About Us
I'm Michelle and I'm from the beautiful Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England.
I make everything in a little
workshop at the bottom of my garden with views over the forest.
It is very easy to find inspiration
for my new designs, I just step outside!
I have been making jewellery for as long as I can remember. It started as a hobby when I was a child when I would make delicate beaded bracelets for myself and friends. As time went on my style evolved and by the time I was in my teens I had made a whole range of bracelets, necklaces and earrings in all shapes and sizes. I starting selling these at local fetes, festivals and craft fairs.
I studied Design and Display at Gloucestershire College and went on to get a degree in Model Making at Hatfield University in 2005. I absolutely loved making 3D models and was thrilled when I was offered a job working with a potter in The Forest of Dean.
I continued making jewellery alongside my full time job at the pottery. I loved working with ceramics and learning all the skills that came with it. I often had a go at making my own designs and was fascinated with the stunning creations you can make out of a lump of clay.
When I started a family I found trying to juggle work, a baby and a busy hobby all a bit challenging and would often by found at a craft fair on the weekend with a child on my hip. Shortly after having my second child I decided to take a leap of faith and left my job to start my own business. Combining my love of pottery and jewellery making in one place while freeing up extra time to spend with my family. Being able to walk my kids to school every day was priceless.
In 2014 Michelle White Ceramics was born. My husband built me a little workshop in the garden and I set about buying a kiln and creating all my own designs. I arranged meetings with local shops to see if they would sell my products and I set up an online etsy shop. I now have a nice selection of shops that I supply, some local to me in Gloucester, Berkeley and Ross-on-Wye and some further afield in Wales, Cornwall and Cumbria.
I love the freedom of being my own boss. All the designs are all my own and do absolutely everything myself. It is hard work but it is very rewarding.
It gives me great pride to know that people all across the country, and even worldwide, have something I have made in their home. I like to make things that bring people some positivity. It could be an inspirational plaque to lift your spirits, a positive word sign as a gentle reminder to smile or relax, your morning cup of tea in a beautiful mug to start the day right or a stunning beaded necklace to brighten your mood.
Whatever it is, I love the thought of spreading some joy and happiness to the world in my own little way.
I am equally as happy making repetitive products to supply to a shop, creating new designs or making one-off custom orders for a special occasion. Everything is handmade and hand painted so no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. I personally think that makes it extra special. You know you will be getting a unique work of art, hand crafted with love.
In 7 Years of Designing, Firing and Painting
How my ceramics are made!
The heart of Michelle White Ceramics
All ceramic items are made with slab building and slip casting techniques or on a jigger jolly machine. They all need an initial bisque firing up to 950°c. This is a slow firing, taking 11 hours.
Homeware uses white earthenware clay and stain based colours with a clear glossy glaze this is fired to 1120°c. It is lead free and food safe.
Gardenware uses a warm buff stoneware clay with a fine speckle and coloured glazes. This gets fired to 1200°c which makes it completely non porous and therefore frost resistant and extremely hard wearing.
The kiln can be fired up to 5 times a week. Between 7 and 11 hrs each time.