Speck & Stone: Stoneware in Subtle, Custom Glazes from an Instagram Star

Ontario native Hannah Slade took her first ceramics class five years ago. At the time, she was a music student, but slowly, she began to shift her focus to pottery. She bought a wheel for her Toronto apartment, stayed up late reading books on techniques and glazes, and hung around the studios of many a generous potter, who nurtured both her skill and enthusiasm.

In 2013 Hannah made the leap from music to full-time pottery with the launch of Speck & Stone. Today, with the help of a widely followed Instagram account, her work sells out almost as soon as it comes out of the kiln.

N.B.: This week, until December 1, Hannah will be adding new work to her holiday collection.

Above: Hannah works with a limited range of glazes, all of which are food safe. Photograph by Al Higgins; styling by Ciara O’Halloran.

Above: Stoneware nesting bowls in one of Hannah’s signature blue/gray glazes.

Above: Hannah’s pieces are all made from stoneware, which she prefers because it comes in a greater variety of colors and textures. Photograph by Al Higgins; styling by Ciara O’Halloran.

Above: A primitive-style pitcher in one of Hannah’s textured glazes.

Above: Hannah’s small-batch productions are made entirely by her, from start to finish. Photograph by Al Higgins; styling by Ciara O’Halloran.

Above: Experimenting with glaze is “part of the lure,” says Hannah. Hers are all original recipes, the results of “happy accidents” or tried-and-true classics that she has tweaked.

Above: A set of mugs glazed in “bone,” a “peachy” gray developed by Hannah.

Above: Speck & Stone’s deep dishes. Photograph by Al Higgins; styling by Ciara O’Halloran.

Above: Hannah in her studio, now located in Hamilton, Ontario. For updates, follow Hannah on Instagram @speckandstone or subscribe to her e-mail list.

• Looking to shop more ceramics this holiday season? West Coasters can purchase direct from some of our favorite potters at the Remodelista Holiday Markets in San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, including, Richard Carter and Pope Valley Pottery, Kati von Lehman, Notary Ceramics, Sarah Kersten, Len Carella, Mt. Washington Pottery, Pigeon Toe Ceramics, Linda Fahey, Heath, and Vitrified Studio.
• Online shoppers might enjoy browsing 10 Easy Pieces: Handmade Ceramic Nesting Bowls, Holiday Edition.