Creating Handmade Pottery for and with Kids: Fun, Safe, and Functional Designs

Confession #528: When I first decided to make pottery for kids, I wasn’t exactly thinking about practicality. My mind went straight to the fun stuff—bright colours, silly shapes, and tiny handles perfect for tiny hands. You know, the kind of whimsical pieces that make you smile even before the morning caffeine kicks in. But as it turns out, creating pottery for kids is a delightful mix of creativity, heart, and a little bit of engineering. Let me take you behind the scenes.

Out here in Murrumbateman, surrounded by golden fields and the occasional (okay, frequent) bouncy kangaroo, inspiration feels as endless as the horizon. When it comes to designing for kids, though, I find myself drawn to the little things—the wildflowers they pick on a whim, the animals they’re endlessly fascinated by, and their knack for turning an ordinary day into an adventure. These moments translate into pieces that are as playful as the kids who use them.

Take mugs, for example. For adults, they’re mostly about function: Will it hold enough coffee to make me human? For kids, they’re tiny treasure troves. A mug might feature a cheerful koala hugging a tree trunk handle or a whimsical frog that seems to leap off the side. And, of course, they’re sized just right for little hands because there’s nothing quite as sweet as seeing a child sip hot chocolate from a mug that feels like it was made just for them.

But let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous part: safety. Creating pottery for kids means more than just cute designs. It’s about making sure every piece is something you’d trust in your own home. I use food-safe, non-toxic glazes (because kids are, let’s face it, curious creatures who love to test things with their mouths). I also keep edges smooth, shapes sturdy, and designs durable enough to survive the occasional tumble—because accidents are just part of the charm of childhood.

Bowls are another favourite of mine to create. Picture a bowl shaped like a sunflower, perfect for holding cereal or a handful of strawberries, or a bowl painted with rainbow stripes that make even plain rice feel exciting. I think a lot about how kids experience food—it’s not just about eating; it’s about discovery. A bowl with a little turtle hiding at the bottom turns mealtime into an adventure. And when the pieces are colourful and cheerful, they encourage even the pickiest eaters to dig in.

Then there are plates. Designing plates for kids is pure joy because they’re like blank canvases for imagination. A plate might feature a trail of ants marching along the rim or a sleepy wombat nestled in a corner. These designs aren’t just decorative—they’re conversation starters. I love the idea of kids noticing the details and making up stories while they eat. It’s all part of turning an ordinary mealtime into something a little bit magical. Recently, I’ve been working with my daughter in the studio to create a series of breakfast-themed plates—because why not enjoy your morning meal on a plate that looks like breakfast? There’s an avocado-shaped one, a slice of toast with butter melting on it, and two more in the works (think egg and hash brown). It’s been such a joy seeing her creativity come to life and sharing those moments together.

And let’s not forget the joy of creating animal-themed pieces. Out here in rural New South Wales, the wildlife has a way of sneaking into everything I make. The kookaburra that visits my fence inspired a series of cheeky bird bowls, and the hopping bunnies that graze near my studio led to me designing a whole collection of playful mugs (still a work in progress). Kids connect with animals in such an honest, joyful way, and I love channelling that into pottery that makes them smile.

Of course, every piece I make is rooted in the same philosophy: from my hands to your heart and home. Whether it’s a tiny mug, a colourful bowl, or a whimsical plate, each item is crafted slowly and intentionally, with the hope that it becomes a little part of your family’s everyday story. The thought of my pottery being part of someone’s morning ritual or a child’s favourite snack time makes all the effort worthwhile.

Creating pottery for and with kids has taught me to see the world through their eyes—to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and to embrace a little bit of whimsy in every moment. So, the next time you’re setting the table or reaching for a mug, I hope you’ll pause and smile, knowing that even the smallest pieces of pottery can bring a little magic to your day. After all, life’s too short for boring plates.

From my hands to your heart and home. Handmade slowly, intentionally, wholeheartedly.

Until next time,
Your friendly homebody potter from Murrumbateman.