Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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.

144 comments:

  1. I love love the Iris design

    msgb245 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the Field of Iris design.

    marypres@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the Red Poppy design.
    kimkmc at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I 'like' Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook.
    kimkmc at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. HORTON111@AOL.COM

    I LIKE THE RED POPPY DESIGN

    ReplyDelete
  6. HORTON111@AOL.COM

    GFC FOLLOWER (EMMA LOU)

    ReplyDelete
  7. HORTON111@AOL.COM

    GFC FOLLOWER #2 (EMMA LOU)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I LOVE the Iris Dinner set for 4!
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  9. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/51059109293854720
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really like the blueberry design
    Kims2312@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  11. GFC follower
    2
    Kims2312@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook
    Kims2312@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  13. I follow via a reader
    Kims2312@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/51296753336598529
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  15. i like the wisteria pattern
    pkeintz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. follow gfc#1
    pkeintz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. follow gfc#2
    pkeintz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/51760079434817536
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  19. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/52073177123274752
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  20. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/52519484929482752

    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  21. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/52822161823510528

    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like the dragonfly mug.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. gfc follower.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. gfc follower.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. subscribe via rss to google reader.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. liked them on fb - suburbsanity.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. twitter follower @suburbsanity.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/53209242047492096
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  29. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/53571814907052032
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  30. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/53938407419805696
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  31. lavender bud vase--all very nice work and thanks for the chance
    Kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. GFC Kendra22
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. #2 GFC Kendra22
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. My favorite design is Pinecone

    Bernadette busy_bees@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/54292867740475393
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  36. i collect iris in the yard so the iris for me. djackson1958@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. my favorite is the Go Green Classic Mug yyeres(at)gmail(doT)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the lavender design! taleah AT roknor DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I follow on GFC1 taleah AT roknor DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ifollow on GFC 2 - taleah AT roknor DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I think my husband would love the Rooster mug.
    jhbalvin at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. your blog follower as jhb 1
    jhbalvin at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. gfc follower 2 as jhb
    jhbalvin at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I like the fields of iris pattern
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. like emerson creek on fb
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I like the red poppy design
    gingeroo616 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Emerson creek fb fan
    oursafehaven
    gingeroo616 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. emerson creek twitter follower
    @searching4
    gingeroo616 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I really like the Red Poppy Pottery!
    firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I like the summer peak of otter series

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. gfc follower #1

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. gfc follower #2

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. subscribe via google reader

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. following emerson creek via twitter (kayleebucket)

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. i love the fat-bottomed simplicity of the go green classic mug. mmmmm...i can almost smell the coffee....

    deedeewins AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  56. following via twitter.

    pspeapod

    good luck everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love the Lavender mug

    nicole22654 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. My favorite design is the rooster mug, perfect for morning coffee!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I like the Tuscan Olive Mug.
    karensue@inbox.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. My favorite design is the rooster mug!

    littleamberfaith@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. GFC follower under AmberFaith

    littleamberfaith@yahoo.com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  62. GFC follower under AmberFaith

    littleamberfaith@yahoo.com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  63. I like Emerson Creek Pottery on FB.
    Amber Faith Pilcher

    littleamberfaith@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Subscriber
    gkstratos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Emerson Creek Twitter follower @gkstratos

    ReplyDelete
  66. I like the Rooster Mug.

    hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

    ReplyDelete
  67. GFC follower #1
    hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

    ReplyDelete
  68. GFC follower #2

    hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

    ReplyDelete
  69. subscriber via Google reader

    hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

    ReplyDelete
  70. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/55028596468760576
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I like the Dragonfly pattern.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  72. GFC follower.

    lewalk

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  73. GFC 2.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Reader subscriber.

    Google Reader
    lewalk

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Like Emerson Creek Pottery on FB.

    Leah W.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  76. And follow them on Twitter.

    lewalk76

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Follow on Twitter and tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/?status=The%20Cartoon%20Lovin%27%20Mama%3A%20Emerson%20Creek%20Pottery%20Review%20and%20Giveaway%3A%20http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FdR3e1T%20via%20%40addthis#!/lewalk76/status/55074992236404736

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love the field of Iris. Reminds me of my mom
    djolsen610@centurytel.net

    ReplyDelete
  79. The Iris design is my favorite
    melissac304@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I follow you via GFC
    melissac304@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I like Emerson Creek Pottery on FB (melissa curran simpson)
    melissac304@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. love the go green mug! Thanks!

    angiedkelly at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Tuscan Olive is my favorite design.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Tuscan Olive

    sanford_webb@yahoo.com 7067544437 ga 30523

    ReplyDelete
  85. I like the red poppy

    freebiegoddess03@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. my favorite design is the tuscan olive mug
    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. The go green classic mug
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I love the Iris AND Pinecone designs! :) Thanks for the contest!!

    ReplyDelete
  89. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  90. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  91. LOL! I meant to put: I follow your blog via GFC! (JaMean) Thank you!
    Janine_the_great (at) msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. LOL Again, I meant to put: I follow your blog via GFC! #2(JaMean) Thank you!
    Janine_the_great (at) msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I follow you on Google Reader!
    Janine M.
    janine_the_great (at) msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I love the lavender design
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I am a GFC follower ERin Cook
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. GFC follower Erin Cook #2
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. following you on twitter @cooks1978
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. like emerson creek on facebook Erin Cook
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. follow emerson creek on twitter @cooks1978
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. laura4him@bellsouth.net
    I like the Iris

    ReplyDelete
  101. laura4him@bellsouth.net
    I follow via gfc-1

    ReplyDelete
  102. laura4him@bellsouth.net
    I folow via gfc-2

    ReplyDelete
  103. http://twitter.com/#!/kayte71/status/55370149250863104
    kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  104. I like the Tuscan Olive Design. Thanks for the giveaway!
    dana10879@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I follow via GFC
    Dana West
    dana10879@yahoo.com
    1

    ReplyDelete
  106. I follow via GFC
    Dana West
    dana10879@yahoo.com
    2

    ReplyDelete
  107. I follow via Twitter and tweeted
    @SETexasMama
    dana10879@yahoo.com

    http://twitter.com/#!/SETexasMama/status/55381658593005568

    ReplyDelete
  108. I subscribe via google reader
    Dana West
    dana10879@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I like Emerson Creek on Fb
    Dana West
    dana10879@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I follow Emerson Creek via Twitter
    @SETexasMama
    dana10879@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I LOVE the Lavender Classic Mug

    my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I am a GFC follower
    Valerie S
    My_2_cents at hotmail dot com

    entry 1

    ReplyDelete
  113. I am a GFC follower
    Valerie S
    My_2_cents at hotmail dot com

    entry 2

    ReplyDelete
  114. I follow you and Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/Valeries_2cents/status/55449353313206273

    my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I “Like” Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook
    Valerie S

    My_2_cents at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I Follow Emerson Creek Pottery on Twitter

    Valeries_2cents aimhighschool at atlinkwifi dot com

    my_2_cents at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I like the 16oz rooster mug. reejen at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  118. I am a GFC follower.

    ReplyDelete
  119. like the large ceramic loaf pan

    gram122@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  120. google reader subscriber

    gram122@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  121. My favorite design is on the Frilly Round Wisteria Tray that costs $41.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  122. #1
    I follow via GFC: allibrary.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  123. #2
    I follow via GFC: allibrary.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I subscribe in a reader.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  125. The Red Poppy Mug is my favorite design. garrettsambo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. I like the babt cup in shamrock!
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  127. I follow you on twitter!
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  128. I follow Emerson Creek on twitter!
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  129. love the Iris design

    rajee@momsfocusonline.com

    ReplyDelete
  130. . “Like” Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  131. 6. Follow Emerson Creek Pottery on Twitter

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for entering the giveaways here on my blog but please remember that if you do not have your profile public with an e-mail address to leave one so I can contact you if you win.