Perfectly Imperfect

Embracing the Clay: My Pottery Journey in My 40s

As we navigate through life, many of us find ourselves yearning for new experiences, creative outlets, or perhaps a deeper connection with ourselves. For me, in 2019/2020 that journey led to a surprising discovery in my 40s—pottery. I was introduced to pottery by my son and his girlfriend, Cat. They were so sweet and patient with me as I put my hands on the clay to discover the feeling and understand the different stages.  I had always admired the artistry and craftsmanship of handmade ceramics, but it wasn’t until this moment that I decided to take the plunge and mold my own creations.  I was gifted a pottery class by my sweet Mother-in-Law and fell in love with working in the studio and learning how to throw clay on a wheel.

Learning pottery later in life has been nothing short of transformative. It’s a reminder that creativity and growth are not confined to youth but are lifelong pursuits. Each piece I create tells a story of trial and error, patience, and joy. Pottery has become a metaphor for my personal journey: finding beauty in the imperfections and discovering new depths of passion and self-expression.  I am an amateur compared to the many experienced artist, but it has been such a wonderful adventure. 

In 2020, Cat and I decided to have an Etsy shop. So Citrus Tree Studios was formed. During this little side hustle journey, we’ve made soaps, candles, sachets, little houses from repurposed wood, collectables, gift sets and farm style rustic pottery pieces.  For larger orders, I’ve even recruited my other kids and my husband to pitch in to help occasionally. 

Outside of pottery, I have a range of hobbies including raising chickens, managing a small garden, and recently, beekeeping. I also home-school our youngest son and work part-time as a digital marketing coordinator.

In this blog, I’ll share the highs and lows of my pottery and beekeeper adventures. What makes selling rustic style pieces so wonderful is that it leaves room for the ‘perfectly imperfect’.  The lessons learned from shaping clay, and the delightful intersections between pottery and other passions. Whether you’re considering picking up a new hobby or just curious about the art of ceramics, I hope my experiences inspire you to embrace new challenges and find joy in the process of creation.

Join me as I explore the world of pottery with fresh eyes and an open heart. Here’s to new beginnings, one spin of the wheel at a time!