Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Western Springs, available exclusively at Clever Girl.
Directions to Clever GirlCommunity
Western Springs is a close-knit village known for tree-lined neighborhoods, a welcoming downtown, and traditions centered around its iconic water tower. Spring Rock Park, the Theatre of Western Springs, Tower Green, and the Metra station make community life feel connected and familiar.
Where to find it
907 Burlington Ave
Western Springs, IL 60558
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
My cousins lived in Western Springs, and because I grew up in nearby Brookfield, our family spent many happy times there, including visits to the pool. My dad also attended Lyons Township High School, adding another family connection to the area.
The Village of Western Springs originally approached me about creating a community mug. I was especially excited because of those personal ties. The women at Village Hall helped identify the places and details that belonged in the design, making it a genuinely local collaboration.
The iconic water tower was especially fun to draw. The mug now sells at Clever Girl, and it has been wonderful working with Katie and her staff in such a beautiful community.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Clever Girl to create a mug rooted in Western Springs.
Research and community input highlighted the water tower, theatre, parks, rail connection, and village centre.
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 Clever Girl.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Western Springs Water Tower helps tell the story of Western Springs and the character residents recognize as home.
Theatre of Western Springs helps tell the story of Western Springs and the character residents recognize as home.
Spring Rock Park helps tell the story of Western Springs and the character residents recognize as home.
Western Springs Metra Station helps tell the story of Western Springs and the character residents recognize as home.
Downtown Western Springs helps tell the story of Western Springs and the character residents recognize as home.
Tower Green helps tell the story of Western Springs and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
The shape of Western Springs Water Tower helped establish the look of this mug. From there, I layered in Theatre of Western Springs, Spring Rock Park, and Western Springs Metra Station, using the contrasts between them to create a wraparound drawing that could only belong to Western Springs.
A meaningful local gift
A thoughtful choice for a realtor closing gift, new homeowner, or longtime resident, the artwork turns familiar Western Springs, Illinois landmarks into a useful keepsake rather than an ordinary souvenir.
