Behind the Scenes of a Handmade Holiday: How Whistle & Page Prepares for the Season

If you’ve ever wondered what a potter’s studio looks like in December, imagine this:

If Santa’s workshop and a Bunnings aisle had a child, and that child discovered ceramics and mild chaos — you’d be close.

Behind every small-batch handmade holiday is a flurry of work that isn’t glamorous, but is full of heart.

And because small business life is really just an extreme sport disguised as creative work, here’s what handmade season actually looks like in the Whistle & Page world.

1. Clay everywhere

I mean everywhere.

In my hair.
On my socks.
On the dogs.
In places clay absolutely should not be.

Holiday production doesn’t ramp up so much as expand, like sourdough that’s had too much enthusiasm.

2. Lists on lists on lists

Clay stages.
Firing schedules.
Glaze plans.
Packaging inventory.
Kiln load Tetris (advanced level).

The most organised people I know are potters in December. We don’t mean to be — we’re simply forced into it by physics and time.

3. Glaze experiments that feel like game shows

Will the test tile look the same on the real piece?
Will this humidity ruin everything?
Will the kiln decide to behave today?

Tune in next week. Spoiler: the kiln never behaves.

4. Dogs adding “creative direction”

River Song and Wilfred supervise every stage with deep commitment and zero understanding.

They enjoy:

• sitting on packing materials.
• sniffing wet clay they’re absolutely not supposed to sniff
• walking into product photoshoots
• offering moral support via snoring

5. Packaging that requires a degree in engineering

Handmade pieces aren’t delicate — they’re just particular.
Each one needs a custom cocoon.

Cue the cardboard, paper, tape, padding, more padding, and “please handle me gently” vibes.

6. The best part: knowing where pieces are heading

Every piece has a recipient in mind — even if I don’t know who they are.

Someone will serve cherries in that bowl.
Someone will light a candle beside that tray.
Someone will sip tea from that handleless mug while watching summer storms roll in.

Handmade isn’t just made for people; it travels with them.

A handmade holiday is really about connection

Not production.
Not volume.
Not perfection.
Connection.

When you choose handmade in December — from me or any maker — you’re choosing:

• a slower story
• a human behind the piece
• a craft older than any holiday tradition
• something made with real, unrushed hands

This season doesn’t need to be bigger.
It just needs to be meaningful.

And behind the scenes, that’s exactly what we’re working toward.

Happy Holidays, beautiful humans! Thank you for being here!

Until next time,
Nawsheen, your friendly homebody artist from Murrumbateman.