Tag: pottery

Newsletter #2

Last Sunday evening, before bed, I deleted all the social media apps off my phone.

August 22nd, 2026

Welcome to the Maria Does Things newsletter!
Here, I share what I have been up to, coffee I’ve been drinking, places I have been exploring, my pottery journey, and things on my mind!

Almost a week without social media

Last Sunday evening, before bed, I deleted all the social media apps off my phone. Monday was a busy work day, and I didn’t notice them gone until Sarah J Maas released a book announcement. I was itching!! I held out, though, and now the info is on her website! Tuesday – Friday wasn’t as easy. I had noticeable withdraw – I was grumpy, I was itching to be on my phone, it felt like something was missing. I didn’t necessarily miss anything particular; it just was a small, nagging feeling of FOMO.

Without social media week, I began to notice things, though. I noticed who I missed seeing online and who I didn’t. I realized I missed dialogue and discussion (especially now being wfh). My reflections made me download some podcasts from people I like listening to. Definitely a game changer!! I also began leaning into longer, written content on websites, blogs, and Substack. I also noticed I got in bed earlier, went to sleep earlier, slept longer, and felt more refreshed when I woke up each morning.

Now being here on Saturday evening, I feel like my day was deliciously slow. I have the same feeling I get when I go to a yin yoga class and turn my brain off for an hour.

I am learning what to fill my time with and to sit with my thoughts and opinions.

I don’t know how long my social media break will be, but I’m definitely excited to see what I do in place of scrolling all the time!

Coffee of the week

I brewed this coffee I got from Ceremony, and it was stunning!! I’ve been leaning into brewing iced coffee at home on my Chemex, and this coffee performed!! There was definitely a prominent note of strawberries- like a strawberry pastry and a hint of citrus!! I’m excited to brew this hot and see how it tastes!

Book of the week

I listened to Hannah Brown’s new book, Reasons to Be Loved by You! I have followed Hannah’s journey since she was a contestant on The Bachelor and have loved her previous 2 books. This book felt different, though. It felt like we got a look into her head about her rise in fame and her journey as a reality TV star. It was informative and humbling. The love story in the book was sweet, and I think this just might be my favorite book she has written to date!!

All things pottery

With vacation and a work trip the past few weeks, I haven’t been to pottery in a bit. I am so excited to go this week!! I currently have two small plates waiting to be trimmed (if they didn’t get too dry 😅). I also have some pieces to glaze! I just got 2 new glazes that I’ve been dreaming of, and I can’t wait to use them! I’m waiting to get some items back from their final firing – I’ve been struggling to make travel mugs this summer, and I’m praying one comes back the right size!

Next up for pottery, I want to lean into the colors I saw on the Chesapeake Bay beaches! And I want to glaze some interesting abstract designs on my mugs!

Thanks for reading the Maria Does Things newsletter!

Please share what you’ve been up to this week! I want to know what you’ve been reading, if you’ve had any good coffee, tried any good recipes, or have been working on a cool creative project!

Talk to you all soon!

3 Ceramists You Need To Know About

One of my absolute favorite things on this planet are hand made pottery mugs. I have been collecting pottery mugs since 2019 and would love to have an extensive collection on the day. It is easy to grab a $10 mug at Target or Home Goods, and I have plenty of regular mugs, but there is just something extraordinary about a handmade pottery mug. Ceramic mugs cost a reasonable amount more than a mug you can pick up in a chain store, but I like to think of them as little pieces of art. People spend hours and their talents pouring themselves into these small mugs for people to enjoy. I find them worth every single penny and do not question the price set by the ceramist.

I am not recommending going out and exclusively buying expensive pottery mugs but adding one here and there to your mug collection not only brightens your mug collection but it also helps real people pursue their passion and talents. I find that my handmade ceramic mugs feel different in my hands when drinking my coffee. They give me lots of joy each time I use them. They are unique and one of a kind.

I want to share some of my favorite ceramists out there. I have followed these ceramists for years and have mugs from 2 of them. The last one I will share is on my list of ceramists I dream about purchasing one day.

  1. Sugar House Ceramic Co.
    By far, this couple producing gorgeous mugs at Sugar House are my favorite ceramists out there. Their work is stunning, and their mugs are unlike any I have seen to date. Their mugs are incredibly cozy, and I think their prices are fantastic since some ceramic mugs can be upward of $100 easily. I have 3 of their mugs and 2 of their Christmas ornaments, so that in itself is proof of how much I believe in their ceramics and the quality of their ceramic. You can check out their website here: https://sugarhouseceramicco.com/

2. Lily Calabrese Pottery
I found Lily while on vacation in Vermont in the summer of 2019. She was set up at a little outdoor market, and I instantly fell in love with her work. She had a gorgeous and unique cactus mug that I bought instantly. She is known for her Late Bloomer mugs, which I find to be one of a kind and show incredible talent. Her ceramics are always evolving, and I purchase a need outer space themed plate for my sister that went over exceptionally well. I am very thankful I stumbled upon this ceramist and hope to buy from her again in the future! You can check out her work here: https://www.lilycalabrese.com/

3. LaLePottery
This ceramist’s work is on my dream to own list. I found her on Instagram and cannot wait to own a mug of hers one day. Her mugs feel eclectic and showcase her immense talent as an artist. I love the gold accents she adds to her mugs. I feel like her mugs would bring a little whimsy into anyone’s life. I especially love her mugs with bees on them! They make me swoon, haha. You can check her out here: https://www.instagram.com/lalepottery/

I hope you love these ceramists as much as I do! If you can’t purchase a mug, show these ceramists some love on social media. It is crucial to support small businesses in these times. Cheers to small ceramist businesses!