It’s been a joy to find such a connection with this process and technique. When new pieces are ready to carve, I get into a state of flow, using tools to carve into the blank canvass of their surfaces.

I’ve always enjoyed making things with my hands. I got my BFA from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and for years worked as a metalsmith, and then became a stay at home mom in 2008. After the pandemic, I was craving a new outlet for my creative energy, so I signed up for a ceramics class at my local park district. It took me a minute to remember how to throw on the wheel and I was not very good, but I loved how it felt to create with my hands again. I signed up for more classes, practiced with different instructors, learned new techniques, and really enjoyed exploring this medium.

The first time I tried carving into clay was in a surface design class. This was the moment for me. I loved it! I found that I could put all the doodles, mandalas, nature- and architecture-inspired ideas in my head onto the clay. It was SO satisfying! Carving clay is what I want to do every day. I hope you will join me on this journey as my work evolves and changes, and I’m honored whenever someone decides to add KayHo Ceramics to their life and add some art to their table!

“Literally every design just keeps getting more beautiful…amazing”- Customer comment on Instagram

These images show works in progress. They are in their leather hard stage, which means they are try enough to keep their shape when handled but can be easily carved, imprinted, or stamped. When I'm finished with their designs, the next step is slowly
Clay bowl upside down on a wooden surface next to colorful wooden and metal tools with foam grips and a blue crochet hook.
A decorative carousel cake with intricate white designs on a round cake board, surrounded by cake carving tools and sprinkles.
A person holding a scalpel with a spiral-shaped bread knife, used for slicing bread, over a container of flour on a cluttered work surface.
Close-up of a person carving intricate floral patterns into a ceramic mug using a small sculpting tool. The person's left hand holds the mug steady, while their right hand works on detailed design work.
White ceramic mug with a carved sugar skull design, featuring carved eye and nose holes, teeth, and decorative patterns, placed on a dark wooden surface with other similar mugs in the background.