30 Days of Clay: My Journey Through Handmade Ceramics

Discovering New Techniques, Challenges, and Creative Growth One Day at a Time

Welcome to the beginning of something special! I’m excited to have you join me as I embark on a 30-day journey into the heart of ceramics. Together, we'll explore the creative process, the challenges, and the beauty of turning raw clay into meaningful art. Whether you're a handmade ceramics lover, a fellow artist, or someone who just appreciates the beauty of functional, small-batch pottery, there's something here for you.

This challenge is a way for me to connect with you more deeply—sharing not just my work but the story behind it. I’m excited to take you along for the ride, from the creative sparks that inspire my pieces to the messy, real-life moments in the studio. My hope is that you’ll find some inspiration here, or at the very least, a little bit of joy in following along.

My Ceramic Journey

My journey into ceramics started in a way that felt almost fated. About six months after becoming a mom, I realized I needed a bigger purpose in life—something that connected me to myself, to others, and to my creativity. Ceramics became that connection. From the moment I first worked with clay, I felt drawn to it. It was more than a hobby; it was something I wanted to share with anyone who was willing to follow along.

When I set up my little at-home studio and threw my first pot on the wheel, I knew this was going to be more than a passing interest. I was all in. There’s something so powerful about taking raw clay and transforming it into something beautiful and functional. Whether it's a durable ceramic bowl for your kitchen or a vase to brighten up your home, each piece reflects my love for the craft and my dedication to sharing that love with others.

Of course, not every day in the studio is a graceful dance with clay! One of the funniest moments was when my husband, after watching me throw a pot, said, "Well, that looks easy. Let me try." I stepped aside to give him a try, and let’s just say...he soon realized how tricky it really is! We had a good laugh, and though he had fun, he admitted that ceramics wasn’t for him—it was a lot harder than it looks. But that moment made me appreciate the practice even more. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the process, the learning, and the joy that comes from creating something with your hands.

A Deeper Purpose

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the deeper meaning behind my work, especially since my dad’s tragic passing. I’ve found that many of my pieces have been made with him in mind. Continuing to create pottery has been a way to honor him because I know he would be proud of me for doing something I love.

There’s also a God-centered aspect to my work, as I’m a Christian and I want to share God’s love through my art. While I don’t always know exactly how that translates into each individual piece, I know that my work is driven by love, faith, and the desire to connect with others.

What Can You Expect?

As part of this blog challenge, I’m excited to share more of my journey with you. Here’s a little glimpse into what you can expect:

Exploring My Creative Process: I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of how I create my pieces—from the first moment I sit down at the wheel to the final firing in the kiln. You’ll see the tools I use, the techniques I’ve picked up along the way, and even some of the challenges I face (like those tricky lids!). Crafting functional ceramics that are both beautiful and durable isn’t always easy, but it’s a journey I’m passionate about.

Inspiration and Influence: Nature, personal experiences, and my faith all play big roles in my work. In future posts, I’ll share more about what inspires me and how those influences come to life in my small-batch pottery. Whether it’s the texture of a leaf or a memory of my dad, each piece tells its own story.

Studio Life: My studio is where the magic happens! I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at the space where I work, the tools I love (and sometimes curse!), and how I manage the ups and downs of small-batch pottery production. Spoiler alert: it’s not always glamorous, but it is always worth it.

Personal Reflections: As an artist, I’m always evolving, and my ceramics reflect that journey. I’ll share some key milestones, moments of growth, and lessons learned along the way.

Whether it’s celebrating a victory like finally mastering a tricky technique or learning from a piece that didn’t turn out quite right, every step is part of the process.

Special Features and Promotions: Be on the lookout for sneak peeks of new collections, exclusive promotions, and collaborations. And don’t hesitate to share your thoughts—I want this blog to be a place where we connect!

Featured Piece: Seabreeze Lidded Jar

Now, let’s talk about a piece that holds a special place in my heart—the Seabreeze Lidded Jar. This was the first jar I made that I was truly proud of, and it feels like a real turning point in my journey as a ceramic artist.

Inspired by the calming colors and textures of the sand and sea, this jar was a labor of love. I experimented with new techniques—ones I had never tried before—because making lidded jars is no easy feat! The lid has to fit perfectly when the clay is wet, or it will never fit right after firing. The handles were another challenge, as it’s not my favorite thing to make, but I’m so happy with how it turned out. The soft blues and sandy tones of the glaze were the result of a lot of trial and error, but now it feels like I’ve captured the essence of the ocean in this piece.

For me, the Seabreeze Lidded Jar represents more than just a functional ceramic storage jar. It’s a testament to pushing through challenges and proving to myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. It’s functional, beautiful, and full of heart—everything I strive for in my work.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

Thank you for being here and sharing in this journey with me. I can’t wait to bring you more posts about my handmade ceramics and life in the studio. To stay connected, be sure to follow my blog and check out my shop, Your Sister's Pot Shop, for small-batch pottery like the Seabreeze Lidded Jar. Each piece is made with love and care, and I hope they bring beauty and meaning into your home.

I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave comments, share your thoughts, or ask any questions you may have. For more behind-the-scenes content, follow me on on Instagram and Facebook at Your Sister's Pot Shop. I also encourage you to sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on new pieces and blog posts. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to continue sharing this creative journey with you.

Explore My Collection: Visit my shop to see the latest creations and find a piece that resonates with your story. Every purchase supports an artist’s dream and helps me continue to create from the heart. Let’s build a community that values courage, creativity, and the beauty of handmade art. I can’t wait to see which piece speaks to you!