The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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November 21, 2009

Pottery

Show attracts many Christmas shoppers

By Jackie Ayres

Christmas shopping started early for the dozens who attended Lockbridge Pottery’s 30th annual Thanksgiving Show at the Beckley Women’s Club Saturday.

Jeff Diehl, internationally known master potter, showcased a multitude of functional and decorative pieces, including chip and dip pots, porcelain mugs, serving platters and plates, rollie pollies, soap holders, oil lamps, custom-made jewelry and Christmas tree ornaments, among many others.

The handmade items aren’t just beautiful pieces of art. Diehl says, they’re also dishwasher, oven and microwave safe.

“It’s so much fun to make because there’s so many challenges, and the possibilities are limitless,” Diehl said. “I really can explore any avenue with clay.”

One new item featured at the Thanksgiving Show was a large decorative pot Diehl fired in a saw kiln.

“If you really like cookies, you could put cookies in there,” Diehl said, smiling as he touched the extra-large, unique-looking pot, which was created for decorative purposes.

“You enjoy its beauty,” he explained.

Diehl fired several pieces in new glazes for the show.

“Feel this glaze; it’s so smooth. The glaze really melts into the clay,” he said, touching a gorgeous turquoise plate, which could be either functional or decorative.

Diehl says he gets ideas for new pieces from “everywhere.”

“I get them from dreams... I get them from books,” he said, picking up another new piece. “This glaze is from a tree. We pruned all of our apple trees, piled them up and burned them, and this is the ash we piled up. I glaze it and then sprinkle the ash on there,” he said walking over to his next piece.

“Most people come to buy Christmas gifts, and the next year they see me and tell me they bought it as a Christmas gift and ended up keeping it for themselves,” he said.

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Jeff Diehl and wife Donna have been selling pottery since 1980, after Jeff received six years of extensive training.

The Diehls will host a second Thanksgiving Show from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at the Beckley Woman’s Club located at 202 Park Ave. in Beckley.

Numerous pieces will be featured including a show special porcelain “Rollie Bowlie” for $20.

The Diehls will host their annual Christmas Show at Lockbridge Pottery from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 12.

For more information call 304-484-7150 or visit www.lockbridgepottery. com.

Lockbridge Pottery is located next to the Lockbridge United Methodist Church on Lockbridge Road 21⁄2 miles off Route 20.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com

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