Category Archives: charlotte hupfield ceramics
New Products for May
All new for spring and available on my website. Please contact me if you are looking for something in particular.
Spring Pop-Up Exhibition
Despite getting stuck in traffic for three hours on my way to Bampton in Oxfordshire last week, I finally made it in time to set up my exhibition ready for ‘Spring Pop Up‘ at West Ox Arts Gallery. The exhibition runs for just over 2 weeks with a variety of different artists on show.
A variety of my pieces can be seen at the exhibition. If you are in or near Bampton, or even passing by, pop in and have a look – the exhibition space is lovely and light and airy in a bright room upstairs. Some of my smaller pieces of work will also be available to purchase in the West Ox Arts Gallery shop after the exhibition. Keep an eye out 
New Natural Vases
Introducing a collection of new vases… I love how they all fit together as a family with their rustic and natural style. This is my favourite surface decoration and colour selection for the vases I make, I think they would fit in with almost any decor.
I added a decorative ‘cut out lip’ to a couple of the vases, just to be different
The textured surface decoration is applied with some chunky slip and then a combination of oxides are applied when dry, to build up the organic colour.
I also paint areas by hand with a paintbrush, which is how the ‘wild dandelion meadow’ effect was achieved above.
These new vases will be available on my website shop very soon, but in the meantime feel free to browse a selection of my other current vase designs. Each one is handmade and unique and suitable for holding water and real flowers… a perfect gift for Mother’s Day!
Overview of 2012
What a year 2012 was! It was for sure a year to remember. I’m thrilled with what I have achieved and would like to thank everyone who has supported Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics – from those who placed an order to those who simply ‘like’ my Facebook Page… it all counts! Thank you
- 2012 started off with the arrival of my new kiln which I have thoroughly enjoyed using. I wouldn’t have been able to complete a lot of the work that I achieved without it.
- In March I met BBC Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis and received my very own SBS (Small Business Sunday) certificate (hand signed by the man himself), and had my photograph taken with him – one of the highlights of my life as well as 2012! This was a super day, I’ll never forget it.
- I gained four new stockists;
Studio 61 Gallery
Ashdown Gallery
Gallery 49
Pigeonhole Moot Hall
- I developed a range of new glazes that have been used to decorate many pieces of work.
- A screenshot of my website and a section about me and my work was published in a new book called ‘The Workshop Guide to Ceramics‘ by Quartz Publishing. I was extremely happy about this!
- I also had a photoshoot in my workshop with a photographer from the Daventry Express, where a feature about my work was published in the Daventry Express ‘etc’ magazine.
- I attended four seasonal craft fairs and took part in the following exhibitions;
‘Kitchen Garden’ at Bilston Craft Gallery from February to April
‘Wolds and Coasts’ at Gallery 49 from July to September
‘Postcard Patchwork’ at Worcester Arts Centre in November
‘Christmas Decorations’ at Thoresby Gallery from November to December
- 2012 was my best year yet for custom orders. I enjoyed every minute of creating special pieces to the requirements of my customers, even during the nerve-racking moments patiently waiting for them to be fired.
- A selection of my work was professionally photographed by Matt Debouge, including the image below. Matt’s photography has always captured my work really well and I was pleased with the group shots and different angles that were achieved this time around.
- I introduced a brand new card range to my website, with over fifteen different designs to chose from. The images on the cards are photographs of my work which adds a nice little accompanying touch for someone buying a gift.
- I also introduced my new ceramic wall planters for the garden which were a big hit last summer. More have been made in preparation for spring 2013…
- My leaf bowl range was refined and developed, creating a striking collection of different shapes and colours.
- Lastly my dandelion designs were a huge hit throughout the year, and were always the first pieces to run out at exhibitions, fairs and online. I also had so many custom orders for pieces with dandelions on them. Watch this space for developed dandelion designs throughout 2013!
I can’t wait to find out what 2013 holds……
Fresh from the Kiln ~ Custom Orders
Some of the custom orders I completed before Christmas, and was very pleased with!
This set of six ceramic placemats and coasters above were a custom order from a customer at one of the craft fairs I was at a couple of months ago. Having never made large table mats before, I was pleased with the results of these.
A bathroom plaque in the shape of a shell. Can be customised with any shape and engraved wording.
Autumn leaf style bowl with wavy edges and a pool of frosted glass in the centre.
Hand built vase for a 50th birthday gift, with engraved dandelion design around the exterior.
Personalised Christmas tree decorations. These were a late trial idea so I will be taking orders for these next year now that I know they turned out ok.
One of my popular large heart plaques with engraved wording.
Overall, a successful batch of work Glad the customers were pleased too!
Christmas Craft Shopping Experience 2012
The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre near Leamington held it’s fourth successful annual Christmas Craft Shopping Experience yesterday. I have exhibited at this event since it’s first opening in 2009 and have enjoyed seeing it grow each year. This year the show was complimented with some festive singing by a burlesque style lady which got the visitors (and myself!) into the festive spirit.
What I love about this event is that every single stall (there are over 100) is full of products that are handmade by the stall holder.
I had a great day and yet again met some lovely people, as well as seeing some happy familiar faces. I always enjoy chatting to customers about how my work is made and how some of the different effects are achieved – people are often amazed at how many different processes each piece goes through and how long they take to make, which I think makes my work more valued and appreciated.
I also like to ask customers if the pieces they are buying are for gifts or not, and was quite surprised at the majority of people who said they were impulse buying for themselves rather than for Christmas presents.
Aside from selling pieces of my work, getting my name out there and meeting lots of nice people, one of the other highlights of my day was the amazing hot chocolate with marshmallows that was available in the cafe area. Delicious!
I’ll be looking forward to exhibiting at this event again next year. For more information on the whole show visit the website here, and like the facebook page for regular updates, images and news.
Happy Friday!
Here’s a selection of items available in my shop.
This weekend only… receive a FREE ceramic magnet with all orders! If you see something you like please grab it now to avoid disappointment as each piece is a unique one-off, and I never make two pieces the same.
I’m still taking a few last minute orders before Christmas, if there is anything specific or personalised you are looking for I would love to hear from you.
Ceramics Photo Shoot
A selection of pieces were treated to a special trip away last week where they were professionally photographed by Matt Debouge. Photography is Matt’s passion – since getting his first digital camera he hasn’t stopped taking photos. His work is well known for animal, nature, abstract, artistic and travel photography. Having photographed my work on previous occasions, Matt was used to shooting still life objects but this time he faced the challenge of photographing pieces of my work in a group as well as individually, and did a fantastic job.
I love seeing my work photographed properly, it really brings out the detail.
My favourite images are the close up details of surface decoration… The textures have been brought to life!
If you are interested in having your work photographed, or need a professional photographer for any occasion or theme, Matt would be happy to help – just contact him with your requirements. He also offers IT support and web development.
Overview of 2011
A little late, but better late than never… Happy New Year! Christmas seems like such a long time ago now, but it was lovely to have a relaxing break although I ate and drank far too much!
I would like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who supported me alongside Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics throughout 2011, including family, friends, customers, fans, and many more people I have met along the way. It wouldn’t be the same without you all! It has been another great year with plenty of memorable times, and I thought I would share some of the highlights with you…
- A range of my products were professionally photographed by Matt Debouge in 2011 (see a selection above). I was very happy with the results.
- I hosted my own solo exhibition entitled ‘Fragments of Nature‘ in two of the large cabinets at Daventry Library (below).
- I also took part in the following exhibitions throughout the year;
‘Craft & Design Month‘ at Down to Earth Gallery in May
‘Contemporary Coastal’ at Staacks from June – July
‘Summer Exhibition’ at Victoria Fearne Gallery from July – August
- While taking part in Theo Paphitis’ #SBS (Small Business Sunday) on Twitter, I was lucky enough to have my tweet re-tweeted by Theo in April 2011, which was a fantastic early birthday present!
- I was so excited to be on board The Light Direction team, becoming an official merchandise creator for the popular novel series. My specially designed beach hut hangings, magnets, brooches, pendants, plaques and mini art on easels are all now merchandise pieces for the ‘Beside The Sea’ theme of the book.
- I gained 4 new stockists;
The Tearoom Boutique
Peephole Crafts
Poppies Tea Shop
Also thanks to Pretty Things Derby where my products were stocked for a short period, but unfortunately the shop will be closing down in a couple of weeks.
- Some of my tea light bowls were used as props in the photography of some stunning jewellery.
- My new website www.charlottehupfieldceramics.com was launched in July, following the success of my new online shop which was relaunched in November.
- 2011 was my best year for magazine publications so far… I was featured in magazines including Vogue, House Beautiful, Amateur Gardening, Living Edge, Country & Border Life, Fusion Flowers, plus many more.
- I introduced some new products to my range, including Framed Ceramic Art…
…and also a varied selection of one-off wind chimes, mini ceramic art on easels, and decorative display panels.
- I also introduced some new design themes to my work, including dandelions, beach huts, leaves and bonsai trees. These themes are still currently under development so expect to see more from these ranges throughout 2012!
- I sold my work at various fairs and events throughout the year, and won a hamper prize at my last fair in December for ‘Best Dressed Stall’ which was a fantastic end to the year!
Phew, what a year it has been. It was quite a roller-coaster at times but still very enjoyable
I’m looking forward to progressing with Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics in 2012, lots of exciting things are already planned – this year is going to be the best!
‘Fragments of Nature’ Exhibition
New Hanging Mobiles & Wind Chimes
Professional Photography
I’ve been lucky enough to have some professional photographs of my work taken by photographer Matt Debouge.
