My homeware range includes a selection of items for use in the kitchen. The joy of stoneware is that because it is fired to very high temperatures (1,260 C) it is suitable for the oven, microwave and dishwasher – although it is kinder to the pot if you can wash it by hand.
I am currently working to update my homeware collection, having decided to move to a different, white stoneware in 2024. This clay has smoother texture and has a better colour response to the glazes I want to use compared to stoneware I have used previously, but is a little tricker to throw, so I am still learning how it likes to be treated.
The main reason for changing clay is that the whiter colour has enabled me to think about more transparent glazes with more movement. Development has been slow, but after a lot of glaze experimentation I am hoping to launch new ranges fully in 2026, with a soft launch at the end of 2025.
Calgary Beach
Inspired by frequent trips to the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, my new homeware range aims to capture the green-blue of a Scottish sea on a sunny day. I make my own glazes and took samples of test glazes up to Calgary Bay and Langamull beach to colour match to the sea.
In addition to some light carving to indicate the movement of water, if you look closely, you will spot the buoys marking lobster pots (creels) out at sea.
Ullswater
Similar to the Calgary range above, the clay is lightly carved to give a watery pattern, but the colour is a deeper blue. This was inspired by the dark blue of Ullswater on a crisp autumn morning.
Cloud White
The final range involves a very sensitive white glaze. When it works, it’s glorious, with a rich white flecked with blues, pinks and yellows. When it doesn’t work, it can be transparent or yellow-brown. I’ve got a few pieces made but it’s very sensitive to the thickness of application, so I have more work to do before I can start to produce work in large batches. Thankfully, the few samples I have produced have proved popular, so I believe this is effort will be worth it.
Once I’m happy with my new glazes, I’ll be looking to make:
- Mugs – tea and coffee sized
- Espresso cups and saucers
- Egg cups
- Beakers for juices or wine
- Citrus/lemon squeezers
- Butter dishes
- Berry bowls
- Dipping bowls and platters
The photos below show some of the progress so far on my new ranges.
