Day 21 : Throwback

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#marchmeetthemaker THROWBACK Here is a throwback to 2013 – my first experiments after my 9 year hiatus! I remember how excited I was to open the kiln, but also slightly disappointed as they weren’t as amazing as I wanted them to be. However, it was my starting point to where I am now. This picture shows me that I have come such a long way. I have very happy memories of working in the shed in my parents garden, and I love those curtains! #teawithjud #potter #pottery #ceramics #ceramicdesign #design #ukdesign #experiments #glazetest #stripes #handthrown #handmade #espressomugs #espresso #selfemployed #smallbusiness #independent

A post shared by Jud Pollock (@teawithjud) on Mar 21, 2019 at 1:08am PDT

Day 22 : Proud of

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#marchmeetthemaker PROUD OF I’m really proud of what I have achieved so far. I started my business from scratch with second hand equipment and it has been completely self funded. I have worked really really hard to make a living out of something I love. I have improvised a lot. My shed and current workshop don’t even have a sink. That’s another goal to work towards! But ultimately my determination proves that anything is possible if you stay focused and take it one step at a time. #teawithjud #potter #pottery #maker #ceramics #ukceramics #ceramicdesign #handmade #creative #madeinscotland #potteryworkshop #workshop #farm #shop #smallbusiness #independent #determination #dontgiveup #rattray #blairgowrie #perthshire #scotland

A post shared by Jud Pollock (@teawithjud) on Mar 22, 2019 at 12:13am PDT

Day 23 : Top tip or advice

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#marchmeetthemaker TOP TIP OR ADVICE In no particular order.. 1. Work hard 2. Be prepared to improvise 3. Be flexible 4. If you’re at a market don’t buy handmade soap before lunch and put it in the same bag as your lunch 5. Don’t be too hard on yourself 6. Always try your best 7. Set realistic goals 8. Be organised 9. It’s ok to say no. 10. Do pilates 11. Note to self : listen to my own advice 🧡 #teawithjud #potter #pottery #maker #ceramics #ukceramics #ceramicdesign #crockery #lunch #picnic #handmade #creative #madeinscotland #farm #shop #smallbusiness #independent #rattray #blairgowrie #perthshire #scotland

A post shared by Jud Pollock (@teawithjud) on Mar 23, 2019 at 1:29am PDT

Day 24 : Customer feedback

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#marchmeetthemaker CUSTOMER FEEDBACK Customer feedback is SO important. As a one woman business I get to know a lot of my customers, especially if they buy directly from me. Many have even become friends. I am very approachable and listen to all feedback both positive and negative. Sometimes the negative feedback is hard to take, but it’s important that I listen and my customers realise that I do. The positive feedback makes me so happy. I love receiving messages of how much happiness my pottery can bring. I also love receiving pictures of it being used. I have never met Anna but she bought one of my mugs and has drawn if many times in her pictures. It is so nice to see my mug being used and loved in its new home in Australia. It’s one thing using my pottery, but to draw it as well!! I am so flattered. Check out the rest of Anna’s beautiful drawings at – @abottlefullofrain If you have any photos or sketches of my pottery please feel free to send them to me and I will happily post them on instagram 😁 #teawithjud #potter #pottery #maker #ceramics #ukceramics #ceramicdesign #crockery #handmade #creative #sketch #drawing #illustration #abottlefullofrain #mug #polkadot #green #happycustomer #happypotter #creative #madeinscotland #smallbusiness #independent #rattray #blairgowrie #perthshire #scotland

A post shared by Jud Pollock (@teawithjud) on Mar 24, 2019 at 3:24am PDT

Day 25 : How it’s made

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#marchmeetthemaker HOW ITS MADE 1. I weigh out my clay 2. I wedge each ball 3. I throw each pot on the wheel 4. When the pots are leatherhard I turn or fettle each piece and stamp it on the bottom with “Tea with Jud” 5. I pull and attach handles 6. When the pots are dry they go into the kiln for a Bisque firing – 1000 degrees. In my large kiln this cycle usually takes 2.5 – 3 days. 7. The pots then need to be sanded in preparation for glazing. 8. Pots are glazed. 9. Pots go back in the kiln, this time for a glaze firing – 1180 degrees. 10. 3 days later I unpack the kiln and check every single piece. This whole process usually takes 3 – 6 weeks. If it is cold and damp the pots take a lot longer to dry. I constantly check the quality of every piece at each stage. Anything that isn’t good enough goes in the seconds pile. Albert, my trusty sidekick is beside me each step of the way. Man, I love my dog 🧡 #teawithjud #potter #pottery #ceramics #ceramicist #ceramicdesign #design #handmade #handcrafted #handmadeinscotland #crockery #tableware #meetthemaker #howitsmade #workshop #smallbusiness #independent #selfemployed #dog #jacktzu #ilovemydog #rattray #blairgowrie #perthshire #scotland

A post shared by Jud Pollock (@teawithjud) on Mar 25, 2019 at 12:34am PDT