We’re so excited to shine a little light on one of our Dallas M.A.D.E. leadership friends, Karen Ahaus, the incredibly talented and kind-hearted artist behind Ahaus Pottery. A true creative spirit and beautiful soul, she’s been shaping, crafting, and inspiring through clay for many years.
With years of experience and a deep love for the handmade process, she’s not only built a thriving pottery business but also continues to pour her heart into our creative community, sharing her knowledge, and reminding us all why we do what we love.
What inspired you to start Ahaus Pottery, and how has your style evolved over the years?
I began Ahaus Pottery in 2011 after moving to Texas and finally having my own home studio. When I was taking ceramics classes, I always had to use the glaze colors that were used in that specific studio. When I began my own home studio, I dabbled in the colors that I like - blues, greens, pastels, etc., instead of brown and dark colors. I began with your normal pottery: bowls, mugs, and trays. Over time, I have created my own modern nativity, various ornaments, and cell phone holders that also hold your glasses.
Can you share a little about your creative process from inspiration to finished piece?
I am inspired by nature and being outside. I love textures on trays, carved flowers on colanders, and tassels on earrings. The clay process is a slow one with multiple steps that can go wrong. Only through meticulous record keeping, testing, and experimenting can I create a beautiful final product. The beginning to the end of a pot takes about 4-6 weeks. So, when you buy one of my pieces of art, you are buying a piece of me, my experience, and my time.
What’s your favorite part about working with clay?
Clay is magical! You can form it, bend it, and glaze it in a myriad of ways! I prefer to make useful and practical things, both on the potter's wheel and hand-built, with a few decorative items mixed in. My pieces are fired in the kiln twice - once to 1900 degrees and a second time to 2220 degrees. It is like Christmas morning when I open the kiln and everything has come out as planned. Sometimes, things happen, like a glaze runs off the piece or something suddenly shows a crack. When you see my work at Jingle Bash, you are seeing the very best!
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve ever created (or one that was hardest to part with)?
My favorite piece is one that I still have because I cannot part with it. It is a vase that looks like three trees. Carved into the sides of each tree are "breathe", "reach out", and "let it go". Inside is stamped the word "foundation". The vase is a testament to my faith in God, which is my foundation. The trees stand for the Trinity.
How do you hope people feel when they take home one of your handmade pieces?
I hope they use the piece over and over again. I want them to feel joy each time they see it and use it.
What’s something people might not realize about the craft of pottery?
Most people have no idea the hours and years of practice it takes to be very good at the craft. They don't realize how many steps are involved and the amount of equipment needed: pottery wheel, kiln, glazes, clay storage, etc. People especially don't understand that I cannot just make any color they want me to match. Glazes are created with rocks and minerals that are dug from the ground, often from other countries. A difference of just 1/100th of a gram in an ingredient of a glaze recipe can produce a totally different color.
As an artist, it’s easy to have favorites, whether that is color, medium, etc What would you say is yours?
I actually like making handles on things, which a lot of potters despise. A great handmade handle has a great feeling in your hand. I also use all of the colors that I like: turquoise, green, pink, mint, cranberry, white, and more.
What advice would you give to other makers or new vendors just starting?
Keep trying new items and see what people gravitate to. Each show is different. Some items sell well at one show and get no traction at another. Keep good records so you can reflect later.
Any sneak peeks or special pieces we can look forward to seeing at the Jingle Bash this year?
I have new cups with stainless steel straws! The Jingle Bash is their reveal day! Come check them out!
You’ve been part of Jingle Bash since the early days. what first drew you to join the community?
I was drawn to this community so I could learn from other makers, not just other potters. Every maker has a unique area of expertise. This community supports one another in making your small business work and thrive.