Pottery Artists: Run, Do Not Walk, to Dollar Tree

Picture this, you’re in the studio and you have been cranking out mugs and bowls. Maybe, you are preparing for a market or making Christmas presents, but your creativity is gone. You could practically be a machine at this point, and you need some inspiration. Finding new tools for your studio to spark inspiration or even just to maintain a tidy space does not have to be expensive. The first thing I do if I am struggling with clutter in my space or just a lack of inspiration is to take a break and hit up Dollar Tree. You read that right. Dollar Tree is an experience for all people, but potters especially can find inexpensive tools to help them out in the studio and in the creation process. Pottery can be an expensive hobby to explore. As a long term potter, I have learned that some things are okay to buy cheap. Here are some of my favorite Dollar Tree finds for my pottery and home studio.

Dollar Tree finds for potters

1. Buckets

This one is great, because if you are a potter, you know that you really cannot have

enough buckets. Right now, my Dollar Tree has lots of Easter baskets.

In my studio, I have buckets for slip, reclaim, glazes, and tools, and I have had no issues

with the Dollar Tree bucks have been great.

2. PPE- masks, gloves, goggles

Personal Protective Equipment! This is a huge must for any potter. I always have masks,

gloves, and goggles available in my studio. I use these very often too. Anything that will

kick up or create dust in the studio like sanding or sweeping requires a mask, and I use

gloves, mask, and goggles when I am mixing glazes with dry chemicals.

3. Sponges

Okay, you guys know we, as potters, LOVE sponges. I grab small sponges for working

with clay, and I also grab some big car wash sponges to help keep the studio tidy.

4. Glaze mixers

Dollar Tree is home to some of the best tools to mix up dipping glazes. I have used kitten

litter scoops, and toilet bowl scrubbers, both are fantastic for mixing up those bucks

really good.

5. Studio organization

I am a big fan of an organized studio. I also travel from my home studio to a community

one, so being able to carry things back and forth and keeping track of everything is a

must. Dollar Tree has baskets to keep clay and tools organized, and they also have these

shower caddies that I use to cart tools to and from the studio.

6. Texture and designs

I cannot write enough to even cover this topic, but I will say, if I am in a creative slump,

or want to incorporate something new into my pieces, I will take a trip to Dollar Tree

and see if something inspires me. Here are some great things to check out for textures

and designs: stencils, wood impressions, stickers, anything you could use for

impressions in your clay!

I hope this inspires you to take a trip to your neighborhood Dollar Tree to see what kind

of fun, creative ideas you can find on a budget.