The Name
Hi, I’m Denise Lehman, Blue House Pottery was set in motion years ago with the birth of my first son, followed by three more. I found myself living in and raising a beautiful male majority household. Although the color blue isn’t the one and only color that can represent this gift I was given as a woman, wife and mother, it is the color I choose to use to represent my pottery brand. After growing up in a female majority household, having four sons has uniquely shaped my design aesthetic and view of life in almost all areas.
My husband and I met in art school, longer ago than we’d care to admit, and raised our sons to appreciate and embrace the God given creative abilities that each of them possess. Managing the energy level of four little boys and later big boys, was no easy task. I found myself needing a break once in a while, and creating pottery fit the need perfectly. The peaceful, almost meditative process gave me the calm I needed while teaching me important spiritual lessons. I also enjoyed sharing my love for the process with my children.
Though it was not our intention, each of them has chosen their own unique design career. Now as an empty nester, I’m able to spend more time with clay and Blue House Pottery has organically become a wonderful part of my life.
The People
If you love individuality, the unique, functional pieces with a personal handmade touch, you will find it in my pottery. My style has emerged simplistic, graceful and well balanced. Maintaining the humble, natural beginnings of clay under our feet, I create vessels with purpose that will be realized by those who welcome them into their home. Through thoughtful design and careful attention to detail, my goal is to communicate the peacefulness that I experience as I spend time molding and shaping each one to display its particular beauty. May you find goodness, peace and beauty in every glance.
The Story
My first experience with pottery was in a high school art class. I learned on a kick wheel, struggled with centering the clay, which led to many unsuccessful attempts, but despite the struggle and lack of accomplishment, I loved the interaction I felt with my hands on the clay and the calm that came from tuning into the qualities and intricacies of it. I found it both responsive and stubborn, cooperative but with a mind of its own, fragile yet forgiving. So much like my very own characteristics. Throughout my childhood I always loved creating, whether painting, drawing, sewing, textile arts, and much more. A desire for a creative career led me to an associates degree in graphic design, a bachelors in illustration and meeting my husband who is a woodworker and furniture designer.
After working both in house and freelance for several years as an illustrator, my family began to grow and become my priority. I never would have imagined that being the mother of four amazing sons, would bring me back to my passion for creating pottery. Looking for a creative outlet that didn’t demand deadlines, resulted in the request for a very special Christmas gift, which my husband followed through on. I received my very own kick wheel! The journey began as I learned the process, built the skills, and learned Biblical truths that only pottery holds, bringing richness and greater passion to this growing hobby. Since those early days of life with pottery, I have traded my kick wheel for an electric one - so much less struggle and way more success - I’ve purchased a kiln and slab roller, and I have a studio space filled with clay, glazes, and all stages of pottery.
I make pottery for family and friends and friends of friends as word travels. I supply bowls and platters to a local shop, and sometimes my husband and boys get in on the action either making their own pottery or making tools for me to make my production more efficient. I’m humbled and blessed by those who ask to purchase from me. It’s my desire to share even a small piece of the goodness, peace and beauty that pottery holds with others.
Contact us
At this time, sales are limited to local pick up only. Exceptions may be made for very small pieces. With the fragile nature of pottery, my priority is that it arrives without the risk of shipping breakage. If you would like to make a purchase, please fill in the contact form, specifying the item number in the message box. I will do my best to reply within 1-2 business days.