Gloria’s Pottery Barn is a cozy, welcoming studio in the heart of Carson City, Nevada, where handmade pottery comes to life one piece at a time. Every curve, glaze, and fingerprint tells a story. We craft honest, everyday pottery meant to be used often, loved deeply, and passed along through generations. From generous mugs for slow mornings, to serving bowls made for shared meals, coffee drippers that elevate daily rituals, yarn bowls that spark creativity, and planters and vases that bring warmth and a little whimsy into your space.

My name is Heather, and Gloria’s Pottery Barn lives in my backyard studio, a space lovingly built by my husband. I found pottery entirely by accident. My son was invited to a birthday party at Ogres Holm Pottery, and while he was celebrating, I sat down to make a bolder bowl. In over forty years, it was the first thing that truly made my brain go quiet. I relaxed. I found peace. I knew I had stumbled onto something I didn’t want to let go of.

During COVID, pottery grew from a quiet refuge into a true passion, and eventually into a business at the encouragement of a dear friend. What began as therapy and curiosity became a way to create meaningful, lasting objects with my hands.

The studio is named after my maternal grandmother, Gloria. She was a steady and loving presence in my life and lost her battle with breast cancer when I was fourteen. In her memory, 10% of all sales from Gloria’s Pottery Barn are donated to cancer research. This work is deeply personal to me, and every piece carries that intention forward.

I specialize in black clay, a rare and striking material known for its depth and character. It has a habit of staining the hands of the maker a vivid orange, so if you ever see me out and about with orange hands, you’ll know I’ve had a messy, creative, and very good week in the studio.

Gloria’s Pottery Barn is also a community space. Through our Studio and Kiln Share Program, independent potters have affordable, flexible access to wheels, slab rollers, extruders, worktables, and kiln time. It’s a welcoming, playful environment where ideas are shared and creativity is nurtured.

I love commissions. Sometimes they flop, and sometimes they turn out beautifully. I’ve made pieces that grace the entryways of multi-million-dollar homes, and others as simple and practical as bookends designed to hold pants and books with equal resolve. Most recently, I worked with a close friend to create a special resting place for her father. Together, we designed a large and small urn inspired by his love of Hawaiian ocean sunsets, a project filled with laughter, memory, and care.

I hope every piece I make lives up to my grandmother’s name. My wish is that each one brings joy, comfort, and meaning, not just today, but for generations to come.