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Pottery places Traditions Pottery studio, located about three miles south of Blowing Rock, offers Mike and Janet Calhoun’s pottery in traditional shapes such as jugs, Rebekah pitchers, and candlesticks, as well as mugs, bowls and teapots. Pots start at $6. Two kiln openings are hosted each year at the studio, with an upcoming one on June 24. The studio also hosts mountain music Sunday afternoons from July through September. The studio is open daily to the public. (828) 295-5099 (studio) |
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Thinking inside the block The makers of a masonry block called Omni Block claim that it can lower utility bills by at least 30 percent while increasing the structural integrity of a residential or commercial building. With its mortar laid insulated block, the Omni Block system creates a sealed external wall system. The Omni Block system does not require sheathing, vapor wrap, siding, furring strips, additional insulation or drywall. Omni Block buildings are resistant to fire, mold and pests. (866) 740-6664 |
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Custom-made leather valances Artist and designer Carol Stefen, based in the Fines Creek community of Haywood County, makes genuine leather window valances for your home or mountain retreat. All valances are original designs handmade to order. Optional valance patterns include bears, deer, trees and mountains, created in a contrasting color of leather. Valances can be made with either the suede side or the leather side, and can also be reversible. The buttons are cut from trees on her farm. The valances come in three different styles: Durango, Carolina and Westward Ho. The most popular colors are beige, tan, brown, red and burgundy. Prices start at $59.95 (36-inch width). Carol’s items are displayed at a new gallery, Otter Ridge Leather Creations in Clyde. (828) 627-9676 |
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Endless Possibilities Endless Possibilities in Manteo is more than a gallery and store for weaved fabric—it’s a recycling project that creatively uses castoff fabric from thrift stores. Proceeds from each handmade item sold help support the Outer Banks Hotline, a nonprofit human services organization. Items for sale include flat and shag rugs, tote bags, boas and woven clogs. The store accepts special orders, and also offers classes for beginning weavers. Rugs and totes start at $25. (252) 475-1575 |
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Unique glasswork Head Change Arts, based in Pleasant Garden and served by Randolph EMC, makes lampwork glass pieces. Items offered by the husband-and-wife team include a variety of pendants, beads, marbles, magnifying glasses, pens, tops, Christmas ornaments, vases, jars and other solid and hollow pieces. The glass is borosilicate (hard glass). Pens range from $15 to $18, magnifying glasses are $30 to $35, and pendants $10 to $40. Head Change Arts welcomes custom orders. 336-685-5760 |
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Magic shows Chaz Misenheimer of Richfield performs magic shows for a wide variety of events and occasions. A member of Union Power Cooperative, he customizes his shows to suit the event and venue. “Magic by Chaz” is a relaxed brand of magic that appeals to the imagination and focuses on sharing the seemingly impossible. Chaz has three performance options: shows, strolling magic and “close-up tables.” He performs magic for parties, banquets, clubs, dining rooms, casino nights, festivals and corporate entertaining. (800) 650-4084 |