Please Shop This Christmas with Bungalow Potter.

It always seems that around this time of year–that awkward spanse after Halloween where folks loathe to consider the approaching of Christmas until after Thanksgiving–is when the buzz starts occurring about “shopping local.”

I have a lot of thoughts about shopping local–from a blog post on my personal site to share with my councilwoman of District 7 to oppose a building of a Dollar General–to even investing the brand design of a local marketing company, called MyTown™.

But while I have opinions for my local economy and as a brand strategist, this post is about shopping local with me–that’s quite a new scenario. I just wanted to open the kimono about shopping local, and create an invitation to consider shopping with me.

When it comes to making wares (that’s what they’re called), it takes 2-3 weeks to process an order, and sometime 4-5 if I have an unforeseen circumstance, broken pot or “adventure” (as I have discovered I need to call it). So, with that said, if you wanted to buy something for Christmas, doing the math pretty much means…yeah. You probably would have to order by Thanksgiving, so there’s that. Hmmph.

But here’s some less “shop local” or “why your local business needs you,” and more of a personal invitation to why I love sharing pottery and believe they’d make great gifts this season.

1. They’re personal. Pottery is such a personal medium. No two are alike, and while they can be, each on is made uniquely. Potter offers a connection that is personal and long-lasting.
2. They’re practical. Pottery is such an incredibly practical thing. Industrialization has robbed us from the necessity to consider the importance that wares play in our everyday lives. Its my goal to restore pottery as a practical part of everyday living for my customers. I think that’s why I’ve shied away from making decorative pieces, they’re not for me.
3. They’re timeless. Wares are one of those special, commemorative things that I love making for folks. Celebrating and taking time to share special moments goes hand-in-hand with pottery.
4. They’re awesome. Pottery is one of those magical things that starts out one things and completely transforms. Wood, metal, and glass don’t hold a candle to what pottery can be. And it can’t go back either. And have you seen my store? I can’t believe how awesome pottery is sometimes. That’s why I love it so.

Quite frankly, I’d love the opportunity to provide a Christmas present to your loved ones this year. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to if we don’t get the orders in on time. December

As you’re putting together your Christmas lists, consider shopping with me. I’d love the opportunity to make something for you that is personal, practical, timeless, and just downright awesome.

Best,
Stæven.