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Discover My Craft and DIY Blogs
Welcome to my handmade pottery blog, where I share stories behind my ceramic art, glazing techniques, and the inspiration that fuels my studio work in Charlotte.


Top 5 Luxury Handmade Pottery Pieces That Elevate a Space
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
Allison Neiss
Dec 23, 20254 min read


Why Handmade Pottery Stands Apart from Mass-Produced Ceramics
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
Allison Neiss
Dec 11, 20253 min read


How I Design Custom Ceramic Wedding Gifts Inspired by Each Couple
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
Allison Neiss
Nov 1, 20253 min read


Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture: My Ocean-Inspired Wave Vase
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
Allison Neiss
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Why Handmade Ceramic Bowls Make the Perfect Centerpieces
In my Charlotte studio, I start with a lump of stoneware clay and watch it transform into a beautiful centerpiece under my hands.
Allison Neiss
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Custom Logo-Stamped Ceramic Garlic Graters for Client Gifts
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
Allison Neiss
Sep 10, 20253 min read


Handmade Pottery Gifts for Corporate Clients That Are Meaningful
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
Allison Neiss
Sep 1, 20253 min read


Handmade Pottery for Home Décor: Unique Ceramic Bowls, Vases, and Sculptures
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...
Allison Neiss
Jul 12, 20252 min read


Top 5 Handmade Ceramic Pieces for the Perfect Housewarming Gift
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
Allison Neiss
May 10, 20254 min read
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