Functional Stoneware by Peggy Ahlgren
SETS OF DISHES
Making plates has always been one of my favorite things to do. So, it goes without saying that I really enjoy making entire sets of dishes.
A commonly asked question is, "What comes with a set?" The answer is simple. A set is whatever you want.
This is the "teal" glaze. The flat
surfaces
do not have the abstract designs.
Shown left to
right:
a wine goblet,
double handled soup bowl,
wine carafe, dessert plate,
rice bowl,
dinner plate, bowl, vase, mug and glass.
This glaze is #2
Italian-Abstract. The photo |
| A "set" is created to suit your needs. You can order as many settings as you want. You can choose from four sizes of plates --- dinner, lunch, dessert and saucers--- and many sizes of bowls depending on how you want to use them --- for cereal, large salads, soups, ice cream, etc. Coffee mugs can be large, small, or in between. All the choices are yours so that the "set" fits your needs and budget. |
Here is the "light blue-iris" pattern. There
is a
soup bowl with the double handles on the
left, a lunch plate, dinner plate,
dessert plate
and mug. A small rice bowl is in the center front
and a
candle holder/vase holds the day lilies.
Additional pieces can be added at any
time...serving bowls, casseroles, platters, cream and sugar sets, salt and
pepper shakers, pie plates, mixing bowls, etc. You can select pieces
that match or pieces that compliment your set.
The colors and patterns stay consistent from
year to year so that you can add to your set later.
When you buy a "set," I keep records of the specific
color, pattern and size of each of your pieces. Hopefully, if you
break
Stoneware contains no lead, so it is safe to eat from (See Field Test for lead in dishes). Most pieces can go into the dishwasher, microwave or oven.
Stoneware, as opposed to earthenware pottery, is very durable and difficult to chip or break.
This tea pot, cups and tray are shown
in
the
"dark blue-leaf" pattern.
This "set" features a soup bowl with one handle, dessert
plate, salt and pepper shakers,
dinner plate, bowl and mug in
the "light
blue-leaf" pattern.
When considering ordering dishes there are a few things
to remember. First, in general, you should like the work of the artist. You
shouldn't settle on a potter because they make the only handmade dishes that you can
find. These are pieces that you will own for a long time.
You should really like the patterns and colors and "feel" of the set.
Next, you should remember that these pots are handmade.
That means that each piece will be a little different. The colors and sizes may vary, some plates may be flat and others a little
bowled, some mugs a little taller or wider than the others, and the bowls
may wiggle a little as they are stacked up. They are not made from a
mold, simply two hands working in coordinated motions.
When I
make a series of salad bowls, I make about 150 bowls at the same time using
the same amount of clay for each one. I don't measure each piece, I
just let them flow. When I am done, there are probably ten different sizes
of
bowls from the same
amount of clay.
Many of my customers have used
and enjoyed their sets for over 30 years.
I have
included several photos showing some of the patterns, colors and
combinations in the "Colors and Patterns" and "Photo
Gallery" sections.
Close up of a set of "light blue-iris" dishes.
The picture details the design on a mug,
saucer and lunch plate.