CREATING A CONNECTION

It’s been quite a while since I last posted. I want to post a life update. My husband has decided to return to school. I’m so happy for him! In order to keep insurance benefits and a stable income I’m going to go back to working a traditional job for a while. I’ll still be doing my art, but it’ll be at a slower pace. It does mean though that I can spend more of my art time experimenting. I hope that you all will continue to support me, even though I’ll be posting less frequently.

Good morning everyone! I’m here at the 9th and 9th Street Festival in Salt Lake City today from 10-6. My booth is right outside of Pizza Nono. I have some wonderful new bowls, serving bowls, etc.., and as I’m wanting to clear up some inventory space I’m doing 25% off of all mugs today! 🥳 #9thand9thstreetfestival #utahartists #utahpottery #utahpotter #thorpeceramics

Part of studio ownership that’s definitely not glamorous is the equipment maintenance. My least favorite of them being removing old kiln wash or glaze drips from kiln shelves. I’ll chisel off what I can then angle grind the rest. In complete honesty though I’m terrified of the angle grinder. I’ve seen one too many pictures of accidents with them. Luckily I had a friend @stone.anderson.studio walk me through it this time which made me feel a lot safer and more confident in using it. #potterystudio #ceramicstudio #stoneandersonstudio #thorpeceramics

Here is my newest project. These are candle holders that will be carved with Blue Flax flowers. Since candle holders are another new item for me I made 3. That way if something happens while carving I have a backup. The prettiest one will be sent to my client. What do you think? #potterycomission #potteryart #ceramics #thorpeceramics

I’m at the Avenues Street Fair in Salt Lake City today! Feel free to stop by if you get a chance 😊 booth GH N04. #avenuesstreetfair #utahartists #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

Started carving a new piece today! I’m super excited about this one, although I’m anticipating it being another tough one. #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

It’s finally done! This piece was incredibly difficult to make but I’m pretty happy with it. I have learned so much from making this. I plan to use this as a night light in my son’s room. #pottery #potteryluminaries #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

Over 30+ hours of carving. Tonight it goes in the bisque kiln. I learned SO MUCH from this piece. It’s really kicked my butt. I’m keeping my fingers crossed everything goes ok in the kiln. #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

This is my newest experiment, still in progress. I’ve posted a few images of it, but here’s another update. I’m attempting to combine piercing and carving into one piece. I decided to let it fully dry so that if it cracked I could easily see it and carve those sections out. I’ve lost track of how many hours I’ve spent on it. I’m hoping it’ll beautifully encompass the feeling of fall once complete. #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #piercedpottery #thorpeceramics

I thought I’d give a little carving tip: When I carve I do it mostly inside a garbage bag or 5 😉, so this is all I can usually see. I do this to keep my work from drying out while I work on it. #potterytips #carvingpottery #carvingclay #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

Just started a new project today. It’s been a while since I’ve carved Gamble Oak onto something. But with fall around the corner I was thinking this would be a fun one to choose. #potteryvase #fallpottery #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

Hey everyone, after doing a couple of workshops I’ve decided that I really enjoy them and would love to do more! If you are a ceramics studio, or school and looking to expand on what you offer send me a message. I’d love to come teach carving! I’m happy to do in person classes or through Zoom. #utahpotterystudio #ceramicstudioutah #potteryworkshops #carvingporcelain #carvingceramics #thorpeceramics

I’m here with my little helper at the @provofarmersmarket this morning from 9-2pm. Feel free to say hi if you’re in the area! #provofarmersmarket #thorpeceramics #utahpottery #utahfarmersmarket

I need to give a fellow artist a shoutout. I just got this adorable nugget that @wildrainbowco made. I’m so excited and it’s absolutely adorable! Please check out her page as her nuggets are truly a ray of sunshine. #nuggets #wildrainbowco #thorpeceramics

People will often ask me “how long does it take to complete a piece?” Here is a real time video of me carving. I’m not the fastest carver in the world. I take my time because I don’t want to break it, and I don’t want to make mistakes, which can be difficult to fix. #slowandsteady #carvingporcelain #carvingclay #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

I was talking to my sweet Sister in law the other day. I was offering to let her come over and try my wheel. She said she was nervous because she thought she wouldn’t be good at it. I told her that throwing on the wheel is a skill, not a talent. My first mug, as pictured here, is pretty sad. But I made it, and I keep it to remind myself of how far I’ve come. I still have a ton of pieces that don’t work out. And I still have a ton of room to improve. That’s the untold part of art. There are a lot of pieces that for numerous reasons are learning experiences, and not successes. They end up sometimes with my family, or sometimes tragically in the garbage. Each one I try to learn from. I guess what I’m getting at, is to chase after things. A new hobby, dream job, a new skill. You never know until you try. You can’t improve unless you start. #failureispartofsuccess #mugshotmonday #ceramicart #learningbydoing #skillnottalent #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

This cute little dragon fly stoped by my booth to say “Hello” 🥰

Day two of Raspberry Days, come say hi if you’re in the area! #bearlakeraspberrydays #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

I LOVE these tree mugs! I’ve got two available, and many other fun things at Raspberry Days in Garden City Utah. Come stop by! #raspberrydays #bearlakeutah #gardencityutah #utahpottery #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #carvedmug #thorpeceramics

Hey everyone, I have been pretty sick the last few days and I had to pull out of the Urban Arts Festival. I’m pretty disappointed but it was what I needed to do for my health.

Tumble stacking the kiln for a bisque firing. Some of this was thrown only two days ago 😅I’m hoping with a 5 hour preheat nothing will explode. Keep your fingers crossed 🤞 #kilnloading #bisquefire #thorpeceramics

I spent all of last week on a trip with my family and am back in the studio carving. I’m working on getting more of the tree mugs carved up and hopefully ready for the Urban Arts Festival in Salt Lake City this weekend. #urbanartsfest #thorpeceramics #utahpottery #carvedporcelain #mugshotmonday #carvedmug #treemug #carvedpottery

I’m here at the Provo Farmers Market in booth 108 from 9-2 today. Feel free to come and say hi! #provofarmersmarket #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

It’s been an incredibly busy couple weeks and I haven’t been as diligent about posting. But I wanted to show a recent chip and dip that just came out of the kiln today. I think it turned out really pretty. Unfortunately it has a couple of flaws that make it a second. #thorpeceramics #glazefiring #ceramicart #utahpottery

I want to take a moment and give a shout out to one of my biggest fans and supporters, my dad. He has taught me the value of hard work, and perseverance. I can’t even fully express my love and appreciation for him. #thorpeceramics

Hey everyone, here’s my event schedule for July! #provofarmersmarket #urbanartfestival #thorpeceramics

All set up and ready to go! I love having my son come help at these events! #sandycityfarmersmarket #thorpeceramics

Tomorrow I will be at the Sandy City Farmers market again from 9-1pm. They will be doing a butterfly release of over 2,000 butterflies, I’m super excited! #sandycityfarmersmarket #utahfarmersmarket #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

Here’s another example of a non traditional foot. Experimenting with different feet on my carved pieces is a lot of fun. I’ve almost completely stopped trimming on the wheel, as I feel like this non traditional foot fits my work better. #carvedpottery #carvedmug #carvedceramics #potterymug #pottery #ceramics #thorpeceramics

I finally finished this watering bell for a friend of mine. It took two attempts as I’d never made one before, and made the holes on the bottom too big the first time. I think it turned out all right 🙂 #wateringbell #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #porcelainpottery #porcelain #thorpeceramics

Mug shot Monday! I’m super happy with how this tree mug turned out. I think it has the right balance of functionality and flair. I made three to start and one sold the day after it left the kiln🤯! I don’t have them listed on Etsy yet but comment or dm me if you’re interested in one before I list them on Etsy. #mugshotmondays #thorpeceramics #carvedporcelain #carvedmug #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #potterymug #utahpottery

I’m just finishing setting up at the Sandy City Farmers Market. Keeping my fingers crossed for a fun day! #sandycityfarmersmarket #thorpeceramics #utahpottery

Tomorrow I will be at the Sandy Farmers Market from 9-1. I am so excited and I hope to see you there! #sandyfarmersmarket #utahpottery #thorpeceramics #sandycityutah

Im glad that the weather today was so nice. I was mixing test glazes, and I prefer to do that outside where cleanup is easy. What did you do today? #glazetest #glazemixing #thorpeceramics

When I bought my wheel, it was bundled with tons of glaze materials. I labeled them and put them away. I’ve used a few over the last several years. However, now that I’m doing a lot more research on glazes I’m realizing I have a lot more options than I realized. It’s almost like Christmas finding all these. #glazeresearch #thorpeceramics

Today I did my first Zoom workshop. I think it went well and loved being able to share my process with others ☺️ Thank you so much to everyone who came (virtually) to my workshop! It made my day to be able to answer your questions and share. #clayartsutah #arizonaclayassociation #thorpeceramics #utahpottery

Just a reminder that on Saturday I will be doing a free workshop for @clayartsutah and @arizonaclay members at 2pm Mountain Standard Time. If you have any questions you’d like to make sure I address, leave them in the comments below or shoot me a message 😃 #clayartsutah #arizonaclayassociation #ceramicartist #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

I finished carving out a second tree mug. Im debating on glazes. While I love my green glaze, and it would be beautiful in green, I’m going to experiment with recipes next week and see if I can get a nice translucent brown cone 10 oxidation glaze. Or should I just stick with green…? 🤔 #glazetest #carvedmug #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #porcelainpottery #thorpeceramics

It’s a late mug shot Monday but I just barely finished carving this mug. It took about 5 hours of carving and I’m pretty happy with the result. #mugshotmonday #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics #carvedmug #carvedpottery

My Etsy restock is now live! This platter and several other pieces are now available!! #pottery #utahpottery #potterymugs #etsyrestock #thorpeceramics #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #ceramicart #ceramicstudio

Saturday June 8th at 2:00pm, I’ll be doing a free Zoom workshop for @clayartsutah and @arizonaclay members. I’m super excited to be able to go through the process of carving with everyone. I hope to see you there! #clayartsutah #arizonaclayassociation #pottery #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

Carving these tumblers was so much fun! I altered their original shape so that they’d have a more organic feel. Right now I only have two but I may make more. Perhaps an entire dish set 🤔 They will be available on my Etsy restock Friday night at 8:00pm Mountain Standard Time. 🎉 #ceramicartist #pottery #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #utahpottery #utahartists #thorpeceramics

I recently got sent this photo of one of my soup mugs being used to make a personal lasagna. It makes me so happy to see my work being used, especially for such a yummy dish! #mugshotmonday #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics #ceramicartist

I’m going to restock my Etsy Friday night and here is a sneak peek some of the pieces that will be available. Which one is your favorite? #potter #carvedpottery #potteryvase #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #porcelain #utahpotter #utahartist #thorpeceramics #ceramicmug #potterymug

I finally got this vase photographed. I’m really happy with how it came out. #potteryvase #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #porcelainartist #ceramicart #utahartist #thorpeceramics

It’s been an incredibly busy last couple of weeks. I went with my family and in laws on a much needed vacation to Disney World and Universal studios in Florida. It was a lot of fun spending so much time with family, and exploring the parks. That being said I’m glad to be home and will resume my regular posting schedule in the next couple days 😊

I carved this at the request of a friend who wanted a watering bell with a moth on it. I decided on a Luna moth because they’re really whimsical and pretty. However now that it’s done I worry it looks more like a bat… or it could be just because I’m listening to a book on the history of rabies. What do you think? Moth or bat? 😅😂 #carvedporcelain #carvingpottery #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

How do you spend your late nights after the day is done? Reading, watching tv, maybe a board game? For me my days are often backwards. Taking care of the kids in the day. And working at night. Even though that means I’m up late, I enjoy carving at night. #potterylife #artistlife #latenights #carvingpottery #carvingart #utahartist #utahart #thorpeceramics

Throw back to my very first time carving hydrangeas. I’m still pretty happy with how this one turned out. What do you think? #throwbackthursday #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedpotteryvase #ceramicvase #potteryvase #ceramicartist #thorpeceramics

Children are creative by nature. Their imaginations continually churning out new ideas. I love seeing that in action. Today I got to help a classroom of elementary students make pinch pots. For many it was their first time touching clay. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did. I’d love to hear your first memory of making art if you want to share in the comments ☺️ #pinchpots #creativekids #elementaryart #clayart #thorpeceramics

While I’m passionate about my art, my family is the most important part of my life. This last weekend I got to spend time in Arches National Park with my dad and my kids. This is a trip I’ve been doing with my dad since I was pretty young. The memories I have hiking with him are some of my most cherished. I want to share that experience with my sweet boys. My dad is very much an academic and I love seeing the goofy side of him with my kids. #familytime #archesnationalpark #thorpeceramics

We have a winner 🥇 Congratulations @cinderellaschair you won the tumbler!! Thank you to everyone who participated!! I had a lot of fun and really appreciated the support from everyone 😊 #thorpeceramics

Just a reminder today is the last day to enter the giveaway for this tumbler! To enter you need to like, comment on the original post and follow me. Additional entries can be made by tagging a friend or sharing the giveaway post. A winner will be announced tomorrow and will have 48 hours to claim the tumbler. #instagramgiveaway #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedtumbler #thorpeceramics

I realized today I only shared the final results of one of the two platters I made. Here is the second one. I’m so grateful this one did not crack as well. I envision it one day sitting on a coffee table as a decorative piece or perhaps used to serve appetizers for a get together. What would you put on a platter like this? #glazeresults #potteryplatter #ceramicplatter #servingtray #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #utahartist #utahpotter #thorpeceramics #ceramicartwork #ceramics

Here’s a throwback to when I was first learning to carve. I was doing my Bachelors of Fine Art and was spending hours upon hours carving in basically a supply room in the ceramics department. I had gotten special permission to be there because I was working on my gallery show and wasn’t in the way of other classes. It was really hard to figure out how to carve and when to do it. I often went home dejected having broken yet another piece. I’m still no master carver, but that’s ok. This is a journey, and has been worth it. I hope to look back years from now and see the same progression that I do today. #lovethejourney #learningpottery #ceramicart #ceramicartist #pottery #bfa #utahartist #thorpeceramics #thrownclay #throwbackthursday #tbt

I find myself contemplating functionality today. I’ve always strived to make my work easily usable. But as I’m pushing myself more and more I’m finding the desire to sometimes go beyond what makes a functional item. I feel like this mug teeters on the edge of that line. What do you think? #formandfunction #potterymug #decorativepottery #decorativemug #ceramicart #ceramics #pottery #pottersofinstagram #carvedmug #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

⭐️⭐️⭐️GIVEAWAY⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m so grateful for all of you! Knowing that you appreciate my art means the world to me. Your support helps me provide for my family and I want to say THANK YOU! ❤️ I’m going to do a giveaway of this hydrangea tumbler that I carved. I altered its shape so that when you hold it, it fits perfectly into your hand. I really like this one and I hope you do too! To enter the giveaway: 1. Like, and comment on this post. 2. Follow me on instagram. 3. If you want additional entries share my post on your page and/or tag a friend (or many, I won’t judge 😉). Entries close at 11:59pm on Sunday April 21, 2024. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday April 22nd. I will ship free to anywhere in the continental United States. Per Instagram rules, I must let you know this giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release instagram of responsibility, and agree to instagram terms of use. No purchase necessary. #instagramgiveaway #ceramicartist #ceramicartwork #pottery #ceramics #utahartist #utahpotter #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #thorpeceramics

Today I was able to help judge the Lehi High School art show. I loved seeing all of the talented work that their students made. You could see the creativity and effort that these kids put into making their work! #lehihighschool #artjudge #thorpeceramics

Looking back at my previous work I love to see how my work has grown and changed. That being said this is still one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever made. #lookingback #ceramicplate #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

Normally I just carve, but I wanted to add more depth to this piece. I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing and the freedom of just exploring is pretty great. #ceramicart #pottery #potterymug #ceramicsculpture #porcelain #thorpeceramics

You can get a bark texture using a ton of different methods. This is my favorite way to do it. I first use a stylus tool and carve in some deep lines, then go back over it with a diamond tools sgraffito tool to add shallower lines and texture. The burred edge on the sgraffito tool really helps create a subtlety rough surface. I tagged the exact tool in the post if you’re interested in knowing which one I’m using. #diamondcoretools #carvingporcelain #carvingbark #carvingpottery #potterydemo #utahartist #utahpotter #ceramicartist #ceramicart #thorpeceramics

Ive hesitated to share too much about myself or my family on social media as I’m a pretty introverted person. After talking with my sweet husband I’ve decided to post more about me and who I am as a person. Beyond just my art. I know it may not be the content for everyone but, and that’s ok. I want to give you the chance to get to know me through if you’re interested. So for tonight, I’ll just share this. I have two beautiful boys, and hiking is one of my absolute favorite things to do. This was my baby’s first hike, although he didn’t do much work 😂 #thorpeceramics

I’m making a bunch of these woodsy carved tumblers. Here are just a few I’m working on. #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #pottery #ceramics #ceramicart #ceramicstudio #thorpeceramics

I’ve been experimenting with gently scalloping the rims of tumblers to create a more organic feel. I’m really enjoying it. #carving #carvingclay #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

I don’t think I’ve ever done a studio tour. This is a 110sq ft room that’s attached to my garage. It was only a framed out storage room when I bought the house. I got it remodeled, and painted. It has a nice size window that provides some natural light and is my little haven. #studiotour #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #potterylife #ceramicprocess #thorpeceramics

This is an older video but it gives a great start to finish of how I create my pieces. #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #carvingclay #utahpottery #utahpotter #utahartist #ceramics #pottery #thorpeceramics #makingpottery

Day two at the St. George art festival! So excited for another fun day! #stgeorgearts #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

Should I be sleeping right now, with a big show tomorrow? Definitely. Instead I’m going over every piece one last time. Making sure to get any remaining dust off from sanding the feet. #stgeorgearts #utahpottery #ceramicartist #potterystudio #ceramicartist #thorpeceramics

Opening the kiln is terrifying sometimes. After yesterday’s cracked platter I was super nervous about opening it today. I’m really happy with how this vase turned out though! Tonight I’ll pack it up to take to the St. George Art Festival this Friday and Saturday. #carvedporcelain #carvedvase #carvedpottery #potteryvase #ceramicart #ceramicartist #utahpotter #utahartist #thorpeceramics

This is really heartbreaking. I loved this platter but unfortunately it cracked during the glaze firing. Unfortunately this happens sometimes, and all you can do is try to learn from it and move on. #glazefail #ceramicart #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #thorpeceramics

I was really unsure of how to glaze these platters. They’re too wide to fit in any of my buckets, luckily I have this tote which worked perfectly for the job. #glazeday #glazing #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #pottery

Well this was an unexpected result. I opened my kiln late last night and found almost everything had turned this grayish blue. I realized it’s because the last glaze I use was too thick. While it’s not what I expected I don’t dislike it. There’s a lot of depth of color. Unfortunately it’s an overcast day so catching it on video is difficult. What do you think of the result? #glazefiring #potterymug #thorpeceramics

Today was a big glaze day. I’m not sure how other potters do it, but I dip my work in glaze and always end up making a big mess. It’s definitely my least favorite part of the process 🤪. One load in, probably three more to go. #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #glazeday #thorpeceramics

It has been a busy last few days! Im participating in the St. George Art Festival next Friday and Saturday, and have been loading and unloading my kiln every day. Tonight the last load of greenware goes in. Tomorrow I’ll start glazing!! #stgeorgeartfestival #utahartist #utahpotter #ceramicstudio #potterslife #potterystudio

Since I’ve been really enjoying carving altered forms, I thought I’d try a tumbler. I altered the rim, foot, and squeezed it gently where your fingers would go while holding it. Im thinking about making more of these, what do you think? #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedcup #potterycup #ceramiccup #ceramicart #ceramicartist #pottery #potterystudio #thorpeceramics

This hydrangea platter took about 9.5 hours to carve. It was pretty difficult to carve some of the altered areas along the border. Too little pressure and I wouldn’t carve deep enough, too much pressure and I’d risk cracking it. #carvedporcelain #pottery #servingplatter #carvedpottery #ceramicartist #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I got the best package in the mail yesterday! I’ve been a longtime fan of @christinasculpture and I finally have one of her mugs!!! If you don’t know her work, she’s an incredible sculptor and potter. Her work is breathtaking. Thank you so much Christina ❤️

The rim of this vase broke while I was working on it yesterday. I was initially pretty irritated as I’d already spent several hours on it. But I think it was the best thing that could have happened to this vase. I think it looks a lot better now. #happyaccidents #carvedvase #carvedpottery #carvedart #ceramicart #ceramicartist #pottery #carvedclay #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

This vase is definitely a work in progress. Still a lot of carving to do, but I hope to finish it today. #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedvase #carvedceramics #utahpottery #utahpotter #utahartist #ceramics #ceramicart #potteryvase #thorpeceramics

I’ve been exploring shapes that aren’t completely round and have really been enjoying it. Here is a vase that I altered and lightly carved. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will make it through the rest of the process! #carving #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #utahartist #utahart #thorpeceramics

Just finished carving this. I’ll be honest, I’ve been calling it “the thing” because I’m not sure what it is. What do you guys think 🤨? On the wall or on a table? #whatdoyouthink #carvingporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedclay #utahartist #utahpotter #carvedflowers #thorpeceramics

I can’t remember the last time I hand built something but I really wanted to try a more organic form. It’s definitely a work in progress. #handbuilding #ceramics #utahartist #utahpottery #utahpotter #utahclay #ceramics #ceramicart #carvingporcelain #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

While carving is my passion, I also make quite a lot of traditional mugs. They tend to be large, 14-16oz, enough to get your coffee fix to start the day, or relax at the end of the night with a mug of cocoa. #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics #potterymug #coffeemug

My sister in law asked me if I could make her a colander. I said sure, I mean how hard can it be? Make a bowl, poke it full of holes and slap some handles on it 🤷🏼‍♀️. Well I’m on my 6th iteration of a colander 😂. I’ve definitely learned a lot from this experience on how not to make a colander. #learningfromfailure #potterycolander #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

It’s been a few weeks since I posted. I’ve been battling bronchitis for the last few weeks and am just now starting to feel better enough to work in my studio again. I’m so happy to be able to start working again, I’ve really missed my studio time. #thorpeceramics

Here are some of my favorite pieces that I have finished recently, I finally had time last night to finish editing the photos so that I could document them. #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #ceramicart #utahpotter #utahartist #thorpeceramics #pottersofinstagram #potteryutah #natureart #flowerart #ceramics

Clay Con West was an amazing experience! I loved having the opportunity to present and teach other potters about my carving. I also got to meet @christinasculpture , @5linespottery and many others who I’ve long admired. Thank you so much @pattiwithtwoeyes for taking some truly incredible photos of the event, and of me and my baby. I definitely plan on returning next year! @clayconwest @thorpeceramics

Today at Clay Con West I got to meet Becca Otis from @5linespotterystudio I’m so happy!! I love her podcast and her work! @clayconwest @thorpeceramics

Clay Con West is here! I’m so excited and nervous. Today I’ll be presenting at 12:45 on carving porcelain. #clayconwest #carvingclay #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

Opening the kiln is always nerve wracking. Today though, this gorgeous tumbler came out. I’m so happy! I’ll take some nicer photos in the next few days that’ll better show the color as the lighting in my kiln room isn’t the best. #kilnopening #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedtumbler #carvedflowers #carvingceramics #ceramicsutah #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I had a wonderful day carving today, what did you do? #carvingporcelain #carvingpottery #carvingclay #carvedceramics #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #utahceramics #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I was only able to carve for a short amount of time today due to my baby being sick with a cold. That being said I’m excited about the design and I hope it turns out well! #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #pottery #ceramics #utahpottery #utahpotter #carvedtumbler #thorpeceramics

Have you ever looked at the individual flowers of a hydrangea up close? They’re really pretty and interesting flowers, I really enjoy carving them. #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedtumbler #carvedflowers #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

This week I’m finishing up some carved pieces to take to Clay Con West. It’s been a slow process juggling the new baby and carving but I’m loving every minute of it! #clayconwest #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedtumbler #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

This is how I start every carving, by drawing it out onto the leather hard clay first. #utahartist #utahpottery #carvedclay #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics #carvingclay

Sometimes the best tool is one you make yourself. This is a sewing pin I taped to another carving tool. I use this one for doing the tiniest detail work. For example the stamen of these dogwood flowers. I actually got the idea from @taniagoldberg_fineart who has always been amazing at giving advice. #dogwoodpottery #carvedpottery #carvedpotteryplate #flowerpottery #flowerplate #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

I’m back in my studio!! It’s been months since I’ve really been able to carve and I’m so excited to be able to work again! #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #carvedpottery #flowerpottery #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #utahartist #carvingdemo #thorpeceramics

Not clay related but I’m so excited to announce the birth of my son on Saturday 10/14. We are both doing great

As some of you may know I’m pregnant with my second son and it’s been a rough pregnancy. Due to my health I’m taking a step back from shows and events until after he is born. So for now I’m limited to sketches. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported and encouraged me this year! I’ve met so many amazing people this year and I really hope our paths cross again. #thorpeceramics #pregnancybedrest

Hey everyone I’ll be participating in Utah’s Beer Fest this Saturday and Sunday. I am participating through Allied Against Cancer. There’s a great event connected with the festival Thursday night called Cancer’s a Drag, that I will also be attending in support of the LGBTQ+ (see link). I’d love to see you guys at either event! https://e.givesmart.com/events/uVH/ #thorpeceramics #utahbeerfestival #cancersadrag #utahartist