Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of West Dundee, available exclusively at Eastside Cafe.
15 oz ceramic mugMicrowave safeDishwasher safe
Community
West Dundee is a charming Fox River village with a walkable historic downtown and a strong sense of local community. River views, distinctive shops, Grafelman Park, the Depot, and nearby trails create a welcoming hometown for residents and an appealing stop for visitors.
The collaboration
The East and West Dundee mugs began when the team at Elder + Oat approached me about creating designs for both communities. After that shop closed, I was grateful to connect with Katie at Eastside Cafe, who now carries both designs.
People often ask about the camel on the West Dundee Mug. It comes from Randall Oaks Zoo, a local place tied to a funny family memory. While my husband was feeding the alpacas, one tried to pull the feed cup from his hand. He held on, and the thoroughly offended alpaca responded by spitting directly into his eyes. It was our unforgettable introduction to how alpacas express their displeasure.
Beyond that story, we love the restaurants, Fox River setting, and pottery history of East and West Dundee. Together, the two mugs celebrate an area our family genuinely enjoys.
The story behind the mug
Inside the illustration
The Fox River shapes West Dundee’s downtown, where public riverfront spaces connect Main Street with the water.
Downtown West Dundee brings historic Main Street storefronts together with public spaces along the Fox River.
Grafelman Park at Fourth and Main Streets offers a gazebo, playground, and courts in the heart of West Dundee.
The Dundee Depot in neighboring East Dundee serves as a visitor stop beside the Fox River Bike Trail.
The Main Street Bridge spans the Fox River between the Dundees and dates to construction in 1917–1918.
Raceway Woods preserves wooded trails on the former Meadowdale Race Track site near the Dundee communities.
Journal · Behind the drawing
A paired commission required West Dundee to keep its own riverfront identity.
Read the story
