I have a deep affinity for ceramics and pottery and can rarely resist buying a new job, bowl or plate when I see one I connect with. But as an artist and generally creative person, I wanted more. I wanted to be the one making the pottery. And I’m sure you’re thinking, Sam, surely there were pottery making classes in Milan. And yes, I’m sure there were. But alas, my lack of fluency in Italian and Tim’s lack of speaking any Italian meant no classes for us.

Flash forward to March and we’re back in the States where there’s a weight that’s been lifted from me. The translation weight. I don’t have to constantly translate things in my head or over think the conversation I’m about to have at the check out counter. It gives me so much respect for those who are bi-lingual. You guys are awesome. But I digress. We’re back home and I can finally sign up for classes that I have so much interest in. The first one I found was a date night at Glaze Pottery Studio here in McKinney.

So off we went to Glaze Studios for our pottery date night. The studio is located in a gorgeous old building called the Cotton Mill which in itself it an awesome destination. It was once the world’s biggest denim manufacturer and now it’s a beautifully rustic wedding and event center on the edge of town.

Walking in, I was nervous, but there was already one other couple there as well as Adam, the instructor, and his assistant/trainee. There was wine and water ready for us to sip was we waited for other students. I was instantly at ease with the nature of the people, but honestly, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Everyone in Texas has been nothing but welcoming to Tim and myself.

After everyone arrived we went around the room and introduced ourselves and talked a little about our experience with pottery. Like us, most people had little to no experience before so it was a fun beginners group. We also shared what brought us to the class and I had to laugh as every single woman in the group said “oh I find it really interesting “or “I love creating” or “I’ve always wanted to do this.” And every single man, including Tim, said, “I’m here because she said I should come.” But I do want to emphasize that they all said that, but I think they all had a great time. Everyone laughed and joked and really seemed to get into the creativity.

After the initial instructions on kneading the clay to get it ready to throw, we moved over to the wheels to learn the fun steps. And after a few more minutes of watching Adam demonstrate just how we were meant to make our bowls, we were off on our own. It was simultaneously more difficult and easier than I thought it was going to be. If that makes any sense. The clay felt wonderful in my hands and I loved how easily it molded and took shape. But making it straight was a little more difficult than it looked when Adam demonstrated.

I didn’t look around too much as I was mostly focusing on not ruining my own design, but I did notice Tim got a huge bowl, it was gorgeous , and then… it collapsed. Unsaveable. Luckily we got two tried at throwing a bowl. What I didn’t realize though is at the end I was going to have to choose one of those bowls to throw back into the bin, unfired. An offering to the pottery gods.

After all our bowls were complete and the cleanup was done, Adam led us to the wall of glaze. There were over 100 glazes to choose from in all different colors. And as a color enthusiast I was honestly a little overwhelmed with all the beautiful choices. Everyone else seemed to pick their colors super quick and I felt a little rushed. But really, I get it. I could look at color and determine minute differences and distinctions all day long and not get bored. But most people are like, yea I like blue. That one’s good.

So we chose our glazes, wrote them on papers and left them next to our bowls. The staff at Glaze did the firing and glazing for us and they let us know we’d get a call in a few weeks to pick up our finished pieces.

And I’m sure that’s really why you’ve read this far. To see what we created!

If you are in or around the McKinney/North Dallas area, for any amount of time, I highly recommend going to take a class at Glaze Studio. The instructors were kind, knowledgable and funny. They have a six week beginner class I’m itching to sign up for. I might even get Tim to come! So stay tuned for more pottery photos on Insta and more blogs about repatriation life and learning to love our new home state.