How to Start Collecting Handmade Pottery: A Millennial’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Pieces

Are you a Millennial (or anyone!) looking to start collecting handmade pottery but unsure where to begin? Handmade ceramics offer a unique way to bring art and function into your home while supporting small-batch artisans.

First things first, why handmade pottery, you ask?

Well, let's face it, there's something magical about owning pieces that have been lovingly crafted by skilled local artists rather than churned out mostly by machines (even though I do find the factory process rather fascinating…).

Handmade pottery isn’t just functional or decorative; it’s an investment in art and craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story, connecting you to the artist and supporting sustainable, small-batch production.

Plus, it's a great conversation starter for dinner parties – "Oh, this? It's a one-of-a-kind piece I picked up from a local potter. You should check out her work!”

How to Choose Handmade Pottery, Step by Step

Now, onto the fun part – where to start and what to look for. Think of yourself as a pottery detective, on a mission to uncover hidden gems amidst a sea of mass produced items.

Wouldn’t these all look lovely by your coffee machine?

1) Know Thyself: Reflect on Your Personal Style

Building a collection of handmade pottery is a meaningful way to express your personality and create a space that feels uniquely yours.

Unlike mass-produced items, each piece tells a story—whether it’s a mug with a quirky handle, a bowl in a bold glaze, or a vase with intricate texture. By curating a collection that resonates with you, your space becomes a reflection of you!

So before you embark on building your pottery collection, take a moment to reflect on your personal style. Are you a minimalist who loves clean lines and neutral tones, or are you more drawn to vibrant colors and whimsical shapes? If the latter, I invite you to check out my gallery! Knowing your aesthetic will make your handmade pottery acquisition journey a whole lot easier.

If sustainability is also something you value, buying pottery from local artisans reduces carbon footprints compared to mass-produced items. Home studios may also adopt more sustainable practices, like I do!

2) Local Love: The Best Places to Start Collecting Handmade Pottery

Support your local artisans! You can start at local artisan markets, craft fairs, art festivals, and pottery studios in your local area, or online shops like Meesh Pottery! Not only will you find unique pieces that you won't see anywhere else, but you'll also be supporting an artist – win-win!

You can learn about where I sell my artwork in person throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire on my Vendors/Events page.

3) The Art of Touch: Finding Pottery That Speaks to You

When you're on the prowl for handmade pottery, don't be afraid to get tactile (I always invite people to touch my art!). Run your fingers over the surface, feel the texture, weight it, try out that handle for fit and comfort, and imagine how it would look sitting on your shelf or adorning your dining table.

When shopping for handmade pottery, consider craftsmanship, glaze quality, and whether the piece suits your needs.

In the end, trust your gut – if it speaks to you, snag it! If it’s a piece of pottery like any of my pieces, it’s likely the only one of it's kind!

4) Eclectic Charm: Mixing and Matching Pottery Works

When you are building your collection, don't feel like you have to stick to one style or theme.

Mixing and matching different pottery pieces can add depth and personality to your collection.

Who says your mug has to match your plate anyway? Embrace the eclectic! You should check out my kitchen cabinets!

Also, learning the story behind each uniquely handmade pottery piece creates a deeper, more personal connection than simply buying something (or multiple similar somethings) off a shelf. Meeting the artist or hearing about their process transforms the object into a piece rich with story.

If you every want to learn the story about one of my pieces, just ask!

5) Affordable Art: Budget-Friendly Ways to Collect Handmade Pottery:

While shopping for handmade pottery, you may find that pieces are priced higher than what you would find in a store like Ikea or Target. That’s perfectly normal. If you want to better understand how and why handmade pottery is priced the way it is, check out this blog post.

While it is important to recognize the value of the art you are purchasing, collecting handmade artisan pottery doesn't necessarily have to be very costly.

Firstly: You can explore local thrift stores and yard sales for secondhand pottery.

Secondly: You can check if artisans sell “seconds” at a discount.

Seconds are pieces with minor imperfections that don’t impact their functionality.

I usually have a seconds table or bin when I am at farmer’s markets because people attending farmer’s markets don’t have the same shopping intention as people attending art festivals, and they are more likely to purchase budget finds.

Thirdly: You can keep an eye out for smaller pieces like spoon rests ($15-$20), ring holders ($18-$40) and miniature vases ($20-$25) that are within your range. *These are my prices.

Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of slowly building your collection over time!

How adorable does my flamingo bookshelf buddy look on this pottery lover’s art shelf?

So there you have it, pottery lovers – your crash course in pottery-picking 101.

Remember, collecting handmade pottery is all about having fun, expressing yourself, and surrounding yourself with pieces that bring you joy! Those are the top 3 reasons why I make pieces, anyways.

Start your handmade pottery collection today by browsing my online shop! Whether you’re new to collecting or looking for unique pieces to add to your home, Meesh Pottery offers one-of-a-kind ceramics made with care and joy.

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