Iowa Artisans at the Iowa State Fair
Last night as our family wandered the Iowa State Fair grounds, we hit a few of our favorite spots, like Pioneer Hall. I'm sure the fair planners are always trying to come up with new things to keep the crowds coming back, but some of my favorites are the things that are there every year. Outside Pioneer Hall are a hillside of antique tractors, while inside it houses a few antique dealers, an old printer press, a black smith, a basket maker, and my favorite potter.
Russ Leckband
New Harmony Pottery is made by Russ and Jackie Leckband of Earlham, Iowa. I've know Jackie a long time, in fact I can't quite remember how we met. I'm pretty sure it was through a quilting connection, but the details are certainly blurry! Jackie also has a creative mother and sister. During my years at Meredith Corp. there were several occassions to run across them. But my annual purchase of a piece of their work during the fair is one memory I cherish. Even though I talked to Jackie last night I didn't buy a piece yet. Knowing I was going back to the fair I wanted to see what she had, then check out my New Harmony Pottery inventory at home and see what I was missing. Besides Jackie is so sweet that any excuse to go back and say hello is worthy.
This morning I took a walk around the house looking at my pottery. The earliest piece I found in my collection is dated 1997. It's a classic piece to me. I love Iowa and we do grow corn!
It even inspired our kitchen back splash.
Some of the pieces we have showcase the beloved Iowa State Fair.
While others are simple and simply useful pieces.
But my favorite pieces are the ones that are hand-carved. A bank that sits on my kitchen counter waiting for loose change.
And, a lamp that greets guests into our home.
Now the hard part will come...what to purchase from New Harmony Pottery when we return to the state fair. As you can see though, I can't go wrong!
In a tent just outside the back door of the Agricultural Building they focus on Iowa artists. I found a new favorite--jewelry from One Hip Mom. Designer Jenipher Sutherland has to be a hip mom...she's a mother of twins! And, to boot, she can gobble like a turkey. Apparently she claimed some turkey calling crown at a state fair past...I didn't get the nitty gritty details as I was busy shopping for a new bracelet. (The girls were quite amused by her though!!). You'll be able to find her stuff on Etsy or become a fan on Facebook (search for OneHipMom).
My newest treasure is modeled below by Virginia. I love the pearl colors.
Russ Leckband
New Harmony Pottery is made by Russ and Jackie Leckband of Earlham, Iowa. I've know Jackie a long time, in fact I can't quite remember how we met. I'm pretty sure it was through a quilting connection, but the details are certainly blurry! Jackie also has a creative mother and sister. During my years at Meredith Corp. there were several occassions to run across them. But my annual purchase of a piece of their work during the fair is one memory I cherish. Even though I talked to Jackie last night I didn't buy a piece yet. Knowing I was going back to the fair I wanted to see what she had, then check out my New Harmony Pottery inventory at home and see what I was missing. Besides Jackie is so sweet that any excuse to go back and say hello is worthy.
This morning I took a walk around the house looking at my pottery. The earliest piece I found in my collection is dated 1997. It's a classic piece to me. I love Iowa and we do grow corn!
It even inspired our kitchen back splash.
Some of the pieces we have showcase the beloved Iowa State Fair.
While others are simple and simply useful pieces.
But my favorite pieces are the ones that are hand-carved. A bank that sits on my kitchen counter waiting for loose change.
And, a lamp that greets guests into our home.
Now the hard part will come...what to purchase from New Harmony Pottery when we return to the state fair. As you can see though, I can't go wrong!
In a tent just outside the back door of the Agricultural Building they focus on Iowa artists. I found a new favorite--jewelry from One Hip Mom. Designer Jenipher Sutherland has to be a hip mom...she's a mother of twins! And, to boot, she can gobble like a turkey. Apparently she claimed some turkey calling crown at a state fair past...I didn't get the nitty gritty details as I was busy shopping for a new bracelet. (The girls were quite amused by her though!!). You'll be able to find her stuff on Etsy or become a fan on Facebook (search for OneHipMom).
My newest treasure is modeled below by Virginia. I love the pearl colors.
Heidi,
I have enjoyed visiting the Iowa State Fair via your blog. I am curious to know what you found to add to your collections this year!
Donna
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Here you go--
Holds a 3 pound bag of peanut M&Ms.
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Love Russ and Jackie! I am very fortunate to have serveral of their pieces and have had them do things for me in the past as presents for people. They are wonderful people.
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