Love shopping local? Visit my IN PERSON SHOP for the newest market-only finds!

Meet Michele

I’m Michele, the artist behind Sandpiper Designs - a ceramicist in coastal Virginia who believes that the things you use every day should feel special, a little whimsical, and uniquely yours. Pottery is my creative escape and my way of sending a bit of joy out into the world, one kiln load at a time.

Each piece you see here has passed through my hands at every stage: shaping, smoothing, carving, glazing, and finally unloading it from the kiln with fingers crossed and a happy little gasp when the colors turn out just right. When you bring one home, you’re not just buying pottery - you’re adopting a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art made just for someone like you..

How It's Made

If you’re new to handmade ceramics, here’s what happens behind the scenes.

Glaze magic

After cooling, I brush each piece in liquid glaze - a mix of minerals that looks dull and chalky at first. This is where I play with color, texture, and those whimsical details that make each piece feel like it has its own little personality.

The final transformation

The piece goes back into the kiln at an even higher temperature. Inside the heat, the clay gets stronger and the glaze melts into a smooth, permanent surface. What comes out is a finished piece of pottery that’s ready to be used and loved.

I start with raw clay
I cut and shape each piece by hand, using simple tools to roll, pinch, and form the clay into its basic shape—no factory, no molds, just two hands and time. Once the clay is fully dry, it goes into a super-hot kiln for its first firing. This turns the soft clay into a hard, durable ceramic base.

Because the kiln has a mind of its own, colors, speckles, and details can shift in small ways from piece to piece—even within the same “design.” That’s the beauty of truly handmade work.

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Get in touch

Don’t miss kiln openings or shop restocks. Join the Studio Insiders for first dibs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is your pottery made?

Each piece of pottery starts as raw clay, which I then shape and form entirely by hand. Once the piece is dry, it goes through its first firing in the kiln. After this initial firing, I carefully apply layers of glaze – which is a liquid mixture of minerals – and then it’s fired again at a much higher temperature. This second firing is what vitrifies the clay, making it strong and durable, and melts the glaze into a beautiful, permanent finish.

Is the color on your pottery painted on?

Not at all! The beautiful colors and finishes you see on my pottery are created using glazes. Glazes are a liquid suspension of minerals that, when fired in a kiln at high temperatures, melt and fuse to the ceramic surface, creating a durable and often glossy finish. This process is quite different from painting, as the color becomes an integral part of the ceramic piece.

Are your ceramics food safe?

Absolutely! Unless I specifically mention otherwise for a particular piece, all my ceramics are glazed with lead-free, food-safe materials. So, you can feel good about using them for your favorite foods.

Can I put my pottery in the dishwasher or microwave?

For most of my pieces, the dishwasher is generally okay, but if you really want to extend their life and keep them looking their best, a gentle hand wash is always my recommendation. As for the microwave, it really depends on the specific item – so please do have a peek at the product description for that particular piece.

Why does my piece look a little different from photos?

Ah, the beauty of handmade! Since each piece is truly shaped by my own two hands and then transformed in the fiery heat of the kiln, no two will ever be exactly identical. You might notice slight variations in color, size, or even the texture – it’s all part of what makes your handmade ceramic so unique and special! Think of it as its own little personality, a testament to the handmade process and the magic of the glazes I use to bring them to life.

Do you take custom orders?

Yes, I absolutely do! I get so excited about creating unique, personalized pieces. If you have a special idea brewing, please send me a message, and let’s chat about the details and see what we can create together.

Do you accept returns or exchanges?

Because each ceramic piece is lovingly handmade, all sales are final. I hope you understand! However, if something isn’t quite right with your order when it arrives, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll always do my very best to find a solution and make things right.

How long do custom orders usually take?

Custom creations typically take around 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish. This timeframe can vary a little depending on the complexity of your request and what my current studio schedule looks like. I promise it’s worth the wait for something made just for you!

Do you need payment upfront for custom work?

Yes, for all custom orders, I do require full payment before I start bringing your vision to life. This allows me to dedicate the necessary time and materials to your special piece.

Follow Me On Instagram