When we polled our editors for their favorite sources for handmade pottery, we received a waterfall of responses and knew we had to share the list with you. It’s safe to say the CS team is ceramics-obsessed, and we’re not the only ones who’ve noticed that handmade stoneware is making a comeback lately. Our editors have rounded up all of the vessels we’re eyeing this year from our favorite emerging artists and well-established potters.
All different and unique, handmade pieces bring an timeless human touch to any home, making them a thoughtful and original gift for anyone on your list.
The antidote to our world of over-production, these pieces embrace the beauty in imperfection, while being functional, sustainable, and, of course, fun. Every vessel tells a story even bigger than the makers that brought them to life, and we’ve got something to hold your breakfast, your coffee, your candles, and your succulents on this list.
Plus, when you give the gift of handmade goodness, you’ll likely support some women-led small businesses in the process—bonus!
Goddess Natura II in Cloud by Soul Matter Studio
We’ve all been eyeing the gorgeous stonewares in the Soul Matter Studio collection, all handmade in Austin, TX by one-woman show Isabel Glatthorn. In Isabel’s words “look no further for a passionate romantic partner because she’s right here.” This gorgeous, curvy vase is perfect for holding your small flowers or branches and brings uniqueness to any shelf.
The Mug in Eggshell from East Fork
East Fork is based in Asheville, NC, and all of the pottery is made by local artists with local clay, with glazes mixed in-house. With dreamy neutrals in a variety of clays, any of their pieces are a major upgrade to your dishware. We want to sip all of the hot cocoa out of this mug and love the eggshell color.
Habba Vessel from Nur Ceramics
“Whether a vessel holds a physical or intangible purpose- function influences form, and form function.” These words from Brooklyn-based ceramic artist, Dina Nur Satti are reflected in all of her beautiful work. Her pieces explore “cultural storytelling” and there’s a history behind every vessel. She sells through a variety of stockists across the U.S. and also takes orders through her website. If you can get your hands on one of her gorgeous pieces like this Habba vessel, you’re one lucky gal.
Pitcher in White by Maya Blu
Maya started another single woman-run business and even designed and built her own studio right here in Austin, TX. We love all of her simple, organic pieces, especially this gorgeous pitcher that would be a stylish addition to any dinner party or brunch at home.
Dinner Plate by Heath Ceramics
Heath Ceramics is all about helping you create a table you love, and we are swooning over their modern, minimal pieces. Everything is designed and created in Sausalito, California, and we want to bring all of their handmade goodness home, especially these classic dinner plates.
Stackable Matcha Bowls by Sugarhouse Ceramic Co.
These stackable matcha bowls can bring a little bit of added happiness to your morning drink ritual. In fact, if you need a smile, read about the married couple behind Sugarhouse Ceramic co. who married after 6 months of dating and started their business together.
Large Pen Striped Vase by Workaday Handmade
Brooklyn-based Forrest Lewinger turned his side gig of hand-thrown ceramics into a full-blown business that sells to high-end boutiques, museums, and design stores. He’s got playful and quirky pieces that are anything but boring. We especially love this large pen striped vase to hold some pretty flowers or stems.
Stav Vessel by Simone Bodmer-Turner
Now that we’ve entered splurge territory, we couldn’t leave out Simone Bodmer-Turner. Her curvy, unique pieces, like this antique-inspired Stav Vessel, are timeless collector’s items and handmade pottery goals.
Ceramic Incense Holder by Gjusta Goods
One of Camille’s favorite sources for pottery, Gjusta goods has pieces that are designed for cooking, gathering, and living. Their items are handmade in California and created for daily use. This delicately pretty incense holder would make the perfect gift for that cool friend on your list who already has it all.
Berry Bowl in Speckled White by Gopi Shah Ceramics
Have you ever seen a more cute and functional bowl? This Berry Bowl from Gopi Shah ceramics is ideal for rinsing out your berries or whatever favorite fruit you want to snack on. Gopi Shah is a one-woman handcrafted pottery design studio out of Long Beach, California, and we love all of her funky, unique designs.
Mini Vase by Femme Sole
Femme Sole has a variety of smooth and sleek pieces like this adorable mini vase to hold small flowers or branches. Every vessel instills a sense of grounded calm, and in her words “symbolizes human energy in union with nature’s five elements, earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.” Everything is handmade in her Brooklyn studio.
Settle Oil Bottle by Settle Ceramics
To be honest, I want every single piece from Settle Ceramics, handcrafted by sole maker Samantha in Austin, TX. She has a variety of stoneware in both vibrant and neutral glazes that is functional, unique, and downright gorgeous. We love this oil bottle that would make the perfect gift for anyone on your list and look beautiful on the kitchen counter!
Round Speckled Teapot Mudhavi
Speaking of looking cute on the counter, how cute is this teapot? The dark speckly clay is cozy, creamy, and organic. This is the perfect gift your tea-loving friend will use every day but didn’t even know they wanted. We love Mudhavi’s collection of earthy, delicate pottery made off the Gold Coast in Australia.
Macaroni Vase by Rachel Saunders Ceramics
We love this unique, sculptural vase by Rachel Saunders Ceramics. Her pieces strike a balance of bold, yet minimal and “highlight the inherent beauty of natural materials.” All pieces are handmade on the west coast of Canada.
Mini Creamer by Pigeon Toe Ceramics
Pigeon Toe is a sibling and female-owned business out of Portland, OR. Lisa Jones formed the business “with an aversion to the excess of mass-produced goods.” All of their vibrant and approachable pieces, like these mini creamers, make the perfect gift. This little vessel will make them feel fancy while they’re making their morning drink.
