More Clay and More Classes Soon

Last week’s pottery class was an absolute blast, but it was also my last chance to throw on the wheel for a few weeks, which has me feeling a bit wistful. I made the most of it, throwing five pieces in our final session. One was a total flop that I’m oddly attached to (it’s got character!), while the other four turned out decently—good enough to keep, at least! This week, we’re diving into trimming all our pieces, and next week we’ll glaze, wrapping up this six-week journey. It’s been such a fun ride, and I’m not ready for it to end.

Thankfully, I’ve already got more clay adventures lined up! I signed up for a seasonal pottery class (think festive, holiday-themed creations) and a six-week continuing class to level up my wheel-throwing skills. I’m so excited to keep learning and pushing myself. But if I’m honest, I’m itching to get my own pottery wheel. I keep daydreaming about having a dedicated space where I can sit, practice one skill at a time—centering, pulling, shaping—and just lose myself in the process. Picture this: stepping into my own private studio, clay at the ready, creating whenever inspiration strikes. It’s a beautiful thought, and I’m determined to make it a reality someday.

For now, though, life is keeping me busy with other challenges. Our previous house still hasn’t sold, which means we’re stuck in a holding pattern before we can find a new home, buy it, and start the moving process… again. It’s a lot, and I know I’m going to need some serious clay time to stay grounded through it all. There’s something so therapeutic about the wheel, and I’m already counting down to my next class.

Until next time, keep creating, embrace the flops, and hold on to those dreams of a space to call your own—whether it’s a studio or something else entirely.

Pottery Date Night

This week, my husband pulled off the sweetest surprise—a couples pottery night as a special date! Four weeks into my eight-week pottery class, I thought I had a decent handle on the wheel, but sharing the experience with him made it so much more fun. We laughed, got our hands dirty, and created together, reminding me why I love these moments of connection.

I’m no stranger to clay at this point, but it still throws me curveballs. It’s humbling how the clay demands focus and patience. I tried some new techniques our instructor introduced during the couples session, pushing myself beyond the basics I’ve been practicing. My piece wasn’t my finest work, but I loved experimenting and seeing what I could do. My husband, on the other hand, was the real MVP. He’s never touched a wheel before, and centering the clay was a struggle for him. With a few tips from me (and a lot of encouragement), he shaped a beautifully round bowl. I was so proud watching him get the hang of it—his determination was everything!

The class flew by in a messy, joyful blur. I’m already buzzing for my next regular session on Wednesday. I’m hooked on throwing, and I can’t stop dreaming about owning my own wheel. I want to spend hours perfecting my centering, refining each step, and just losing myself in the process. There’s something so grounding about it.

After our two-hour clay adventure, we cleaned up (mostly) and headed out for dinner. Korean food and boba tea hit the spot—pure bliss. Now that we’re living near family, it’s such a treat to carve out these date nights every now and then. They’re a little reset for us amidst the whirlwind of life.

On another note, today I’m getting ready for a big move into a rental. We’re grateful to have our own space after staying with family, but it’s the smallest place we’ve ever lived in with kids. It’s going to be a wild ride—either we’ll grow closer as a family, or we’ll all be itching for some elbow room (ha!). Either way, I’m excited to make it our own and see what this next chapter brings.

Until next time, keep creating, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy—on the wheel or in life.

What’s a fun date night you’ve had lately? And if you’re a pottery pro, drop your best tips—I’m five weeks in and always learning!

Another Day in the Pottery Studio: Trimming Pots

This week in my pottery class, I didn’t get to throw new clay on the wheel, but I dove into the art of trimming our previously thrown pots. Some of my pieces turned out beautifully, and I’m genuinely proud of them. Others? Well, let’s just call them part of the learning process—charmingly imperfect.

I’m constantly amazed at how quickly our 2.5-hour class flies by. I sit down, get lost in the rhythm of shaping clay, and before I know it, it’s time to clean up. One session a week feels far too short to satisfy my growing pottery obsession. That said, I’ve noticed my back gets sore by the end, so I’m planning to set an hourly alarm to remind myself to stretch. I’m also working on maintaining good posture and engaging my core to build strength while I work.

Overall, I’m thrilled with most of my creations so far. Next up, they’ll head to the bisque firing stage. There’s one bowl I’m a bit worried about, but as every potter knows, the kiln has the final say on what survives.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for next week’s class, where we’ll learn to pull cylinders and work with more clay. I can’t wait to try my hand at making a vase! While I missed throwing clay this time, trimming my vessels was its own kind of satisfying—and a lot less messy to clean up. I’m so eager to share my finished creations with you all soon!

The side quest gets a side quest: 3D printing

Hey there, pottery enthusiasts! I’m diving headfirst into the world of clay, and let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind of creativity and calm. As a newbie in my pottery class—week three is this week, marking the halfway point of this course—I’m already hooked. The thought of the class ending makes me a little sad, so I’m already scoping out the next one to sign up for. Pottery has become my escape, my happy place, and I can’t get enough of it.

One of the fun side projects I’ve been playing with is designing a pottery signature. Now, I know I’m new to this, and a fancy signature stamp isn’t exactly a necessity, but I love tinkering with 3D printer files. So, I decided to create my own pottery mark! It’s nothing elaborate—I started with someone else’s base model and tweaked it to fit my style. The signature reads “Skye,” which is what I’ve always used to sign my artwork. It feels personal, like a little piece of me on every pot.

This stamp isn’t my final design, though. I’m working on another version that includes a symbol, but it’s not quite right yet. For now, this simple “Handmade by Skye” stamp suits my beginner pottery vibe perfectly. Let’s be real—my pots are far from business quality, but they’re full of heart, and that’s what matters to me right now.

When I’m stressed (which, let’s be honest, is more often than I’d like), my mind drifts to a dream I can’t shake: my own pottery studio. I imagine a cozy space filled with clay, a wheel, and endless possibilities. It’s my mental escape when life feels heavy. Right now, though, that dream is on hold. We’re still struggling to sell our old house, which means we can’t buy a new one or settle into a space where I could start building that studio. It’s frustrating, but I keep reminding myself that God is in control, and everything will happen in His timing.

In the meantime, I’m throwing clay and letting the wheel work its magic. Pottery has this way of grounding me (pun intended). It’s messy, it’s meditative, and it’s exactly what I need when life feels overwhelming. So, here’s to week three, imperfect signatures, and the joy of creating something with my own two hands. I’ll keep you posted on my pottery journey—and maybe one day, I’ll be writing from my very own studio!

Until then, I’m off. Anyone else out there obsessed with pottery? Let me know in the comments!

Pottery Skill Leveling Up

It's hard to believe we're already into Week 2 of my pottery class. Those 2.5 hours vanish in an instant—I sit down at the wheel, blink, and suddenly it's time to pack up. Every session ends with me lingering, itching to throw just one more piece. That week-long break between classes? It's a blessing in disguise. I'm discovering muscles I never knew existed, and I'm left with a gentle soreness that lingers for a day or two afterward. Note to self: carve out time to research some targeted stretches for these new aches.

The adventure is ramping up, and I'm thrilled with the pieces I'm shaping. I can't wait to see them transformed—glazed, fired, and ready to emerge from the kiln like little miracles. Next week brings trimming, another layer of this tactile magic, and with every new skill I pick up, my craving for my own pottery wheel intensifies. My teacher even complimented my centering ability, which she says trips up most beginners. I'll take the win! It might sound quirky, but I suspect my background in physics is giving me an edge. I can almost intuitively map out how applying pressure in specific spots will influence the clay's behavior—it's like a hands-on physics experiment, and the satisfaction is pure bliss.

In a moment of bold experimentation (or sheer madness), I decided to tempt fate and throw left-handed. For context, I sometimes flip my dominant hand in casual activities—never writing, but things like eating feel more natural that way. Back in high school, when I played drums, I switched without realizing until my left-handed dad pointed it out. I've even caught myself hanging towels with my left. So why not clay? It started promisingly—not a total flop from the get-go—but the wall-pulling stage flopped (pun intended). I'm a confirmed right-handed puller, no doubt about it. Plus, switching would mean halting everything, resetting the wheel's direction, and starting over. Lesson learned: I'll stick to my right hand and focus on bulking up those little hand muscles instead.

Thanks for tagging along on this muddy journey—it's messy, meditative, and endlessly rewarding. Here are my creations from the week. Can't wait to share the next chapter!

Pottery Side Quest

This city is brimming with pottery studios that beckon with memberships and hands-on classes. With the kids off to school, I embarked on a bold new quest: mastering the pottery wheel in a thrilling 6-week beginner’s course. From the first spin, I was utterly captivated! As I left the studio, my heart raced like I’d just conquered the final boss in an epic RPG, a wild rush of dopamine fueling my soul. I’m already craving the next session, eager to dive back into the coaxing of clay. I could’ve danced with the clay for hours! I’m stoked to chart this creative adventure and unveil the treasures I’ll craft. I think I must have gain a level in pottery today and I look forward to leveling up more.

Passing around the ick

It’s that time of year again—back-to-school season! The kids are settling into their routines, backpacks stuffed with supplies, and excitement in the air. But along with new pencils and homework, there’s one unwelcome guest that always seems to tag along: germs. True to form, one of the kids brought home a bug, and now it’s making its way through the family. This week, it’s my turn to battle the sniffles.

Right now, my focus is on rest and hydration—doctor’s orders (and common sense). That means my usual hobbies, like crafting and gaming with the kids, are temporarily on hold. The sewing machine is quiet, and the game controllers are gathering dust, but I know this is just a short pause. As soon as I’m back on my feet, I can’t wait to dive back into the fun and share updates on the new games we’ve been playing as a family.

Until then, I’m sending out a reminder to everyone: stay healthy, wash those hands, and maybe keep some extra tissues on hand. I’ll be back soon with more adventures from our game nights and craft table. Take care!