I heart Delft Blauw

I don't know how I did it, but I successfully convinced my hubs that nothing says "i love you" like Delft pottery.  For our Valentine's date, we went to 2 pottery factories in Delft.  This one...

 And this one...

For the record, my hair looked awesome at the beginning of the day, but the rain made sure that didn't last, as usual.

Another side note, I wore my cozy new winter leggings.  Outfit inspired by Afton.  Caitlin will appreciate my outfit-of-the-day pic.

We ended up liking the 2nd one much better, because it was much smaller and had a more family-run feel.  They even gave us a free tour (the tour at the bigger factory was 12 euro, which we did NOT take).  Here is where they have all the molds...

Here is where the hand painting is done.  They also allow moms to work from home and paint in their spare time.  We went on a Saturday, so that explains why it looks so empty.

Some of the pottery before it gets glazed and baked.  Painting in progress...

I didn't get a picture of the kiln, but it was pretty neat to see how they stack all the different pieces in there, completely filling it before they fire it up.  Finally, here is the shop.  SO many choices...

Here is my beautiful new pottery.  This plate will probably end up on a wall somewhere or on a plate stand.  I would love to get some smaller dessert plates to go with it (eventually) so I actually can use it someday.

This vase was 50% off because apparently the less traditional prints were not as popular as they thought they would be…but I am in LOVE with it.  I love all the dots and swirls and the modern shape.  This will be my mother's day gift.  I promised to keep it wrapped up and act surprised when I open it.

Now to travel to Polland and get some Polish pottery to add to my collection.  I would say that sounds like a good plan for next Valentine's day, but I have a feeling we'll be doing something very masculine next year to even the score.  Oh well, guess I'll just have to find another excuse to go!