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The Heart of Handmade Ceramics

Writer's picture: Sydney KennedySydney Kennedy

Why Crafting by Hand Matters


There’s something truly special about handmade gifts. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved giving and receiving them. When I started making pottery in my college classes, long before I even thought I’d become a ceramic artist, I knew I’d be giving most of my pieces as gifts to family.


A handcrafted ceramic mug with a dark, glossy glaze, scalloped rim, and textured speckled design.
One of the first mugs I made.

I’ll never forget Christmas of 2021—I gave my family some of my earliest pieces, and everyone absolutely loved them. It was then I realized how much joy handmade ceramics could bring to people, and once I set up my own studio at home, it became clear that making functional, handmade pieces was my passion.


For me, handmade ceramics are so much more personal than the mass-produced items you find at big stores. A handmade mug or bowl isn’t just another product—it carries the time, care, and personality of the maker, and that’s something I want people to feel when they use my pieces.


The Joy of Creating by Hand


Creating something by hand always brings me happiness and a sense of success. There’s a special kind of joy in throwing a piece on the wheel, shaping it with my hands, and watching it transform through the entire process—from forming the clay to firing and glazing it. Each piece feels like an accomplishment, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly or doesn’t make it through to completion. The act of creating itself is a reminder that I’m learning, evolving, and continuing my journey as an artist.


The Magic of Handmade – My Morning Mist Bowl


Sometimes, handmade ceramics take on a life of their own, reminding me that not everything can be planned. A great example of this is my Morning Mist Bowl. I used blue and white clay when throwing the bowl, and as the two clays interacted, something unexpected happened—where the blue clay shows on the inside, the white appears on the outside, and vice versa. It wasn’t something I had planned, but that’s what makes it so special. The bowl decided its own outcome, and that’s the beauty of handmade work—it’s full of surprises, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike.



Why Handmade Resonates with People


I think people are drawn to handmade ceramics for that very reason—the uniqueness of each piece. Even if two pieces look alike, like some of my slipcast work, there are always subtle differences in the finish or texture.


There’s something personal about knowing the piece you’re holding was crafted by someone’s hands, not a machine. It makes people feel more connected to the art, and I think that’s why they’re often more inclined to choose handmade over mass-produced.


The Power of Slowing Down


Lately, I’ve been slowing down my process, and it’s made such a difference in my work and my life. I used to feel like I needed to constantly add new pieces to my website, but over the past week or so, I’ve realized that rushing isn’t necessary. 


I’ve been spending more time with my family, and when I’m in the studio, I’ve focused on enjoying the making process rather than trying to crank out as many pieces as possible. This slower pace has allowed me to create more thoughtfully. I’ve noticed that my pieces feel more intentional and meaningful.


A Hope for Connection


At the end of the day, I hope anyone who buys my handmade ceramic pieces enjoy using them as much as I enjoy making them. I want my pieces to bring joy, and I hope people feel the time, care, and emotion I put into each one. Handmade ceramics have a heart behind them, and I hope that heart comes through every time someone picks up one of my pieces.



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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