Art with heart

the process of creating our artisan pottery

The Journey From Earth to Vessel

The journey begins with a simple, cool mound of clay that rests heavy in the palms. I work the wheel with a slow and steady focus, feeling the walls of the vessel rise through my fingertips as the damp earth finds its shape. Every piece travels through my hands several times, from the first careful throw to the final firing in the kiln. This is a quiet labour of the heart, where I wait for the clay to dry and the glazes to settle into their true colours. It is a slow rhythm of patience and care that transforms a handful of mud into a mug that will hold your tea and warm your hands for years to come.

  • 1. Weighing the Portions

    I pat the freshly wedged clay into neat, plump balls and place them onto our old kitchen scales. I measure each piece with care so every future mug and bowl carries the same familiar, favourite heft.

  • 2. Wedging the Clay

    I start with a cool lump of stoneware clay mined from our rich Canadian soils. I knead it thoroughly on an old wooden workbench to push out any hidden air pockets, which is also a marvellous way to thump out any little morning frustrations.

  • 3. Centering on the Wheel

    I slap one of the prepared clay portions directly onto the centre of the spinning wheel. With wet hands and a strong, steady lean, I persuade the clay to find its true balance before the shaping begins.

  • 4. Opening the Form

    My thumbs press deep into the middle of the spinning mound to open up the heart of the new vessel. Gently squeezing between my fingers, I draw the wet clay upwards to form the smooth walls of a future mug.

  • 5. Shaping and Detail

    I use a simple wooden rib to curve the belly of the mug so it sits comfortably when cupped in two hands. I gently flare the rim at the mouth of the vessel to complement its pleasing, rounded belly, smoothing the edge with a damp sponge so it rests softly against your lips.

  • 6. The Bisque Firing

    The bone-dry pots are stacked carefully into the brick kiln for their first long, slow bake. This initial bisque firing transforms the fragile clay into a durable, porous stone ready to accept our hand-formulated glazes.

  • 7. Painting the Fine Designs

    I use small squeeze bottles fitted with fine needle tips to draw our classic patterns onto the raw, bisque-fired stone. The rich glaze flows gently through the nozzle to fill each hand-drawn outline with a satisfyingly thick line of colour.

  • 8. Glazing the Interiors and Outsides

    Wednesdays are glazing party days in the studio, when my helpful studio assistants gather to brush bright, cheerful shades of glaze into the interiors and a protective clear glaze on the exterior.  Many pairs of hands have touched each piece by the time we finish preparing these comforting, whimsical pottery pieces.

  • 9. The Glaze Firing

    The pots return to the kiln for the final, intense firing where the heat fuses clay and glaze together. I open the heavy kiln door a day later to find glossy, functional houseware ready to sit at the centre of your kitchen table.

The Hidden Heart

I press a tiny, hand-carved heart stamp into the base of several special pieces while the clay is still damp. Our lovely customers often write to share the delight they feel when they discover this secret signature hidden on their favourite new pottery piece.

Adopt your heart's desire