I must confess, I have a slight addiction to pottery. Although I have my two favorite potters, both from the Mississippi delta, I really don't discriminate when it comes to pottery. I buy all colors, glazes, and types of pottery I find at craft festivals or gift shops.
Tom Jones is a local favorite, and I'm not sure why it took me so long to visit his studio. He's been creating masterpieces from the kiln for over 50 years, and his pottery is quality workmanship. I was somewhat mesmerized walking through his studio. There were traditional decorative pieces like vases, and more useful things like coffee mugs and canisters, and a nice selection of pottery pieces suitable for cooking. He sells a large variety of solid color pieces and some sets painted with blue irises and other flowers. The pottery comes in matte glaze and glossy glaze. There were even a few glass bottom pieces. I thought the animals were really cute, but what he's semi-famous for making is pumpkins. The pumpkins and ghosts were adorable. I'm not into decorating for Halloween, but I'll definitely have a pottery ghost in my house come October!
I thought the prices were very reasonable. I bought a beautiful aqua and sand colored pot for about $35. I thought I had the perfect spot for it in my living room. It didn't work there, but the piece was so versatile, I planted a small palm plant in it and put it in my kitchen.
My first visit to Tom Jones' studio certainly won't be my last. I'm already trying to come up with a valid excuse to go back. If you haven't been, I highly recommend checking it out! read more