After a few weeks of deeper, more reflective posts, it feels like the right time to lighten things up a bit—because if you’ve been in the shop lately, you know it’s been anything but quiet.

There’s been a lot of laughter. A lot of clay dust. A lot of “wait… what class is this again?” moments (usually from me). And honestly? That has been so much fun!

As we roll toward the end of January we’re officially starting to plan something that feels a little unreal to say out loud…

The Artisan Shop & Studio is turning TWO on March 1st.

Somehow, in between kiln firings, dot painting, paint pouring, crochet classes, slightly crooked mug handles, and classes filling faster than we anticipated, two full years have passed. And yes—we’re planning a birthday party. Because if there’s one thing we believe in around here, it’s celebrating the messy, joyful milestones.

More details are coming soon, but think:

Community

Creativity

Probably snacks

Definitely something hands-on

(And no, you don’t have to sing to us.)

Another thing that’s been bubbling behind the scenes—and honestly surprised me in the best way—has been working more with younger artists.

Recently, I taught a pottery wheel throwing class for kids ages 8–12, specifically for a Girl Scout troop. I’ll be honest: I’ve always been a little wary of teaching wheel throwing to younger kids. Pottery requires a lot of upper body strength, muscle control, and patience, and I’ve worried that kids might get frustrated or walk away feeling like they “couldn’t do it.”

That… is not what happened.

Were they able to throw for a full two hours straight? Absolutely not. Little arms get tired. But what they did have was focus, determination, and a surprising ability to take direction (sometimes better than the adults I teach😉). They were engaged. They were thoughtful. They were having a genuinely great time.

And I had an amazing time teaching them.

That class completely shifted my perspective and made me really excited about offering kids pottery wheel classes for young artists who are curious about clay and eager to learn the wheel. Not rushed. Not forced. Just supportive, skill-based, and fun.

It also ties right into something else we’re planning: kid summer art camps this year.

If you’ve been asking whether we’ll be doing more for kids, the answer is a very enthusiastic yes. We’re mapping out creative, skill-building camps where kids can explore different mediums, learn real techniques, get a little messy, and leave proud of what they made—not just entertained.

Think less “busy work” and more “I made this myself.”

We’re still shaping the details, but summer at the shop is going to be full of curiosity, creativity, and confidence-building moments for younger artists.

And finally, a little reminder of what everyday life actually looks like here.

Not everything is polished.

Not every plan is final.

The floor in the pottery room is rarely clean.

Sometimes a class fills faster than expected, sometimes we add one because people asked. And sometimes the most meaningful moments happen unexpectedly—like a group of kids discovering they’re stronger and more capable than they or I thought.

That’s the magic.

So if you’ve been meaning to stop by, try a class, bring a kiddo, or just see what’s new—now’s a pretty great time. There’s a lot happening, and even more on the way.

Here’s to two years of learning, creating, and doing things a little imperfectly—but with a whole lot of heart.

Stay tuned… the birthday candles are coming. 🎂

Jen💛