Lately I’ve been crafting with materials other than clay—and really enjoying it. I know that’s not uncommon for artists who base themselves in process and craft, but ceramics is in my bones and doing anything else feels a bit like stepping out. The connecting thread, though, is that my brain is hard-wired to begin any new project with the intention of function. I’ve been teaching myself to weave and have made several long bands for belts. I’ve returned to bookbinding—a studio mate in grad school taught me a Coptic stitch, which sent me down a rabbit hole making sketchbooks. To accompany weaving and binding, I’ve been gathering organic materials to brew my own inks and stains: brown from walnuts and blue from copper scraps with salt. Each batch is ready to dye warp threads and make marks on paper.
For me, the objects I create need to go out into the world and do great things. Their existence cannot solely be one of admiration; they need to serve others, contribute to making the world a better place, a more beautiful place.
Nicole Dacey, our cover artist and the Tear-Out-and-Try author for this issue, writes, “Ceramic brushes are deeply satisfying to make because they live somewhere between tool and artwork.” That line resonated with me and my recent creative energy. My practice, rooted in function, is about creating tools—whether their purpose is serving food, keeping thoughts and lists, or dyeing fiber for making ties—that look and feel good while in use. The best of both worlds.
This issue is all about the functional objects we can make with clay but do not intend to use with food. Corinne Lent, inspired by a gifted antique doll, creates pincushion holders and thimbles resembling figures. Hannah Simpson designs and casts small, tableside lamps. Malwina Kleparska takes to the wall with dimensional mirrors. Nicole Dacey builds handheld brooms fitted with natural fibers. Catie Miller makes her own texture rolling pins from hand-cut craft foam sprigs. In a throwback, Kristin Pavelka upcycles discarded kitchen utensils, fitting them with new ceramic handles. And our own Margaret Kinkeade handbuilds photo frames for treasured Polaroids.
No matter your intent, try your hand at making a few new tools to enhance your everyday process, practice, and purpose. Happy making!
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Lately I’ve been crafting with materials other than clay—and really enjoying it. I know that’s not uncommon for artists who base themselves in process and craft, but ceramics is in my bones and doing anything else feels a bit like stepping out. The connecting thread, though, is that my brain is hard-wired to begin any new project with the intention of function. I’ve been teaching myself to weave and have made several long bands for belts. I’ve returned to bookbinding—a studio mate in grad school taught me a Coptic stitch, which sent me down a rabbit hole making sketchbooks. To accompany weaving and binding, I’ve been gathering organic materials to brew my own inks and stains: brown from walnuts and blue from copper scraps with salt. Each batch is ready to dye warp threads and make marks on paper.
For me, the objects I create need to go out into the world and do great things. Their existence cannot solely be one of admiration; they need to serve others, contribute to making the world a better place, a more beautiful place.
Nicole Dacey, our cover artist and the Tear-Out-and-Try author for this issue, writes, “Ceramic brushes are deeply satisfying to make because they live somewhere between tool and artwork.” That line resonated with me and my recent creative energy. My practice, rooted in function, is about creating tools—whether their purpose is serving food, keeping thoughts and lists, or dyeing fiber for making ties—that look and feel good while in use. The best of both worlds.
This issue is all about the functional objects we can make with clay but do not intend to use with food. Corinne Lent, inspired by a gifted antique doll, creates pincushion holders and thimbles resembling figures. Hannah Simpson designs and casts small, tableside lamps. Malwina Kleparska takes to the wall with dimensional mirrors. Nicole Dacey builds handheld brooms fitted with natural fibers. Catie Miller makes her own texture rolling pins from hand-cut craft foam sprigs. In a throwback, Kristin Pavelka upcycles discarded kitchen utensils, fitting them with new ceramic handles. And our own Margaret Kinkeade handbuilds photo frames for treasured Polaroids.
No matter your intent, try your hand at making a few new tools to enhance your everyday process, practice, and purpose. Happy making!
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