Deborah Wilson, from Waterport, NY, makes her pottery by hand from stoneware clay. The pieces are thrown on a wheel or constructed from slabs. The glazes she uses are non-toxic and durable (dishwasher, microwave and oven safe). Her pieces are meant for functional, everyday use, and their fun, vibrant colors make them even more enjoyable. Deborah likes to find inspiration for her designs from nature.

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We asked Deborah toshare a little bit about what it's like to be a potter....

What is your favorite part about creating pottery? DW: "My two favorite stages of the process are the actual forming, where I get to interact with clay; after 25 years I've never lost my love for this wonderful, infinitely malleable, expressive material. The other part I love is opening a warm kiln full of glaze fired pots and seeing how the pieces were transformed in the firing process."

What do you enjoy about being an artisan in WNY? DW: "I enjoy living and working in a more relaxed semi-rural environment after many years of being a city potter. There's a great appreciation of handmade work in this community. There aren't many other potters locally, so I enjoy being able to teach the craft to students who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity."

Is there a particular thing that inspires your work? DW: "Most of my pottery is designed to be used for a practical purpose. I'm striving for a good combination of functionality and beauty in my pieces. I'm inspired by the colors and forms of nature. I love the subtle variations and "happy accidents" that can happen with glazes."

Thank you, Deborah, for sharing your art and your process with us!

By Jessica Young and Stacey Kirby

Have you ever used handmade goat's milk soap? Luxurious and homey at the same time, there's nothing quite like it, especially compared to the usual bar soaps from the drug store. This Spring I had the good fortune to meet Maryann and Deb of Nanny Naturals, just as I was about to give up my search for a local soap company. They've been a lot of fun to work with. I've never met anyone more enthusiastic about their craft! It's catching too; we definitely have more soaps on display then I ever thought we would, just because the ever-growing list of scents is irresistible. And it's all made just a few miles away - I drive by their herd of goats on my way to work!

Another shipment was delivered this afternoon by the ladies themselves, including 30 small bars of "samples" priced at just $1. You might want to come in soon, because I know they won't be around for long.

Scents in Kirby's Farm Market now: Green Tea, Lemongrass, Nag Champa, Linen Fresh Calendula, Sweet Orange, French Vanilla, Lavender Orchid, Spearamint, Harvest Berry, Peppermint Cedarwood, Cherry Blossom, Blackberry Vanilla, and Unscented.