Printemps Pottery Studio specializes in functional stoneware creations. From beginning to end, we craft our art in our very own cottage workshop, located in the Design District of Annapolis, Maryland. Over the years, our retro-fitted, home garage has continued to host all of our pottery magic! There, we house our clay, tools, equipment & glaze. As for method, we use an electric pottery wheel as well as clay extruding & hand techniques. Our solar powered electric kiln anchors the studio. While we work, we enjoy the company of our dogs & listening to the daily soundtrack of music mixed with neighborhood life.
Printemps Pottery has grown and thrived since 2008 because of the dedication and love we have for clay and its diversity. The designs and pieces are made especially for those who appreciate well-crafted, beautifully colored, and durable pottery. Each of the pots are made one at a time, by hand and travel into creation through a rigorous process.
This involves: weighing the clay throwing the clay to the desired shape letting that piece dry to what is called "leather-hard" (so it can then be trimmed/finished on the edges and bottom, in some cases adding a handle or other embellishment). Next, it's thoroughly dried sanded to assure there are no sharp edges placed in the kiln and fired to 1860 degrees, where it bakes to perfection. Then, it is unloaded wiped again so that the dust will not interfere with the glaze waxed on the bottom and/or between lid and pot glazed (many of our pieces have three different layers of glaze) wiped again so the bottom will not have any glaze bits and stick to the kiln shelf. Finally, it gets loaded back into the kiln and fired again, this time to 2223 degrees! Whew!
It's a labor of love that we enjoy sharing. Seasonally, we set up a backyard boutique for al fresco shopping and browsing. We are always happy to chat about our process & answer questions from curious minds. Please check our social media for updates on open visitation hours.
All are welcome. Due to the nature of our work, we kindly request that children be supervised at all times. Until further notice, social distancing and mask-wearing remain in effect. Thank you in advance for respecting our space.