By: Erica Kendrick, Ceramic Artist & Educator
A Creative Gathering with Local Art Teachers
This weekend, I had the absolute joy of hosting a clay rose-making party in my home studio. The guest list? A group of incredible local art teachers—including two longtime friends I went to college with. We came together not just to create, but to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate the beauty of community.
Guiding friends through each step of the clay rose process.
Step-by-Step: How We Made the Clay Roses
With soft slabs of clay and a table full of tools, I walked everyone through my signature technique:
Roll out the clay to an even thickness. Cut out circles – each one becomes a petal. Thin the edges of each petal for a natural curve. Use a dotting tool to shape the petals. Start with a tight center, then build outward in layers to mimic a rose in bloom.
Everyone picked it up so quickly—and added their own personal flair!
This beauty was made with just circles of clay and a lot of love.
Sips, Snacks, and Sweet Conversation
What’s a party without a little rosé and a spread of charcuterie? As we sipped and sculpted, we laughed, swapped stories about teaching, and talked about life’s joys and challenges. There was something so grounding about making art together—it felt like a shared exhale.
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A snapshot of joy: clay roses in progress, wine glasses nearby, and hearts wide open.
Why This Night Meant So Much
Hosting this gathering filled me with gratitude. It reminded me how powerful art can be—not just as a final product, but as a process that brings people closer. I’ll never forget the smiles on my guests’ faces as they held up their finished roses, or the warmth of our conversations between petals.
This is what Fired Petals is all about: handmade beauty, rooted in connection.
Want to Make Your Own?
If you’re curious about learning how to make clay roses or want to host your own creative workshop, reach out! I’d love to bring this experience to more homes, classrooms, or studios.
FiredPetalsStudio.com 
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