Behind the Scenes: Vernon Pottery Magic at Love and Light Earthware

Market season in the Okanagan has a special kind of buzz. The air feels charged with creativity, connection, and the joy of finding that perfect handmade treasure. As someone who creates Vernon pottery year-round, this is the time when my studio becomes a swirl of clay, chaos, glaze, intention, and excitement.

I thought it would be fun to take you behind the scenes and share what this beautiful and bustling season really looks like from the potter’s side of the table.

This Vernon Pottery Studio Comes Alive

In the weeks leading up to a market, my studio transforms into a little universe of its own. Freshly thrown mugs line the shelves, bowls slowly dry beneath soft cloths, and trays wait patiently for their turn in the kiln. Each day has its own rhythm that includes centring, trimming, carving, glazing, and firing. Every piece moves through its own cycle of becoming.

A certain energy rises as market dates get closer. Clay splatter covers my clothing, mugs dry on the table, and pots of glaze crowd the counter. These small, messy details feel like part of the magic. Vernon pottery is known for its earthy soulfulness, and during market season, that soulful feeling seems to fill every corner of the studio.

Evening Glaze Sessions

There is something deeply peaceful about glazing at night. The house is quiet. My incense swirls. I can give my full attention to the process. This is the time when intention flows into each piece. I often think about the hands that will eventually hold these mugs and bowls. It is a quiet and devotional kind of work.

Sometimes I experiment with new glaze combinations. Sometimes I lean into the classic glazes that everyone loves. Every glaze session is a blend of intuition and experience, which is a balance that every maker develops over time. I deeply believe each piece made with intention will find its way to the person meant to find it.

Kiln Days Filled With Excitement and Nerves

Opening the kiln never loses its magic. After all these years, it still feels like unwrapping a gift.

Will the glaze turn out the way I hoped?

Will a new design surprise me?

Is everything intact and ready to shine?

Kiln days come with a flutter of nerves, but seeing rows of finished Vernon pottery glowing with colour and texture is one of my favourite parts of the entire process. This is the moment when the clay’s journey becomes something real and ready to be shared.

Preparing for the Market

Once the pieces are cooled and removed from the kiln, it is time to curate the collection.

I lay everything out on my large studio table and start arranging pieces into little groups. There is something intuitive about deciding which items will go to each market. Shapes, tones, and textures naturally find their way together. Each mug, tumbler, and dish carries its own story. I love imagining where they will end up.

After this comes the labeling, pricing, packing, and loading. It is a lot of work, but every step feels purposeful. These pieces were created for connection. They were made to be loved and used.

Market Day Magic

At last, the part that everyone sees.

The bustling booths, warm smiles, handmade displays, and the incredible exchange of energy between artist and community create a feeling that is hard to describe. There is nothing quite like watching someone pick up a piece of pottery and immediately feel drawn to it. Those little moments of recognition are the reason I love to do what I do.

Market season is when Vernon pottery truly shines. Each piece finds its person. Each story finds its home. And I have the honour and joy of meeting the people who support this creative path and who appreciate the time, heart, and energy inside every piece. I'm so unbelievably grateful for every market and every customer.

Thank You for Being Part of This Season

Whether you visit my booth, follow my journey online, or simply read these posts, you are part of this cycle of creativity. This season is full, sometimes slow, mostly chaotic, always rewarding, and I am SO grateful to share it with you.

If you are attending a local market soon, come say hi. You will find me behind the table with a warm smile on my face and a display of intentional pottery that is ready to continue its story in new homes. 💜

In love and light,

Lindsey xox