Emerson Creek Pottery Review and Giveaway

I love handmade pottery and I am always visiting flea markets, garage sales and other specialty shops looking for unique and hand panted pottery to add to my every growing collection. There is just something super special about each piece of pottery and they each have their own story. I love that no matter what design the pottery has painted on it, each piece goes together brilliantly and I always enjoy entertaining family and friends on my unique pottery finds. Recently I was introduced to an amazing pottery company called Emerson Creek, and let me just say they have some of the most beautiful designs of pottery I have ever seen, so when I was given the chance to review an item from their Summer Peaks collection I was thrilled!

About Emerson Creek (taken from website):

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Emerson Creek Pottery artisans are continuing the American tradition of pottery making in a contemporary way. The property on which Emerson Creek Pottery sits was originally a 500-acre land grant from the King of England. In 1825, Silas Wade aquired the land and built his two room, and two story log cabin, now the home of Emerson Creek Pottery. To the north are the majestic Peaks of Otter, visible through the treetops in winter. The land rolls gently away from the house to the creek beds. More information about this historic home can be found in the Virginia Room of the Roanoke City Library, Roanoke, Virginia.

Influenced by the energy of Early American cobalt decoration, owners Priscilla Palmer and Jim Leavitt founded Emerson Creek Pottery in 1977. Priscilla developed the unique technique of applying natural pigments to an absorbent glaze with a Japanese Sumi-e brush. The spontaneity of the brush stroke, combined with the accuracy of design yields our distinctively recognizable style. Priscilla's deep love of the natural world provides a multitude of organic designs for all of Emerson Creek's pottery.

Our ceramic pottery has been featured at Monticello, Mt. Vernon and the Smithsonian Institute, as well as in fine homes across America. We have had the pleasure of designing customized pottery patterns for numerous clubs and organizations.

Our pottery is formed of clay made onsite. Each piece is hand made, hand painted and fired in a gas kiln. Each pattern is a series of carefully planned strokes. No templates or stencils are used. The patterns are practiced and committed to memory. The artists paint the pattern again and again. Each piece is alike and yet different, like flowers in a field. We are currently featuring 15 different lines of ceramic pottery, including our beloved signature line - Field of Iris, a classic since 1977. All of our work is microwave and dishwasher safe, lead free and ovenproof.

Visitors to Virginia find a warm welcome at Emerson Creek Pottery. We are an easy 10 minute drive from Bedford, a lovely 30 minutes from Lynchburg or Smith Mt. Lake, and a pleasant 45 minutes from Roanoke. With its original log walls, original fireplace, and three double barrel chimneys, the cabin which houses the Emerson Creek Pottery factory outlet offers considerable interest to those wishing to steep themselves in the rich history of the region. And, our guests enjoy the opportunity to connect with the past by experiencing the special quality of our handmade pottery which continues a true American tradition handed down to us from Colonial times.

Since 1977, it has been our pleasure to offer the American heritage of handmade, handpainted pottery to our customers. We take pride in the fact that when you shop Emerson Creek Pottery, you know that you are purchasing a little piece of history which will surely add the quality of timeless beauty to your home. We stand behind the superior and consistent quality of our craftsmanship and thank you for choosing Emerson Creek Pottery.

My Thoughts:

I was recently sent a Summer Peaks Square Appetizer Plate from Emerson Creek to review and I can’t tell you how excited I was and when the plate actually arrived at my door I have to admit that I was speechless at how stunning this plate was in person, the photo just does not do this beauty justice.

The plate was shipped very securely and arrived very quickly after I was informed it was on it’s way. The one thing that is an absolute must when ordering glass wear and especially hand panted pottery is that each piece is securely packaged so that there is no chips or breaks and my plate was very securely wrapped and arrived in perfect shape.

Once the plate arrived I could not wait to show it off and I soon got my chance during a family Sunday breakfast I used the plate to sever the fresh fruits for the pancakes. Everyone complimented the plate and I have to say it fit in so well with my other pieces of pottery I have collected over the past few years. And I also must say that the mixed colors of the fruits looked amazing with the beautiful mountain background of the plate.

The painting of the peaks themselves is beautiful and the artist did an amazing job capturing every little detail to make this plate on of a kind. Since receiving the plate and seeing the quality and durability of the design when washed by hand and in the dishwasher I can safely say that I have the whole Summer Peaks collection on my wish list and I will be adding more of the plates and other pieces to my collection as time goes on.

Bottom Line:

I am very impressed with the artists painting on the piece and I love that I can simply toss the plate in the dishwasher after using it during a family meal and not have to worry about the art work. I am also pleased with the security of the plate during shipping and I can tell you I would not hesitate to purchase other pieces from Emerson Creek Pottery for the simple fact that I know that the piece would be a beautiful one of a kind addition to my collection and that it would reach me in one piece and is well worth the money I would be spending on it because the artwork would not chip or fade after use.

If you are looking for a unique one of a kind gift or addition to your own pottery collection I highly recommend checking out the beautiful pieces available from Emerson Creek!

Buy It:
To purchase Summer Peaks Square Appetizer Plate mentioned above and much more visit the Emerson Creek Website!

Discount Alert:
Emerson Creek has kindly offered all of my wonderful readers here at The Cartoon Lovin’ Mama a coupon code good for 15% off all orders over $25.00 or more good thru 04/23/2011. Simply use code sg486

Win It:
Emerson Creek has generously offered one of my super lucky readers one of their four styles of mugs in the winners design choice (ARV $16.00)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Emerson Creek Pottery and tell me your favorite design! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Emerson Creek Pottery be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook

6. Follow Emerson Creek Pottery on Twitter

Giveaway ends April 05, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the plate mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.