Discover My Craft and DIY Blogs

How a social media message turned into my largest custom piece I still remember reading Craig’s first message on Instagram. He had come across my work while scrolling and wanted to know if I would be interested in creating a Large Ceramic Fruit Bowl  for a new café space he was building at Connect Labs Charlotte. The café was part of a modern building supporting a medical school, with a strong focus on health, wellness, and community. He sent photos of the space, explained ho

The craft market evaluation tool is designed as a first-pass evaluation to help makers slow down, compare events more objectively, and make informed decisions before committing time and resources

Coastal-Inspired Ceramics Designed for Designers, Stagers, and Curated Interiors When I’m creating work in my Charlotte studio, I’m always thinking about how a piece will live in a space. I consider scale, light, texture, and how the form will interact with furniture and architectural elements. Luxury handmade pottery plays a quiet but important role in interiors, especially for designers, home stagers, and boutique buyers who want to add depth and warmth without visual clutt

When I am selling my handmade pottery at a local event, people sometimes ask if any of my work is made on the wheel. While wheel-throwing a beautiful craft, it is not the method I use. Every single piece, from a small garlic grater to a large ceramic bowl, is hand built in my pottery studio in Charlotte. Most importantly, nothing is mass produced, and nothing is made anywhere but my own table. I love sharing this, especially for anyone searching for why handmade pottery is be

Last weekend, I had the chance to participate in the first annual Mooresville Fine Arts Festival , and it ended up being one of the most thoughtfully organized events I’ve attended as a ceramic artist. As someone who primarily works in South Charlotte, I’m always grateful for opportunities to meet new communities, and this festival brought together a warm, engaged crowd who genuinely appreciated handmade work. A Juried Event That Felt Meaningful One of the things that immedia

There’s something special about creating a piece that becomes part of someone’s wedding story. When I’m working on a custom ceramic wedding gift, I always think about the couple who will unwrap it for the first time. Knowing that something hand-built in my studio may live in their home for decades is one of the reasons I love creating pottery wedding gifts that feel personal, lasting, and full of heart. A Recent Commission That Stayed With Me Recently, I worked with a custom

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, I had the joy of taking part in Artisan Day at Traditions in Charlotte . It was one of those special days that reminded me why I love being part of a creative community. From the moment I arrived, I could feel a sense of warmth and hospitality. Traditions of Charlotte, NC  is a stunning interior design store in the Park Road Shopping Center. Founded by Sharon Garfield more than thirty years ago, it has become a beloved part of the Charlotte desi

An Unexpected Call I was halfway through dinner last night when my phone rang. A man from a local manufacturing company had found my website on Google Maps and was on a bit of a mission. His company has worked with a vendor in Hong Kong for thirty-eight years, and he wanted to find a nice thank-you gift that actually meant something. He told me he had his eye on the ruffled ceramic centerpiece bowl  in blue green tones from my site and wanted to know if it was available. The

There’s a quiet moment in the studio when a piece finally starts to come alive. When I began this wave sculpture vase , I wanted to capture the rhythm of water and the energy of the coast. Using stoneware clay, I built the form slowly, letting each curve develop naturally. I’ve always loved handbuilding because it lets me feel the clay respond in real time. It stretches, resists, and softens, almost as if it has its own opinion. Each line and ridge became part of a larger flo

In my Charlotte studio, I start with a lump of stoneware clay and watch it transform into a beautiful centerpiece under my hands.

How My Ceramic Garlic Graters Became a Client Gift Idea When I first began creating pottery, I never imagined how many ways my work would connect with people. One of my most loved pieces has been the ceramic garlic grater; a simple but versatile tool that makes everyday cooking easier. Recently, a local business owner reached out to commission a set of handmade garlic graters, each stamped with her company logo, to give as gifts to her clients. That special order sparked an

Over the years, I’ve learned that many businesses struggle to find corporate gifts that feel both polished and personal. The usual options like wine, gift baskets, or branded merchandise may be enjoyed briefly, but they’re often forgotten just as quickly. That’s why I love creating handmade pottery gifts for corporate clients. These pieces offer something different. They are functional works of art that feel intentional, meaningful, and lasting. When you gift a handcrafted ce

As a ceramic artist deeply passionate about crafting handmade pottery, there’s nothing more rewarding than sending my work to homes...

In today’s world of mass production, it’s easy for homes to start looking the same. Big box stores are full of identical vases, neutral...

Whenever I’m invited to a friend’s or family member’s newly purchased home, I always remember to bring a thoughtful housewarming gift. I believe it’s a kind gesture that adds a special touch to their new space. Here’s why I think custom pottery makes such a great gift for a housewarming party: Practicality - Handmade pottery isn’t just beautiful, but it can also be very practical. Whether it’s a small bowl for holding your car keys or a vase for fresh flowers, pottery is some

I’m thrilled to share that I was recently invited to participate in Anthropologie’s Mother’s Day Pop-Up Market! This special event took place on May 2nd and was an incredible opportunity to showcase my handmade ceramics in such a beautiful and inspiring space. A few weeks ago, a representative from Anthropologie reached out to invite me to join their Mother’s Day pop-up event. I was both shocked and honored to receive such an invitation. Anthropologie operates over 200 stores

How I Got Involved with the Heart Ball Last year, I had the opportunity to donate one of my handmade ceramic pieces to the Greater Charlotte Heart Ball  an annual fundraiser benefiting the American Heart Association. This sculptural vase was one of the many great items donated to be part of the event's auction, which ended up raising $700 for their cause. The American Heart Association  works to advance research on heart disease and stroke, promote healthier lifestyles, and

Now that I’m shipping in boxes that are properly sized, I’ve reduced shipping costs thanks to smaller dimensions and lighter weight.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through my process of sculpting a flower shaped ceramic bowl

I’m always excited when I get an order to ship my pottery, but the last thing I want is for my customers to receive their order in a...