Welcoming Stained Glass: From the Wheel to the Window
If you have been following along with my work, you know my hands are usually covered in clay. But over the last few months, I have been quietly reorganizing my studio shed, building a custom wooden worktable, and carving out a dedicated space for glass cutting and soldering right alongside my clay wedging station.
Today, I am so excited to finally share the result of that work and officially introduce a new medium to the shop. Welcome to Yama Ceramic & Glass Studio.
Adding stained glass feels like a natural extension of everything I already do. Just like my pottery, these new pieces are deeply rooted in the California landscape and designed to bring a sense of handmade warmth into your daily life. I love the idea of moving from the tactile weight of a wheel-thrown mug in your hands to the radiant light of a suncatcher in your window.
This first collection features designs that are close to my heart and close to home. You will find botanical pieces like the California poppy and intricate moth suncatchers in warm, earthy tones. I am also especially proud of the new orange glass designs—a vibrant, textured tribute to our local Riverside citrus heritage.
Every single piece is meticulously crafted using traditional copper foil and soldering techniques, finished with a rich copper patina, and hand-polished with carnauba wax. It is a slow, intentional process, and I have fallen entirely in love with it.
I am so grateful for the support as my art continues to grow and evolve. You can browse the first batch of suncatchers in the newly updated shop, and I would love to hear which design is your favorite!
A tribute to Riverside’s iconic citrus roots. This handcrafted stained glass suncatcher features a textured whole orange paired with an open-wheel citrus slice to fill your space with warm, golden light.
Materials: Hammered and translucent orange art glass, copper foil, dark patina solder
Origin: Proudly hand-cut and soldered locally in Riverside, California (studio note card included with purchase)
Integrated top wire loops for stable hanging
Measures approx 10in x 10in
Hand-crafted in small batches
NEW WORK
New in the Studio: A Study in Texture and Terrain
This week, I’m excited to share two pieces that explore the relationship between raw earth and refined glazes. Both are now available at Yama Ceramics Studio.
New in the Studio: A Study in Texture and Terrain
This week, I’m excited to share two pieces that explore the relationship between raw earth and refined glazes. Both are now available at Yama Ceramics Studio.
The San Jacinto Yunomi
Crafted from a gritty black charcoal clay, this piece is a direct tribute to the rugged landscape of Mount San Jacinto. I’ve layered reactive glazes in mossy greens and lichen reds to mimic the resilient life that clings to the weathered granite peaks. It’s a piece designed to feel like a slice of the mountain in your hands.
What is a Yunomi? A Yunomi (Japanese: 湯のみ) is a style of tea cup made for daily, informal tea drinking.
The Amber & Sand Tumbler
This tumbler is all about the contrast between two distinct textures. I paired a gritty, matte "sand" glaze on the bottom with a glossy, honey-colored amber on top. The highlight is the thick, wavy "drip" line where the two glazes meet, creating a natural, landscape-inspired grip that feels incredibly grounded during your morning ritual.
This cup is a tribute to the quiet, rugged details found along the trails of Mount San Jacinto. I used a black charcoal clay to mimic the dark, weathered stone of the peaks, creating a deep and textured base that feels substantial in the hand.
The glaze work is inspired by the resilient moss and lichens that cling to the granite high above the tree line. I layered a mix of earthy greens and rusty reds to capture that organic, creeping growth.
What is a Yunomi?
A Yunomi (Japanese: 湯のみ) is a style of tea cup made for daily, informal tea drinking.
Why it’s special:
The Charcoal Clay: Unlike standard stoneware, this clay body has a dark, matte finish that makes the lichen-inspired colors truly pop.
Mountain Inspired: Every drip and color shift is meant to evoke the high-alpine landscape of Southern California.
Tactile & Grounded: The lower half is left unglazed to showcase the raw, gritty texture of the charcoal clay, providing a non-slip, earthy grip.
Modern Profile: The rim is slightly squared off, giving it an architectural feel while remaining comfortable for sipping.
The Details:
Body: Hand-thrown black charcoal stoneware.
Finish: Moss green and lichen red reactive glazes over a raw matte base.
Care: Food safe. Hand washing is recommended to maintain the integrity of the raw clay and intricate glaze work.
Dimensions: A comfortable, hand-hugging yunomi style (approx. 3.5" tall).
The Two-Tone Sand & Amber Tumbler
This tumbler is all about the "feel." I wanted to create a piece that played with different finishes, so I paired a gritty, matte "sand" glaze on the bottom with a glossy, honey-colored amber on top.
The highlight is that thick, wavy line where the two glazes meet in the middle. It creates a natural grip for your fingers and gives the cup a rugged, landscape-inspired look. Whether it’s your first cup of coffee or a quiet tea in the afternoon, this piece feels grounded and intentional.
The Details:
The Texture: The bottom glaze has a tactile, stony finish, while the top is smooth and glass-like. It’s a great sensory experience every time you take a sip.
Built to Last: Hand-thrown on the wheel at Yama Ceramics Studio using durable stoneware.
Daily Use: The interior is fully sealed and easy to clean.
Size: Stands about 6" tall—great for a flat white, a small latte, or even a glass of wine by the fire.
Care & Specs:
Materials: Stoneware clay with a dual-glaze finish.
Maintenance: Dishwasher and microwave safe. (Though, like all handmade pottery, it loves a gentle hand wash).
Unique Factor: Every kiln fire is different. The way the amber glaze drips over the sandy base will vary slightly from piece to piece, making yours a true original.