Behind the Scenes: How I Create My Handmade Pottery
Have you ever wondered how a piece of handmade pottery comes to life? In today’s post, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my creative process here at From Agata. Every cup, plate, or planter starts with a simple lump of clay—and a whole lot of love and creativity.
Step 1: The Spark of Inspiration
Every piece begins with an idea. My inspiration often comes from nature—textures of bark, patterns in leaves, or the calming colors of the sky at sunrise. I also draw from traditional folk art, blending modern simplicity with vintage charm to create something uniquely mine.
Step 2: Shaping the Clay
Once the idea takes form, it’s time to get my hands dirty—literally! I use a technique called slab building, where I roll out clay slabs, cut them into shapes, and assemble them to form the structure. It’s like piecing together a 3D puzzle.
Step 3: Adding Personality
Textures and details are where the magic happens. I love pressing twigs, leaves, or custom stamps into the clay to give each piece its own character. This is also when I think about how the finished piece will feel in your hands—weight, balance, and touch matter.
Step 4: Glazing with Care
After the clay has dried and been fired once, it’s time to glaze. This is my favorite step because it brings color and personality to life. I experiment with earthy, natural tones, sometimes layering glazes for unique effects.
Step 5: The Final Firing
The kiln does its magic, transforming fragile clay into strong, functional pottery. Opening the kiln after a firing is always exciting—it’s like unwrapping a gift!
Why Handmade Matters
Every step in this process is done by hand, with care and intention. That’s what makes handmade pottery so special—it’s not just a product; it’s a story. And I love that my work can become part of your story, too.
Thank you for joining me in the studio today! If you’d like to see more behind-the-scenes moments, follow me on [Instagram] or [TikTok], where I post updates, sneak peeks, and the occasional pottery mishap. 😊
Warm regards,
Agata