Japan is more than a place — it’s a quiet garden I carry inside me, blooming with lessons in patience, imperfection, and presence. This mother-daughter journey deepened my love for the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi — finding beauty in the incomplete and transient — and renewed my commitment to making pottery that holds stories, heartbeats, and a little bit of magic.

You don’t need a sun-drenched studio or a Pinterest-perfect setup to start making magic with clay. You need a patch of space, a lump of mid-fire, and permission to make a joyful mess. From my early days elbow-deep in clay at the laundry sink to stashing my wheel under the table on tri-dollies, this post is a low-consumption, high-encouragement guide to starting your own home pottery space — no fancy tools or panic purchases required. Just a few humble bits, a sprinkle of humour, and a whole lot of mud.

There’s a particular kind of silence you only hear when you’re finally still—when the rush fades, the inbox is closed, and the air smells like eucalyptus and fresh clay. It took years of chasing titles, ticking boxes, and forgetting to exhale before I realised I was miles from the life I actually wanted. The road that led me home wasn’t paved with certainty—it was winding, messy, and full of detours. But somewhere between packing up my city heels and learning to centre clay on a wheel, I found it: a quiet kind of joy, rooted in making, in mothering, and in muddy hands.

There she was. My book. On an actual bookstore shelf. Not a dream. Not a daydream. A proper, public, spine-out moment in the wild.

Grateful—my debut picture book—was quietly perched at Dymocks Belconnen, nestled among classics I’ve read a hundred times over. Seeing it there stopped time for a moment. This story was born in the stillness of 3 a.m., in the hush of toddler breaths and hallway night-lights. It’s a keepsake stitched from the everyday magic of our lives: muddy knees, first words, backyard playhouses, and the lighthouse where we said “I do.”

It’s not just ink on paper. It’s our story. And now, it’s out in the world.

When my commission vase cracked—twice—I was reminded that pottery, like life, is shaped in the messy middle. This is a story of failure, resilience, and embracing imperfection in art, motherhood, and creative business. Because real handmade pottery doesn’t live in perfect Instagram posts; it lives in the cracks, the pauses, and the quiet work of showing up, starting over, and letting the light in.

Motherhood isn’t just nappies and night feeds — it’s an entire transformation, a slow becoming that no one really prepares you for. This Mother’s Day, I’m writing from the muddy middle: where matrescence reshapes us, guilt creeps in, and connection sometimes looks like a 10pm voice memo. Whether you're celebrating, grieving, exhausted, or everything at once — there’s space for you here.

Dearest reader,

Within these muddied pages of The Glazington Chronicle lies a tale of scandal, slip, and studio secrets. From the forbidden love of potter and clay to kiln catastrophes worthy of high society gasps, I reveal the messy joys of handmade pottery life in Murrumbateman. There’s passion, etiquette, and invitations to play—because here, we don’t just throw clay… we throw caution to the wind.

Ever yours in sass and slip,
Lady Whistlepot.

Once upon a colour-coded calendar, I lived by KPIs, commuter trains, and corporate catchphrases. But a quiet longing tugged at me—one I couldn’t file away or power through. This is the story of how I traded suits for slip clay, boardrooms for bisqueware, and found creative freedom (and a whole lot of joy) with muddy hands and a handmade life.

Confession #852… Pottery, parenting, and showing up fully for both—with muddy hands and a full heart.

Once upon a corporate life, I was drowning in emails and expectations. Now, I’m raising kids and clay creations side by side in my rural studio. This is the story of boundaries, balance, and building a life (and business) you don’t need a break from—one muddy masterpiece at a time.

What happens when grown-ups swap spreadsheets for slip clay and start playing with mud again? As a full-time ceramic artist and workshop guide, I’ve seen firsthand the magic that unfolds when adults let go of perfection, embrace the mess, and rediscover the joy of making something with their hands. From collapsed bowls to unexpected masterpieces, teaching pottery is less about the final product and more about the laughter, letting go, and connection that happen along the way. Spoiler alert: it's never just about the clay.

Confession #216: Not everything survives the fire—but that’s part of the magic. Pottery firing isn’t quick, tidy, or predictable (much like life). It’s a slow dance with heat, chemistry, and hope. Sometimes things crack. Sometimes they surprise you. But every piece that makes it through carries a story—of patience, transformation, and a little bit of wild. Step into the kiln with me and discover what I wish I knew before I fired up the studio.

March is here, and with it, a cosmic nudge for you to pay a little more attention to your pottery collection. Why? Because it’s not just about collecting clay—it’s about collecting soul-soothing experiences. Whether you’re the bold Aries or the dreamy Pisces, there’s a pottery piece out there that speaks to your soul. So, let’s dive into your star sign’s take on life (with a side of clay) and see what the universe has in store for your pottery destiny!

March in Murrumbateman always feels like the perfect blend of chaos and calm—crisp air, the first hints of autumn, and a studio filled with the hum of creativity (and, admittedly, a bit of clay dust everywhere). This year, 2025 is all about intention in pottery. It’s time to embrace the imperfections, celebrate the handmade, and, most importantly, use the pottery we love every single day.

Forget saving that beautiful, handcrafted mug for “special occasions” — potters want you to use it, to sip from it, to make it a part of your daily rituals. Pottery isn’t just for display; it’s a tangible piece of artistry meant to be lived with. And if it gets a little coffee stain on it? Well, that’s part of its charm. 2025 is the year to take pottery off the shelf and into the heart of your everyday life.

Feeling Like Life is Passing You By? Here's How to Slow Down and Reconnect with the Present Moment.

Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like life is just a blur. But there are simple, powerful ways to press pause and feel more present in your day-to-day. From starting your mornings with your hands—not your phone—to finding your own reset ritual, this blog post offers small shifts that can make a big difference in how you experience your life. Join me as I share practical tips and reflections on how slowing down with creativity can bring you back to yourself.

For thousands of years, women have shaped more than just clay—they’ve shaped history. From the hands that crafted ancient vessels to the artists redefining ceramics today, their legacy is etched in every fired piece. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the pioneering women of pottery—past, present, and future—whose creativity and resilience continue to mould the art form we cherish.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be dull or ruthless. It’s about curating a home filled with things you love—pieces that tell a story, not just take up space. Let go of the “one day” mentality, embrace objects with meaning, and create a space that feels like you. Because life is now, and your home should reflect the beauty of living in it. And yes—use the fancy teacups.

Ever wondered what kind of pottery piece matches your mood? Are you a sturdy, no-nonsense tea mug, craving warmth and a second breakfast? Or maybe you’re a delightfully chaotic noodle bowl, overflowing with enthusiasm and half-finished projects. In this month’s Pottery Horoscope, we’re embracing the idea that the clay you gravitate toward might just reveal a little something about your soul. Whether you’re feeling like an elegant vase, a rebellious wonky pot, or a wide, open serving platter ready to bring people together, there’s a piece (and a prediction) for you. So, which one are you today?

Some of the most magical childhood moments happen outdoors—collecting treasures, watching clouds shift, feeling the world come alive. In this blog, I share why nature belongs in children’s books, how storytelling shapes a love for the environment, and simple ways to bring the outdoors into everyday life. Let’s raise kids who see the beauty around them—and know they’re a part of it.

Motherhood is the most beautiful, heart-expanding journey—but it’s also a transformation. Somewhere between the sleepy cuddles, the tiny hands in mine, and the endless snack requests, I realised I’d put my own creativity on pause. That’s when I turned back to clay.

Pottery, like parenting, is a lesson in patience and presence. It reminds me that starting over is okay, that beauty comes from the process, and that making space for myself only deepens the love I pour into my family.

If you’re craving a moment to create, to breathe, to just be, Fire Up Fridays is here for you. Let’s shape something beautiful—one handful of clay at a time.

In a world that glorifies speed, there’s something deeply nourishing about slowing down. Here in Murrumbateman, mornings unfold like warm honey—gently, unhurried, and rich with quiet magic. From wrapping my hands around a handmade mug to wandering the garden before the day begins, I’ve found that the simplest moments are often the most meaningful.

Pottery, much like life, isn’t about rushing—it’s about being present, embracing imperfection, and creating with intention. If you’ve been craving a little slowness, a little space to breathe and make, Fire Up Fridays might be just what you need. Let’s get our hands muddy and rediscover the joy of creating—just for the love of it.