Local Mugs Worth Longing For

Over the past few months, as we’ve dipped our toes into the sharing economy, we’ve hosted several groups at Happy Cabin.  Our guests have come from all over the world and all walks of life.  We’ve hosted a new family with an infant, a band of brothers from Utah, a group of young girls from Scotland, and a couple enjoying their “mini moon” with their “son,” a playful Jack Russell Terrier.  I am always suspenseful as we get reviews and comments from our guests.  Designing Happy Cabin was a labor of love for us.  We worked hard to create a place that people would like and want to return to.  What if they hate it?

Happy Cabin’s functional mug—the Fargrik from IKEA

So far (thankfully), that hasn’t happened.  Our guests have been gracious and complimentary.  We’ve managed all five-star reviews, with some private hints at making Happy Cabin better.  I take those suggestions to heart.  A Santa Monica family on a camping trip used Happy Cabin as their rejuvenation spot.  The adults had some hot tub time and good sleep in soft beds, while the kids ran around the yard and played in the bunk room.  One of the moms mentioned that she loved Happy Cabin but would have appreciated larger mugs.  Yes!  I could not agree more.

There was a method to my mug choice.  And, as with some other things, this was a situation where I knew exactly what I wanted but couldn’t quite afford it.  I longed for hand-thrown ceramic mugs from local potters in a variety of shapes and colors, each one signed, each one with a story.   The kind of mugs that warm the hands and pique the imagination.  Gorgeous mugs.

Realizing that the mugs I wanted would have to take a back-seat to more urgent purchases (like mattresses, towels, and utilities), I  picked up a set of functional mugs from IKEA.  The mug is “Fargrik.” It’s simple and diner-esque, about as far from hand-thrown pottery as you can get.  But, at 99 cents each, I will not feel a twinge when I trade these functional mugs in for the inspired mugs I really want.  I’m eyeing the tree mugs by Alanna Hughes at Riverside Studios in Truckee and the cerulean blue, patterned mugs at Tahoe Blue Pottery. Who are your favorite local ceramic artists? Drop me a line at happycabintahoe@gmail.com or leave a comment.

To visit Happy Cabin during your trip to North Lake Tahoe / Tahoe Vista / Kings Beach, click here.