Winter in the Studio

Writing today on a particularly chilly day with snow falling outside the studio window and an internal temperature of around 5 degrees Celsius when we arrived at the estate. But the heating is on, coffee is brewing and Juno the dog is snug under her blanket. The weeks have flown by since last September, I had a very special family wedding to celebrate and a few trips away late last year. Whilst trying to stock up the studio for the festive season, it seemed to start early with festive purchases jumping from late October. Cups, vases, fruit bowls, scallop shells and of course pomegranates were the pieces that got the most attention both online and in the shop, so note to self to make more of these.

I reworked a much loved green glaze that you might have seen used over the years, usually brushed over a white or oatmeal base glaze. This time around the recipe tweaks gave a much deeper green which I’ve named Moss green. It is a colour that I am drawn to in textiles, interiors and nature, so I was delighted to bring that out in my ceramics. The glaze does have some limitations in its use, but I found that my pomegranates showed off the beautiful moss green colour best, as do the little flat dishes with gold decals. These were wheel thrown, dipped in a light layer of green and finished with gold beetle and plant decals, layering nicely over the green.

So far in 2025 I have had a little fight with the cold dark days and my motivation, but currently working on a huge batch of pomegranates and big fruit bowls because those two things are never a chore to make. Looking forward to the days warming up a little and the next season beginning.