monogram collection inspiration

We've recently launched a new and exciting offering at Sarah Drake: The Monogram Collection. This is where we create a custom monogram based on your personal style, and incorporate it into table linens, bedding and dinnerware. A huge part of creating this collection came from a very important person in my life, and the fine china we're offering wouldn't have come to fruition if not for my grandfather, more affectionately known as Pop. Pop was a an amazing painter and sculptor, creating detailed, realistic carvings out of stone and wood, lovely landscape barn paintings (one of his specialties) and for many years, beautiful florals on fine china. Pop taught china painting for over 20 years, to dedicated students in northern California. As a child I received special pieces from Pop; more memorably a plate only brought out at christmas, and a delicate mug, covered with pink roses and rimmed with gold. I thought it was pretty special to receive such pieces. But it wasn't until I was married in 2000 that he started sending me plates; you had to be married to receive such beauties. They are exquisite, and I have a variety of dessert plates mostly: a set of four autumn-themed in browns, golds and reds. A sweet set of purple toned flowers with more gold rims... Knowing how special his talents were, I wanted to learn, and as he got older, I realized I had better ask soon. So I wrote to him and asked and received this letter back, telling me where to buy china, and how he would be ready to teach me the following summer I was in California. This undoubtedly has played a huge part in our new offering, in the inkling to create it and we actually have our china manufactured at the very place he recommended and received much of his china blanks he painted on. Here is his lovely letter, with his "signature" and the day he gave me my crash course, followed by his lovely pieces.