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Inspired by nature, these artists use real leaves to create unique pottery

2 min read

Inspiring People
Inspired by nature, these artists use real leaves to create unique pottery
Source: Facebook/PiperPottery

Piper Pottery + Crafts create stoneware pottery in a modern yet rustic style, with nature-inspired designs

Piper Pottery wants to connect people with clay

Piper Pottery + Crafts, located on the banks of the Sangamon River in Seymour, Illinois, is known locally for creating stoneware pottery for the home and garden in a modern yet rustic style, with clean lines and nature-inspired designs. Using both wheel-thrown and hand-sculpted techniques, they are specialists in creating unique miniature pieces for use in the home and garden, and they hold regular classes to teach their techniques to the public.

Using real leaves means each piece of pottery is unique As the veins on every leaf are unique to that leaf, so each piece of pottery will be equally unique. Source: Facebook/CraftyPanda

“Playing in the mud,” Cammie Meerdink is passionate about clay and connecting others with it

Cammie Meerdink is the artist behind Piper Pottery + Crafts. For the past 20 years she has been "playing in the mud" – turning clay into beautiful and functional stoneware. Based in Seymour, Illinois, the studio’s name comes from Cammie’s maiden name and that of her youngest child. 

Married, with three children, and a part time job as a nurse, life for Cammie is full. She creates and teaches both hand building and wheel thrown pottery in her home studio, as well as hosting classes at locations in several area communities.

As the pieces are worked in stoneware clay, the home and garden décor created at Piper Pottery is not only eye-catching, it is also safe for ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and even outdoor use, as long as temperatures stay above freezing. This pottery is clearly meant to be used and enjoyed.

See below some more of the nature-insoired designs from Piper Pottery, or check out their Etsy store.

Source: HeartlandMakerfest.org

The studio’s name comes from Cammie’s maiden name and that of her youngest child.
The artist Cammie Meerdink and her daughter Piper The studio’s name comes from Cammie’s maiden name and that of her youngest child. Source: PiperPottery.com
A little sage leaf pendant to burn away the negativity, Cammie originally made these as test tiles for the leaf glazes.
Sage leaf pendant A little sage leaf pendant to burn away the negativity, Cammie originally made these as test tiles for the leaf glazes. Source: Facebook/PiperPottery
Fresh-cut leaves are pressed firmly into the soft clay to leave (see what I did there?) what will be a perfect impression in the finished dish.
lasting impressions Fresh-cut leaves are pressed firmly into the soft clay to leave (see what I did there?) what will be a perfect impression in the finished dish. Source: Facebook/PiperPottery
Natural objects, vintage bits, and a little bit of modern inspiration are baked together in the kiln to create Piper Potteries' distinctive pottery.
There is a warmth and humour to many of Piper Potteries’ ornamental pieces Natural objects, vintage bits, and a little bit of modern inspiration are baked together in the kiln to create Piper Potteries’ distinctive pottery. Source: Facebook/PiperPottery
This toadstool-inspired piece has a rustic warmth and charm to it.
Leaves are not the only natural inspiration at Piper Potteries This toadstool-inspired piece has a rustic warmth and charm to it. Source: Facebook/PiperPottery
Make an Impact

35 Fun & Easy Projects Using Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay is a wonderful alternative to more traditional forms of clay, as you don’t need to bake it at high temperatures in an oven or kiln for it to set. Therefore, it’s quick and easy to use, plus children will love working with it! When it comes to creating things with this humble little clay, the project options are absolutely endless. Here's 35 ideas to get you started.