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Writer's pictureSydney Kennedy

Starting My At-Home Pottery Studio: Finding Purpose and Creative Freedom

Updated: Oct 1

A Journey of Rediscovery: How My Garage Became a Space for Creative Expression


A New Beginning


A garage pottery studio with a kiln, workbench, and various tools set up for ceramics work, next to a parked car

I’ve talked before about why I started pottery, but it was more than just picking up a hobby—it was about finding a new sense of purpose. Being a mom is one of the most fulfilling roles in my life, but there was a point where I felt lost in it. I remember having a moment where I broke down to my husband. I told him that I felt like my entire identity had become “mom” and “maid,” and I desperately needed something that was just for me. Something that allowed me to feel creative and connected to myself again.


That same night, I jumped on Facebook Marketplace in search of a kiln. It almost felt impulsive, but it was exactly what I needed. As luck would have it, I found a used kiln in Midland, and the very next day, my husband and I drove there to pick it up. I still remember the excitement of bringing it home, even though I had no idea how to use it properly at the time! That kiln was the first step in reclaiming a little piece of myself, and it became the heart of my new studio in our garage.






Finding Space in the Garage


Setting up a pottery studio in the garage wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. At first, I carved out a corner, just big enough for my wheel, my kiln, and a small work surface. It felt like my own little creative oasis, tucked away from the rest of the house, where I could go to focus on making something with my hands. 


When the weather turned cold, though, I quickly realized the garage wasn’t quite as ideal as I’d hoped. I moved my wheel inside to my office for a little while, but the mess quickly became overwhelming. Pottery is beautiful, but it’s also a dirty craft—clay dust gets everywhere! I couldn’t deal with the mess in my office, so back to the garage I went.


This time, I came prepared. I bought a heater to keep the space warm, and slowly but surely, I made the garage feel like a true studio. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine, and that made all the difference. I loved the idea that, no matter how messy or chaotic it got, this space was my creative retreat, away from the daily demands of motherhood.


The Comfort of My Own Space


One of the things I’ve grown to appreciate most about having my own studio at home is the solitude. In larger, shared studio spaces, there’s always the risk that someone might accidentally bump into your work, break a tool, or, even worse, damage a piece that’s in progress. In my own studio, there’s no one else to worry about—it’s just me, my tools, and my pieces. That sense of ownership and control is something I never really realized I needed.


That being said, I do miss the community aspect of working in a shared studio. There’s something special about being around other potters, watching their techniques, and sharing creative energy. While there are pottery communities in Lubbock, I’ve hesitated to join any groups. Part of it is fear—I’m not sure if I’d fit in. But I know there’s value in connecting with others, so maybe it’s something I’ll push myself to explore in the future.


Lessons from Clay – And Myself


Metal shelving units in a garage hold various tools, storage bins, and supplies, on opposite side of pottery studio.

Transitioning to working from home wasn’t seamless. It took me months to really get back into the groove. One thing pottery has taught me, time and again, is that the clay will always humble you. Just when you think you’ve got it, you find an air bubble in your wedged clay or a piece collapses on the wheel. Those early months were full of reminders that I couldn’t rush the process—especially when it came to wedging. I learned quickly that you can never wedge enough.


Beyond the technical challenges, I found myself facing a new kind of creative challenge: what to make. When I was taking pottery classes, the projects were laid out for me, and I was told what to focus on. But now, in my home studio, the freedom was both exciting and intimidating. There was no longer anyone guiding my work, which meant I had to tap into my own ideas and creativity. It took time, but eventually, I began to explore and experiment more, pushing myself beyond the boundaries of what I’d learned in class.


Therapy Through Clay


Over the past six months, something shifted in my relationship with pottery. It’s become more than just a hobby—it’s become a form of therapy. I didn’t expect that when I started this journey, but there’s something incredibly calming about sitting at the wheel, focusing solely on the clay in my hands. When I’m throwing, everything else melts away. My worries about being a good mom, keeping the house in order, or any anxieties I’m carrying—they’re all left at the door. It’s just me and the wheel, and in those moments, I find a peace that’s hard to describe.


I’ve come to treasure this time as a way to reset. Whether I’m working for hours or just squeezing in a quick session during nap time, the process of shaping clay has become my way of finding balance in the chaos of daily life. Pottery gives me the space to let go of the things that weigh me down, even if only for a little while.


Growing My Studio


A shelving unit filled with various pottery supplies, including glazes, brushes, and storage bins, in a ceramics workspace.

Since April 2023, my studio has grown a lot. I now have two wheels, two kilns, and more storage than I ever imagined I’d need. Most of my equipment was bought second-hand, but my first wheel was brand new—I couldn’t find a good used one at the time. One of my favorite additions is my wedging table. It’s actually our old dining room table, the one my mom and I built after I got married. Now, it’s where I prepare my clay, and it’s such a special connection to those family memories.


Building up my studio has been a process of trial and error—figuring out what I need, what works best, and how to make the most of the space I have. It’s far from the traditional studios I’ve worked in before, but it’s perfect for me.



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!



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