Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Mokena, available exclusively at WaterShed Cafe and Books.
Community
Mokena is a close-knit community where historic Front Street, neighborhood parks, and local traditions create an easy sense of belonging. Hickory Creek, the Metra station, Yunker Farm, and familiar gathering places reflect a village that values both its roots and its future.
Where to find it
19852 LaGrange Rd
Mokena, IL 60448
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Mokena Mug began with local research and a collaboration with WaterShed Cafe and Books. Ashley translated the community’s recognizable places and shared references into an original drawing designed for everyday use.
The Mokena Mug continues to be carried by WaterShed Cafe and Books, with local inventory still available in September 2026.
Each element began as an individual hand drawing. Ashley refined the artwork and arranged the pieces into a continuous design made to wrap around a ceramic mug, creating a keepsake that feels specific to Mokena.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with WaterShed Cafe and Books to create a mug rooted in Mokena.
Research and community input highlighted historic Front Street, parks, the railway, and village gathering places.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
The drawings were refined and arranged into a continuous design that rewards a closer look.
The finished mug became a locally available keepsake through WaterShed Cafe and Books.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Historic Front Street helps tell the story of Mokena and the character residents recognize as home.
Hickory Creek helps tell the story of Mokena and the character residents recognize as home.
Mokena Metra Station helps tell the story of Mokena and the character residents recognize as home.
Yunker Farm helps tell the story of Mokena and the character residents recognize as home.
Main Park helps tell the story of Mokena and the character residents recognize as home.
Mokena Community Park helps tell the story of Mokena and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
Historic Front Street and Hickory Creek gave this design its first direction, while Mokena Metra Station and Yunker Farm added another side of the community’s character. I refined the spacing by hand so every turn of the mug reveals something familiar.
A meaningful local gift
For Christmas, a birthday, or an everyday reminder of home, this hand-drawn Mokena, Illinois mug is a personal local gift for anyone who knows and loves the community.
Purchasing information