The Craft Process
The Craft: From Texas Mud to Vitrified Stoneware
At Blue Nose Trading, I don’t believe in taking shortcuts or cutting corners in my craft. Every piece of pottery that leaves my Texas home studio is the result of a handmade with love, small-batch process designed for durability, functionality, and capturing true artistic soul.
1. Hand-Thrown on the Wheel
The journey of every mug, bowl, or planter made in my studio begins with raw stoneware clay. Each piece is individually hand-thrown on the potter's wheel by artist Tori Solis. Unlike mass-produced ceramics that use molds or "slip-casting," my wheel-thrown method ensures that every item has its own unique character and "honest" handmade feel. The unique feel to every rim, handle and form allow the true humanity of handmade work to shine. Check out this video to watch me make a mug from start to finish.
2. Created for Modern Life
I believe that my forms should serve a specific purpose without trying to overcomplicate function. I use simple shapes, that are comfortable to hold, function well in modern life, and serve their purpose well. Some examples of my focus on function are:
- Travel mugs that fit into cup holders.
- Bonsai pots and planters that are frost and freeze safe, with drainage holes for healthy root systems.
- Microwave and dishwasher safe drinkware and dinnerware.
3. High-Fire Vitrification
To ensure your pottery lasts a lifetime, I fire my kiln to high stoneware temperatures (reaching over 2,200°F). This process, known as vitrification, turns the clay into a dense, glass-like state that is non-porous and incredibly strong.
4. Unique Handmade Glazes
My ceramic practice specializes in using my in-house formulated, handmade glazes that create finishes you won't find anywhere else. Bright colors, speckles, and layered tones bring my work to life. Check out this short video of me mixing a glaze batch.
Watch the Process on YouTube
With so many drop-shippers and scammers on the internet these days, I think it is important to show the honest process and craft that goes into one person truly making all of their ceramic work by hand. To provide this transparency, as well as to share commercial glaze tests with other potters, I document my work on my YouTube channel, Blue Nose Trading.
To see a collection of my past and present work, as well as process videos, pottery learning instructional videos, and testing of various commercial glazes,