LivingClay

A small collection “ratatouille” will go live on the store tomorrow.
Inspired by Chef Gusteau’s (RATATOUILLE) belief that “anyone can cook”, it celebrates those who venture with a creative spirit into the kitchen, as well as those discerning palates of culinary critics like Anton Ego. Explore our exquisitely crafted tableware—a true ode to the daring and the discerning.
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So many questions on ceramics and pottery!
So here’s trying to answer a few and maybe bust some myths too about ceramics.

1. Which is better? Porcelain or stoneware?
I love both but from a potters perspective stoneware is affordable and fires at a lower temperature than porcelain. So, more savings on kiln fuel expenses!
2. Is stowage safe to use in the oven?
Yes! Cracking takes place only when water in the pores expands on heating. But good stoneware is practically non porous and so no water can remain on the body. Hence perfectly safe for oven use!
3. Is stoneware chip resistant?
Yes. Chipping usually occurs when the glaze & clay are not matched before firing. If they are, then chances are that it will not crack or chip.
I hope this helped!

Embracing summer vibes with every crisp bite! This weekend, I thought of infusing my salad with a burst of fruity freshness and floral beauty - summer fruits and foraged flowers from the garden that added a whimsical touch

There’s something truly magical about letting intuition guide your culinary adventures and t’s my way to relax and unwind.

Here’s to savouring the joys of summer one vibrant salad at a time!

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Wishing you all a very happy Gudi Padwa! 🌼

Started my day with the idea of creating a beautiful arrangement using flowers from the garden and a few sprigs of Neem leaves for that authentic « padwa » touch and the joy of foraging for flowers. But whoops! Didn’t realize the Neem leaves were a bit limp and wouldn’t hold up on these bud vases !

Nevertheless, I’m absolutely delighted with these vibrant « aboli » flowers adorning the table, adding that perfect pop of color for the festival. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that brings the most joy!
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New on our webstore!
Introducing a new addition to the webstore- the lidded serving bowl that we have added to the whispers of autumn dinnerware.
It’s also the kind of bowl that you can use for baking and serving.
Go check it out on our webstore!

Making connections one popup at a time! Wrapped up our first day at MyBoTree and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Popups aren’t just about business, they’re about forging new friendships and building community. Grateful for the opportunity to meet amazing people today!

Hello Bangalore!
We are collaborating with and showcasing our ceramics as a part of their Festive Edit Collective.
Come meet us on the 4th & 5th of April ( Wednesday & Thursday)
at

MyBoTree
Above Khadims, 3rd Floor, 60 ft Road
5th block, Koramangala, Bangalore

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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Hey Clay Community!
I’m excited to announce that we have launched our YouTube channel- it’s been a while and the videos are probably those that many of you have already watched, but I wanted to make a start.
LivingClay is all about a natural and mindful lifestyle and I want the channel to reflect just that. Also, it’s all about YOU TOO and your interests.
So help me build the content by dropping your suggestions in the comments below. I would love to know what you are looking forward to watching.
Head over to the link here

https://youtube.com/?si=xVdj9uaTjadhyfWK

and don’t forget to subscribe 😊
Waiting to hear from you all and have a great evening!
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Just a raw piece and tools - a new form I crafted and it’s freshly out of the kiln after the first firing.
It’s the start of a new week and new month and a new fiscal year! Wishing everyone a very happy start for all your endeavours!
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These filter kaapi cups are inspired by the little paper cups filled with piping hot filter coffee at any “darshini” in Bangalore.😊 And they were meant for coffee.
But, little trials & exploration at get-togethers hosted at home, have helped me discover that these cups gracefully hold much more.
( I’m tempted to add pictures but …🙂)
Head over to my blog post that describes how versatile these cups can be and how enjoyable it was using them with a little creativity!
Link in bio.
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Yes, we do customise! And this exquisite carafe has been lovingly crafted for one of our dear patrons. We understand that true luxury lies in the bespoke, the tailored and the unique and that’s why we enjoy bringing your visions to life.
So, ready to make your own mark? Just slide into our DMs and we will work closely with you to bring your ideas to fruition.
Let’s create something beautiful together!
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The question about “crazing” comes up often and I have some interesting facts to share with you on the phenomenon of “crazing” on ceramic objects.

It isn’t just about understanding ceramics better; it’s about knowing and deepening our connection with the objects we cherish.
The more we know, the better we understand and the more freely we begin to appreciate.

Isn’t it fascinating that something like crazing can be seen as a defect and yet be cultivated intentionally to enhance the beauty and character of a ceramic piece.
This duality only explains the complexity of art and craftsmanship.

In the last slide I’ve shared the picture of my set of celadon tumblers with “deliberate” crazing. Isn’t it beautiful?

So here’s to exploring and discovering the beauty in ceramics together.

I do hope this helped!😊

25 March 2024
6:50 am, Bangalore
A little note about LivingClay and me to all the new followers and friends who have just joined me in my journey. Brace yourself for a longish post.😊

Rewind to the year 2009. Remembering the time I was teaching French at the Alliance Française , spending hours in the library flipping through French magazines, correcting accents, teees and eees in question papers, “healthy” gossip with colleagues...and just soaking in the French ambience of the Alliance Française.
Little did I know that ten years down the line I would be soaking and staying afloat in the world of design and ceramics.
A lot has changed since 2009. But a lot hasn’t. I have always loved always been fascinated with handcrafted work, be it a meticulously stitched garment, a hand knitted sweater or a ceramic pot. I still love these beautiful objects that infuse the charm of quiet slow living in our lives. I love nature - beaches and forests in particular 😊

Often, as I contemplate design in both - tangible objects and literature, I find so many parallels. Just as a well designed object harmonises form and function, a beautiful piece of literature too integrates themes, characters and plot to form a cohesive narrative. Both require atttention to detail, balance and creativity to evoke meaning in their audience.
Just a little thought I share to show the interconnectedness of creativity across disciplines.
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Image 1: A recent picture of mine
Image 2: 2019, Learning to make pots on the wheel
Image 3: 2010, correcting examination answer sheets at the Alliance Francaise, Delhi 😄

With the festive weekend just an about a week away, I thought of sharing a few ideas on setting up a celebratory ambiance on the table.
For me, candles, flowers, and cherished dinnerware are the trifecta of my table decor. There’s a timeless allure in the soft flicker of candlelight, the fragrant beauty of freshly foraged flowers, and the familiarity of beloved dinnerware. And that easy napkin fold immediately suggests an Easter feast.
While the desire to make everything picture-perfect can be tempting, I firmly believe in keeping the decor both festive and feasible. After all, the heart of any celebration lies in the joy of shared moments and cherished company. So, while I aim for an atmosphere that sparkles with the magic of the season, I also strive to ensure it’s a setting where everyone feels at ease and welcomed.
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Foraged flowers and interesting foliage for a few arrangements at home - I just couldn’t resist that cluster of button roses yesterday.
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The garden is in full bloom and I only need to step out to find inspiration 😃.
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What’s your Saturday looking like?

Have you signed up for our newsletter yet?
I’m putting in my best to make it interesting and engaging. There are the latest updates, offers and recipes.
So don’t miss out - head over to the link in our bio and enter your email. Join the fun and let’s stay connected and inspired together.
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I have always been the stylist and photographer for LivingClay. It’s not easy as I have no training in photography. Neither do I have help to set uoo ok and clear up during photoshoots. Also, I love pictures taken on natural light and so, I often find myself looking for the right place and the right time.
But there’s nothing like honest photographs that bring my pottery to life and capture the essence of the brand.
Scroll to see some pictures of me taking pictures ! Way back in 2017 or 18, 2022 and now.
Did you notice that I have always relied on my mobile phone?
😊
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I have always been the stylist and photographer for LivingClay. It’s not easy as I have no training in photography. Neither do I have help to set up and clear up for photo shoots. Also, I love pictures taken in natural light and I often find myself looking for the right place and the right time.
But there’s nothing like honest photographs that bring my pottery to life and capture the essence of the brand.
Scroll to see pictures that I took in 2017, 2022 and today. Did you notice that I seem to have always « relied » on my mobile and still do.
😊
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I’ve come to believe that it’s worth slowing down and putting a little thought into everyday kitchenware.
And if you ask me about my favourite things in the kitchen, I would say is the citrus juicer.
Here’s why…
- It’s a little piece of art and yet so functional that it makes an ordinary activity ever so beautiful.
- t’s been crafted with care and attention to the littlest detail and is completely food safe.
- It’s easy to store or makes a statement sitting on the kitchen counter too.
- It’s dishwasher safe.
- it comes in two sizes ( the wheaten citrus juicer)
- And the juicers come on green, Sienna, charcoal and white. Just pick your favourite colour !
- And a juicer always makes a wonderful gift !

As I go about baking today, I find myself reflecting on the parallels between baking and crafting. In both endeavors, whether I’m kneading dough or shaping clay, the same principles apply - a step-by-step approach, a deep understanding of materials and tools, a meticulous process without shortcuts, and above all, boundless patience and passion.
Much like the precision required to achieve the perfect rise in a soufflé, ceramics demands attention to detail at every stage. From wedging and centering to trimming and glazing, there are no shortcuts on the path. Each movement is deliberate, each stroke deliberate, each decision guided by a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
In the kitchen, I am often reminded of the timeless truth that good ceramics, like good food, is an art form born of passion, patience, and a deep reverence for the craft. Whether we’re shaping dough or clay, the process remains the same - a labour of love that yields delicious delights for the senses and the soul.
Have a wonderful day!
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Featured here is my large prep bowl - perfect for mixing, baking and serving. I love it for that rustic look that it exudes.
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Will soon be starting the series “Beautiful Tables”.
It’s meant for those who find joy in the art of table setting and the ambience it fosters. The series celebrates the experience that surrounds a visually harmonious dining environment.
I’ll delve into the nuances of table arrangements and offer insights into the interplay of colours and textures .
So stay tuned !
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Dressing up the table can also be a deeply gratifying act of both, hospitality and self-care. Taking the time to set a beautiful table communicates care and thoughtfulness, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. And, why not treat yourself to a beautifully curated table setting and enjoy a meal?
So, here’s what I have in mind.
I ll be sharing one post ever other day, each focusing on a different occasion or theme. From formal dinners to casual brunches, seasonal celebrations to special events - simple practical tips.
I want this series to be interactive and engaging! I’ll be inviting you to participate through polls, challenges and sharing your own table setting adventures using the hashtag

Expect beautiful visuals and behind the scenes insights. Are you as excited as I am? Let me know in the comments below.

Have you spotted these minimalist mugs designed with simplicity and elegance, for your sundowner on our website yet?
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Just thinking aloud and pondering over what design means to me.
Good design possesses transcends mere aesthetics to influence how we experience the world. It enhances functionality, sparks emotion and communicates with clarity and impact. It fosters connections, evokes memories and inspires change. Whether it’s everyday objects or grand structures, good design resonates deeply leaving a lasting impression on hearts and minds alike.
That is what LivingClay embodies.