One of the things I fell in love with while I was in Milwaukee was Beth Eaton Pottery.  Her beautiful mugs, plates, and dishes are sold at Beans & Barley, and I would frequent that little shelf in the store often, seeing what new pieces of hers they had to offer.  Beth doesn’t use a potters’ wheel, but instead rolls out the clay and stamps it before shaping, firing, and painting to create unique and whimsy little wares.  Each one has its own character, stamped with everything from rollerskates or people exercising to camping items or nature scenes.  They’re fascinating to look at and I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like them.  I had to buy a piece before I left, of course, and ended up purchasing this little dish which is perfect for holding my rings or earrings at night:

I just love it!  It’s small but perfect in such an imperfect way, and it will definitely always remind me of Milwaukee.