Why I Created My Makers' Spark Membership & 8 Reasons To Join

In the Spring of 2022 I created a membership for potters called Makers’ Spark (yes, someone has a love of bourbon 🥃). 

I started this pottery membership to fill a need I saw in the larger field of ceramics. So many of us are working by ourselves in our studios but yearning to be part of a greater community. While I love having my studio in my home, it can get a bit lonely sometimes. Maybe you can relate?

Makers' Spark has grown into a community of creative potters and ceramic artists from around the world, who are interested in both the how and the why of making kick-ass pottery.

After over 4 years of teaching virtually, people keep coming to me because they want to learn new skills, get expert guidance, and connect with other potters. And the #1 request I get? Folks always want to know how they can get longer access to workshop recordings and content to continue pushing their pots.

I created The Makers' Spark pottery membership to do just that. It's a pottery membership that inspires you to reach new heights with your pottery, by learning new techniques and ways to express your creative voice.

I love this community, and so do our members — here are 8 reasons to join the Makers’ Spark Membership that come directly from the words of members.

1. Get ongoing access to workshop recordings: 

“All the workshops are so helpful & I can watch them on my own time, more than once. The FB page is good for asking questions, receiving feedback & seeing other artists’ work. It’s a community.” - Joanne Rivers Wing, 2023

2. Great value—get more for less!

“The Makers’ Spark Membership is by far the best value for your money when it comes to improving your pottery skills and boosting your creative juices! It's packed with information giving you hands-on experience. It's about much more than pottery! It's an opportunity for personal growth.” Marcia Manuel, 2023

3. Spark your creativity and learn new skills: 

“The Makers’ Spark Membership is a great way to keep learning about and trying new potting techniques and Naomi doesn't disappoint. It's worth the price of admission! Judy Riley, 2023

“Your videos have really sparked my creativity. I find myself itching to get back into my studio to try new ideas after watching your videos. This was just the boost I needed. Vicki Gauthier, 2022

4. Ask questions and receive feedback from Naomi:

“I highly recommend your membership to anyone wanting 'more' from working with clay. The ongoing factor and ability to ask questions, get feedback and inspiration makes it work!” - Marcia Manuel

5. Connect with other artists and join the discussion in real time

“I like the relaxed atmosphere of the membership Q&A sessions. I can be working on something while hanging out and listening. The topics are interesting and I hear about what other folks are going through which is helpful. The Makers’ Spark Membership and the Q&A sessions provide a sense of community.” - Amy Kastelin

6. Makers’ Spark meets you where you’re at—beginner or seasoned pro! 

7. Enjoy amazing guest artist workshops & learn from a variety of different makers: 

“I’ve enjoyed Naomi’s monthly classes from the get-go, and guest teachers such as Jen Allen and Shalya Marsh have expanded my horizons. I’ve been using Jen’s cutting and darting technique to alter my boulder forms by pulling out ledges and adding outcrops, and I still pondering how I could parlay Shalya’s techniques into my work. All of these are game-changers in their own right”  - Lysanne Larose

“Makers’ Spark gives me connection and I love getting to learn from a wide variety of people! It is especially useful as a hand builder to really dive into the kind of work I want to be making.” - Amy Kastelin, 2024

8. Learn new techniques to develop your own creative voice: 

“The Makers’ Spark Membership is about much more than pottery! It's an opportunity for personal growth.” –Marcia Manuel, 2023

“I highly recommend this group!!! Naomi shares her techniques and truly engages the group to try the same techniques while encouraging all to find their own style and voice. I’ve been able to refine my own work with her tips and tricks. The workshops are awesome! You won’t be disappointed!” Barbara McCarty Sadler, 2023

Curious about this online pottery community? Learn more about the Makers’ Spark Membership here.

Want to know more about our members? Check out this Member Spotlight.