Clay with Jess Sandford

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United States
Hillsborough, NC
Clay with Jess Sandford

I teach beginner and intermediate potters.

09/05/2025

Help!! I'm stuck at the bisque stage. What color(s) should I glaze this book bucket?! I'm tempted by all the colors at once or maybe monochromatic or neutral inside monochromatic outside. Tell me! 🌈🌸

09/04/2025

I've taught hundreds of beginners, and I see it every time...
Students walk in so eager to create, and leave covered in clay, wondering if they'll ever "get it."

After all these years of teaching, I've realized something: it's not that pottery is too hard—it's that most of us never learned the fundamentals in a way that actually makes sense.

That's why I'm hosting a free workshop to share the 3 simple steps that changed everything for my students.

📅 Thursday, Sept 18th | 12pm EST
🌈 Wheel Throwing Fundamentals" - Free Workshop

I'll walk you through why clay behaves the way it does, and more importantly, how to work *with* it instead of fighting it. Whether you're brand new or just need a confidence boost, I'd love to have you there.

Can't make it live? No worries—I'll send you the replay so you can watch whenever works for you.

I'd love to see you there: 👇
https://claywithjess.kit.com/dbada84d92

Sometimes we all just need someone to break things down in a way that finally clicks. ✨

08/22/2025

Last day to rate my 🌈🪦sculpture for ! Located , this piece captures something I've been feeling for a long time: grief. Earlier this year I sent out a survey asking people what they we're grieving. After analyzing the results, I was able to distill the ideas down to five main themes. A loss of Empathy, loss of a Social Safety Net, loss of Optimism, loss of Connection and Personal losses represented by the phrase My Beloved. Thank you everybody for sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings, it took a lot of courage to be vulnerable in that way. Thank you for visiting my piece and supporting me in this project. I was definitely pushing myself out of my comfort zone and I know that the result is something that I could not have accomplished if I had been operating all on my own.
So here are my marching: In these dark times I have to keep the light on. We have to connect and empathize. I have to keep my ancestors in my heart. I will support people where and when I can, and I refuse to lose my innate sense of optimism 🌈🪦💕

07/07/2025

We had a lot of flooding in Hillsborough and Mebane last night and I didn't even think about my studio until this morning when somebody sent me a picture of the river. We were the first to head down to the Eno Mill to see the chaos and absolute havoc of a flooded building.
I am so grateful for everyone who has called, texted, and sent me well wishes. My neighbors fed me twice, lent me their truck and helped me haul off a lot of crap.
Luckily most of it survived, and even some very precious pieces for were waiting for me untouched 🌈 But let me tell you, send A little love and a donation if you got it because they're going through it right now.

09/15/2024

Transform Your Pottery✨ Struggling with the cylinder spiral? Dreaming of tall pots? Jess has got your back with step-by-step guidance and helpful tips.

https://lavender-ellipse-jssn.squarespace.com/workshops

🗓️ Sunday, September 22, 2024
🕙 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
💻 Virtual

In this 3-hour clay party, we'll tackle the art of throwing taller, straighter forms. Whether you're a newbie or have some mud under your nails, this workshop is for you!

What's on the menu:
• Centering clay like a boss
• Throw larger amounts
• Wall-pulling wizardry
• Throw cylinders that are balanced, symmetrical, and repeatable
• Learn wobble-busting techniques
• Create shape with intention

Join Jess for "Confident Cylinders" - where wobbly walls become a thing of the past!

08/17/2024

🌟Hey there, free spirits! I just wanted to pop on here and remind you that our sale is still on, but it wraps up this Sunday at midnight. If there’s something you’ve been eyeing, now’s a good time to make it yours. Our handmade, gold-dipped porcelain earrings are moving quick, so don’t miss out! Swing by October Forever and see what catches your eye 👀
www.octoberforever.com

08/14/2024

Our Summer Sale is ON! 🎉✨ Our much-awaited Summer Sale has officially kicked off, and it's time to treat yourself to some seriously cute, shimmery sweet studs and dangles.
🔥 20% OFF EVERYTHING 🔥
⏰ Sale runs from now until Sunday at midnight
🛍️ www.octoberforever.com

08/13/2024

Here's what my bench looks like when I am making slips. Scrap porcelain, mason stains, and water are all you need to make super bright colors!
Speaking of, I will have all the bright colors on sale starting at 8 am tomorrow. Thanks to everyone reaching out and telling me how pumped you are for this sale

08/11/2024

🪐 Big Sale Energy This Week! Hey there, free spirits 🌟 I'm gearing up for something special over at October Forever, and I wanted you to be the first to know! Wednesday @ 8am I'll be dropping an exclusive sale on all my handmade ceramic jewelry—think of it as a little thank-you for all the love and support you've shown me. I will be updating inventory until then, so feel free to poke around and see what looks good!

03/08/2024

Penland week 1 is almost in the books. On Tuesday I joked that it felt like day 142, and now I can see we are at the top of the slide. It's always over before you know it.
I haven't been here since 2007, and somehow the new buildings, paths, and people are all familiar. The llamas are gone, but how lovely to walk out on knoll where they once perched.
Head into my stories for a class update. It's been cylinders and mugs with three handles, all lambs for the slaughter. I forgot about the frenzy of clay recycling and how you become less and less attached to the objects, and more intent on making better pots. I found a handle I like, let's see if I can find it again.

Address

Hillsborough, NC
27278

Website

http://www.jessicasandford.com/

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