Libby Ballard Ceramics
Wiltshire
Hi! I am Libby, designer and maker for my Ceramics business. Everything is hand-thrown by me in my Garden studio in Wiltshire. Very much a small family business you can often find my toddler and baby popping their heads into the studio and my Mum stamping boxes and packing orders. Thank you for visiting my store!
The coast has always been a huge influence on my work. From growing up on the Isle of Wight to studying at Brighton University, the calming effect of the coast and the stunning landscape has always been my starting point.
I want my products to be relaxing and comforting to use, to make you feel that you are being spoilt in the little moments throughout your day, when you take that time to enjoy your cuppa!
All my products are made from a flecked Stoneware Clay that is mixed from a blend of two different clays. They are individually hand thrown on the potter’s wheel, starting from a ball of clay, and are then left to harden overnight. The bases are then trimmed and any handles will be added. Each piece is then left to dry completely, which can take up to a week, and then bisque fired.
Pieces are then glazed in my own unique glaze recipes that are mixed from a selection of ingredients. The bases are then wiped clean of any glaze and fired again to 1260 degrees. From start from finish, the entire making process takes between 2-3 weeks.