From Inspiration to Creation: My Carved Ceramic Jar with Lid

Hello, everyone! Anna here from Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio. I’m excited to share a recent personal project I completed — a beautifully carved ceramic jar with a lid, inspired by a stunning white carved teapot I stumbled upon on Pinterest. This was a project where I really got to slow down, experiment with carving techniques, and try new glaze combinations.

Where the Inspiration Came From

Like many artists, I often find inspiration in unexpected places. This time, an image of an elegant carved white teapot caught my eye. I loved the delicate carved details and the way the surface texture turned a simple form into something truly special. I knew I wanted to recreate my own version — but with my own twist!

Wheel Throwing: Building the Jar & Lid

I threw the base of the jar on the pottery wheel first, then made the lid as a separate piece to ensure the fit was just right. Throwing matching lids can be tricky but rewarding! I let both parts firm up for about a week until they reached that perfect, soft leather-hard stage — ideal for carving.

Carving the Jar: Flower-Inspired Details

Once the clay was ready, I started carving. My goal was to create a scalloped body with gentle curves and a wavy top to mimic the softness of a flower. I continued this floral vibe onto the lid, adding carved triangular lines and a hand-built pointed knob for extra dimension. To finish it off, I added tiny slip dots for extra texture and visual interest.

Glazing the Finished Piece

After bisque firing, I chose to glaze the inside and outside with Mayco’s Stoneware SW-108 Greentea for a fresh, calming look. I paired it with SW-110 Oyster for a touch of softness and contrast. For the lid, I used SW-109 Capri Blue on the knob to create a pop of colour against the green tea glaze. I love how these colours interact with the carved details — they highlight the textures beautifully!

Why I Love Internal Studio Projects

Projects like this carved jar remind me why I fell in love with ceramics in the first place — they give me time to experiment, try new techniques, and follow creative sparks wherever they lead. Sharing them with you is my way of celebrating the magic of clay and the endless inspiration it brings.

Thinking of Trying Carving Yourself?

If you’ve been curious about adding carving techniques to your pottery, I highly recommend it! It’s a wonderful way to personalize your pieces and make each one truly unique. At Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio, we often explore carving in our workshops and classes — come join us if you’d like to try it!