This is the first time ever, you guys. Come to my studio this Saturday to shop a HUGE amount of discounted work. I'll be donating 25% of everything I make to humanitarian work in Ukraine.

Ever wonder what happens to the experimental pieces, the pieces with slight flaws, the stuff I make just for fun? Well most of the time it ends up in a box in my basement, and it's time to bring them into the light!

Ros O'Brien Ceramics
Studio Clean-Out Sale
Saturday, April 2nd 10am-2pm
341 Sunrise Ave, Harrisonburg, VA

If you want all the details in one place, subscribe to my email list and I'll send you a reminder this Friday afternoon.

We all need to feel seen, understood, and appreciated by the people we love, and this is what a good gift can do — you give your loved one a new experience or object, but more importantly, you give them the feeling of being loved and appreciated.

Since I’ve started making pottery, I’ve gotten to be a part of many gifts, and it feels special and personal and meaningful every time. It’s one of my favorite things about what I do, honestly.

So as you’re looking for a gift to show a loved one that you care, here are some stories of especially meaningful gifts to inspire you.

Give a gift that reminds someone you love them every time they see it. It could literally say “I love you” like last Mother’s Day’s “I love you mom” mugs (I can’t tell you how many moms posted about how special this was to them).

Or it could be something they can enjoy or use that just makes them think of you, like a bud vase or a windowsill planter for their kitchen. What a beautiful gift — to be reminded that someone loves you every time you wash the dishes.

One thing I love about pottery is that you can also have a message or a dedication inscribed on the piece. Imagine if you turned over your morning mug to see “I love you sweetie! - mom” on the bottom every day before getting your morning coffee. What a wonderful way to start the day.

>> Browse planters

I heard from someone in my community that they bought a matching set of espresso cups, and every afternoon they sit down with their dad to have a cup of espresso together.

Not only do they each have something beautiful they can use that reminds them of one another, but it’s sparked a daily ritual they can enjoy together.

So why not get a matching set for you (yes, you get a present too!) and your loved one to enjoy?

​It doesn’t have to be someone you can physically sit down and drink a coffee with. You could meet virtually to enjoy your new ritual, or it could be like a friendship bracelet — whenever one of you sees or uses your present, you think of the other person.

>> Browse cups and mugs

A couple of years ago, I had someone ask me if I could make a set of custom butter dishes to give their family in Canada for Christmas. She wanted a particular size and shape (I learned that butter comes in a different size in Canada), and she chose colors and patterns she thought would fit their tastes.

It was such a fun project because we got to work together to make something that they could enjoy everyday, that was made especially for them, and that was completely unique.

No one else will ever have butter dishes like those. And my friend had peace of mind, knowing that she had a special gift in the works that would be ready when she went to visit her family.

​Get in touch about a custom project.
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​Finding a gift that’s perfect for someone doesn’t have to be custom. It could be choosing something in their favorite color. Or something that uses the texture of a plant they love.

​This is one reason I love botanical textures—lots of us form close connections with the plants and flowers we love, and it’s wonderful to be able to have something that we can enjoy everyday that reminds us of them even when they’re not in bloom.

It could be getting them a yarn bowl if they love knitting. It could be getting them a big ole tea mug because you know they can’t get enough tea in the winter. It could be getting them an espresso cup so they can enjoy the espresso traditions they miss from their travels or their home country.

There are so many ways to give gifts that show how much we care.

I know lots of people who are trying to declutter. This is true especially around the holidays, when it can feel like we’re getting all sorts of things we don’t need.

​I think we’re happier when we intentionally choose to surround ourselves with things that have particular meaning or give us joy. So instead of buying one more bauble or bit that we don’t need, let’s give each other things that make us feel loved. What a gift that is!

>> See what's available in my shop right now.

Do you have a favorite handmade gift that you've gotten or given? Share it with me in the comments below!