DARLINGTON — Commemorative hand-sculpted mugs in honor of Darlington’s 175-year celebration are now on sale at the Chamber office, 447 Main Street, Darlington.
“The Commemorative mugs represent a special souvenir of an important year for us here in Darlington,” said Kristen May, who is the Director of the Chamber. “The mugs are a work of heart created by Becky Granberg.”
Each mug has its own personality, as they are individually handcrafted from clay and turned on a wheel in Granberg’s pot shed studio.
“When I’m able to get the natural clay, the process starts,” Granberg said. “It takes lots of water, then straining, drying, and wedging, also known as kneading.”
A lot of testing goes into this first step, she said. After that’s finished, she gets the natural clay mixture worked into the regular clay she buys so it can be strong for functional use.
“Voila, that’s how I get the marble look,” she said. “After it dries completely it’s off to the kiln for 10 hours, then glaze is applied, and re-fired. Each kiln load takes approximately a month to make.”
Granberg, who delivers mail from the Darlington Post Office, said she gets the best ideas from Pinterest. She said her crafting skills started with a one-hour pottery class she took with her mother.
“Halfway through the class I was hooked,” she said.
Granberg and her husband, Luke, live in the Argyle area. She has two daughters: Allison lives in Minnesota with son Oliver; and Megan is in the U.S. Navy.
Granberg said she enjoyed creating the Darlington mugs and hopes everyone who wants one finds “that one mug that fits perfectly in their hands.” The commemorative mugs have one style but two different logo colors, natural or red. Local graphic designer Dana Gevelinger created the logo design.
“The mugs have been purchased by locals, visitors, and out of towners who hold grass roots and memories of Darlington close to their hearts,” May said.
The Darlington 175-year celebration takes place on Saturday, July 27. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events, May said.
“We will have more special Darlington commemorative items coming, to include new pint glasses and clothing items,” May said.
The commemorative mugs are available at the Chamber office during business hours while supplies last. Call 608-776-3067 for available quantities or for more information.
