I’m obsessed.

Clay and glaze and tiny pottery makings have taken over my studio, the kitchen table and part of the garage.

100% worth it.

Check out these tiny little pots and jugs! I’m so happy with them.

I mean, just look at that sassy little face jug.

I’ve been watching a lot of ‘Time Team’. Have you seen it? It takes a team of archaeologists who then spend three days on a dig, most often somewhere in the UK, often looking for specific archaeological evidence. It’s a lot of fun. 

I’ve always loved archaeology, and history. I very seriously considered studying archaeology when I was younger (thanks Indian Jones!). Museums are some of my favourite places and chocked full of inspiration.

These tiny jugs remind me of little historical artifacts.

They’re like vessels made by old fairies for their potions, or goblins to store a drop or two of poison.

I am head over heels with the face jugs especially.

Do you know about face jugs? Vessels depicting silly faces can be found in all sorts of cultures throughout history. There are ancient Greek examples. They were popular in medieval Germany and England. They eventually developed into the modern Toby Jug… but truthfully, I kinda love the old dudes.

There are also African examples which (from my very limited understanding) evolved from Nkondi. Nkondi were sculptural figures that housed spirits, often protective… sometimes not so much. These  evolved into the African-American face jugs created from the mid 1800s, which continue to be created today.

I’ve made my wee jugs from white Earthenware, terracotta and a super groggy raku clay.

The jugs are hand-built with one of those clays, dried, fired, glazed (or stained) and then fired again.

It’s a long but lovely process that I’ve been savouring.

Hope you’re well. Behave yourself (but not too much).