Handmade Decorative Vases

Every handmade ceramic vase begins with a slab base, carefully shaped to establish the foundation. From there, I use traditional coil building techniques to bring the form to life, stacking and smoothing coils of clay as I build upward. The height, size, and silhouette of the vase evolve as I work, allowing me to respond to the natural rhythm of the clay. I love this process because it gives me the freedom to adjust the shape, proportions, and personality of each piece as it develops. No two vases ever come out the same.

One of the most creative decisions happens when I design the top of the vase. Sometimes I’ll create a soft fluttered rim, other times I’ll sculpt leaf-like edges, or keep the lip more structured for a modern feel. Depending on the width of the base, I decide how dramatic or subtle I want the top to be, which makes each vase completely unique. These choices allow me to create coil built pottery vases that range from simple and elegant to bold, sculptural statement pieces.

Once the form is complete and the clay has reached a leather-hard stage, I often use my DiamondCore tools to carve into the surface. This carving process lets me add texture, patterns, or subtle lines that highlight the movement of the clay. It’s a stage that requires patience, as the clay must be dry enough to hold detail but still soft enough to accept my designs. This step adds depth and dimension to my one-of-a-kind clay vases, making them beautiful from every angle.

After the carving is complete, the vases go through bisque firing, glazing, and high firing. Each glaze application is done by hand, layering colors to enhance the natural form of the piece. The result is a unique decorative vase that can be displayed on its own as an art object or used to hold flowers and greenery. Collectors and home décor lovers often tell me they enjoy how each vase feels personal, with no two pieces alike.

My handmade ceramic vases are built slowly, thoughtfully, and with an eye for detail. Whether you’re drawn to the organic flow of a fluttered rim, the earthy texture of carved designs, or the timeless form of a simple vessel, each vase carries the marks of the hand that shaped it. For me, the joy is in the making—starting with a simple slab of clay and watching it transform into something lasting, meaningful, and completely original.