No two sheep are alike. Each one is carefully made by hand from white stoneware and then hand textured, so each one has its very own personality. When shaken, some of them sound like metal bells, while others sound like pebbles knocking against each other. And each creature arrives out of the kiln as it wishes. My sheep range in four sizes. Approximate body measurements (using a measuring tape around the midsection) range from small (7.5 inches), medium (9.5 inches), large (12 inches), and extra-large (16.5 inches). Prices range according to size from $25 to $60. Note: Leg lengths vary.

For every sheep rattle purchased, I include a card with “The Story Behind the Sheep Rattles.” If you are interested in purchasing online, I have a number of sheep on sale at various times on http://sheeprattles.etsy.com. Or you can write to me via my contact page on this site.

I also sell at various gift shops, local farmers’ markets, and open studio sales. This year, I have signed up to sell in Massachusetts with the North Shore Clay Studio at the Marblehead Farmers’ Market (location: Marblehead Veterans Middle School, 217 Pleasant Street – enter from Vine Street) on 6/20/09 and 9/29/09 from 9 a.m. to noon. And I will be selling at the Annual North Shore Clay Open Studio Sale (Located in Lynn – see my contact page for the address) sometime in November or December (date yet to be determined). I hope to see you there!

The Story Behind the Sheep Rattles

While some people count sheep to sleep – others dream of them. My desire to make these sheep rattles originated from a dream about a beautiful white sheep that was comfortably curled in my lap. I told a friend in my dream that I wanted to keep this sheep. She said, “Linda, a sheep is not like a dog. You can’t keep a sheep in your apartment!” I told her that maybe I’d buy my sheep a pasture. She said, “Oh, that’s silly. You won’t buy a pasture.” To persuade me to come to my senses, she introduced me to a family who owned a farm. When I met with the owners and they mentioned their deep green pasture, my sheep’s ears perked up, and I felt bad. I was being so selfish. And yet, my heart wouldn’t let me part with something so special. I wrapped my arms around my sheep and held on tightly. Then I woke up. I’ve been holding onto the dream and making sheep ever since. Each sheep rattle is filled with tiny beads of clay and a little heart. Simply shake once a day to keep your dreams alive. – Linda Frahm

Photography by: Kim Hincman
Web Design by: John Remondi