My Pottery Journey...So Far (Pottery Vlog)!

Thank you for joining me for a bit of storytime where I go through how I became a full-time, mostly self-taught potter.
The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read...and How They Can Learn, Revised and Expanded Edition a.co/d/9msxJd6
My books:
www.amazon.com...
Thanks for watching, and if you aren't already subscribed, I hope you consider joining me and this amazing pottery community.

[@marycarolyn1293]

I took pottery classes for years but I’ve learned the most from KZbin, especially from you. I hope you’re healing well. We all miss you!

[@melsolomon8256]

I like that you pointed out there is not just one way to do it. Gatekeepers of creative expression always get to me.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Same! I learned a long time ago that I learn differently, and I love busting through "rules."

[@mavisdavisify]

I was told by my college pottery teacher that I would never be able to throw pots. I am a fat woman. He felt I couldn’t get close enough to the wheel. So my 3 quarters of pottery I learned to hand build. That teacher taught me nothing. I learned by doing. A few years after I graduated I met a potter that told me he would teach me to throw. We modified the height of the wheel. We modified my seating and lo and behold I can throw pots. He taught me the way he learned from a strict German lady. She taught 16 basic forms. When you could make all 16 forms then you could use that knowledge to make any pot you could imagine. So I learned the 16 forms and can now reproduce any vessel I want to make. However, he refused to let me fire any pots. His philosophy was that when you fire everything you make then each piece becomes too precious. If you’re not able to decide what you’re making, then make it as many times as you want or need to then you really haven’t learned to throw that particular form well. I get what he meant so I made each form many times until the muscle memory kicked in and I could remake that form whenever I wanted. That’s all well and good but he didn’t teach me anything about slips or underglazes or glazing. So I’m learning that piece now, on my own, using a lot of KZbin videos to glean info. I also joined ClayShare and subscribed to Pottery Making Illustrated. Those are both chock full of step by step processes to make successful pots with stunning glazes. So, I guess I said all that to affirm what you said about needing a fine arts degree to be creative. The college classes, that I paid the most for, taught me the least. Good teachers are out there. If you need instruction go find it. Each time you do you’ll move forward in your journey to becoming a real, live potter. Each thing you learn builds on the one before.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Amen! What a journey you've been on. It's so wonderful that you didn't give up. Teachers like your first should not be teachers!

[@crystallarson5872]

Love hearing about your journey. I discovered pottery after I retired from the military. I went back to college thinking that I would be getting into computer programming and hated it! I didn't know what to do with myself, so I had always promised myself that someday I would take art classes and took pottery as an elective and fell in love with the process. I became the student worker, fired the kilns, made the glazes and helped where needed. I was allowed to do a couple specialty shino glaze workshops and Japanese inlay techniques. I loved every minute of it. Life happened and it has taken a while to get back into a position where I can do pottery again and I look to people like you for inspiration. Keep up the good works!

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Crystal, that's so wonderful!

[@DrSandraGSmith]

Thanks for giving folks the update on me and my back issues as you did your vlog this week! Yes, we have been through a lot and I’m so very grateful to have gone through this with you! I love you dearly, my dear friend ❤ We will be back!!! @luvpotterybysandy

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Yes! We will be back!

[@CMSSanders]

So glad to see you seeming to feel better. You sound very coherent. I really was touched personally by your video today. I was feeling very discouraged and self-critical. i was thinking maybe i should throw in the towel. I was a professional ceramist and gave it up 30 years ago to feed my family. In 2021 my hubby encouraged me to build a space and teach myself pottery. I am blessed because my "ceramic" background reduced the learning curve for pottery. I am totally self-taught. Kudos to all those you Tube videos and thanks for sharing. Your video today encouraged me . I am not giving up! I am good enough. Like you I am a creative learning disabled adult. You have enriched my life , pottery and self esteem. Thnak you so muc. Your sharing makes a BIG difference. Hugs and best wishes from far away. Christine Sanders, with love,NaNa

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahhh, that wonderful! Yes! Never give up!

[@user-kg7ed1gb4i]

great story told, many thanks. You were lucky to have a good pottery teacher at school, sometimes that is all that is needed to ignite a spark within. I left school in 1980 having never even seen a pottery wheel! It took me 35 years to find clay by myself and now alas I live in darkest Europe where selling a pot is a huge task .Living in America really is the land of creative opportunity, hats off to you.

[@maylimoraarce3700]

Gracias, Gracias por compartir parte de tu vida, yo amo hacer cerámica y cuando términos mis proyectos soy más feliz, he aprendido mucho de ti , Gracias un abrazo.

[@collbuddy]

Hi Tiffanie. I’m glad to see you. Omgosh what a story… I lived in Florida for 18 years. I took up this pottery class and this woman joined us. She keep talking about pottery teaching and her students she’s from Fairbanks Alaska her name is Carol Young. We were in classes together. What a small world. I just moved from Florida to Illinois. ❤ Joanne Coll

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Wow! What a small world. I knew she retired to Florida. From one extreme to another, lol. I reconnected with her years ago on Facebook, and it was the best! She's my pottery hero as she helped shape my life.

[@cariadwales1979]

I did pottery in high school and had top grade for my exam piece.and never touched clay again for more than 30 years like you getting married raising kids working as a teacher. I went back to pottery about 14 years ago witha local group that hires a school room once a week and in my laundryroom at home. This year my son has converted half our garage into a pottery space which is my destress space. I have started seling a few pieces. as long as it covers my costs im OK. As a dyslexic with dyslexic kids and having specialised in teaching dyslexic kids I couldnt agree with you more. Hugs to you xxx

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, that's wonderful. I, too, have 2 kids with dyslexia. In fact, I diagnosed both. The teachers in school kept passing them because they didn't cause problems. I actually made the school test them, and they argued with me until after the testing. How wonderful that you teach them, and now you're back in the clay. Love your story!

[@awakenability]

Deeply inspired and nice to hear part of the back story to sooo many beautiful videos, projects, art and design… incredible thank you 🙏 ❤

[@patspotpage]

Tiffinie, we have so much in common! It's really cool that you share your life with us. It inspires others to reach out for their dreams. I hope you're feeling better! It looks like your shoulder is more aligned. I hope that black cloud that's been over you and your family moves on soon!

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Thank you!

[@cheryl7623]

I enjoyed your story. It's an inspiration for younger people these days who are struggling financially. I also went to college in the eighties, and I know how hard times were back then! Looking forward to seeing your army of gnomes.😊

[@sandraashby9804]

Hello from England Tiffany I get to see your channel on Saturdays. Love watching. I wrote a novel too and self published it it took me 18 months 😅. I enjoyed it but love pottery more. You’re so kind and generous giving your lessons. I have learned so much from watching you. Hope you feel better soon Much love

[@hobblecreekpottery]

That's wonderful!

[@carolynpollack1083]

👏👏👏👏 Hi Tiffanie. Thank you for posting about your journey. I thought of so much to say when you were talking, but now, I can't think of how to write it. I'm a self-taught potter. When I'm down, I head for my clay. I've learnt so much from watching your videos and others, as well. Anyway, again, thank you for sharing. You're looking so much better. Bring on the gnomes 😊

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you!

[@cagswanny]

I so enjoyed hearing about how you started and continued to play in the mud!!!! Keep healing!

[@terriromero-dewald6652]

I was very happy to hear more of your story. It is very inspiring. I too find great solace and calm in my little studio. I’ve had difficulty finding good teachers and have relied heavily on you tube tutorials. Yours especially.😊 I’ve finally gotten centering down after many years (intermittent). Now working on forms and my love of hand building which runs deep. Again, inspiring vlog today ❤

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you! So glad you stuck with it.

[@momadhis]

Thank you so much for your words of inspiration. I have been self taught, started 2020 during Covid. I need to make sale worthy pots in order to keep buying clay and glaze. I find that this pottery addiction can be pricy . glad to see you again... can hardly wait to see your army of gnomes. :)

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Yes! Need to sell to pay for the addiction. 😀

[@TammySeggebruch]

Wonderful Story!!!! Thank you for taking time out to share it!!1! So Glad to see you fired up and ready to do some Gnomes Yours Gnomes are adorable !!!! Ive watched your Santa making video Your videos Brighten the internet 😃

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you!

[@janlewis9099]

I really enjoyed listening/ watching your videos. I am sitting here in Sunny London having breakfast listening to you thinking how lucky I am. I have a fantastic pottery teacher/ friend who allows individual creativity.I can't imagine for a moment on having your struggles but looks at you now!!! Just to think you could have been Tiffany BSc in Computer Science. We would all have missed out 😂🤗

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Lol, I never would have survived a BS in computers.

[@janlewis9099]

@@hobblecreekpottery 🤣

[@JLSwanson]

Thanks for sharing all that you have done and been through I am a retired ceramics art teacher Being left handed I have always had to adjust how I did anything

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I have had 2 left-handed students, and it is a switch in thinking. I now have a wheel that goes on reverse. Very helpful.

[@BarbaraBlanc-xl8ns]

Very well done. So glad to see you and hear you be almost your self again. Many wishes for more recovery.

[@evelineherber256]

❤ thank you for your history. I feel a little better now. ❤

[@tamaramaki9633]

Thank you for sharing!! I'm so grateful for your words, I can relate so very much!!❤

[@kathymikulin9006]

So happy to see you back .....

[@PatBorrill]

So nice to see you looking so chirpy and back to your old self. Can't wait for you to get back in the studio.

[@anasclayhouse]

I loved your story Tiffany! I’m also self taught and I agree with your advice. I went to KZbin university as well!😂 Thank you for sharing and I hope you heal quickly to get back to pottery!🙏🏻💕

[@betsy5552]

Happy you’re on the mind! Thanks for sharing your journey

[@michelewoodyatt7646]

So glad you are doing better! I tried my hand at a little flask this past weekend - still drying, not fired yet, I will post if it turns out. And, I just checked out your Amazon book page and bought Edge for my Kindle…..I have a feeling a may be a fan of your writing as well as your pottery!!

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh wonderful and I hope you enjoy Edge!

[@Alaineolier-zs5bd]

You are truly an inspiration for those of us early into the pottery journey and a great teacher. Thank you for giving your time, techniques, and ideas - always look forward to your new video each week. I wish you were close enough to take classes from- thank goodness for your you tube channel and willingness to teach and share your knowledge. So glad you are doing much better and healing. Look forward to you being back in the studio. 😊❤️

[@barbsmyth2697]

thank you for being YOU...i enjoyed this video very much...nice to hear your story...and got a kick out of the covers of your books...romance novels have a place...i work with nurses who absorb book after book...probably as much as i absorb yarn for my designs...take good care and heal well...

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you.

[@margaretfrew6661]

Hi Tiffany, I followed a similar path to you.I was just this morning thinking about making more gnomes and fairy houses.At the moment I have had so many hospital appointments and I am bursting at the seams to get back to the studio, I can understand what you are going through not being able to get muddy. I live the way that you speak to ME at least that is the way it seems. Your Videos are terrific.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you!

[@yesh3279]

So great to see you. Glad that you are improving. Love your work and podcast. Prayers for your continued healing. ❤

[@pamdorneman888]

Thank you. Soo much. Can relate on in many ways.

[@barbarac4138]

Patience. Do not ruin your healing or you will be heading into a surgery. You may enjoy watching The onearmedpotter videos. Keep healing

[@jenniferweidley1170]

SO happy to see you back in the studio! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I have only been doing pottery for about a year and a 1/2, (always wanted to try it, but as you so brilliantly shared, life and career got in the way). I am now retired, and I am loving the journey! I love trying all the great stuff you show us how to make! (and yup, I am still weaving also!) Thanks also to your fantastic students!

[@Avocadito]

I want to see the army of gnomes! Get well soon, pottery misses you

[@busyacres]

I loved hearing your journey. Oh my gosh, you have the exact same fear as me - dying before you try everything you want to try! You are looking so much better. Glad to see you are on the mend, and I have enjoyed watching your students videos whilst you have been recovering - the death moth was amazing! 🖤 Take care and keep being amazing! 💜

[@JudyHensley-xn5gu]

Thank you so much for Sharing your story, you are a kindred soul!!! It's wonderful to see your spirit back and I so very much hope you get back to being muddy❣

[@jacquiw804]

It was brilliant hearing your story. It is a wonderful feeling knowing you've found your niche in life. Get well soon. Thanks for your videos ❤

[@MRC11221]

I knew there was a reason I liked you. It took you time to find your "calling". It took me a lot longer, but I am right there with you. Do you have any idea when you can do something with your hands in the fun mud? I truly hope it is soon.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I'm making soon. Doctor's don't know everything and it's healing being in the studio.

[@denisenoble4010]

Great to see you in your studio, i cant wait for you to get back to do what you do best, playing in clay, I so miss your videos, it's been great letting your students do their Thing but it's not you. Is there a time frame? Can you come back slowly?, but not too slow, haha,. This is also resting your knee, how is that going.? Please just come back soon, we miss you🎉😢😊

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I'm fighting hard, but it'll be a slow process, unfortunately. I'm trying to think of small things I can do that would be helpful.

[@lesliepease3988]

You look so wonderful!

[@hobblecreekpottery]

Ahh, thank you.

[@madeleinejackszis4858]

Could you please ask the lady that is doing the pocket pales octopus to do a video here? I would love to see how she makes them. Thank you so much

[@Mariede425]

Hi again Tiffanie...Im so sorry for my last post, I was in a disturbed mood (foul to be accurate) so Im glad its not on this list of posts...hopefully you saw it and deleted it. Im really a nice person, but too much coming down on me right now, so please excuse. Thanks, again I apologize.

[@hobblecreekpottery]

I didn't see it as I've had to be limited on screen time. So win win. 😀