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A warm, festive pottery workshop in our Willoughton studio where five friends created mono-printed Christmas tree platters, inspired by Donna Bloye’s techniques.

In a world where almost anything can be ordered, printed, and delivered within 24 hours, it’s easy to forget what it means to make something slowly — to shape, refine, and finish it by hand. Yet, across the globe, people are rediscovering the quiet joy of craftsmanship. For us at Village Ceramics & Crafts , the handmade movement isn’t nostalgia — it’s a conscious choice to live and create differently. Beyond Convenience Mass production has its place, of course. It fills shelv

In an age of convenience and mass production, there’s something deeply grounding about creating by hand. Pottery has always been a slow, mindful art — a balance of patience, skill, and respect for the materials of the earth. At Village Ceramics & Crafts , sustainability isn’t a passing trend; it’s at the heart of how we work. From reclaiming clay to carefully timing our kiln firings, every decision is made with an eye on both artistry and environmental impact. Reclaiming and

Village Ceramics & Crafts reports on the results of its recent copper-green raku vessel giveaway, which attracted over 140 UK entrants. The post details the entry process, winner selection, and campaign outcomes.

Azure Wave” — A kiln-cast glass sculpture created from hand-cut Bullseye glass blocks, fused and annealed over two days in a stainless-steel mould. The deep ocean blue glass captures and reflects sunlight, projecting rippled shadows across the windowsill. There’s a quiet magic to working with glass — a material that is both fragile and eternal, fluid and solid, responsive yet unpredictable. Our sculpture “Azure Wave”  embodies that duality: a deep ocean blue crest frozen in m

Earthenware is one of the oldest and most accessible forms of pottery, beloved for its warm, rustic tones and versatility. Whether you’re creating tableware, sculptural pieces, or decorative tiles, mastering the art of glazing and firing earthenware can make the difference between a dull finish and a vibrant, professional result. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips from our own studio at Village Ceramics & Crafts  to help you get the best out of your next earthenware firing.

If you’ve ever admired a beautifully glazed mug or a delicately crafted vase, you might have wondered how those pieces achieve their final, durable form. The secret lies in the firing process, where raw clay transforms into sturdy ceramic art. Today, I’m inviting you to join me on a warm, slightly quirky journey through the world of ceramic kiln techniques. Whether you’re a home decorator looking to add a personal touch to your space, a gift-giver hunting for something truly

Behind every smooth, glossy bowl and perfectly poured mug lies a world of cracked pots, glaze mishaps, and kiln catastrophes. Pottery might look serene from the outside — all gentle wheel-spinning and rhythmic trimming — but those of us who live with the dust and the drama know better. At Village Ceramics & Crafts, we’ve had our fair share of triumphs and disasters, and we wouldn’t trade either for anything. A raku vessel fresh from the kiln — proof that even unpredictable gl

Every so often, a technique comes along that makes you look at clay in a completely new way. Our recent mono-printing session was one of those moments — an afternoon filled with colour, creativity, and laughter that brought a whole new perspective to surface decoration. A Masterclass with Donna Bloye Earlier in the year, we had the pleasure of attending a one-day masterclass in the transfer painting technique of mono-printing with none other than Donna Bloye , the 2024 winne

Two freshly finished Raku vases cooling on the studio shelf — their abstract glazes alive with rich greens, oranges, and coppery tones. There are some mornings that seem tailor-made for Raku — crisp air, low autumn sunlight glancing across the gravel, and that quiet sense of anticipation before the first firing of the day. At our Lincolnshire barn studio, the yard was already golden with light as we set up for what promised to be a perfect session: two newly glazed vessels wa

Discover how the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi inspires our handmade ceramics—celebrating imperfection, impermanence, and the art of natural beauty.

Discover how traditional pit firing transforms clay into smoke-marked ceramics. Village Ceramics & Crafts explores this ancient technique with modern precision.

Discover how pit-firing transforms simple clay into unique, smoke-patterned art. Learn about our brick-built firing pit and how raku clay ensures every pot survives with striking natural colour and texture.

If you’ve ever admired a beautifully glazed ceramic vase or a charming handmade mug, you might have wondered how those vibrant colours and smooth finishes come to life. The secret lies in the art of pottery firing, specifically the bisque and glaze firing process. Today, I’m going to take you on a friendly, down-to-earth journey through these essential pottery firing steps. Whether you’re a home decorator looking to add a personal touch to your space, a gift-giver hunting fo

When I first stumbled upon the world of unique handmade ceramics, I was instantly captivated. There’s something about the imperfect curves, the subtle textures, and the rich stories behind each piece that makes these creations feel alive. Unlike mass-produced items, these ceramics carry a soul, a whisper of the artist’s hands and heart. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself drawn to the warmth and character that only handcrafted pottery can bring into a home. Why U

Our pottery barn transformation is complete! A bright, insulated studio with new kilns, workspace, and storage — ready for creative making again.

Two weeks into this chaotic packing and ripping-out process, and it’s safe to say… we underestimated just how much work this would take....

Today, we finally took the first steps on a project we've been mulling over for ages—the complete refurbishment of the pottery and...

Have you ever felt the pull of old-world charm calling you back to simpler, more tactile times? About a year ago, I dove headfirst into...

I’m thrilled to share an exciting chapter in my creative journey! Back in 2003, while cruising the majestic Nile, I encountered a...