four questions

Betsy Besl chats with Platinum.

They elicit images of warm, cozy winter mornings,

more information, Besl can be reached at (248)

little girls' tea parties and elegant ladies gather-

553-8801 or at betsy.teapot@gmail.com .

ings. But, in the hands of BETSY BESL, vintage

"One of the best things about teapots is

teapots are transformed into one-of-a kind works

was also able to share her talent for doing so with
generation after generation of children is a remarkable
accomplishment.

that each one is unique," Besl says. "There's

of art.

always beauty, charm, whimsicality or cuteness

"I love salvaging things from basements or

to be found."

garages and giving them new life," says the 49-

Here, we ask Betsy Besl our version of the

year-old artist from Farmington Hills. "I like to take

Four Questions.

an old battered teapot and discover and release

— Robin Schwartz

its essential personality."

Besl, a mother of two daughters — Sophie,

22, and Sadie, 17 — started Specialteas, the

business she created to sell her unique, decora-

tive teapots and "dream jars" made from vintage

sugar bowls, after a chance mishap in her kitchen four years ago.

A floral magnet from her refrigerator serendipitously stuck to an

enamel teapot, and the idea to embellish teapots with buttons,

beads and other found items was born.

WHAT BOOK, CD OR
OTHER MEDIA ARE YOU
LONGING TO SHARE?
I often find myself wanting to give
or tell people about the little books Zen Judaism and
Haikus for Jews by David M. Bader. They combine
Eastern philosophy with good old-fashioned Jewish
guilt, making for a delightfully amusing read.

"I find materials in typical places like antique stores and on

eBay, but I also look in unusual places like novelty machines at

A) IF YOU COULD HAVE BRUNCH WITH

the front entrance to the grocery store," Besl explains. "I've been

Asi ONE BIBLICAL OR HISTORICAL

making teapots long enough now that I often come home to find a

JEWISH FIGURE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I would choose Sydney Taylor, who wrote the All-of-
a-Kind Family series of books. I admire those who
find extraordinary beauty in everyday life. That Taylor

bag of goodies someone has left hanging on my door."

Her work can be found for sale at a variety of Jewish chari-

table events, private showings and in several local stores. For

3

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JEWISH
• FOOD?
Throughout my childhood — until I went away to
college — I ate Shabbat dinner at my grandparents'
house each week. My Grandma Bess died before I
realized there were no written recipes. She made a
carrot tzimmes like I've never seen or tasted again. It
was one layer of thinly sliced, very sticky, caramelized
carrots. Her potatoes were miracles. I dream about this
food sometimes.

A

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE
SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Considering that I've created and sold hundreds and
hundreds of teapots, I think it would surprise people to
know that I don't drink tea. I find the teapot uniquely
appealing as an art form, and I'm also drawn to the
teapot for what it represents — companionship, cama-
raderie, comfort and coziness. As Chaim Potok wrote,
"Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about
happy things."

oking forlhat
perfect gift aids
time of year
Give the gift of
water safe
with a Goldfish
Gift Certificate!

a r:

• Year round, small group instruction
for infants to 12 year olds.

• Two heated indoor swimming pools

• Private family changing rooms.

• Activity area for birthday parties
and events.

Enroll your child in
swim lessons before
January 5th and pay

NO REGISTRATION FEES!

• Additional programs include a
recreational swim team, family swim
times and summer sports camps.

Frames Unlimited

FRAMING - ART - WALL DECOR

swim school

SPECIALIZING IN GROUP AND PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

custom or
ready-made
framing orders
placed now
through 12/21/08
with this ad

2388 COLE ST. SUITE #101 • BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

Bloomfield Plaza - 6616 Telegraph Road & Maple Rd - 626-3130
The Boardwalk - 6893 Orchard Lk Rd south of Maple - 626-2555

appreciating art since 1971 - www.framesunlimited.com

B34 •

DECEMBER 2008 •

JIV platinum