Forget a street library, Weston Creek now has two street pottery cupboards
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Those living in Weston Creek have a new treasure to uncover with the launch of two public #ClayItForward pottery cupboards, stocked with handmade ceramics looking for a new home.
Encouraging moments of connection while celebrating the creativity that exists within the Canberra community, the initiative was started by local pottery business Deep Blue Ceramics.
Inspired by the community spirit of street libraries, the concept behind the #ClayItForward pottery cupboards is simple – to spread kindness, creativity, sustainability and community through handmade ceramic pieces.
Stocked with pottery donated by members of the Deep Blue Ceramics community – including professional makers, emerging artists, hobby potters and students – if people see something they like, they’re encouraged to take it home.
Deep Blue Ceramics founder Amy Beggs-French says that the project reflects the culture that has grown within the studio over the past several years.
“Deep Blue Ceramics has never just been about making pots. It’s about creating a place where people feel welcome, supported and connected,” she explains.
“Many people come through our doors looking to learn pottery, but what they often find is friendship, confidence, creativity and a genuine sense of belonging.”
Featuring a rotating collection of mugs, bowls, trinket dishes, sculptures and other ceramic treasures, visitors to the #ClayItForward pottery cupboards are encouraged to take a piece that speaks to them, gift it to someone else, or simply enjoy the surprise of discovering handmade art in their neighbourhood.
Along with creating connection, Amy says that the #ClayItForward project also has important environmental benefits.
“Pottery takes significant time, energy and resources to create. Every finished piece has already been mined, transported, fired and glazed. We want to honour that effort by helping as many pieces as possible find a home where they’ll be used and appreciated,” she says.
“Like many studios, we occasionally have pieces that are never collected, test pieces that are perfectly functional, or community members who generously donate work they no longer need. Rather than seeing those pieces gather dust, we’d much rather see them become someone’s favourite mug.”
But the cupboards aren’t really about pottery – they’re about the community.
“They’re a reminder that somebody in our community spent hours making something beautiful and wanted to share it with a complete stranger,” explains Amy.
“Pottery is naturally humbling. It teaches patience, resilience and the joy of making something with your own hands. We see people walk in thinking they’re not creative, and a few months later they’re producing beautiful work and encouraging the next newcomer through the door.”
With more than 50 handmade ceramic pieces already finding new homes through #ClayItForward, Amy says the response from the community has exceeded expectations.
“We’ve loved seeing how enthusiastically locals have embraced the idea.”
“Every time we refill the cupboards, pieces quickly disappear, and new treasures find their way into people’s homes. We hope people are enjoying the little surprises we leave for them.”
Free and open to everyone, the #ClayItForward cupboards will have new pieces added regularly throughout the year.
With the locations kept secret – to keep the thrill of the discovery alive – those who discover a piece are encouraged to share their find on social media using the hashtag #ClayItForward.
“There’s something really special about knowing a handmade mug, bowl or sculpture has found someone who genuinely loves it. That’s exactly what #ClayItForward is all about,” says Amy.
