a love letter to pottery

At House of Thayer, our passion extends beyond candles and illustrations. We're deeply drawn to objects that tell a story, that embody craftsmanship, and that connect us to something timeless. That's why we wanted to share a bit about why we have such a soft spot for pottery.

For us, pottery is more than just clay; it's a testament to "the hands of the past", the very principle that guides much of what we do. Each piece reflects a lineage of skill and tradition, a tangible link to artisans who have shaped earth for centuries. The clay, shaped by hands, become a vessel of stories - of human touch - of earth’s very soul. It's that human touch, those slight variations that come from hand-making, that make each piece unique and precious.

I find such romance in it’s creation - from the moment the potter’s hands meet the yielding clay, to the dance on the wheel as it begins to take form. Each curve, each glaze, each firing in the kiln feels like a whispered promise, a love letter fired into existence.

We're drawn to pottery that feels authentic, that shows the marks of the maker, and that carries a sense of history. When you hold a handmade pottery bowl or mug, you're connecting with that process, with the hands that shaped it, and with the earth from which it came. It's a reminder of simpler times, of a slower pace, and of the beauty that can be found in the everyday.

I (Kat) reserved time during my trip to middle England in January to try the potter's wheel. I spent a lovely morning in a sunlit studio within a quaint hamlet, surrounded by fellow pottery enthusiasts, learning to build and mold clay. I cherish it’s imperfections - those gentle wobbles and unique markings that tell of the maker’s hand and the organic nature of it’s being.

There's something truly magical about a piece of pottery. It starts as a simple lump of clay, then, through the skill and vision of an artisan, it transforms into something functional and beautiful. Each piece carries the mark of its maker, a unique fingerprint of human touch. The slight imperfections, the variations in glaze, the subtle curves – these aren't flaws; they're what give each piece its character and soul.

Pottery is never sterile or cold, but always warm, always inviting. Holding it, you feel a connection not only to the artist who brought it to life but to the earth from which it came. The speckled glazes that mimic the night sky, the matte finishes that feel like velvet, the vibrant pops of color that bring joy to the everyday—these are the details that steal our hearts.

It’s honest and unpretentious. It brings a sense of grounded-ness to our daily lives.

Pottery graces our tables, holding nourishment and delight. It adorns our shelves - a quiet testament to the beauty found in the artisanal. It holds flowers, turning simple stems into a poetic display. Pottery is the perfect marriage of function and art, practical yet utterly captivating.

We are drawn to pottery that has a story to tell - pieces that bring a touch of warmth and authenticity to the home. This aligns perfectly with our philosophy at House of Thayer, where we celebrate craftsmanship, sustainability, and the "hands of the past." We believe that surrounding ourselves with objects made with care and intention can enrich our lives and create spaces that feel truly special.

We see pottery as an extension of our commitment to quality and thoughtful living. These aren’t just objects; they're vessels that hold our meals, our flowers, our stories. They remind us to slow down, to appreciate the simple beauty in the everyday, and to honor the craftsmanship that goes into creating something that lasts.

So next time you see a piece of pottery, take a moment to appreciate the artistry, the history, and the human connection it represents. We certainly do.

And thank you, pottery (and potters!), for being a tangible reminder of beauty in the everyday, for carrying the warmth of human touch, and for your timeless, grounded elegance. You are truly loved.