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Handmade Ceramics & Pottery

Designed By Hand.
Built With Passion.

Unique stoneware pieces made with care and purpose — every form shaped, glazed, and fired by hand in a small studio in the foothills.

Explore Work Shop Pieces
Mara Bishop
Briar Hollow Studio · Asheville, NC
About the Creator

Every Piece Starts as Raw Clay

I've been working with clay for twelve years — first as a hobby, then as an apprenticeship, and now as a small studio practice that's become my full-time work. Every piece you see here was thrown, trimmed, glazed, and fired by hand, in batches small enough that I can give each one real attention.

I work primarily with stoneware, favoring forms that feel grounded and a little imperfect — because they are. Glazes are mixed in small batches and tested constantly; the speckled and ash-glaze finishes you'll see throughout the gallery are the result of years of testing and a kiln that has its own opinions.

01
Throw & Form
Each piece is thrown on the wheel or hand-built, then trimmed once leather-hard.
02
Glaze & Test
Glazes are mixed in-house and tested on every form before a full batch is made.
03
Fire & Finish
Fired twice in a gas kiln — bisque, then glaze firing at cone 6.
Available Now

Shop the Studio

Currently available pieces — once it's gone, it's gone. New work is added every few weeks as the kiln finishes a cycle.

In Stock
Bowl · Stoneware
Pasta Bowl, Cream Glaze
$48
Only 2 Left
Vase · Stoneware
Bud Vase, Ash Glaze
$36
In Stock
Mug · Stoneware
Everyday Mug, Blush
$28
Only 1 Left
Plate · Stoneware
Dinner Plate, Matte Clay
$34
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From Collectors

What People Say About Owning a Piece

"The mug I bought has become the only one I reach for. There's something about holding something made by hand — you can feel where her fingers were. It sounds silly until you actually experience it."
Everyday Mug, Blush
EH
Elena H.
Collector since 2023
"I commissioned a vase as a wedding gift and Mara walked me through the whole process — glaze samples, sizing, even a photo before it shipped. It arrived perfectly packed and is now the centerpiece of their dining table."
Custom Tall Vase
JC
James C.
Custom Commission
"I've bought from a lot of small studios and this is one of the few where the photos genuinely undersell the piece. The glaze has so much depth in person — it shifts color depending on the light in the room."
Standing Vessel No. 8
PT
Priya T.
Repeat Collector
Get In Touch

Commissions & Questions

Interested in a custom piece, a wholesale inquiry, or just have a question about a glaze or form? I read every message myself and love talking about the work.

🎨
Custom Commissions
Sizing, glaze, and timeline discussed before any commitment.
📦
Wholesale Inquiries
Shops and studios — minimum order details available on request.
💌
Just Say Hello
Questions about glazes, process, or the studio — always welcome.

Send a Message

I usually respond within 2–3 days.