Drying Flowers, Foliage and Herbs in *NEW* Pottery Studio

My *NEW* HOME POTTERY STUDIO

Welcome to my newly transformed pottery studio, nestled right in the heart of my garage, where artistry and creativity and botanicals have taken over what was once my husbands space. 🥰

This space is my multipurpose haven, showcasing not only the pottery in the making but also the dired floral delights that infuse the studio with color and fragrance.

Join me for a behind-the-scenes look at the art of pottery and the joy of drying herbs.

Clay + FLOWERs = A Perfect PaiR

Pottery and botanicals might seem like an unlikely combination, but in my world, they complement each other beautifully. As I build vessels intended to hold flower from the clay, fragrant herbs hang overhead, filling the space with their earthy aroma and unique rustic colors. The harmony of these two worlds reminds me of the beauty of the natural world and inspires my handmade creations to also look like they are “of the earth”.

One of the advantages of setting up my pottery studio in the garage is the access to the garden. Windows in the front allow rainbow prism light to shine in on me during the day, and the delight of the garden is right outisde my door. I can see the herbs in their pots, soaking up the Alaskan sun, and they can see me creating vessels to contain their future adventures. The connection between creating pottery and growing plants is palpable, and it brings an extra layer of mindfulness to my craft.


HOW TO DRY GARDEN
FLOWERS & FOLIAGE

🌼 DRYING STEPS

1. Collect your forages from your garden, spent flower arrangements or wild spaces

2. Remove all foliage, buds and unusable flowers

3. Bunch stems and wrap with rubberbands

4. Hang in warm, dry, dark space until completely dry

5. Use once dry or store in totes/ boxes for long-term storage


The Joy and BEAUTY of Drying FLOWERS

Just as pottery demands patience and precision, so does the art of drying flowers. I've dedicated selections of ceiling space in the studio to the drying process. My collection includes ranaculus, yarrow, calendula, pansies, palms and more!
As they hang to dry, their colors and aromas intensify, promising rich, flavorful dishes and vibrant dried arrangements throughout the year. The satisfaction of using homegrown, dried herbs in my cooking and delicate dried flowers in my home decor is immeasurable.


A Sanctuary for Creative Expression

The pottery studio is more than a workspace; it's a sanctuary for creative expression. With the scents of drying herbs wafting through the air, I find inspiration in every corner. Nature, clay, and craftsmanship converge to shape both functional and decorative pieces, each telling a unique story. I invite you to embark on this journey with me. Follow along as I continue to explore the art of drying and using homegrown herbs. In this garage-turned-sanctuary, we celebrate the magic that happens when clay and plantss collide.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this unique blend of pottery and flower-drying. Do you have a creative space that combines unexpected elements? How does it inspire your work? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your creativity might just spark new ideas in this ever evolving studio!

Shii Kaina