Chicago Pipe Show 2011

Enter into a hall of pipes, but not only pipes, tobaccos and the raw materials used in making pipes. Perusing the beauty and art of the varying pipe makers from around the world. There are many tobacco companies/blenders with mountains of samples on their display tables. Needless to say it is easy to be distracted from the sensory overload!
Then venture out to the ‘smoking tent’ to enjoy a smoke with many of the makers whom I admire. I am lucky enough to own a few handmade pipes by some skilled artisans from all over the world. What an experience to be able to smoke with them out of the pipes they made!
I am really looking forward to attending the show this year. I allotted more time for myself after running out of it last year. I will be purchasing raw materials from fellow makers and suppliers to expand my inventory. I will be meeting new people, making new contacts, and learning a lot from the pros. I will be traveling up with fellow maker and my pipe mentor Wayne Teipen. We have made a few road trips over the last year or two, but I think this one will top those. We’ll be staying with a friend who offered up his home as a ‘hotel’ for us and a couple of others for the show. I may have to buy him a drink!
I look forward to seeing anyone attending, to everyone else, happy piping!