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The Smiling Willow
Discover the Charm of Unique Medieval inspired Wares.
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Inspired by Other Realms
My pottery journey began like many during the COVID lockdown – inspired by "The Great Pottery Throw Down" and a deep dive into creativity! As soon as studios reopened, I dove in, starting with the basics and repeating forms to build skill. Now, I pour that passion into crafting pieces that make you feel like a princess or a bard, adding a touch of magic to even the most ordinary coffee mornings. ✨
How the Magic Happens
Every single piece you see is a labor of love, meticulously crafted by
my own hands. My process honors traditional pottery techniques, ensuring each item holds a unique story and an enduring quality:
The Process
1) Hand-Thrown on the Wheel: It all begins with a lump of clay, centered and shaped by hand on the potter's wheel. This initial forming imbues each piece with an organic uniqueness, capturing the subtle variations of my touch.
2) Hand-Trimmed and Refined: Once the clay is firm enough, each vessel is carefully hand-trimmed. This stage sculpts the foot ring, refines the contours, and adds the finishing touches to its form.
3) First Firing (Bisque Fired): The bone-dry pieces undergo their first transformation in the kiln, a process known as bisque firing. This hardens the clay, making it durable enough to handle and ready for glazing.
4) Hand-Glazed with Care: Each bisque-fired piece is then individually hand-glazed. I apply my glazes, often in multiple layers, which melt and flow uniquely in the final firing, creating the distinctive patterns and colors you see.
5) The Final Transformation (Glaze Fired): The glazed pieces return to the kiln for their final, high-temperature glaze firing. It's during this intense heat that the glazes mature, fuse with the clay, and develop their rich, lustrous, or matte finishes.
One-of-a-Kind Creations:
Due to this intricate hand-making process, no two pieces are exactly alike. You might notice charming variations in size, form, texture, or glaze application – these are not imperfections, but rather the unique qualities that make your piece truly one-of-a-kind. They are a testament to the human touch and the natural dance of fire and clay.
Quality Assurance:
Before any vessel finds its new home, I meticulously test each one for water retention. This ensures your handmade piece is not only beautifal but also fully functional and ready to be cherished for years to come.
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