Julie Dyer Pottery

About me

Hi, I’m Julie.

I’m a potter, a writer, and a lifelong student of the quiet lessons that come from working with clay. For many years, my studio life and creative work were rooted in the United States, where I built my practice around functional pottery, teaching, and sharing the simple, grounding experience of making things by hand.

My journey with clay began the way many good things do—by accident. What started as curiosity quickly became something much deeper. Clay has a way of pulling you in. It teaches patience when things collapse, humility when a kiln opening reveals surprises, and perseverance when you start again with a new lump of clay. Over time, the studio became not just a place to work, but a place to learn, reflect, and reconnect with the rhythm of making.

In August of 2021, my life was forever changed by a special dog named Chubbs. What began as a foster situation quickly became something much more meaningful. Chubbs came into our lives at a time when our family was still healing from the loss of beloved pets, and in his own quiet way, he helped open our hearts again to love, compassion, and the healing power of simply showing up for one another.

Chubbs’ story also introduced us to the incredible world of rescue work. Inspired by him—and by the tireless dedication of Melissa from Misspits Rescue—my husband and I began volunteering with Northwest Boxer Rescue and supporting rescue efforts through fundraising. My pottery became a small way to contribute to that mission. Pieces created in the studio began helping support the work of people who spend their days giving animals a second chance.

Every piece I make still carries that reminder with it. The impact that Chubbs and Melissa have had on my life is immeasurable, and the gratitude I feel is beyond words. Today, I continue to pay that kindness forward by creating pottery pieces that support fundraising efforts for Hearts & Hooves.

For years, I created functional pottery meant to be used and enjoyed in everyday life—mugs for morning coffee, bowls for shared meals, and pieces that quietly become part of someone’s daily routine. I have always believed that handmade objects carry a kind of quiet story with them: the touch of the maker, the patience of the process, and the small imperfections that make each piece uniquely human.

Sharing the craft has also been an important part of my work. Helping others discover the joy of clay—whether they were beginners touching a wheel for the first time or experienced makers refining their skills—has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Recently, life presented an entirely new adventure.

In the Spring of 2025, my husband and I made the decision to leave the United States and relocate halfway around the world to Portugal. We now live in the small village of Usseira, just outside of Óbidos, where we are building a new life and rediscovering what it means to slow down and start over.

Moving across an ocean is not a simple task, especially with three dogs, three cats, and a parrot. And pottery studios don’t neatly pack into boxes, and clay behaves differently depending on where you are in the world. As I begin the process of re-establishing my studio here in Portugal, I’m exploring unfamiliar clay bodies, learning new glaze materials, and adapting my process to the resources available locally. Every firing, every test tile, and every experiment feels like a small discovery.

Because of this transition, my services and studio offerings will be evolving as I rebuild my workspace and integrate into my new community here in Usseira. This season of life is less about production and more about exploration—learning new materials, finding local suppliers, and allowing my work to grow in response to this new landscape.

In many ways, clay and life follow the same pattern: you center yourself, begin with what you have, adjust as you go, and trust the process—even when you don’t yet know what the final form will be.In many ways, clay and life follow the same pattern: you center yourself, begin with what you have, adjust as you go, and trust the process—even when you don’t yet know what the final form will be.

I’ve been documenting this journey. Moving to another country brings moments of beauty, confusion, humor, and humility in equal measure. Through writing, I share stories about the realities of relocating abroad, the process of rebuilding a creative life, pottery adventures, and the everyday lessons that come with living in the rural, Silver Coast region of Portugal.

If you’d like to follow along, you can read those stories at my Substack:
https://chaosclayandcontentment.substack.com/

Gallery

My small batch pottery is more than just a product—it's a connection to the material, the process, and the tradition of handmade craftsmanship. By choosing handmade pottery, you're not just adding a piece of art to your home; you're embracing the value of unique, functional, and affordable design.

Bring the charm of handmade pottery into your life and experience the joy of owning something truly special.

Julie Dyer Pottery is a hidden gem for pottery enthusiasts. The custom firing services are top-notch and the studio space is perfect for unleashing creativity.

Satisfied Customer

★★★★★