Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

And by "bag," I mean website.

If you're new to my site, then you probably don't have much of a frame for reference here. If you've been following my site, first of all - I love you - but more appropriately, you will know what I mean.

It all started with a new hobby. Then came the blog, the purpose of which was two-fold: 1) to document my projects and help me keep track of the things I had done, and 2) to provide some semblance of a creative launchpad or instruction guide for my fine readers.

Since that point, I've really kicked it into overdrive. After I started taking (and completing - that's important!) orders for custom pieces, I set up a deal to feature a sample of my projects at a little place called Amity Pottery on the Collierville square.

Here's my nook at Amity Pottery, with other pieces randomly scattered around the store.

I quickly realized that I had no brand to go along with it, whatsoever. So, I panicked, quickly came up with a name and reached out to my uber-talented designer friend, Amber, who has a flare for the vintage and DIY worlds. She helped me create the graphic elements around Sawdust Designs, and I could not be happier with the results.

That brings us full-circle back to the website, as you see it today. The blog portion is still front-and-center, as it should be, but now it's just got a little more flare. It's also more streamlined, to boot. The little tabs at the top of the homepage have been added to better categorize the content. What the hell does that mean, you ask?

Well for starters, I've added a project gallery so folks can click on the thumbnails to go directly to the post about that specific project. There is also a gallery of custom signs I've made, but haven't necessarily had the time or enough content to post individually to the blog.

It's a work in progress, and it may not be perfect (yet?), but it's MY work in progress, and I'm pretty happy with it thus far. I hope you like the updates and keep reading my posts, but in the meantime, a little bit about Amity Pottery...

Functioning as part retail/part pottery classroom, Amity Pottery and Gifts sells owner and master potter Melissa Mills' own beautiful pottery, along with a myriad of other art, gifts and decorations - all made by local artists. She also teaches pottery workshops and hosts pottery-making parties for both kids and adults.

What I like most is that Melissa is insistent on featuring other local artists, and not buying in bulk from suppliers to fill out her store inventory. The variety is random and that is what makes it such a special store. She has stained glass, paintings, furniture, photography and more - all handmade and all local. Styles range from funky-fresh to classic, and everything between.

So, if these are "artists," why did she agree to sell my junk? Good question. Probably because she has great taste. Or she felt sorry for me. Either way, I'm fine with it.

Here are a few hastily snapped photos from the last time I was in there.

147 N. Main St., Collierville, TN 38017