Choose from a selection of original pastel illustrations by Gerhild Krapf, or commission a work of your choosing!
Gerhild specializes in nature scapes with themes related to the life and rugged beauty of Iowa. She also focuses on portraiture, and whimsical depictions that delight the imagination. Her quaint vignettes and expressions bring instant warmth to any home, or occasion.
The standard sizes below are available for all printed reproductions of Gerhild's pastel illustrations. However, custom sizes may also be requested— please do not hesitate to ask!
| Price * | Size ** |
| 1 - $30 | 11” x 14” |
| 2 - $65 | 16” x 20” |
| 3 - $95 | 18” x 24” |
* Portraiture pricing varies by request.
** Custom print sizes may be made available on request—pricing varies.
“Gerhild Krapf's delightful books are an expression of her passion for words, images, nature and the spirit underlying it all. Designed as books for children I think they have a universal appeal for all ages. She includes in her poems little vignettes of bird and animal life that children can easily identify with in their own family life. There is a spiritual sweetness to both poems and illustrations. In book two, in addition to the poems about birds and insects Gerhild shows the differences in a variety of dogs which will educate and charm children. The spiritual nature of book two becomes especially evident in the last poem entitled "The Unseen" which will give children a new way to look at nature.
These are unique little books of illustrated poetry that will not only be fun to read aloud but will enrich any child's life.”
MARCIA WEGMAN
Artist, and Iowa City Resident
If you are looking for a unique way to celebrate or commemorate an event, ask Gerhild about her personalized toasts, poems, custom cards & invitations, as well as her books of original rhymes and pastels.
Check out this personalized toast, with a length (L) of approximately 40 lines, to get a sense of the style and length of a short piece.
Nineteen-thirty, August Seven,
Oh my goodness, Oh my heaven!—
That's the year when SHE was born,
And her parents blew their horn.
5 Everywhere, euphoria—
At the birth of GLORIA!
Many years, now, since that birth,
Gloria has been on earth.
Hard to grasp—it's eighty-five—
10 All this time, she's been alive!
But the point of this here rhyme
Is that during all that time
She has lived spectacularly
In the best ways she could "be":
15 She's compassionate and kind,
With a sharp and curious mind.
There's a quiet strength about her.
No, we certainly don't doubt her
When she says she's gonna do it—
20 It's been done, like nothing to it.
She is warm, and she is wise.
As a wife, she is a prize.
As a mother, she is gold.
And she's lovely to behold!
25 Then, to boot, a loyal friend,
Who's supportive to all ends.
We are lucky that she's here,
And we'll always keep her near!
Now's the time to make a toast
30 To the lady with the most:
May the months and years ahead
Be the best you've ever led,
Filled with happiness and health—
These, the truest forms of wealth.
35 All best wishes go to you,
Every day, in all you do!
One more thing there is to say:
Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY day!
“No one can add zest and originality to a birthday like you! I had forgotten, Gerhild, your talents as a poet. What a contribution to my 85th birthday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I loved every couplet, and the sentiment behind
the words...You have helped make this birthday more joyous and worth remembering...”
GLORIA KOTTICK
Iowa City resident
“Gerhild's poem celebrating our retirement was both moving and fun. Her capture of personal details along with clever rhymes and a charming sense of humor made it a most unique gift. What a delightful way to honor a special occasion!”
JODY HOVLAND & RON CLARK
Iowa City Residents, The Riverside Theater
| Price | Line Length |
| $40 | L < 40 |
| $80 | L < 80 |
| $160 | L < 160 |
Hand-lettered calligraphy copies may be made available through the Paper Nest of Iowa City.
‡ Personalized poems over 160 lines in length may be made available on request—pricing varies for pieces longer than 160 lines in length.
“Gerhild’s pottery is like Gerhild — beautiful and tough. I have several of her pieces, and it brings me joy to use each one. They are beautifully proportioned, making them easy to handle. Pottery is ancient and organic. Gerhild passes along this energy and spirit in each piece.”
KAY COLANGELO
Iowa City Resident
View Gerhild’s samples of porcelain pottery here, check out the gallery on Google Plus, or arrange to see the studio with the artist with an email, or a phone call!
GERHILD'S POTTERY
Pitchers, Vases, Plates, & Mugs,
Platters, Teapots, Planters & Jugs.
They come swirled, speckled,
drizzled, and brushed,
Themed, solid, etched—
textured, or smooth to the touch.
It’s just the beginning of what
Gerhild creates,
From her hearth to yours,
It will be worth the wait!
Each piece is hand-thrown, slowly dried to prevent cracking, fired by kiln, glazed and re-fired (depending on color and style choices).
On average it is advised to allow at least two weeks for completion of an order. Pieces with custom illustrations or themed decoration may require more time to complete than a solid or painted piece.
Decorative Vases / Centerpieces, Candle Sticks, Serving Dishes & Cups, Stacked Bowls, Oversized Vases, Vinegar Crocks, Soup Tureens, Ice Buckets, Bird Baths, Pencil Holders, Umbrella Holder, Food Dishes for Pets
Don't forget your canine friends!
SHIPPING
WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER
homes & hearth, llc prepares your items for packing and shipping. Mailboxes of Iowa takes care of the rest—you’ll receive a phone call or email to set up your shipment once it is ready!
phone: 319.631.9856
email: ger-hild@hotmail.com
hours: Sunday - Saturday, 8am - 10pm
