It’s unprofessional to have favourites but I cannot deny a massive soft spot for this lady! Caroline has been coming to the studio since 2015! She really deserves a share in the business : )

For someone who describes herself as ‘not creative’ she has produced so many beautiful ceramic pieces.

Caroline is so brave, she will give anything a go, from decals, mini-USB wheels to microwave raku kilns! She has tried everything. She started what I call ‘Jungle Fever’ … a trend of using the sparkly Jungle Gem glazes.

Caroline rolls with whatever the kiln gives her, she is totally laid back and I suspect, like many of our members, its therapy for her.

Hidden under her beanie on Raku Day, Caroline adds a lovely warm element to our clay community. She is generous with her discoveries, supportive of others and even shares her own materials.

Never happier than when she is throwing!

Do you remember when you started? I think November 2017? ( I have just checked email archives and was actually 2015!)

Is it possible you have done every single workshop we offer? I don't think every one, but I'd say a big majority!

You have seen some changes and all sorts over these years at the studio? Any high and lowlights? The big lowlight was when covid restrictions put an end to cake highlights are many, but the new membership structure has been brilliant from my point of view. I love seeing a selection of people when I come in for studio time!

You are so brave trying new things? What have you tried and what has been good and also ... not as good? I've been really pleased with my bubble glazing results this year, and the little bits of stoneware I've done. Less pleased with some of my going big and going small experiments.

Favourite thing to do? Always throwing, but I'm also really enjoying glazing at the moment.

Caroline’s first thrown pot and one of her more recent successes : )

What does the studio mean to you? It's a sanctuary to escape whatever is going on in the real world. Filled with lovely people

Where will you go next with your ceramics? I think 2024 holds more stoneware experimentation, and maybe even a go at making a collection of work to join the ceramics studio collective!

Caroline’s bee themed planter - this was for our competition ‘My Life When I am Not Potting’

“I love The Ceramics Studio so much, and come for classes or Studio time as often as I can! Such a wonderful atmosphere, interesting topics covered, expert support and the chance to spend time with other clay crazy people. In 2021 i joined the membership, first as a Rookie, then moving on to Squad as i got more confidence working alone. I love the freedom of studio time to work on my own projects, surrounded by other Squad members and with expert guidance at hand if i need it 💜”

— Caroline H - Clay Squad Member

Painting therapy using biscware blanks, not a bad job!

Quite early in Caroline’s throwing career she decided to make her wedding favours, little plant pots with home grown succulents in.

They were beautiful, it was quite a challenge on top off all her other to-dos but she did it and I was privileged to be a guest.

May we have another 8 years together Caroline, thank you for all your support and enthusiasm XX Leyla

Spreading the Clay - Member Focus - The other Caroline!