About Barbara Hanselman
A self-proclaimed claysmith since 1994
Before clay, Barbara lived and breathed interior and architectural design. Then in 1994, a workshop with Jeanne Haskell at The Vermont Clay Studio in Montpelier changed everything. She went on to study at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown, New Jersey and The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Her hand-built work spans earthenware and stoneware — beads, cups, pots, trays, rattles, pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bells, pitchers, vases, boxes, lanterns, and butter dishes — often accented with Mayco Designer Liners, terra sigillata, and vintage plate shards.
Read moreFrom the Studio
A look at recent hand-built creations and process notes from the BHClaysmith blog
Earthenware Trays
Hand-built earthenware trays, each one unique — posted June 29, 2022. Barbara shares her latest explorations in form and glaze.
Explore the Collection
Ceramic Jewelry
Reversible pendants, wire-wrapped plaquettes, copper paddle earrings, and stoneware bead necklaces — many incorporating vintage plate shards.
Whimsical Vessels
From ALFREDO the lidded creature container to begging bowls and butter dishes — functional pottery with personality.
Rattles & Bells
Pinch pot bells, clay rattles, and Feng Shui indoor wind chimes that soothe the soul — each piece hand-formed and unique.
Workshops & Teaching
Barbara has taught hand-building workshops and ongoing classes, sharing techniques for invisible seams, hollow handles, flanged lids, and template-based forms. In January 2015, she co-taught a workshop with Marcia Reiver through the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. She also led ongoing Monday classes at The Community Arts Center in Wallingford, Pennsylvania.
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Barbara Hanselman has spent decades as a self-proclaimed claysmith, and her studio reflects a deep devotion to hand-built ceramic forms. From beads and pendants to cups, bowls, and pitchers, every piece carries the unmistakable mark of a maker's hand. Her work embraces stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware, often accented with terra sigillata, rich copper tones, and carefully layered glazes. The result is pottery that feels both grounded and whimsical, inviting touch and daily use while still celebrating the artistry behind each form.
The jewelry Barbara creates is particularly distinctive, featuring hollow beads, carved pendants, and earrings that move with a gentle rattle and chime. Each bead is formed by hand, tumbled or pinched into shape, and finished with glazes that range from mat to glossy. Blue shards, copper accents, and intaglio details appear throughout, giving the pieces a vintage yet contemporary allure. These wearable ceramics are designed to be shared, gifted, and treasured as small sculptures that adorn the body.
Functional pottery sits at the heart of the studio, with trays, lidded boxes, vases, bottles, and dishes taking shape across the seasons. Handles are carefully carved, rims are pinched and refined, and each pot is built to serve its purpose while remaining a pleasure to look at. The maker's approach is unhurried, honoring the slow craft of building with coils and slabs rather than rushing to the wheel. This patience shows in the finished forms, which feel sturdy, honest, and full of quiet character.
Barbara's journey into clay began after a career in interior and architectural design, when a pivotal workshop shifted her creative path entirely. That early spark led to years of study and practice, building a vocabulary of forms and finishes that continues to evolve. Her work is inspired by the natural world, from leaves and wind to catfish and garden bells, and by the traditions of pottery across cultures. These influences weave together into a body of work that feels both personal and universal.
The studio practice is one of exploration and play, where shards of failed pots become new beads and scraps are transformed into fresh creations. This resourceful spirit means nothing is wasted and every piece carries a story of process and possibility. The artist embraces the unpredictability of clay, allowing glazes to react, forms to shift, and happy accidents to become signature details. It is this openness that keeps the work alive and keeps collectors returning to see what emerges next.
Reversible pendants, carved leaves, and hollow rattles are just a few of the signature forms that appear across Barbara's collections. Each piece is finished with care, whether accented with a touch of red, a wash of blue, or a subtle copper sheen. The palette is soft and playful, echoing the gentle tones found in her studio and her home. Collectors often pair these ceramic treasures with everyday outfits, enjoying the way handmade jewelry adds warmth and personality to any look.
Visitors to the website can explore the breadth of this ceramic practice, from seasonal pots to one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. The spirit of the work is generous and inviting, rooted in the belief that clay connects maker, user, and community. Whether you are drawn to a lidded jar, a set of chimes, or a single carved pendant, each object offers a small moment of handmade beauty. It is this quiet, joyful devotion to the material that defines the claysmith's enduring craft.