Handmade by Kelsey Schissel of Plays In Mud Pottery in Asheville, North Carolina.

Due to their handmade nature, the piece you receive will be similar, but not identical to the one pictured.

My gallery and studio are located in Asheville, NC, where I pour my passion into creating pottery. One of the most frequently asked questions is how did I become interested in pottery? There wasn’t a specific beginning—it was simply a way of life growing up, surrounded by handmade objects. But if you’re asking when I knew I wanted to become a potter, that moment came while helping my dad, master chair maker and blacksmith Lyle Wheeler, at a craft show in Banner Elk, NC. North Carolina heritage potters Glen and Lula Bolick were there, demonstrating on a kick wheel outside. I was captivated! I spent hours watching Lula, completely mesmerized. Eventually, she invited me to touch the pot she was shaping. The moment my finger slid across the clay, I felt a spark in my soul—I knew I wanted to make pottery. That moment set me on the path I’ve been crafting ever since.

In today’s busy, tech-filled world, I believe pottery grounds us, reconnecting us to the present moment. Using a handmade mug or bowl becomes an act of mindfulness, a small ritual in our daily lives.

I use clay purchased from the Village Potters in RAD and mix all my own glazes.  Primarily I throw pieces on the potters wheel and then using small handmade stamps that I design and make; I decorate the surface of the pot one stamp at a time.  Once it’s decorated I bisque fire it, glaze it and fire it again. These thoughtful touches create an intimate and beautiful connection with every item I make, transforming everyday moments into something special.

Find more work from Plays In Mud Pottery here.