Meet Anthem: My New Kiln

If you've noticed things have been a little quieter around here this summer, it's because there's been a lot happening behind the scenes.

For the past few years, I've been creating pottery at a local community studio. That arrangement served me well and allowed me to grow as a ceramic artist.

Earlier this year, it became clear that it was time for me to have my own firing setup. While I wasn't planning to make that investment quite yet, the timing nudged me toward taking the next step in my pottery journey.

So this summer, I've been creating a dedicated studio space. It's exciting to finally have a place where everything has a home and creativity has room to grow.

The biggest milestone was bringing home my very own Skutt KM-1027-3 kiln!

For non-potters, it may not look like much more than a large metal cylinder, but in the ceramics world, this kiln is a workhorse. It's one of the most popular kilns because it's dependable, spacious, and built to grow with an artist.

For me, it's more than a kiln - it's the beginning of a new season!

Having my own kiln means I can test new glazes, refine techniques, work on larger collections, and create on my own schedule instead of planning around someone else's firing calendar.

Meet my kiln, Anthem!

And yes...every kiln deserves a name. Mine is Anthem.

An anthem is more than a song. It's something people return to. It brings people together and expresses what matters most.

That's exactly what I hope the pieces that come out of this kiln will do.

Whether it's a mug for a quiet morning, a serving bowl passed around the dinner table, or a handmade gift shared with someone you love, my hope is that each piece becomes part of the everyday rhythms that make a house feel like home. Pieces that are returned to again and again: faithful companions to life's ordinary, beautiful moments.

Looking back, I can already see how an unexpected change became an opportunity. Sometimes the next chapter begins before we're quite ready for it, and in hindsight, it's exactly the push we needed.

Thank you for supporting The Faithful Oak. Every purchase, every pottery class, every encouraging conversation at a market has helped make this little studio possible. I can't wait to share everything that's coming next!

See you soon,

Danielle