's more important is the Minnie Mouse decoration. Saya's parents recently took her to Disney on Ice, and she was lucky enough to get within arm's reach of Minnie. For weeks after, Saya told everyone and anyone, "I touched Minnie!"

So now, Saya can touch Minnie every day of the week.