To say that ceramicist and designer Orly Pittel of Ceramics by Orly is passionate about pottery would be an understatement. Take it from her: “I cannot describe the feeling of taking a piece of colorless clay and giving shape to what I see in my imagination; I feel like a little girl playing in the mud!”
What she sees in her imagination could be anything from a lemon tree leaf collected on a walk to a miniature village of candy-hued houses — visions she transforms into an eclectic line of one-of-a-kind wedding cake toppers, ring dishes, and ceramic home decor. Still, her ideas are always flexible: She’ll happily tweak a piece to suit a customer’s taste, and finds joy in the inherent unpredictability of her chosen medium.
“Opening the kiln at the end of the firing process is like opening a treasure chest,” Orly continues. “I can create the same item over and over again, but because of the nature of the clay and the glazes, no two items will ever be the same. Every piece is totally unique, with its own personality.”
Read on to learn about Orly’s creative inspirations and her surprising secret weapon in the studio, and shop her collection here.
Tell us about your creative background and how you created Ceramics By Orly.
As a child, I was always surrounded by creativity: My father had a blacksmithing business and my mother crocheted and knit. Creating a beautiful finished piece from raw materials like yarn or metal was always really impressive to me.
For ten years, I taught Cisco networking at a local college and high school. Working with students was great, but I felt like something was missing. I started playing with clay in my free time and focused on learning the material; as time passed, I improved my skills and found myself spending hours sculpting clay in our garage.
After a year of working as a teacher and doing ceramics on the side, I decided to reprioritize and focus on what made me happy, so I quit my day job and became fully committed to Ceramics by Orly. Today, I live and breathe ceramics — and sometimes I even dream about it at night. That’s what happens when you do what’s close to your heart.
Miniature Houses by Ceramics by Orly, from $14
How has your work evolved over the years?
When I first opened my Etsy shop, I only listed items that were ready to ship; then I realized that, while customers may like what I make, they also wanted to personalize the designs and add their own touch, whether it was their wedding theme or the colors of their home. I now provide the flexibility to change the color palette on almost every item that I create.
You create many personalized ceramics pieces for weddings, including ring dishes and wedding toppers. What appeals to you about doing this type of work?
Working with brides and grooms is so exciting! Getting married is a time of excitement, joy, and love, and making wedding ring dishes and cake toppers allows me to play a part in my customers’ events. Knowing that couples chose to include my creations in their special day is priceless.
All of my cake toppers are custom crafted. When a bride-to-be orders a cake topper for her big day, I can add initials, change the colors, or add any other one-of-a-kind or personalized elements the customer desires. I do all that I can to create the cake topper my customer has dreamed of, knowing that they will always have it as a reminder of their big day.
Wedding Ring Dishes, from $28
Do you have any memorable experiences of working with Etsy shoppers?
Yes! I had a really memorable experience with one bride that I’d created a personalized cake topper for; after the wedding, we kept in touch as Facebook friends. Two years later, she sent me a message saying that, because I was a meaningful part of their wedding, she wanted to personally let me know that she was pregnant. It was so exciting to know that I’d created an object that truly touched their hearts.
Where do you do your creating today, and what’s the most important tool in your workshop?
There are many important tools in my arsenal, but the most important are my mother’s crocheted tablecloths. I use these tablecloths as patterns for my clay creations: After I flatten the clay, I press the crocheted tablecloth against the clay so that its pattern is stamped onto the clay’s surface. Call me sentimental, but using the tablecloths my mother crocheted when I was a child adds a very personal touch to my work.
Leaf Candle Holders, from $32
What are your favorite sources, online or off, for design inspiration?
I get inspired by everything around me, but I’m most inspired by nature and color. When I walk my dog in the morning I take in the day’s colors, and when you look at my creations, you can see what I saw: the color of the sky on a sunny day or interesting cloud patterns… I also collect objects that I find on my daily walks to use in my work: The lemon tree leaves from my garden have become a part of my collection as candle holders. You can also probably guess that I love the color turquoise, as I use it in so many items — including the jewelry in my colorful jewelry shop, Boho Chic Chic.
Ceramics and pottery are a big trend these days. What advice would you give to an aspiring potter or ceramicist?
Working with clay allows your creativity to flourish, so go forward with no fear. If you love what you do, it will be reflected in your art.
What’s next on the horizon for your shop? Do you have any new developments coming for 2017?
My plans for 2017 are to learn new techniques and create new products. I have so many ideas that haven’t hit my work table yet. I can’t say more at this time, but believe me, you will love it!
72 comments
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Your work is beautiful. The colors are fantastic! Congratulations on the feature!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
Your wedding cake toppers are so very precious, Orly. They are my favorites in your line!!! Congratulations on the feature and many blessings for your continued success!!! :)
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
Gorgeous shop!!! Congrats on the feature.
Theres from MoonyWool said 4 years ago
Those houses are adorable. Love your shop very much!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
You have a great shop, congrats! I love your ceramic flowers.
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Lovely designs! Congratulations on the feature!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 4 years ago
I love the story about the former customer who contacted you to let you know that she was pregnant. The relationships that we develop with customers is one of the things I love most about Etsy! Congratulations on your success and the feature!
mycraftsupply from mycraftsupply said 4 years ago
I love the leaf candle holders you make. Congratulations on being featured!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 4 years ago
Great interview and your work is so beautiful. I love what you said about dreaming about ceramics at night. I have dreams about creating artwork, jewelry, and home decor items. I feel that it's the universe letting us know that we are doing exactly what we should be doing! Much continued success!!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 4 years ago
I love the flowers! What a great shop. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story and I wish you the best on 2017!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Orly for sharing your creative energies, wonderful heritage and passionate arts with us. - Peace.
rony bank from baronykajd said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! Your shop is so beautiful.
Sigal from SigalFJewelry said 4 years ago
Orly, your work is outstanding! Congratulations on the feature !!! <3
Maria B. from TheNorthWayStudio said 4 years ago
What a gorgeous, uplifting shop--all the colors, textures, and sayings just made my morning! Congratulations on such a wonderful feature!
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 4 years ago
Love the way nature is such a huge influence in your designs! The autumn leaves are my favorite. Best wishes as you create and bless others with your art!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
Very unique design. It is such a wonderful experience to be able to build a friendship relationship with customer. Congratulations on the feature!
Dana Gal-Kohen from annikabella said 4 years ago
Orly, you really deserve this feature. So happy for you! Love the article, the photos and of course...your beautiful work and studio.
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
Wow!! I love the blue colors you use. Congratulations on the feature, it was great to read your story!
Efrat from EfratJewelry said 4 years ago
Congrats Orly :) Your work is gorgeous!!!
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 4 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
Alin Yerushalmi from AlinYerushalmi said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature - I love your works!
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 4 years ago
I just love your shop! So beautiful! Ceramics has always fascinated me, so I enjoyed reading your inspiring story. Congrats on the well deserved feature!
Loribeth from MomentsOfArt said 4 years ago
I love the leaf candle holders!
Beverley Melillo from SalemsShop said 4 years ago
You make very wonderful items. Congrats on the feature.
Arianna Featherstone from HerbNLiving said 4 years ago
so cute! love your use of crochet to make unique patterns in the clay
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 4 years ago
Seriously beautiful work, congrats on the feature!
Edna Piorko from ednapio said 4 years ago
Lovely work, wonderful shop! I can tell you are very passionate about your work! Congratulations for the feature! ♥♥♥
Julia M. from ButterscotchBabies said 4 years ago
Very pretty!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 4 years ago
Very beautiful items. Congrats!
Irith Mashiah from rioritajewelry said 4 years ago
I am so proud of you Orly! Wish you great success!
Kat from WellbornFlutter said 4 years ago
Gorgeous work! Love the colors & how the glazes run into one another, so pretty. Congratulations on your feature!
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 4 years ago
I have often admired your work in your etsy shop! And what a treat to see even more "behind the scenes" of your shop! Your pottery is so joyful and sweet! It's such fun, playing in clay, isn't it?! Best Wishes! ♥♥♥
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, Orly!! So happy to see you here and learn more about your lovely shop & creations. Best wishes for achieving your highest dreams! :)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Beautiful creations! Love the leaf candle holders. So pretty. Congratulations on the feature!
allwood1 from AllWoodToo said 4 years ago
Love your work! I would never have thought about ceramics for cake toppers!! Congrats to your feature!
Devon Cameron from Gourdament said 4 years ago
How fantastic and happy! I love your work... it makes me smile and think of how colorful and vibrant life is!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 4 years ago
Your creations are whimsical, colorful, beautiful and very interesting. Congratulations Orly and have many more years of success in your business Ceramics By Orly.
Carol Wagner from VintageBettyLuke said 4 years ago
Love the leaves and flowers
Lemonada Designs from LemonadaDesigns said 4 years ago
Awesome ceramic art. Beautiful shop. Congrats and more blessings!
Mary Jo and Rachael from SouvenirAndSalvage said 4 years ago
Gorgeous pieces! Love the way that the bright blue glaze pools in the middle of the small trays. They would make fabulous hostess gifts indeed! Congrats on the feature and on being so successful with marketing your talented wares.
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
Wow!!! so lovely!!! I love everything in your shop!!!Congratulations on the feature!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
So sweet ~ Your flowers are filled with color and happiness ~*~ Cheers to much continued success !
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 4 years ago
Amazing shop!! Congratulations!
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 4 years ago
งามขนาด
Stella Melgrati from theYarnKitchen said 4 years ago
Great feature Orly!! congrats on your beautiful work <3
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 4 years ago
Beautiful work and great shop. Congrats.
Debra Ann Scala-Giokas from DebraAnnDolls said 4 years ago
Beautiful work, shop, and story. Congratulations!
Dig Deep Vintage from digdeepvintage said 4 years ago
I've always loved your work! Congrats on the feature!
Valentina . from Exclusive72 said 4 years ago
Wow!!! So great!!! Your work is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! Congratulations!
Hassan Khan said 4 years ago
“>
KMH JEWEL from kmhjewel said 4 years ago
Beautiful work!!
One Stop Steampunk Shoppe from OneStopSteamShoppe said 4 years ago
Wow, wonderful pieces! : ) Thank you for sharing your shop with us all. Congrats on the feature!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 4 years ago
I love all of the beautiful vibrant colors! Congrats on the feature!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 4 years ago
Beautiful! Congrats and more blessings!
Suzanne Rorick from SRorickArt said 4 years ago
Gorgeous work Orly! I especially love the blue leaf candle holders which have a watercolor effect.
CaitlinColour from SweetHeartsFineArt said 4 years ago
You are simply fantastic! Thank you for sharing your beautiful creative treasures!!!
StoneLush from StoneLush said 4 years ago
My favorite featured shop in a while :D simply outstanding and unique <3
JULIA HILLMAN from NewBabyGiftKeepsake said 4 years ago
Really nice work!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
Such amazing work. Thank you.
Robert Bell from beautifullbags said 4 years ago
Great work. This work requires a lot of creativity. Good sales!
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen said 4 years ago
Lovely shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 4 years ago
how beautiful your work is! congrats on the feature!
Barbara Carella from onceuponabox said 4 years ago
Love your creativity. Beautiful!
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 4 years ago
Beautiful story and shop!!! Congratulations on the feature!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
So creative and colorful! I just love your work :)
Cindy from Tranquile said 4 years ago
Beautiful items!!!
Grace from lacetime said 4 years ago
how could be such graceful and chic ? it is amazing
Prayer Notes by Cynthia from PrayerNotes said 4 years ago
I love the leaf spoon-rests. They are adorable. Congratulations on your feature!
HOLMESTIES from HolmesTies said 4 years ago
It сouldn’t be better! Congratulations!
Dianne Graham from diannegraham677 said 4 years ago
I too have done ceramics for decades, but your work is truly inspirational . Your messages come from within and show in your work. If you ever have pieces that deal with the word FAITH, please let me know. Thank you. DIANNE. 01- 14-2017, oledianne@yahoo.com
Meital from ToolisJewelry said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, I LOVE your shop, love your creations and style!! And I have a set of those tiny adorable houses in my living room, they are just gorgeous! Great article!
Chandra Callaway from ArtfullySalvaged said 4 years ago
What beautiful, happy creations ! Love all the colors ! Congratulations !