Sweeter than honey

There’s no glazing over the fact pottery has pinched its way into popularity over the past two years.

But for Kialla’s Denielle Anderson, it wasn’t the pandemic that introduced her to the art of creating — it had always been on the cards.

With four kids and working part-time, life is more often than not lived in the fast lane for Denielle.

“I always wanted to do it, ever since I was little; I always thought that I would do pottery when I was older, once I’d retired,” she said.

“Back in 2018, I thought, ‘oh my God, why am I waiting? I should just do it now’, thinking if I start learning now I can do it in the future.

“But then I was just absolutely obsessed and completely hooked.”

While she began her craft for pleasure, Denielle has since created Honeypot Pottery — where she shares and sells her works on Etsy and Instagram.

What was once her husband’s shed has now been turned into a dedicated pottery studio, renovated to match the rustic charm of Denielle’s works.

Upcycled white timber planks line the roof adding a warmth to the room, further accentuated by the wood-fire furnace nestled in the corner.

The studio would not be complete without the potter’s wheel and an array of ceramics made by Denielle — bowls, pots, plates and other delicates — some set out to dry, others ready for sale.

A self-proclaimed “nanna at heart”, Denielle said she always had a passion for making things and getting her hands dirty.

“When COVID came around and pottery picked up I thought, wow, for once I’m on trend,” she said with a laugh.

Since beginning her journey with lessons, Denielle has taken the skills learnt into her own hands and created her own touch on the ceramics.

And recently, the potter also began hosting ‘clay and sip’ nights for other aspiring ceramic fanatics to enjoy a night with friends in her pottery shed.

“Everyone can do it, it’s really just practice,” she said.

“I love all my things looking not so neat, but rather more rustic — I don’t like perfect.”

Denielle can be found via Facebook and Etsy at Honeypot Pottery, and on Instagram at honeypot_pottery.