San Francisco - March 10, 2005

Signature Dishes

Sherry Olsen Ceramics

The initial thrill of engagement (“Have you seen my ring? Wanna see it again?”) is followed by a creeping, needling anxiety (“Have you seen my sanity? My inner calm? My sense of self?”).

Where’s the fun? In the monogrammed forks, dish sets, and his-and-hers washcloths? Oh, jolly good.

Regain a modicum of sanity at Sherry Olsen’s boutique in Berkeley. Known best for her hand-painted dishes, Olsen recently set up shop on College Avenue to display her ceramics alongside her paintings, paper products, and fabrics.

And Olsen will happily customize her designs to your tastes. Love her Poe pattern, but want it in shades of blue? No problem. Feel the Inger vibe, but think it would be strengthened by some stripes? Done. Want all of your dishes to say “Chez Johnson”? (You dork.) She’ll happily oblige. Of course, such touches don’t come cheap. Small plates cost between $40 and $50, and dinner plates will cost you $70 apiece. But it’s art that’s been created to mark the exciting start of your married life — not to mention a lot of fun in the process.

You remember fun, right?

Available at SO Shop, 3167 College Avenue, between Alcatraz Avenue and Woolsey Street, Berkeley (510-923-0362 or sherryolsen.net).