site credits

Noelle Roth Studio

Sarah Holden

Kim Findlay

Jacki Potorke, Tyana Arviso, Mary Kalhor, and Amelia Wrede Davis

Jeff Leonard

This is part of my first logo, made by my mom, back when I started selling pots in 2015. It is a Shaker symbol meaning “hands to work, heart to god” and a talisman that I’ve held very close especially since the birth of my business. To me (as a spiritual, but not god-believing-religious-human…totally cool if you though!), it meant doing hard work through my heart space- the soft, feminine, passionate space. The heart in hand stands for living with my heart and working out of that higher, divine place - with hands full of whatever project or intention I am putting my energy towards (my business name used to be Two Hands Full, for those who have joined me after the switch). This symbol is inside me while I walk the dogs, or while I throw pots, or send emails, or cook, or knit. It is a practice and some days easier said than done. There is a part of this symbol that feels so familiar and honors my ancestors who passed down my love for functional craftsmanship (especially that of the Shakers…). These textures and feels I grew up surrounded by that have travelled down through the generations have become a way to feel connected to my heritage-of sorts.

Most days (especially long weeks in the studio), I make Nettle infusions: a few tablespoons of Nettle leaf in a quart jar with boiling water poured over til full. Put on a lid and leave it out on the counter overnight. In the morning you will have an earthy concoction choc-full of vitamins and nutrients. Nettle is especially great for the adrenal glands, which when supported, help me feel sustained and energized. Nettle is like the mother herb to me…thank you Nettle!

Most of my time away from the studio is spent knitting (or wishing I was knitting). I have been a knitter longer than a potter, and it is something that I sometimes feel I identify stronger with as an art form than any other. I chose to honor the Cormo sheep as an ode not only to my love of sheep and the way they provide fleece and warmth and protection for us, but are also an overarching symbol to me of handmade objects. There really is no wool more special and heart-fluttering to me than Cormo fleece. The long staple length of the fiber makes for incredibly durable yarn- yet soft as a cloud. I feel protected and cozy just thinking about holding a skein or some of their fleece :) My favorite Cormo yarn is from Elsawool. 

The weathervane comes from both sides of my linegae. My paternal great great grandmother who started a folk museum in Vermont and so growing up, we were surrounded by these everyday, functional objects that can also easily be seen as works of fine art. At my moms house growing up, there was an old weathervane that had been a family heirloom, and always felt like an unspoken keystone of the home to me. It is a symbol that has stuck with me since and feels both familiar and meaningful.

The weathervane is a reminder of the direction forward, rooted in the natural world around us (the wind). They symbolize not only being in relationship with the natural world around us, but continuing on our way forward and perhaps also just having trust that we know the way forward. With a sheep at the helm, it symbolizes the way I am continually led towards honing my skills as a craftsperson and the world of handmade functional folk arts.

My favorite rose variety for their juicy, lush hips: the fruit that comes after the blossom- which is such a potent symbol for this work and any work that is a true labor of love. Roses make me feel connected to my paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother (who were/are prolific rose gardeners)- and are a plant for the heart. Their hips are incredibly rich with vitamin c and also packed with many other vitamins and minerals.

Planting garlic in the fall is planting prayers for the dark winter ahead. Garlic provides us with immune support and protection. It is found in most every kitchen, and has endless possibilities. A true folk herbalism staple. Growing garlic provides two magical harvests: the scapes and the bulb. A garlic scape is the shoot that stems out of a hardneck garlic variety and holds the flower head. It is best to snap these off to promote the plants growth to stay centered on the bulb rather than going towards the flower. They can be chopped up like a green onion and used as you would with a clove- they are spicy and vibrant and look they come straight out of Calder’s jewelry collection :)