Ceramics community

We’re home from a wonderful weekend at Potfest Scotland . We met so many lovely folks, friends old and new, people coming back to buy from us, people with beautiful stories, kids asking great questions.. We also felt a belonging to the wonderful community of potters. The Potfest team encourage working together, celebrating together.. After set up, those of us camping can gather round a massive firepit provided by the team. At that point, we realised we had no mugs and no cutlery! So I headed back to the marquees to find a potter who might still be setting up who might also sell mugs – and found one! Once a stranger, now a friend.. mug provided even though I’d gone without my wallet! (We did pay him the next day!). Then after the first day and lots of cheery good wishes, we all gather around the competition pieces, cheer all the winners, toast the team and each other – then take part in the annual Vessel Swap – all standing in a circle while the team leader Matt shouted out two to the left, six to the right.. mugs and bowls passing round the circle till the end was called and we each had someone else’s cup in our hands to take home. Great fun! We also had neighbours that cheered us on, offered encouragement , shared the funny stories.. We’d recommend going along to an event near you or taking part if you’re a potter or crafter – these conversations keep us going.