A passion for pottery and a keen interest in working with clay has taken Erin McCracken from a hobby creator to an entrepreneur through her business McLay Ceramics.
The Bundaberg resident and artist began crafting clay crockery last year and sells a range of unique pieces including mugs, jugs, plates, bowls and more from her Instagram store and local stockists.
Erin said working with clay started as a hobby to keep herself occupied through the interesting times of 2020 and was a way for her to relax while doing something she loved.
“Working with clay is great therapy for me,” she said.
“I have always marvelled at pottery pieces, especially when they’ve been made by hand.
“I find the organic curves and unique shapes tell such a story and I really love the fact that no two items are the same.”
Erin said her business began with the creation of little bits and pieces made from air dry clay in her spare time.
“I then stumbled across a second-hand pottery wheel,” she said.
“I watched many videos of people throwing on a pottery wheel and I thought it looked so easy and so satisfying.
“Little did I know it would take me about four months before I got the hang of it!”
Erin now uses the wheel frequently to shape her stoneware clay but said she also thoroughly enjoyed hand-building her pieces.
“I have just recently purchased my first kiln,” she said.
“It’s so rewarding opening the kiln and seeing the finished products, it never gets old.”
Erin said each of her unique creations varied in time and effort and every product ranged in size and design.
“I can easily spend a whole day on some of my larger pieces,” she said.
“That’s why I love making my signature hug mugs… I can whip one of them up in about 20 minutes!”
The local woman said she had been overjoyed with the support received for her business so far and loved seeing photos of her products shared online.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my handmade pieces in people’s homes, being loved and used every day,” Erin said.
“I think it’s because so much love and effort goes into every single piece I make.
“I remember all of my customers and the things they have bought and it thrills me to know a little piece of me has brought some joy to their lives.”
Erin said she would soon be growing her business to include a website and would also be attending a few markets later in the year.
To keep up to date with McLay Ceramics news or to place an order, follow the Instagram page here.
