Are you ready to see the Emma Bridgewater Factory? I hope so because here it comes! Visiting her factory here in England is something I’ve been wanting to do for so long! And now, we did . . . Let me sing a happy song . . . and take you places you’ve never been before!
I just had to show you this . . . I love English public bathrooms, they’re all so different and cute, you never know what you’ll get; lots of them have wallpaper, cute old tiles, framed paintings, and pretty paint colors; some of them even have hand cream in them! It’s practically like home! This one, with duck carvings over the door and a chain pull on the toilet, is up a narrow green-painted staircase, on the third crooked floor of a famous old bookstore called Scarthin Books in Cromford, Derbyshire (pron. Darbyshir). Thought you’d like to see it! (Wouldn’t want you to miss anything!)
So there we are (if you squint and look really close) at the far left end of those buildings, see the teeny silver sliver? That’s our car, parked in front of our cottage where the peacock (now named Darcy; had to name something Darcy!) lives called “Weathericks” in Wirksworth where you should all go someday (and say Hi to adorable Jean for us) because it’s heaven there as you can jolly well see! We got in that car, and drove about an hour away to the Emma Factory.
XOXOXO
So, off we go . . . we follow GPS when we go anywhere, and it’s really good; I don’t think it’s ever made a mistake, but it takes us on all the shortcuts no matter how small, harrowing, narrow, and out of the way the road might be. Sometimes we find ourselves climbing teeny weeny remote mountain curves and think, this just can not be bloody right!!! People living on country roads in England are probably standing in their yards shaking their fists at the sky (at the GPS satellites) for bringing fun foreign drivers like us into their neighborhoods. I wouldn’t want to scare anyone, but I can’t help but laugh when I see this (drying my hands on my pants.) When Martha Stewart travels, do you think she screams in the car???? Is this normal? Probably not. I promise you, it’s not always like this. I just like to give you the best of the best!
XOXOXO
For extra relaxation, we break up the driving with bookstores, pubs (pah sida!), antique stores, canal walks and ducks, which more than makes up for dodgy cow-path roads. Checking the bird book we found out the duck-like one with the white bill is a Coot, and those cuties with the huge feet are the baby chick coots.
It’s a little over an hour drive through festive little towns festooned with flags and bunting for the Diamond Jubilee; GPS (England calls it “Sat Nav”) takes us to Stoke-on-Trent, the home city of the Emma Bridgewater Factory — this was the first picture I took as I got out of the car. So excited!
Cute for the factory workers! Stoke-on-Trent was the center of the world when it came to gorgeous dishes; bone china, earthenware, pottery, it was all made here, Johnson Brothers, Wedgewood, Spode, the very finest and most beautiful was made in Stoke.
But it all fell apart (I will never understand why as I still cannot get enough beautiful dishes!); this city, totally built on the dish industry, went into a serious and very sad decline.
The bottom of Emma mugs are as beautifully decorated as the rest of the cup! I fell in love with Emma Bridgewater, her desire to do everything the “right” way, her conserving ways, her attention to detail, when I saw my very first mug. She retires designs after a while, which is the good news and the bad news, they become much more collectible that way . . . so the one you see above is no longer being made. I love this cup, it says “Love & Kisses” on the outside, and “Best Friends ♥” on the inside! How could she discontinue the most perfect gift in the world? I don’t know! I also love that her dishes fit in just fine with my old flea-market-collected sets of dishes. Because really, she makes them the exact same way as my antique dishes were made, and in the exact same spot!
(I love the way the English tell you ↑ they want you to slow down to nothing.) Stoke-on-Trent, with all the empty factories, and talented workers was the perfect place for Emma Bridgewater to put her “pot” business (“pot”=”dishes,” in Stoke-talk). They needed her, and she needed them. So, when all the rest of the world was turning their back on Stoke and the pot business, that’s when Emma began making dishes there; she took over the old Charles Meakin factory, and began to hire. She ran toward the burning building. And she’s young, only in her 40’s now!
I think that Emma’s factory must be a bright spot in Stoke. Prince Charles even visited the factory in 2010! What an honor! And the roses? Of course! They can grow roses right out of pavement in England! Am I happy? Yes, I am.
So off we go on our tour, Joe and me and maybe six or seven others, led by a sweetheart named Jan, there in the spotted apron (they call polka dots “spots” in England). Inside each of those boxes (molds) is thick earthenware creamy pot mix; it’s either a cup, a jug (what they call a pitcher), a bowl, or one of the other shapes they make, the old way, one at a time. I was truly surprised to see how MUCH goes into one little cup!
The factory was decorated for the Jubilee, just like all the rest of England! And this is only one room!
Each piece works its way through the factory, that’s a lot of pot moving! Stopping at each station for the individual treatment it needs before it finally makes its way across the sea to us in our studio, or out to the rest of the world; truly “Handmade in Stoke-on-Trent.”
I loved how they had plenty of jugs and cups for their work!
Custom-made sponge stamps are dipped in paint and put on the mugs one at a time! The sponges are hand-carved too, right there in the factory!
Here’s Jan telling us how they come up with some of the sayings they put on the cups with decals (one at a time – can’t quite get over that!); the yellow is a kind of sealer that burns right off when they fire the pots. Crikey!
Shelves of production go on and on; the rose pattern is hand-painted on the cups. This is how the colors look before they’re fired … which brightens and darkens them considerably.
An English factory always takes time out for tea! Good news is they never have trouble finding a nice cup to have it in! (I’m doing a terrible job of telling you exactly how the pottery is made! This website has a much clearer and detailed explanation of how everything really works at the factory, in case you have more questions, Dad.)
Because I’m not very techie; I’m more interested in the people side of things . . . we could tell how proud everyone was to be working there; proud to be making all this British beauty, proud to be part of such an amazing craftsman tradition; this woman pulled off her glove to show me her Jubilee fingernails! Love it!
I waited until tea time to sneak Petey into the picture!
Oh yes, like all good English establishments, the Emma Bridgewater Factory has its own tea room — also, a gift shop! All my favorite things! And best of all, there was a design studio where visitors can design their own cups!
How wonderful, we wanted something special to bring home to remember this trip by (not that we’ll ever forget!). Our own mugs! Lovely!
So I made an “ENGLAND ♥ 2012” cup, and Joe made a “Queen Mary” cup. Isn’t his ship perfect? He is so talented, my guy!
They give you paint, special pencils to draw with that will burn off during the firing, and they show you how to fix the drawing if you make a mistake! They let you practice and have sponges there for people who want to use them. The color goes on sort of pale, but gets much clearer and brighter once it’s fired. You can choose any shape dish or cup they make and just sit there, draw on it, paint it, and drink tea to your heart’s content. In the end, you’ll have your very own Emma Bridgewater cup! One of a kind! Worth the trip across the Atlantic!! We left them there, they’ll fire them, and ship them home, they’ll be there when we get back! Pretty neat, huh?
Then, of course, we went shopping and absolutely fell in love with this cup celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Yes, we got one, couldn’t help ourselves. Too cute.
AND, we loved it so much, we thought you might fancy one too! Would you? I hope so, and if you do …. just leave a message in “comments” at the bottom of this post (click on the really pale gray letters!), you’ll be entered for a drawing! In a few days, we’ll randomly pull out a name (I hope so much it’s YOURS!!!); we’ll LOVE to send you this memory of our trip to England!
And one last thing before I go . . .
Another bit of a surprise, news from the real world: you know how last year we ran out of our calendars? So this year, we asked to get them early … and guess what, Kellee wrote to tell me they just came in!!! Both the 2013 12 x 12, and the mini calendar! The rest of them will come at the normal time. We are going to try really hard not to run out this year!
OK Girlfriends, that ought to keep you busy for a while. I will give you one last little hint about the next post . . .
This was the sky over Beatrix Potter’s house. . . a dream just came true. ♥ Does that mean an angel got his wings? I think so! Bye for now, xoxo, Girlfriends Forever! Me.
You are taking the trip I have always dreamed about! I cant believe how much fun I am having checking you website every day. Thank you for making dreams come true.
I love both of the mugs you made! Will you show us again once they’ve been fired? I have so enjoyed visiting England with you! It has been so fun!
I surely enjoyed this post! I have been down with Shingles and needed the boost this post gave me!
Thank you, Susan!
Hope you feel better soon, Kate! Glad Susan B’s blog is providing some upbeat moments for you!!:)
Another Susan B. (from Dallas)
P.S. Shingles is a horrible disease. My dad and mom both had it and then, my husband had it about six years ago. My dad had another bout with it last winter. The shot to prevent it is so very expensive that I’ve been putting it off. (Around $225 with insurance.)
Enjoying the lovely vicarious trip to England! Thanks!
fun, funnnn, FUN! I just love dishes of any sort. My eyes teared up when you showed the shelves of rose cups. One is wonderful but, lots is way more better!! It makes me happy. Have lovely trip and thanks for sending us the good stuff! (isn’t it funny we have coots here [Pacific northwest] too. The non-aguatic family members are moorhens.)
Susan, we were lucky enough to watch all the Jubilee celebrations. (At least in Canada) what a wonderful time to be in England. Loved every minute of it. Living vicariously through your photos,videos, and commentary.
OMG! Emma Bridgestone Factory!! In my lifetime I have never seen such a marvelous place with such fabulously beautiful pottery. And they create each piece by hand!!! I immediately went in and ordered from your shopping area in your website. Thank you Thank you Thank you for taking me on this delightful trip every day, but especially today! I needed this joyful blog. Seeing the ducks, the wild toad ride and the trip to the factory brought tears of joy to my eyes. And happy to see you are going around looking the part of the cute little English lady. What a doll !!! Can’t wait for Beatrix Potter!!! XXXOOO
Put my name IN and then pull my name OUT! Puhleeeeez!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for taking me on this beautiful inspiring trip. I love emmas pottery and thats thanks to you introducing it to me I can only dream of someday having one. I am cant wait for the Beatrix Potter trip…
It’s official. I’ve added the Emma Bridgewater factory to my “must see” list when we visit England. I love the mugs you and Joe designed! I think they are both beautiful enough to be added to their design collection. I know I would buy both, but I’m sure it makes it extra special each being a “one of a kind” mug to remember your fabulous trip. I would love to win the Diamond Jubilee mug shown in your post! I watched most of the festivities live on BBCAmerica. I’m such an Anglophile! Thanks for taking us along on your incredible journey. Lovin’ every minute of it!
I hope you pick MY name!!! 🙂 I really love reading your blog notes and Willards and of course purchasing your great products!!!
Thanks for thinking of us Susan! The factory is wonderful! The video of you all in the car made me laugh! I can relate. Loved listening to the ducks, too!
I am an all-time dish-junkie, too. I have my blue willow collection (all English) collected one piece at a time over many years; pink roses (various patterns of Limoges porcelain) and any other old dish that catches my eye, including white ironstone which mixes with everything else. I have a china cabinet in my dining room for blue and white, one in my library for pink limoges and the secretary desk in my livingroom is home to black and brown transferware. I have to edit it down occasionally, but I still have my all-time favorites. Never heard of Emma Bridgewater until reading your blog. I’m very impressed with the quality of the production process. Looks like a fun place to work! Your creations were also impressive — just like that, you paint on a blank cup and it looks like a million dollars! ♥ Great blog!
Dear Darling Susan,
I did want to write to let you know that Tut and Cleo had a delightful time at Jack and Girl Kitty’s tea party. Cleo just can’t stop talking about Girl Kitty! Cleo is an introvert and has never been out of the house before so this was a big adventure for her. She told me all about your decorating schemes, which she likes very much. In fact, she finds quite a bit lacking now in my own decorating taste. (Well, now that I have seen your decorating schemes, I too find my decorating taste lacking, but all the furnishings are already done and paid for and I’m too proud to let her know she’s right.) The Peter Rabbit Room was her favorite. She says Girl Kitty is a great cook and both Cleo and Tut especially liked the Mouse Mousse Puff Pastry Tarts.
Tut and Jack I understand got along like a house afire. Tut seems to be a little smitten with Girl Kitty. She snuggles up to him just right, he says. He would like to write to her so I have told him that sending her a letter every month or so would be appropriate. He would also like me to say that he apologizes sincerely for the damage he did to your rose chintz wing back chair. It was an accident that happened while the boys were playing tag. I was sorry to hear about this and asked Tut what he thought a just punishment ought to be. After a couple feeble ideas, he finally suggested a lengthy time out and no treats for a week. This was said with a tear welling up in his eye so I think it might just make an impression. I do apologize for his misbehavior and wish to pay for the repair of the chair or its replacement, should that be the only remedy. Just please let me know and I will take care of it right away. I do hope that will be acceptable to you and that it is not an heirloom or of equal sentimental value; if so I will be very distraught.
Cleo likes Jack too. He very kindly showed her how he likes to snuggle into the drawers. This was a new idea to her and now she would like me to leave a drawer or two open every day. I believe she suggested to him that he might want to ask you to add something soft for bedding in the drawer to make it homey and cozy. I am to keep open my sock drawer especially. Jack and Girl Kitty sound wonderful and are welcome here anytime as my two kitties are just brimming with enthusiasm for their new friends! Please thank Jack and Girl Kitty again for the kind invitation. Here are XOXOXOXOXs from my two to your two!!!!
Sincerely,
Kathy
Kathy, loved your in-the-style-of-Beatrix-Potter story!
That was really FUN! Thanks for the tale of the kitties four……..a great update…because we were all missing Girl and Jack….so good to know they made two new frends!
Deb
Thank you to both of you for the comments. I had a lot of fun composing the letter!!!! Just try to say Mouse Mousse Puff Pastry Tarts three times fast!!!!
I am, absolutely, loving all of your posts from England. I can’t wait to check your blog every night and see where you’ve been that day. Thank you so much for taking “me” on your trip. : ) I’d love to win the beautiful Bridgewater mug, so please enter me in your drawing. Thank you and safe travels!
What a dream trip! So many enchanting little places. Thanks for sharing it with us!
OMG! A chance to win the mug – thanks!! I’m loving and so envious of your trip, and I really appreciate that you’re sharing it with us.
Have so enjoyed traveling vicariously to England with you and Joe (and Petey). Thank you for taking us with you.
Your blog is such a treat! I decided the best way to say thank you was to do a little shopping on your site and was thrilled to see your Nancy Luce heart necklace back in stock so I ordered that and the Willard book and some quilted potholders and a bird Emma mug to see what the fuss is all about. 🙂 The communication from your shop is wonderful and I expect to feel like it’s Christmas morning on Friday. Would love a Jubilee mug to have a pair. <3
You will love that bird cup! Isn’t that Nancy Luce heart wonderful? I have one too, love the quote. Thanks for the compliment on the shop, will tell the girls!
What fun we are having. This trip is awesome.
Hi Sue, This truly was an exciting post……..to finally get to see The Emma Bridgewater Factory and a tour also. You did a great job of summarizing it all for us girlfriends. The cups you both made……fantastic and fun! Loved the duck pictures……..cute! Nice picture of you near the roses………..you are one happy lady.
Thanks as always……..and look forward to Beatrix Potters…….have a fantastic day tommorrow! Hugs and Smiles………..Barb…Ludlow, MA
How do you do it, each blog is just more amazing than the last, you bring such wonderful sunshine and cuteness ! I am so happy you are apart of my life. Thank-you both for taking us along, it is just so exciting. I love England !!! I am so glad you two are having the best time. Your happy gene certainly spreads out all over. I am eternally grateful for you and your wonderful talent. XXOO 🙂 P.S. There is so much to look forward to !
hi. Susan—loving your videos & all things British (particularly the sheep). I check everyday to see where we are. I really need to win the cup, because I didn’t even drink tea till I started reading your blog! Cheerio, my lamb.
Another wonderful post Susan! The EB Factory was great. And who knew that sly Joe was a great painter too! You look like you are having a great time. Enjoy! And be careful on those roads! Cheerio!
I’m afraid if I start commenting on everything that I loved in this post, I’ll never stop. So all I’ll write is what popped into my head as I finished reading today: I just loved “our” day today. To paraphrase an old postcard cliché – “having a great time, wish I was there…” Thank you again for putting up with all the inconvenience and time and trouble and expense that are involved in sharing your holiday with us. You’ll never know how many lives your generosity has brightened… :>)
=^..^= =^..^=
Girl Kitty and Jack say hurry home though…
Oh me please, oh please and God save the queen!
Several years ago my husband, Gary, and I drove all through Scotland, England, and Wales. Or rather I should say I drove while he sat in the passenger seat with his eyes closed while we dodged sheep and pedestrians. We found the greatest places when we got lost. Oh how I love England! Thanks for letting all of us travel with you and Joe. Please give my regards to Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter, of course.
Joe’s mug is awesome! Might there be just a little competition there!!?? 😉 So glad that you are having a fabulous time….we are too!! xoxox HUGE thanks!
I am having a great time in England … through you!! I have looked forward to your posts each day! And I love Emma Bridgewater … amazing that each one is hand painted. And Joe is a wonderful artist, too!! 🙂
I’ve been enjoying your travels through England. What a dream trip. Thanks dor the chance to win an Emma mug. Her designs are lovely.
I’m having so much fun on our trip!
Greetings from Michigan! How fun would winning this mug be??? Loads! Can’t wait to see Miss Potters home!! Eeeeeks! 🙂
Are you missing your sweet Jack something awful? I bet you are.
Thanks for taking us with you!!! 🙂
Hugs,
Shann
I love the area where your cottage is located. What lovely rolling hills! The tour was fantastic. I have always loved this pottery and now I can appreciate it even more. You are so sweet to get a piece for a give-away. Yay! Kit
Oh, Susan. How wonderful all your lovely messages from England have been. I am on a trip of my own, driving from FL to KS to see my daughter and have missed all the reports of the Jubilee….so sad. 🙁 In case you’re wondering, the corn in Missouri is almost waist high and the wheat is being harvested in KS, about three weeks ahead of normal. Makes one burst out in song…O Beautiful, for spacious skies….or Oh what a beautiful morning! Please throw my name in the pot for the drawing and when you are next in a pub, have a ScrumpyJack’s cider for me. Can’t wait for your next missive! Stay safe. >i< xoxo
Hi Susan! It is such a pleasure to catch your posts…Since you started this trip I have been checking everyday for new posts. Your pictures are beautiful. I am sure they don’t do justice to your surroundings and all wonderful places you have discovered. I have learnt so much already…it makes me wanna go there too 🙂 Love the cups you and Joe painted! Say Hi to Petey for me 🙂
We all feel like we are along. Thanks for the trip. I have been wanting to go to the factory and just did with you! I would love to win the mug. Crikey, what a great word!!! I am going to start using it. Can’t wait to see Beatrix’s house with you. I was hoping you would get some calendars from Emma’s to sell on your site. I was going to order one, but it was going to cost more to ship it to the states than the cost of the calendar. I always buy yours for me and everyone I know 🙂 You have made soooo many friends soooo happy with your posts. Crikey! Hugs, THANK YOU!
Oh Thank You Susan for taking us on your tour of Emma Bridgewater factory.
How fun for you to paint your own “Emma” cup. Joe did a wonderful job painting his cup. The two of you make a perfect couple. It is hard to know
the pattern I like best. Maybe the first one should be the Rose pattern!!!!!!!
An Emma cup would fit perfect with my English dishes.
I am so glad to be traveling with you. Each day is so exciting!!!! Marion
Oh, thank you, thank you for being so thorough and generous in your posts, Susan. I am in love with all you have shared and have learned so very much. Brilliant as my English friend so often proclaims…makes me smile with delight. 🙂
P.S. Glad you sent us a picture of you in your “skirt” outside the Emma factory.
You look so happy!!!!!
What a great trip!! I am envious… but delighted to be seeing England through your eyes. Your details are great fun.
PS..Judy did a great job with Remanants of the Past last weekend. It was so fun with lots and lots of wonderful venders. you would have loved it.
Hi Susan,have been reading and loving your books for years.Thanks you so much for the trip to england im english and think this is the closest i will ever get to seeing the country ,enjoying it so much cant wait for the next walk or tour:}
We are having so much fun! Please take us on another drive soon!
My mug from Emma Bridgewater makes all the other cups feel sad because they are not as cute. No way cute.
I am so enjoying your trip and hope to visit some of these locations! Winning the mug would be a great way to dream in the meantime. Their pottery is wonderful!
I hope I get picked out of all your fans to win the Emma mug. Thank you for this wonderful post with all the details and places to look for more information. You are amazing, Susan.
Wow, what a day today on tour with you!! I love it and love your mugs that you made at Emma’s. Hopeful in winning ; but fun anyway if I don’t 🙂 Can’t wait until I go with you to Beatrix Potter country!! The movie ” Miss Potter” was a taste and seeing it all in person with you will be special. Waiting to win!!
Irene
Oh I am in love with England so happy we could come along for the trip! An Emma tea cup would be just great to have my first cup of tea in the early morning. Any tea cups you bring back I am sure will go fast and I would love to give my Aunt Betty Lou one for her 84th Happy Birthday<3 Susan you and Joe made the purfect cups to bring back home they are both priceless treasures. Love the new calendars and will be ordering mine early this year as not to be left out! Can't wait to see our next outing.
I look forward to reading a new post from you every day. I am so loving this trip of yours that I will definitely want to take one of my own someday. The flowers, the paths, the gentle countryside side is like in a dream. The darling homes, tea rooms and even the bathrooms are cute! Plus the bonus that they speak the same language. Thank you so much for taking me along.
Susan, I can’t thank you enough for sharing all of your adventures in England.
Today’s post just brought tears to my eyes. I wish I was there. What an exciting time to be in England. The mugs you painted with Joe are soooo darling. Your dream trip is my dream trip. I can’t get enough of England. I look forward to every post.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
As the trip goes on you become more and more British! Look at those dark stockings, woolen skirt and sturdy shoes. Love that! Think Joe is very artistic and has a style very much like his wife’s. I see a whole new line of all things “England” on your upcoming pages. Has Emma Bridgewater made a mug with kitties on it? I would think they would love your ideas for their beautiful dishes. Thank you so much for all your sharing…cannot wait to be at B. Potter’s house under that gorgeous sky! Hugs all around, Chris
For the past few years I’ve been buying myself one Emma Bridgewater mug a year; several were purchased via your site! So far I’ve got a Diamond Jubilee, Kate and Will wedding, tulip, daffodil, holly, cat, shamrock and a few others. I LOVE the Thames flotilla mug. How wonderful that you got to make your own mugs; what a great memento of your trip! Thanks so much for sharing the tour with us.
I love touring England with you! Thank you for sneaking me in your suitcase and showing me a fantastic time! I’m “so” loving this.
Susan, I have been sharing your blog with my niece. Her sister married and Englishman. She has visited many times, I have traveled with her once, and we plan to travel together again. We have clicked our red heels so many times as we travel with you on your trip, but we are still here and you are in lovely England. I would love to have a Jubilee Cup!!!!!
Hi Susan! I’ve had such fun reading your blog, even tho, I’ve not commented before. The Emma Bridgewater pottery is adorable! What fun designs. I’d love to be included in your drawing. Joe did such a sweet design on his mug to commemorate your trip…
Looking forward to your posts about Beatrix Potter!!
Have fun!
Hello Susan! Why is everything so absolutely beautiful and enchanting in England? The buildings, the pottery, the roses are all unbelievable!!!! How were the yellow roses able to grow so plush? Must be heaven on earth!!!!! Now I must find some yellow climbing roses to grow along my fence!!! Hmmmmmm……so very English!! Thank you for inspiring us Susan………you not only are an artist/author but, a “devoted teacher” to all of us back home!!!! I have learned so much from your travels and feel “richer” because of your “traveling” blog!!! God bless you always!!!
Oh I loved seeing the pottery factory. yes Joe is very talented his mug is lovely, Glad you are enjoying yourselves. ,off now to order a calendar.
Hi Susan
Like everyone else I am totally captivated with your blog about your trip. You have given us such valuable information and inspiration. Hopefully we will be able to follow in your footsteps over hill and dale. Keep up the fantastic work.
Cheers
Susan M
We have been following your trip and love every detail. The students thoroughly enjoyed your letter that is still displayed on my desk. We watched the Jubilee River Pageant and when the kids found out you were actually there, your super star status was once again elevated to Super Jubilee Heroine! Thanks for the fun and the mug is perfect! Happy travels.
Kari and the bunch at Fort Vannoy.
Hi Kari!! I have photos of all their letters and really want to do a post of them one of these days. Please tell the kids I LOVED those letters, what good little writers and artists they are! Happy Day!
Such a lovely tour! I love England. We went several years ago, and I have collected pottery ever since! Thanks for sharing!
I am having such a good time following along with you on your trip! Thanks so much for sharing. It’s my dream to vacation in England (and Scotland) so this preview is wonderful. I love Emma Bridgewater and have just a couple of prized mugs. I had my coffee out of the Queen’s Jubilee mug while watching the celebration on BBC America! Love the mugs you and Joe made. Carry on!
I am enjoying the Journey! Petey seems to be having a blast too! 😉
Oh my Susan! What did I love about this post?? Everything!!! How fun that you were able to paint your own mug! They are beautiful. Also loved Petey by the pastries,… and the bathroom! I too have a thing for cute bathrooms. Thanks for not leaving anything out. 🙂 Enjoying my first “trip” to England, all because of you. Thank You!!!
Oh- I have loved the name Stoke-on-Trent for years as the magical place that all that beautiful pottery and china came from…I had not realized that it had fallen on hard times. So glad to read and see the Bridgwater Pottery Factory through your eyes, Susan!
Please please tell me that the rose mugs will be in the SB store!? Love everything Emma!!
Oh, how I love this trip “we’re” on! Your posts are wonderful, the photography is outstanding, and the videos are so much fun! So glad your dreams are coming true!
Love your little British outbursts. Crikey!
As always, thank you!
Nancy
Hi Susan,
I can hardly wait to see how your mugs turned out. They looked great in their pre-fired state. Thanks for letting us share your wonderful experiences! You are amazing.
Ann
Thank you for everything! I love that word – Jubilee. And flotilla. Together on a mug. . . double delight!
Pick me! Pick me!
Pick me! Pick me! Please.
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for this trip to England! I am enjoying it immensely! I watched every single second of the Flotilla celebration all the while ( whilst?) drinking tea out of the Emma Jubilee cup! The Flotilla impressed me so much! Absolutely beautiful and I was really moved to tears to see how loved the Queen is! And now I have visited the Emma Bridgewater factory! I cannot say Thank You enough!!
I really love going along on your trip with you through your blog! I can’t wait to see your next post! I love the way the English always have tea and a dessert… hmmm – maybe I’ll bake a sponge cake tomorrow and have it with a cup of tea while I re-read your blog…Thanks for all the inspiration!!!
Pam
Keep calm and carry on
Loving your trip to England. would really love this cup, you were sold out when I decided I needed the Diamond Jubilee mug. Felt so sad.
Beautiful mug! It would look so nice next to my Silver Jubilee one…friends in Scotland gave me that one when we visited in 1977…I was 12 and I’ve kept it all these years. My first visit to Britain was in 1972. My dad first visited in the Coronation Year of 1952. Thank you so much for the tour, I now want to collect Emma Bridgewater.
Beautiful cup!
Oh Susan….what fun!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe the magic of this place—talk about making lemonade out of lemons!!! I have LOVED Emma Bridgewater for quite awhile—I have a few pieces, but I would ADORE a special one I painted myself, that’s for sure!!!!
Thank you for the tour—such fun!!
XOXO
Joann
Perfect for my china fetish…I’ve been collecting EB mugs for about 10 yrs…a joy to look at and use…what a special giveaway!! xo
This post is why I can never stop reading your blog. I have recently cancelled several blogs that I have faithfully followed over the years. You remain true and honest and share your life with all of us as “girlfriends”. Thank you for all the “extras” you supply us. Our worlds would be so dim without you.
Just returning all I’ve been given over the years . . . thank you Nancy!
so much fun you are having! another lovely day of virtual holiday for us 🙂
my daughter would love to have that mug. any chance you will have some in the store??? thinking some emma pottery would make my lovely dear girl a nice christmas gift. im making a note to get then calendar early as well cause i always forget to get it early! looking foreward to seeing beatrix place!
the concert at Buckingham was soooo much fun to watch!
nighty night
natasha in very windy ca.
Hi Susan,
There is entirely too much excitement in this post….
The 2013 Calendar
The trip to Hill Top (can’t wait)
AND
The chance to win an Emma Jubilee Mug!!! Yippeeeeeeeee!!
Cheerio!
xoxo Debbie
Love, Love, Love the adventure of following you along your trip through lovely England!
I find myself checking your blog everyday hoping there is more to see and read.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Are we going to be able to buy those rose cups from your website? Also would love to be able to get some larger full pint sized cups???
I agree ~ both the rose pattern cups and pint size cups would be great!
I wake every morning and log onto the website to get the news of your next adventure.
This is so much fun and look forward everyday to see where we went today!!You and Joe are doing such a great job showing us everything……. I love it!!!!!! Cant wait to stop for tea each day………tea and scones. This was so enjoyed!!!! Lori
Thanks from the bottom of my heart for sharing this wonderful trip with all of us. Reading your posts is like a vacation for me. : )
Beautiful! Thanks so much, loving every bit of the trip…
What wonderful souvenirs you have made for yourselves. They will be happy reminders for you at home.
Love the way little bits of Englishness are appearing in your writing !
Oh Susan, this trip has just been the MOST FUN!!! You have taken us to the most beautiful places and educated us in the most creative ways. I love the Emma Plant tour. I love that you can design your own mug! I watched the lovely Flotilla ceremony and it was AMAZING!!! Your Queen Mary mug is my favorite, it has always been one of your designs that I am drawn to. So happy for you and Joe. Enjoy every little moment and Thank You for the opportunity and generosity of bringing us along. Your photos are gorgeous!
Looking forward to the next adventure! Much Love Sweet Friend >”<
Well I must say, if I wasn’t quite awake yet your little road video did it, ha. Good driving job Joe, spot on. I do believe I would have to ride with my eyes shut most of the time. Can not believe how narrow and lined with high hedges their roads are.
Cute pic of you at the factory and Joe – WHAT an artist YOU are too! Lovely wares there. Sorry to say I don’t have one of her cups but you have peaked my interest. The visit to the factory was very interesting. Happy to see the sun out for you. Have another GREAT day:)
What a treat to be in England for the Jubilee! If I didn’t like you and enjoy your work and blog so much, I would be really, really jealous. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.
Hi Susan
It was a treat to see the Emma Bridgewater factory! I would like to win the cup as I turned 60 on May 18th “60 Years a Queen” for me also!!!!!
I’ve been an Emma fan for years, almost as many as I’ve been a Susan fan, but not quite!
I love the cups you and Joe did, and I would love to win the Jubilee flotilla cup!
I have a very nice collection of Emmas, have given them as gifts as well, and have the Queen’s Jubilee one. I was fortunate to get the very last one in stock (from your girls in Ca.) as my most recentl I would dearly love to be on the trip you/Joe are making, the sev. my husband and I made didn’t get to Stoke (aargh) so I’d like to have my name thrown in the pot to win the special one you’re offering. Do continue to have a glorious never to forget trip as you continue! I look forward to more, both in your posts as well as THE BOOK. Yours Phyllis
I am totally loving your trip to England. I loved the Emma Bridgewater tour. You and Joe did a grand job on your cups. I’ve had a love affair with china cups since I was a child. I inherited my Grandma’s collection. They hold the best memories for me and being a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
Please enter me into your drawing for the Emma Bridgewater cup with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Logo on it. Thank you so much! 🙂
Oh how I am enjoying visiting England through your letters, pictures and videos. It really is the next best thing to being there. So much nicer than just reading about it in a book because the things you talk about are the things that interest me! The people, the animals, the small shops and cottages are so quaint and just perfect! Thank you, ever so much, for keeping us in touch with everything!!! And how kind you are to even think of buying an extra cup to share!!! Thank you, again!!! I am so excited for your next letter!!!!! You are both such lovely people and I’m so happy to have found you!!!
Enjoy the day,
Sandy
Oh what a lovely token of your fabulous trip! Yes, I sure hope I win too! 🙂 Thanks so much for thinking of all of us and offering this wonderful gift!
Love coming on this trip with you and Joe. Keep up the good work and I can’t wait to see where we go next!!!!
Hello Susan!
I am enjoying your trip with Joe so much! Thanks for taking me along!
Love from.
Another Susan ♥
What fun! Have been following your travels with great anticipation. Definitely my kind of vacation! Much love – Raquel