Kate Tremel at work in her studio

For lovers of pottery, ceramics and all things clay, head immediately to Ann Arbor, Michigan. This lovely college town has long been an artist haven but a sizable number of those artists specialize in pottery and ceramics.  You can fill days just browsing studios, galleries, museums and shops and still never glimpse all of the hand-crafted pottery wares available.  Studio tours of some of Ann Arbor’s most notable  ceramic artists is a must for any art lover. Read More »

Racks of decorative paper at Hollander's

A writer and her  (beautiful) paper should never be parted. At least that’s my philosophy, which probably explains my deep-seated paper snobbery.  I simply can’t stomach cheap, bland or flimsy paper products of any kind, whether it’s a desktop business card or  cheesy wrapping paper. Chalk it up to my long-term, close relationship with paper. I really see no reason why it can’t be high quality and gorgeous.  So I felt like I was in paper paradise when I waltzed into Ann Arbor, Michigan’s paper mecca, Hollander’s School of Book & Paper Arts. But you don’t have to be a paper snob to enjoy it. This crafty emporium stocks cards, bookmarks, books and all the  elegant paper and book making materials that you could ever conjure up. Read More »

Roasted cacao beans

There’s no nirvana quite like the aroma of  fresh cacao beans roasting during the chocolate making process. If you’ve never experienced this special treat, a visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan’s  Mindo Chocolate Makers is a requirement.  These artisan chocolate makers process organic chocolate right from the cacao pod to handmade and dipped chocolate.  This family-owned business operates a joint production in Mindo, Ecuador and Ann Arbor for a one-of-kind chocolate trip. Read More »

Tile and supplies

For interior design fans and art lovers in general, a visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Motawi Tileworks  supplies lots of hands on fun and loads of art history. Founded by artist siblings Nawal and Karim Motawi in 1992, this shop and studio sells one-of-a kind tiles as well as provides workshops for visitors to create their own. Read More »