Touchtree Ceramics, Pottery Studio In Sunny Nelson

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021 137 7604

Welcome to Touchtree

Nestled within the historic Goodman’s Bakery at Founders Heritage Park, you will discover a dedicated pottery studio designed to foster relaxation, creativity, connection and a love of clay.

Whether you're a seasoned ceramicist or a curious beginner, Jess invites you to step into her practising ceramic studio, browse beautiful homewares and gifts or book yourself in for a seasonal pottery workshop!

Situated at Unit 6, Goodman's Bakery, Founders Park

87 Atawhai Drive, The Wood, Nelson 7010

Opening Hours

Monday - Closed

Tuesday - Friday - 9am-2pm

Open Alt/Saturdays from 11am-4pm
(Seasonal workshop hours and class times may vary)

Email Jess at: Ceramics@touchtree.co.nz to register your interest in attending a class.

Contact Jess

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I N S P I R A T I O N M E E T S H O M E

#clayweek #nelsonnz #nzpottery #happinessishandmade #nelsonclayweek

So pleased to have a really gorgeous selection of Coffee Snobs emerge from the flames 🔥 in time for the Potter’s Market tomorrow! Thank you everyone for your support and words of encouragement over the last 8 weeks! Always a sweet moment of relief to hold their warm little profiles in my hands. Each snob is unique and I seem to grow attached during the process. I’m excited to see them go out into the world. So proud and blessed to be here representing Nelson Pottery at #nelsonclayweek

It’s been an exciting and VERY busy time to get ready for the Potter’s Market this Saturday! I’ll have lots of new nose tumblers and some other beautiful items for sale! Come take a look 👀 and explore the passion of Clay Week starting this Saturday! Feeling very proud and excited to be a part of #NelsonClayWeek this year. xoxoxox 🤗🫶

New summer workshops are coming ☀️🤎 And I am VERY excited about this one… Come paint, carve and create your own beautiful design on a hand-thrown terracotta platter using the sgraffito technique. No two will be the same — just good clay, gorgeous colour and a few lovely hours making something completely your own. ✨ Hand-thrown terracotta ✨ Paint + carve your own design ✨ Relaxed summer studio vibes ✨ A beautiful platter made by YOU This one is going to be special. DM or email to enquire about upcoming dates. 🫶 #nelsonnz #potterystudio #happinessishandmade #potteryclass

🌞 SUMMER OF CLAY – 2 Studio Spaces Available! 🌞 2 spots available for potters in a shared studio at Founders Park $80/week | Starts Dec 12 | 2-month minimum (Rent paid upfront monthly) Firings + glazes included Brand new wheel, kiln, tables + tools Private, peaceful space – no crowds EFTPOS available to sell your work direct to the public This is for you if: ✔ You work independently and mindfully ✔ You want flexible access to a well-equipped studio ✔ You’re not producing huge volumes but want quality time with clay ✔ Suitable for Hand builders and / or throwing Not the right fit if: You’re producing high volumes or need weekly firings What you’ll bring: ✔Your own clay + any specialty glazes you like to use ✔Labeled clay buckets + you reclaim your own clay ✔A respectful, tidy approach – clean up, lock up, and keep the space beautiful 📩 DM OR email me to register your interest! ceramics@touchtree.co.nz #PottersWanted #StudioShare #SummerOfClay #CreativeSummer #PotteryStudioLife #FoundersPark #CeramicStudioShare

@ava_lee.grobabflobalaar Made with love by the talented little studio gremlin. #nzpottery #atelier #snail 🐌 #handbuiltceramics #potterylife #nelsonnz #foundersheritagepark

Coffee Snobs fresh out the kiln! New snobs ready for some premium coffee in the #nelson sunshine. #nelsonnz #ceramicmug #nzpottery #touchtreeceramics #nose #nosepiercing #moustaches

It’s been a while since showing something actually finished and in use! So here is one of 4 beautiful cheese melters I made. #meltingmoment #itworks #ceramiccheesedish we tested it out and it works beautifully to melt a wheel of Brie 🐁 Is this something you’d use at your next catch up? Do people like warm gooey cheese 🫕?

Delicious blow wave of floofy feathers 🐣 Too cute to not share with the world. Hope this brightens your day 😊

Handmade one-of-a-kind! These fabulous DinoCups are ready to purchase! If you have a #dinosaurlover in your life, then this might be the gift you’ve been searching for! Made by ceramic artist Ava-Lee 💕 DM to purchase. $40 each (postage additional) *triceratops has been sold. #fossil #dinosaurart #ceramicartist #handmade #nelsonnz #nzartists

Fabulous morning in sunny Nelson. Getting community feedback; chatting with my muse @valleycoffeenz and enjoying a great coffee surrounded by these Coffee Snobs fresh out of the kiln. ☕️ 🔥 Thank you everyone who kindly purchased a #coffeesnob from me this morning 💕 it certainly makes months of working in isolation, covered in mud, all feel wonderfully worth it 😀 #nzpottery #nelsonnz #pottery #coffee #happinessishandmade

Join us for this creative clay session! $90 per ticket. • 3 hours of hands on clay time • Tea/Coffee included • Gourmet Cupcakes • Firing of your pottery hen Book using the 🔗 in bio - eventbrite Or DM your name and preferred date to me directly.

Finally throwing these ever popular mixed clay tumblers again! Feeing super grateful for all the wonderful words of encouragement from everyone who pops in and loves sharing a coffee or a chilled Pinot in one of these! Freshly glazed mixed clay tumblers will be ready to sell in May 😇 🙌🏻 #potterystudio #touchtreeceramics #foundersheritagepark #nzpottery #claylife

We had so much fun this afternoon testing out these exquisite, rich watercolours from @verdant_hues recently poured into my handmade speckled clay paint palettes. The rich seasonal tones of this bespoke created colour palette is called Protea Patch 🫶 With warm pinks and dreamy eucalypt teals… I think it’s simply perfect for our cooling climate, leaving us with ample time to make a hot cuppa, turn in early and get creative. 😍 We were so keen; (I didn’t even have watercolour paper 💦) but we had a lovely time testing these paints and palettes nonetheless. Just having fun, letting go and seeing where the colours would lead us. 🎨 I can truly say, I’m proud and excited to have these for sale in time for Mother’s Day, Easter Holidays and a lovely boutique craft market coming up @foundersparknelson in early May! #artist #potterylove #watercolourpaint #potterystudio #ceramicpalette #nelsonnz #happinessishandmade #protea #touchtreeceramics

New serveware fresh out the kiln this morning. 👌🏻🙌🏻 #potterynz #nzpottery #handmadeceramics #slabbuilt #afternoonlight

#testimonial #potteryclass #nelsonnz Pottery classes designed to bring out your creativity. Working in small classes; these tutored sessions encourage students to explore the many different aspects of working with clay.

Do you want to make beautiful pottery for yourself or to gift to loved ones? 🫶 Sign up to a Clay Class now! $85 per class. Pay-as-u-go. (No term commitment required) EVERY WEDNESDAY 5:30-7:30 See website ‘classes’ for all the details, inclusions and Booking Link 🔗

There is nothing like the feeling of a brand new year! Welcome 2025 🫶 Lets be kind to each other 🗓️ This photo really makes me smile! An unexpected surprise in the Maitai River. Reminds me to keep looking for #joy in unexpected places, keeping our hearts open to receive the light, and remembering that beauty can be found everywhere. Stay curious friends! #intention #mindfulliving #slowliving #unexpectedsurprise #maitairiver #nelsonnz

Insert snappy festive intro here… 🎄🫣 Honestly I’m totally lost for words. You may have noticed I disappeared into the abyss (again). I wish this didn’t happen but it does. Trying to wrap up this year with words that fit seems impossible; like trying to wrap an incredibly bizarre shaped gift with wrapping paper that won’t quite fit. It doesn’t really work; but here goes. It’s been filled with ups and downs, but the best parts…. The People 🤍 Good Clay Days 🤍 Soft Light 🤍 Home 🤍 Tea 🤍 Thank you to everyone who has been so kind and gentle with my journey at Touchtree. Understanding that progress is seldom a straight line. I’ve had more detours and more stops than I care to admit, but I’m still going! I’m immensely proud of some highlights over the year. The renovation alone was epic, some beautiful pottery was made (and sold!) and some impressive student work reminded me WHY i do what i do!!!! Raising funds for the SPCA was another highlight; which felt very meaningful as it was done in my dad’s honour; who passed away the day before my adopt-a-pot event. 🕊️ Which brings me to; it’s hard being in a public space when art is such a deeply personal thing to create. (Both in location as well as online) I don’t know exactly how other creatives manage the expectation of showing up; and clearly I have more work to do around consistency. But I wanted to say thank you to everyone who holds a space for me - with grace and gratitude. x Jess

So grateful to @honeythecakery for these absolutely delicious and brilliantly on-brand cupcakes for my workshops! We always have the best time 🧁 #cupcakes #pottery #nelsonnz #handbuiltceramics #foundersheritagepark

THANKS to everyone who supported the SPCA Adopt-a-Pot last Sunday! I’m absolutely delighted to announce that we raised $294.53! If you missed out; don’t worry 😉 Next Adopt-a-Pot is on November 24th 10am-2pm! Pots are ready to go home! #animallovers #pottery #spca #touchtreeceramics #gratitude

Fun afternoon exploring shapes IN MINIATURE! This girl has some raw talent! Her first time throwing little forms off a hump, and on a kick wheel too. #gowiththeflow #miniaturepottery #wheelthrown #potterystudio #touchtreeceramics #potterywheel #

What’s been happening at #touchtreeceramics … ? Lots of good things 🫶🥂 Meaningful connections, conversations, community and clay. There have been slow mornings and late nights. Many cups of coffee and even cupcakes 🧁 The studio has definitely been living up to its purpose: Create an inclusive space which welcomes everyone wholeheartedly. Foster a love of clay through mindful creative teaching. Keep an eye out for future creative workshops. & deep gratitude to all who have already taken a place at the table 🙏 #nelsonnz #foundersheritagepark #potterystudio #handbuiltceramics #happinessishandmade #paperclay #workshops #pottery #collaboration #aroha

#workshop announcement! Is s a beautiful time of year to enjoy a mindful pottery session in the Touchtree Studio! CUPCAKES AND CLAY - Sunday sessions available 3 November and again on 17th November 10am - 1pm Book online!

Adopt-a-pot this November! 🐾🐾🐾 All profits will be donated to the Nelson SPCA in time for Christmas 🎄 This selection of beautiful bisqueware is orphaned…. How would you like to paint and glaze something? Kindly donated by the boys @kiln.studio Pop in anytime on Sunday 10th & Sunday 24th November to adopt-a-pot, settle in to paint and glaze your pottery and collect a couple of weeks later after firing. 🎨 Check out the new workshops listed on my website for further info. • priced per piece • starting from $15 • pop in anytime on the day (no holds) • no bookings required • eftpos available • ALL profits will be donated to the SPCA

Finally!!! Hands on clay 🙌🏻 Having fun making stuff. Keeping it simple. #grateful #potterystudio #touchtreeceramics #foundersheritagepark

Wonderful to have met you today @thomassithembiso! I love my beautiful bowl 💕 thank you for the wonderful chat!

Great day for the #steams @moitasman workshops today! What a beautiful bunch of clever, polite, creative and engaged little people we had the pleasure of sharing our #studio with. Thank you teacher Betty @atawhaicraft for leading these wonderful workshops today. GREAT WORK EVERYONE #handbuiltceramics #slipdecoration #handmademug #nelsonnz

Play with clay! Join Thursday evening classes at Touchtree. 6pm- 8pm. $80 per class; includes EVERYTHING! Even a wine or hot drink 😉 #handbuiltceramics #wineandclay You will love your time in studio, these small classes offer you the freedom to explore any pottery ideas you may have. Learning how to create form & function using pinch, coil and slab building techniques. Enjoy some mindful creative time in studio. Reach out NOW if you’re interested in joining…. Starting from September 12; choose to start your Clay journey at any stage through sept/oct/nov. *Limited numbers So get in touch! Get your name down! AND if you pay for 3 classes upfront ($240) SNAG YOUR 4TH CLASS ABSOLUTELY FREE! 🙌🏻 # #nelsonnz #pottery #clayart #studioceramics #foundersheritagepark #happinessishandmade

Some highlights from #touchtreeceramics #potterystudio this winter. Beautiful space to meet & make! Interested to share the joy of pottery? Private pottery parties now available to book! ▫️You + Your Besties ▫️BYO drinks & nibbles ▫️Enjoy a tailored pottery class for your group DM for info 🫶 #potteryevents #potteryparty #

Two beautiful examples of the ‘make your own paint palette set’ workshop held last month. It’s always fun to see the individual journeys and styles of each participant. Gorgeous sets shown here have already gone home with their makers 🫶🩶Nice work potters! #handmadepottery #paperclay #slabbuiltpottery #potteryworkshop #nelsonnz #touchtreeceramics #paintpalette

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.- Maya Angelou Fostering a love of clay in our community is my fundamental goal at Touchtree Ceramics. I'm excited to offer an open-clay-session specific for Teens who have had some pottery experience before; and would simply like a space to work on their own projects. Limited numbers make for a small group of 6 creatives. I'll be available to guide them where necessary; however, they can enjoy the studio space at their leisure. $30 per session (or $10 per hour) Every Tuesday. 4-7pm. Starting July 16th. Each week; I will take 20 minutes to demo a new and interesting technique (to inspire them to try new things!) To register DM now or email ceramics@touchtree.co.nz.

Learning the fundamentals of working with clay in order to create a bigger more technical piece. Over the duration of 3 classes you will enjoy the full #pottery experience; enjoying the process of painting and glazing your art in the final class. Find your creative flow at @touchtree_ceramics. Choose your project! #handmadeceramiccups #potteryvase #ceramicplanter 🍷🍱 Studio snacks and light refreshments provided in your ticket price! Join us for a #julyworkshop #nelsonnz #nelsontasman #nelsonartist #nzpottery

Seeking Creative Collaborators! ✨🌸🎨🪡🐝🌵 Are you a Nelson-based Creative looking to teach your craft? Don't have dedicated workshop space to do so? Let's collaborate and make summer 2024/5 a creative line-up to remember! Get in touch with Jess. Got some creative ideas? Let's Talk! Private studio, Great location, 10 pax per class, Cafe on site, Easy FREE parking. 🍄Chat with Jess if you’re interested in collaborating OR hosting a craft workshop at Touchtree Studio in Founders Park this summer! 🍄 For followers - comment what workshop you'd love to attend? What would you enjoy doing, learning, creating or crafting? Pls share your requests so we can work to meet your creative needs! #workshops #nelsontasman #pottery #touchtreeceramics #summerworkshops #studio #foundersheritagepark

June Workshops at Touchtree Ceramics If you've always been intrigued by pottery, I encourage you to set some time aside and join me in discovering the mindful art of working with clay. Bring a friend and enjoy some creative time playing with clay! Light refreshments are included in your ticket price. Enjoy this step-by-step mindful pottery class and have a beautiful ceramic art form to keep forever! Nestled in the picturesque @foundersparknelson, I look forward to welcoming you into my studio! June 22 | 1-3pm. Pressed Flower Dish: This taster class is a great way to bring your love of nature into your home. Using thin slabs of white clay, we will imprint leaves, twigs and blooms then lightly shape it into a trinket dish, ring dish, soap dish, or spoon rest for the kitchen. 🌸 June 23. | 1-3pm. Working with slabs of clay, you'll learn to shape and create your very own painter's palette. You get to decide exactly how it looks and functions. Remember to add a brush leaner and even a water pot to accompany your set! 🎨 Places are limited to 8 per class s book early to avoid missing out! Book on website or search Touchtree on Eventbrite.

Winter workshops are live and ready to book! 2 hours | $85 | suitable for anyone! Come play with clay! @touchtree_ceramics Small classes, boutique pottery studio located @foundersheritagepark. Remember to grab a coffee from @founders_cafe before your workshop begins. Also keep an eye out for: 🌱 MINDFUL WORKSHOPS ✨ starting mid July! These are designed to incorporate mindfulness, creativity and teach you some awesome pottery skills over a 3 week period. Weekend and evening classes will be confirmed soon…. #nelsonnz #potterystudio #potteryworkshop #winter #happinessishandmade #playwithclay

Best opening night a girl could ask for! Thank you everyone who came along. We had a blast!!!! 💥 #touchtreeceramics #nzpottery #nelsonnz #nelsonart #foundersheritagepark

Please join us to celebrate the official opening 🥂of our new studio at Goodmans Bakery Founders Park. We would love to see you there and raise a glass to the successful renovation and opening of Touchtree Ceramics. SUNDAY 5th MAY 4pm-6pm Please join us for a brief viewing and a glass of bubbles followed by a catch up at Founders Cafe to enjoy live music and a bite to eat. 🤎 We would love for you to join us! Flick me a dm if you intend to join (for catering purposes) 🙏🏻 Jess & Abrie

Something exciting is just around the corner. I’ve been so quiet that you’d be forgiven if you thought I’d given up on pottery altogether! However, behind the scenes…. ▪️I’ve been puzzling the pieces together. ▪️Waiting for the universe to generously exhale. ▪️Reading the cues. ▪️Navigating patience, acceptance and surprise. Is been such a beautiful journey. I’ve experienced miracles and truly believe we are held and guided by forces much greater than our own egos and abilities. 🪽 Get ready for a big reveal in a couple of months time! 🕰️👏🏻 #potterystudio #manifestyourdreams #whakatū #nelsonnz #clayallday #studio #touchtreeceramics

Surrounded by clever creatives! Rubbing shoulders with absolute market 💪🏻veterans; and newbies alike! What I 🫶 about nelson is there is no shortage of talent; blue skies and great coffee! It’s shaping up to be a brilliant day and I’m so deeply grateful to be here 💕 good luck to my fellow vendors 💰⚡️ and happy shopping to all the smiling faces here today! 🎁💝 #foundersheritagepark #thegreatchristmasmarket #nelsonnz

Our Eco Bee Loving 🐝 Christmas Crackers are shaping up to be a huge success at this sundays @thegreatchristmasmarketnz 🎄 • handmade with NZ printed Kraft eco paper • zero waste; fully compostable (no junk 🙅‍♀️) • lovingly handmade in Nelson by my girls and I • each cracker includes: 💥Christmas snap 🌻flower seed (5 bee 🫶loving varieties used) 🪴dehydrated soil pellet 🌽corny joke 🎅wooden ornament 🐛🪴We can’t wait to sell these and bring some bee loving joy to your Summer Christmas! Limited stock so visit is early at stall #48 inside the Energy centre @foundersheritagepark #nelsonnz #supportlocal #happinessishandmade #creativeliving

A mixed collection of little ceramic vases. 🫶 Perfect little handmade gifts to add to a hamper or pamper pack styled gift for a loved one. These will be on sale at @thegreatchristmasmarketnz

Getting ready for @thegreatchristmasmarketnz 🌲💃 #happinessishandmade #nelsonnz #nelsonceramics #summermarkets #christmasmarket #founderspark #giftideas

Wine buddies. 🍷 Little concepts to trial an idea I have been working on. To make wine gifting a little more interesting. These two are sitting on my wine rack with full hearts. #gratitude #winelover #brickbaywinery #ceramicart #happinessishandmade

Barista ☕️ approved coffee vessels. Toby @valleycoffeenz had a blast testing out these nose tumblers with me today. Feeling chuffed with all the compliments and Toby’s willingness to have a little fun! 💖 A selection of these will be available to purchase from @hotclaypotdealers #nzpottery #happinessishandmade #coffeesnob #nose #wakeupandsmellthecoffee #clay #touchtreeceramics

I’m soooo excited to share photos of my Gin Tumblers (although they transition beautifully to morning coffee too!) These were thrown using 2 different colour clays. Toast and a mix of recycled porcelain… I absolutely love the swirls, some remind me of Jupiter and Saturn 🪐The outsides are unglazed, matt to the touch. Inside a soft pink and blue speckle glaze adds a playful contrast. They feel just right to sip from! I’m keen to make more of these, perhaps sell them in sets of 2. What do you think? 💕 #motivationmonday #ginlovers #nzpottery #functionalceramics #handthrown #nelsonnz

Excited to share (some of) the finished projects from our Mother’s Day workshops! It was such a pleasure to teach you guys and I really hope we can make workshops a regular thing 🤞🏻 Collection times will be emailed to the groups who attended. And if you’re keen to join a workshop; send me a message so I can send you more info!

This planter has finally found a special place in our home, complete with a blooming blue Hyacinth. #touchtreeceramics #hyacinth #nzpottery #handbuiltceramics #happinessishandmade

This photo is a marker in time. A picture to celebrate the life of my beautiful mama, my muse and inspiration. She gave me so much strength and the fear of losing her was my biggest weakness. I often agonised about the day she’d slip away and how it would be impossible to see the world keep turning after that point. But somehow; the sun did rise and the birds did sing and I was reminded that life leans toward the living… So we look forward, we smile and now we see her everywhere ✨

Thank you to all the lovelies who attended this morning’s workshop! We had fun didn’t we? 💛 #pottery #mothersday #touchtreeceramics #playwithclay #claybuddies #kilnstudios

Ceramic beads coming on nicely! 👏🏻 I hope to build up a fair amount of these before I string them together for a wall display. #beads #ceramics #potterylove #touchtreeceramics #alltheprettycolors

Sharing something pretty that popped up in my day today!

Special Mother’s Day event is now ready to book! 🌷Spoil mum with the gift of quality time spent together in the beautiful Kiln studio, learning the basics of hand building with clay while being treated to delicious gourmet cupcakes and tea/coffee. You’ll both make some special pottery pieces which will be fired and available for collection a few weeks later. A lasting momento 💞 Strictly limited capacity so book early to avoid disappointment! Head to https://kilnstudio.nz/timetable

As we all go into this long weekend; let us leave our to-do’s at the door. Slip off our busyness, unclip the burdens and set the unfinished down beside us and say… enough. It is time to rest 💛🐣

Sharing this super cool photo of my wood fired beads, which were generously included in the Kiln teams last firing in the anagama kiln. The incredible thing about this process is that the raw clay pieces go in, without glaze; and thanks to the fire, smoke, ash and salt; they emerge as interesting mottled semi glossy coloured marvels! There is science to this (of course!) but for now I’ll just call it magic ❤️ #anagamakiln #woodfiredceramics #touchtreeceramics #artistresidency

Update on Kiln residency. 🙌🏻 Accepting natural rythems and enjoying the process. Finding a flow. Trying to be gentle with myself. Embracing what I know and what I have yet to learn with grace. Trying to prioritise joy in making above all else. Learning to cull shitty pieces. Favourite thing this week: This large pot. Everything about this process is incredibly satisfying. From the curves of the pot; the carving; the slip application but mostly scratching away to reveal the black flecks.

- rupi kaur April delivers news that time is passing and nothing stays the same. We see the beautiful leaves 🍁 burst and fall. We feel the air change around us. We feel the distance in the sun. We are reminded ever so gently that we too are not the people we were a season ago.

New series of work in the making. The nose knows… what exactly I don’t know. 🤣 👃 inspired by @jaxmoreau this is a celebration of freedom after many noses were banished from public places. #workinprogress #playwithclay #justsaying #stoneware #pottery #artistresidency

The Suter Art Gallery in Nelson is a wonderful place! This large ceramic exhibition by Daryl Frost was a delight to attend. Not only is Daryl an amazing human and self professed pyromaniac 😂🔥he makes awe inspiring ceramic sculptures. This exhibition was a celebration of his 100th wood firing (#anagamakiln) Check out the short documentary (amazing to see!!!) at www.thesuter.org.nz and follow the link to Inner Peace. #worthit #frostandfire

Sometimes we let go and float through the skies; completely unsure where we may end up. But we live in hope. 🪶🪺 I’m delighted to announce I’ve landed at @kiln.studio A beautiful boutique pottery space founded by Jamie Smith and Tom Baker; exceptional potters with no shortage of passion and good vibes. I’ve been settling in, learning about the studios’ ways, meeting amazing people and getting back into the flow. #newhome #mudlovers #artistresidency #nelson #marchmeetthemaker

What a start to twenty twenty three! After settling into new spaces, I’ve already found an amazing group of artists and some exciting creative workshops to participate in. This letterpress print workshop certainly ignited the graphic designer in me!!!!! And those who know me, know how much I LOVE wood-type. It was incredible to use them in their intended way - (opposed to squishing them into clay 😝) I highly recommend experimenting with different creative outlets; it’s challenging and interesting and beautiful! The instant results of print combined with the incredible pigments in the ink make for a really immersive experience. Big thanks to @thearmarieroom for so generously sharing her beautiful space and equipment with us newbies. #letterpressprinting #inkprintrepeat #heritagebuilding #inkyfingers #thearmarieroom #fontfamilies

For everything there is a season. Touchtree ceramics, in Gulf Harbour is now closed. Onwards to join, learn, teach and create with a much larger pottery community in the South Island. I’m grateful for such a beautiful start to Touchtree; especially the people I met along the way and everyone whom I could share this picturesque space with 🙏🏻 We cannot grow without letting go…so with much love and light; I release this beautiful studio to be whatever it wishes to be in its next chapter ✨💕 Touchtree will grow into something much bigger, and more beautiful. Keep following to see the journey ☺️🍁

Have you heard of an ‘African calendar’? Well this is my abstract take on the same concept. When the month is over you turn the little guys around revealing their backsides.. 🤣🍑 #pottery #calendar #ceramicart #touchtreeceramics

Hi friends! @estuary.arts MAKERS MARKET is on today from 2-7pm. Come over to explore this beautiful art centre, see live art demonstrations, have a go, shop from over 60 makers and lots of yummy food available. Hope to see you later 👋🏻 #orewabeach #artmarket #nzpottery #giftshopping #happinessishandmade

A belated THANK YOU! To each and every lovely kind soul who stopped by to browse, chat and even purchase. 🙏🏻 I came back from my first market experience feeling exhausted and a little embarrassed. It was physically demanding but more so, I was very much out of my comfort zone flaunting my pottery. Potters are naturally at home covered in mud; messy hair; alone in a shed, with a cat or dog for company…. So being out in the world - having actual conversations with real people (about myself no less), was actually traumatising!!!! 😅 I literally took a week to recover!!!! BUT I really needed to acknowledge the people who were so incredibly kind. Thank you for the compliment of appreciating my pottery 🫶 I am reinvigorated to continue playing with clay; I’ve come away with a clarity and focus which can only be gained through growth and experience. Someone once told me to grow you need to push through your comfort zone; which is very uncomfortable! But worth it. This was a good step forward. Thank you @digimummy for the wonderful photo of @anna_banana_bonza_rippa_corka and us together 💕 also thank you @ginger.creates for teaching me the ways of the market 👩‍🏫

I’ll have a few of these little critters available tomorrow at the @aucklandplantmarket They were made to hold your jewellery but a couple are also incense holders. Looking forward to seeing everything set up in the morning! #snails #pottery #smallceramicsculpture

See you this Sunday @aucklandplantmarket 🫶 looking forward to an AMAZING day together plant people 🌿💕

Cottage garden mini dish sets; to be sold in sets of 3 with a small, medium and large. Can’t wait for these to come out of the firing tomorrow 🌿🫶

Featured vase: ‘equilibrium’ I’ve been waiting for the perfect bloom to photograph in this vase. @honeysuckleflowers sent this beautiful orchid in yesterdays order and I think it was meant for this vase. 💕 One of many custom vases ready to be sold at the @aucklandplantmarket on the 16th October. Can’t wait to meet you! #smallbatchceramics #touchtreeceramics #ceramicsofinstagram #potterystudio #oneofakind #

To all my sweet friends who have been asking to buy some of my ceramics; they’ll be available soon! ⏳ I’m excited to announce I’ll be at the @aucklandplantmarket @smalesfarm on the 16 October! I’ll be partnering with @ginger.creates 🌟🌱 so expect beautiful plants, macramé, handmade pots, vases, dishes, bowls and more! Please do come and support us!

To all my sweet friends who have been asking to buy some of my ceramics; they’ll be available soon! ⏳ I’m excited to announce I’ll be at the @aucklandplantmarket @smalesfarm on the 16 October! I’ll be partnering with @ginger.creates 🌟🌱 so expect beautiful plants, handmade pots, vases, dishes, bowls and more! Please do come and support us! xoxo #ceramics #pottery #potterystudio #texture #seainspired #oceancolors #oceancollection

👏🏻 The star item from yesterdays firing! What do you think? #rockpool #seainspired #ceramics #potterylove #touchtreeceramics #happinessishandmade

Kina and stars ✨ #texture #smallpots #ringdish #bowl

Very excited about this family. I have witnessed mama work so hard to build her nest. It took her 7full days to build a warm and sturdy home. Then a few days later the little speckled eggs were laid. (No papa bird in sight). Mama sat on her eggs for over a week; perhaps even 10 days I’m not sure. Then over the weekend I saw mama shopping for worms 🪱 and I knew the babies had arrived! Papa bird is now on duty, delivering worms and keeping an eye on the nest while mama stretches her wings. It’s been a beautiful distraction to some big changes in our lives. 💕🪴🏡🪶🪹 #newbeginnings #gardenstudio #touchtreeceramics

Why hello spring 🌼 #touchtreeceramics #springvibes #gardenstudio

#texture #clay #pottery #pinchpots Bisque satisfaction - time to disappear into the #touchtreeceramics studio and glaze to my heart’s content!

Time & Tide. Estuary Arts Members Merit Exhibition 2022. #ceramics #octopus #artgallery #potterylife #touchtreeceramics

Delicious! 🙌🏻 I love the relationship between pottery and food. They complement one another, give each other purpose and each fulfils their potential by being together. Like soul mates ❤️ #snackplatter #ceramicsofinstagram #mindfuleating #mindfulness #touchtreeceramics

My Kiln: ‘when is the most inappropriate soul crushing time for me to break down?’ Me: ‘mmm, once I’ve paid and entered my unfired piece into a local exhibition with a 5 day deadline’ My kiln: ‘sure babe, you’ve got it!’ #feelingfrosty #murpheyslaw

It’s the little things. Small dish made by @ina.kraut nestling inside small dish made my me. ✨

🌊Dipping dishes. Definitely making more of these shell inspired beauties for summer platters. #seashellart #ceramics #pottery #ceramicsnz

Some of last years butter bells out the box and into the light. #pottery #butterbell #ceramics

Proudly showcasing Horatio. 🐇 I commissioned him from Margaret (a past student at Touchtree) She has found her passion in Sculpting, and makes the most exquisite artworks ranging from kingfishers; rabbits; schools of fish, candle holder; seed pods; autumn leaves and vases. She has an excellent ability combine glazes for fantastic results. I’m proud to call her my friend! I’ll pop up a seperate post showcasing more of her work if anyone is interested in placing any orders with her. 🙌🫶🔥

Beautiful process from start to finish. Working with the clever poppers at Rainbow Corner Preschool; little hands exploring beach treasures to make interesting stars ✨ inspired by Moana (sea) and po rangi (night sky). Finally these little beauties are ready to be gifted to their families! With huge thanks to Dan and Nicki at Selling Gulf Harbour Real Estate for sponsoring this Matariki Ceramic Art Project. #kidsclay #pottery #matariki #2022 #nzmade #touchtreeceramics #gulfharbour #gulfharbourrealestate

Time to paint and glaze! All set up to be warm and cosy for a talented touchtree student. Winter doesn’t particularly fill me with much joy; but I have to admit spending time in the studio, away from the world is still pretty awesome no matter the season! 🌧🍁🍂 All the pretty colours #duncan_ceramics Scented candle @skin_bychrysalis This seasons signature handwash @floosienz Wind chime vibes @lindibellwindchimes

Something exciting is happening in June! 🙌More to come… #tamariki #matariki #mahitoi

Memory lane part 2. This is the acorn I made in 1999. Our brief was to replicate a seed of some sort and I was indecisive on which to choose; as this was such a big project for the term and I really wanted to do well. I was leaning toward a Jacaranda Seed pod, which is actually pretty ugly if you think about it. My mom always fetched me from school 💛 I’d wait under an oak tree up the top entrance of Girls High. Mom brought the beauty of an acorn to my attention…. 🐿 It was made in such a way to either hang or stand securely on the empty acorn cap. I LOVED making this! The seed part was burnished and then polished with shoe polish after a bisque firing. Nature has always known best; and you never need to search far for beautiful patterns and textures to inspire. The best part; I scored 100% on this brief. My teacher was truly impressed and I will never forget how proud I felt when she and the class wholeheartedly complimented my efforts. This may truly have been the day when I too recognised a talent I could pursue. Naturally, mom claimed this for herself and she has treasured it for all these years. ☺️ #mumknowsbest #pottery #acorn #throwback #believeinyourself

A trip down memory lane… 🏡 My moms house is filled with all of my first pottery pieces. She has kept them all these years! (Even through multiple moves ❤️) I’ll share a few in upcoming posts starting with this hand coiled vase. Made in 1997 - I remember disliking this vase very much. It was wonky and lopsided and the top didn’t seem to make any sense. (My teacher gave me a lousy mark for it too!) But the sgraffito and the blue glazes were nice, so mom got it. Now many years later; I love it. I think it was made specifically to hold the heavy blooms of Proteas wouldn’t you agree? Counter-balancing the weight of the Proteas with its voluptuous rounded base. #lookingback #vase #protea #pottery #westerncape

The beauty of a pomegranate. I was inspired by the incredible beauty of these. Picking one off the tree almost daily to add to our G&T every afternoon. The summer heat glowing inside the fruit, the tough skin protecting the jewels encased inside until they could no longer bear to be hidden. #pomegranate #ginandtonic

Playing around with fantasy habitats for this amazing ceramic fish by @ina.kraut. This beautiful sculpture lives safely inside her home of course! But nothing wrong with a little outing right? #ceramicsofinstagram #pottery #artoftheday #madebymum #catfish

Amazing ceramic planter by @ina.kraut 🇿🇦 #pottery #artistsofinstagram #ceramics #proudlysouthafrican #faceobsessed #happinessishandmade

My actual manifesto 😂….. ✈️🏡🥞💯

Wax flowers growing strong at the front door of our little eden atop the mountain. 🇿🇦 #plantbabies #hoya #plantgoals #paradise

Beautiful work by @ina.kraut 🇿🇦 #pottery #ceramicart #faceobsessed #proudlysouthafrican #artoftheday #bountiful #motherlove #sculpture

Ceramic wall planter. Beautiful work by @ina.kraut 🇿🇦 #pottery #planter #proudlysouthafrican #happinessishandmade #facesobsessed #artoftheday #artistsofinstagram

Today Leo and I stole a moment from an otherwise busy day. We sat and soaked in the warmth of the dry studio while Auckland washed away outside. It was a pause, a moment of quiet contemplation. Selah #studiobuddy #quiettime

Do you have a favourite person on Insta? I find myself scrolling my feed in hope and anticipation of a new @walktheearthwriter post from Nikki. I always feel like her posts are written just for me; like she knew exactly what I needed to hear 💓This year; my birthday gift to myself will be her collection of books. Check her out if you resonate 💛

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