About

Hi, I'm Sam, the maker behind Potter's Patch Ceramics & Design~

Potter's Patch is a small-batch, handmade ceramics and art studio based in the heartland of the USA, Indiana. Every piece — from the whimsical bug magnets to the hand-illustrated skateboards — is designed by hand, with a whole lot of love for the weird and wonderful creatures that share our world. Ceramic and upcycled pieces come directly from my home studio to your door. Items featuring my designs, from cute lunch bags to sick sweatshirts, are printed through an affiliate printer using high quality files of my original artwork.

How it started

My ceramic journey began in high school. I was lucky enough to have an eager art teacher who truly loved her students' creativity. I struggled to learn how to throw pottery on a wheel-- centering felt impossible. Most afternoons, I would stay after school and practice, failing again and again. Tears were shed. But I got there.

The joy I felt with my first centered mound of clay is indescribable. I was so in love with the art, the process, and the possibilities. I worked my teenage self to the bone, saving up money to purchase my own wheel. My first home studio was made up of a desk in my parents' garage (thanks mom and dad!). For my second setup, I rented out studio space in Indianapolis. I didn't have much time to dedicate to the art during college, but it was perfect. I had to leave this space when I moved down to Bloomington, IN, and I set my ceramics up in the garage of my rental home. This was a janky setup-- I had to run my kiln off a gasoline-powered generator. I operated as "Le Petit Chou Pottery," rooted in my love for the French language and a history with the pet name.

As of 2026, I have my own studio in an outdoor shed, with a functioning low-fire kiln! I shifted my branding from LPCP to the Potter's Patch, designed my logo, and have poured so much love and energy into the project. I hope to save my art profits to improve my space in the future; I have grand plans- tiled floor, cute floral accent wall, and the biggest goal: getting a wiring installed for a high fire kiln.

How it's made

Every piece of art is created with love and passion. My ceramic pieces are sculpted by hand in my home studio and left to dry for a week or so. These bone-dry pieces are then fired, typically to Cone 05, and washed off. I then begin the glazing process, where I add color and fine details to the sculpted works for a beautiful finish. When the glaze is ready, I send the pieces back into the kiln for one last fire (Cone 06). After their final fire, I review each new piece for flaws, clean up any sharp edges, and carefully pack the item in a box.

Printed items, like clothing, greeting cards, and stickers, are printed through an affiliate printer. All art is created myself, 100% human designed and created. I would love to hand make everything, but alas, I do not have the tools. This partnership allows me to create products with crisp, high quality prints that will have a long life for you to enjoy.

Why it matters to me

Art is my escape. I create not with the intention to sell, but with the intention of expressing whatever it is I need to get out. The process of creating art is soothing to me, and helpful at times of emotional distress. Sometimes you just gotta sculpt a worm, you know? Even if it's just to turn off your brain and focus on something other than your rumination. I sell my creations to bring joy and color to people's lives, and to fund the Potter's Patch project.