Journal entry – January 2026

2026 already feels full in the best way.

There is a quiet excitement humming underneath everything right now. Not the frantic kind. Not the pushing kind. Just a steady sense that things are unfolding as they should.

Late March (28th & 29th) brings the pottery expo. A moment to step outside the studio bubble, share work, connect with the wider ceramics world and feel inspired by what others are making. Those moments always remind me why I chose this path in the first place.

Then June and July. Five weeks in Europe with the family. Time that feels deeply precious. Slower mornings. Shared meals. Wandering new streets with the kids. And nestled into that is something really special. A pottery retreat in France with Madame Voyage in Toulouse. Clay, travel, learning, connection. It feels like a beautiful full circle moment. Work and life blending in a way that feels intentional and nourishing rather than chaotic.

At home, the studio continues to grow in the ways that matter most. Expanding our already incredible team feels like a genuinely heartwarming step. Nicola stepping in with admin support has already brought so much clarity and breathing room. Emily joining us for an extra two days a week as a tutor, studio assistant and in pottery production feels like a solid investment in care, consistency and long term support. Having the right people around makes everything feel lighter.

My intention for this year is simple. Less manic. More measured. Less chasing growth for the sake of it and more focus on sustaining what we’ve built. Supporting the team. Looking after myself. Creating work that feels thoughtful and grounded. Letting the studio be strong and steady rather than constantly stretching and run off our feet. I might even take a lunch break some days!!!

2026 feels like a year of trust. Trust in the systems. Trust in the people. Trust that slowing down a little doesn’t mean going backwards. It means staying for the long haul.

Elizabeth x