More Than Jars of Clay

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This is my second in a series of stories about our vacation "haunts." There will be one more to follow later.


"Pottery at Best" is a little shop in downtown Hayward that draws me in it's doors over and over.


This first drawing card for me is my friend Rosie who works there and always greets me with a smile and kind words. She is a breath of fresh air and well worth a daily visit.


The shop itself is simply lovely.


It's filled with pottery, GORGEOUS pottery, of every size and shape imaginable.


It's all displayed in a creative, interesting, and fun way. (Can you see the little pottery bird houses hanging from this tree?)


Most of the items in the store are pottery, but - - -


Tucked in and around the pottery are lovely pieces of art.

I've been enjoying this store for several years. This year Rosie told me the story.


Meet Donna. She and her husband ARE the story of Best pottery.

One day Donna and her husband saw a man working on a potter's wheel. Donna said, "That's what I want to do."

Her husband found an old used potters wheel for her, and she began to teach herself how to use it. She loved it and began turning out gorgeous pieces.

Turns out, (pun intended) all the pieces of pottery in the store are the work of her hands or her hubby's hands, or a combination of both.


This lamp is an example of both of their work.


Donna turned the base on her wheel and her hubby made the cut out embellishments.


I have been eying this display of Crono Jewelry, designed by Chris Poly, for several years.


I was in the shop so many times this summer that I broke down and bought myself a ring.


Can't decide which way I like it best - - - blue bead up, or blue bead down.


I also bought two pieces of Donna's pottery. (The apple is just to give you size perspective, they don't sell apples at Best's!)


This one will make a perfect spoon rest.

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