Artist with Attitude — And a Lonely Brother
Featured Shop: Museware Pottery • Manchester
Manchester artist Sherlee Burlington has a wicked good attitude these days and there’s a reason — her work is about to go national. Burlington, who was one of the founders of “Your Fired Pottery,” has, since selling out her share in 2005, started on a whole new artistic journey. Burlington makes Museware, which is a line of pottery that says “attitude” all over it.
What is Museware? “Greek Muses are the goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts. It’s bisque white earthenware pottery ready to receive paint, glaze and be fired.”
What makes it distinctive? “My pieces have words or letters or
verses on them, with fonts that look like old newspaper hot type.” Burlington uses muted blue and green colors that cast a vintage look to each hand-painted item. “The last thing we do is splatter black paint on the neutral bisque.”
What items are popular? “A couple of years ago, my brother Russell came up with ‘swearware,’ which is a line of mugs with swear words on them — they are buried in my Web site.” As the economy changed, Burlington switched her focus and now is known for her personalized wedding and baby items.
You said you are going national, what does that mean? “I just signed with a company who bought the rights to use my design and art on products. So in the future you might see my design on aprons, wall art, hand towels, pottery, tote bags, you name it. The best thing is, I get a commission.”
I read through your Web site and noticed you are trying to marry off your brother. Is that just an old page? “Oh, my gosh, no, he’s chronically single and I have him on my blog. Please, someone, marry my brother!”
So What’s New?
Got a Gaggle of Grandkids?
Henniker Farm and Country Store
Browsing through Henniker Farm and Country Store may take you on a sentimental journey. Find a few tall tales and items and tools similar to those you remember from your days hanging out in the old family barn. Look for fresh eggs, homemade fudge, practical and affordable items for the farm, gardening and outdoors. Savor the smell of the hay and grains. Special kids’ section includes John Deere pedal-riding tractors (with lots of chrome) and a pleasant selection of Breyer horse collectibles. Peggy and Kevin Mock own this hometown jewel that sparkles with welcome.
Henniker Farm and Country Store, 110 Bradford Rd.
Henniker, (603) 428-3255, http://hennikerfarm.com
Find a Summer Love
Newfound Woodworks
Why not indulge in a summer fling that leaves you floating and turning heads? Newfound Woodworks in Bristol is where love for wooden boats blossoms. For as little as $1,500 (and between 150-200 hours of labor) you could be paddling along the shores in your own homemade trophy. ”Our customers are people who want to make something with their hands that will become a family heirloom,” says owner and designer Michael Vermouth. The kits contain all you need to make a cedar strip canoe, kayak or rowboat with more than 30 designs to choose from.
Newfound Woodworks, 67 Danforth Brook Rd. Bristol (Look for the big red cow barn.)
You’ll Go Gaga
KAZA
Spools of ribbon in primitive designs priced at $1 per yard, international and prestigious pottery, funky cement light bulbs ($8) and local art pieces are just the beginning. KAZA is not your ordinary home décor store. Customers from as far away as California are going gaga over owner Lisa Swan’s own pieces, such as the 1940s dress form mannequin covered in a vintage opera libretto for “Aida.” Art sculptures hang from the ceiling, including an antique framed window wrap for dramatic lighting.
KAZA, 202 South Main St., Concord (603) 244-9445
What Goes Around, Comes Around
Mother & Child
It’s more than a hip clothing store for newborns, toddlers, kids, teens and maternity — it’s a store within a store featuring green and organic products and clothing and “re-cycle” clothing on consignment. The new “New Generation” department features funky music and crazy designer finds (Abercrombie) for silly low prices. “We have the children of our original customers now coming and opening their own accounts,” boasts owner Karen Keegan, who is way cool. She only takes funky fun and fashionable consignments. Custom orders accepted.
Mother & Child, 650 Amherst St., Nashua www.mothersays.shoprw.com
