A warm, earthy ceramic medallion with subtle hand-built texture in soft terracotta and cream tones BHClaysmith

Hand-built ceramic art by Barbara Hanselman

A sunlit studio table scattered with hand-built ceramic vessels, lidded containers, and textured pendants in warm earthen tones of ochre, cream, and soft brown

Work & Process

A look at hand-built ceramic creations — from whimsical lidded containers to stoneware jewelry and functional pottery, with notes on the making behind each piece.

Featured Pieces

Each piece is hand-built from earthenware or stoneware clay, often accented with Mayco Designer Liners and finished with glazes that bring out surface texture and form.

A whimsical lidded ceramic creature container with multiple expressive faces, glazed in earthy greens and warm browns, sitting on a wooden surface

The Many Faces of ALFREDO

December 22, 2017

A whimsical lidded creature container with personality from every angle. ALFREDO looks as good from the back as the front — the back shows him doing a happy dance while holding his head in place with a rubber band.

A pair of hand-formed copper paddle earrings with rich metallic glaze, resting on a neutral linen background

Copper Paddle Earrings

December 15, 2017

Hand-built stoneware earrings with a warm copper-toned surface. Simple in silhouette, these paddle forms catch light and movement with every turn.

A ceramic wall piece titled Pentaphilia with five organic lobes, glazed in layered blues and soft ivory, mounted for exhibition display

Pentaphilia — Cheltenham Members' Show Entry

December 18, 2017

A five-lobed sculptural wall piece entered into the Cheltenham Center for the Arts Members' Show. The form explores symmetry and organic rhythm through hand-built clay.

Process & Approach

  • Forms begin as slabs, coils, or pinched shapes — never thrown on a wheel.
  • Surface decoration draws on Mayco Designer Liners, terra sigillata, stains, and spot glazing for depth and contrast.
  • Many pieces are built around cardboard templates adapted for clay, including pyramid and rectangular box forms.
  • Lidded containers like ALFREDO are constructed with careful attention to fit, handle attachment, and multi-sided character.
  • Jewelry components are kiln-fired, then paired with TierraCast findings and semi-precious accents.

Materials & Finishes

Barbara works across a range of clays and surface treatments, letting each material guide the final expression of the piece.

Earthenware Stoneware Mayco Designer Liners Terra Sigillata Scroddled Clay Stains & Spot Glazes TierraCast Findings

More to Explore

Browse ceramic jewelry, workshop notes, and where to find BHClaysmith work.

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