Making memories

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jun 13, 2004 by Kasha Stoll Capital-Journal

WEDDING GIFTS

JOHN NOWAK/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Bride Lissa Staley, right, looks over tile patterns with friend Stacey Lane, from left, and sister Leigh Anne Staley at Potwin Pottery, 3937 S.W. Gage Center Drive. Staley's family and friends decorated tiles that will be used in a garden-themed patio table.

By Kasha Stoll

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Being dressed in a toilet paper wedding gown wasn't going to happen. Neither were ceremony horror stories, couple-based word games or anything that involved a blindfold.

"I have an irrational fear of bridal shower games," said Lissa Staley, who will become Mrs. Dan Fogt on July 17. "I really wanted a bridal shower where everyone could have fun and make memories."

Guests at Staley's shower made a lot more than memories. The ceramic tiles they made at Potwin Pottery, 3937 S.W. Gage Center Drive, are going to be part of a patio table Staley's father is making.

"We just really wanted to have fun," said Kate Williams, Staley's best friend and bridesmaid. "We decided this would be everyone's gift to Lissa."

Initially, most of the approximately 20 women who attended the party stared silently at the 4- by 4-inch tiles placed in front of them. After receiving instructions from Williams --- the patio table would be garden themed, Staley likes bright colors, and stamps and stencils were available for those afraid to draw freehand --- the women began to relax.

They chose their paints, took a deep breath and began to create.

"Even people who think they aren't creative are pretty darn creative when they're given paints and tiles," Staley said.

Potwin Pottery owner Christa Murphy agreed.

"I hear that all the time," she said. "Everyone says, 'I'm not creative.' And then they find out they are. They just haven't given themselves a chance."

To inspire hesitant and would-be artists, Murphy has lined the walls and shelves of her store with pottery made by clients. A photo album of finished products also is left on the counter. And Murphy has plenty of party ideas.

"You can have each guest draw a holiday out of a hat," she said. "Then they will each make a plate that will represent that season. Then, you have a cookie plate for each holiday."

For some parties, the bride picks out the dishes she likes, and the guests then choose which item they want to paint.

During other bridal showers, each person paints a mug using the same subject, like a snowman. The new couple then has a set of related, yet distinctly individual, mugs.

"It's really personal," Murphy said when explaining why these types of parties and gifts are so popular. "There are so many ways you can be creative and make a gift that is a real keepsake."

Hand-painted and personally designed gifts are sure to be remembered, she said. They are unique and give proof of personal thought.

"This is something they're going to remember who gave to them," Murphy said.

While everyone naturally wants to make a beautiful, high quality item, Murphy said that craftsmanship wasn't the most important element.

"Sometimes it's not about the end product," she said, "but about the process. About having fun and making memories."

Kasha Stoll can be reached at (785) 295-1270 or kasha.stoll@cjonline.com.

Please see MEMORIES, Page 5E

Continued from Page 4E

Memories: Pottery parties offer distinctive gifts