WHen Stories Meet Ceramics - Onze Week Vol Creativiteit....

In ons kleine keramiekstudiootje in Heemstede lijkt de tijd even stil te staan. We zijn pas twee maanden open, maar de kiln is kilning, de penselen zijn nooit droog, en elk hoekje bruist van gezelligheid en creativiteit. En oh, wat een week was dit weer!

A Morning to Remember

This week we had the most special visitor. She had planned her trip for weeks, arriving by special bus in her wheelchair. Ze wist precies wat ze wilde schilderen, with so much intention and feeling. The result? A delicate jewellery box, carrying her story in every brushstroke. Her friend painted a colourful milk jug, just as vibrant as their friendship. She shared her journey with me - how ill she has been, and how there were moments she thought about giving up. En toch… she pushed through, to be here and paint with us. And the beautiful twist? I’m South African, she’s Dutch, and somehow we both found hope in each other’s mother land. She told me about standing at the Cape of Good Hope, where two oceans meet, and feeling that life would be okay. Het was echt bijzonder om dit verhaal te horen. Dankjewel, lieve dame, for trusting us with your moment.

Thursday Morning Magic

Thursday was buzzing! We officially launched Artists of the Month, inviting creatives of all kinds — tattoo artists, hairstylists, graffiti makers, even florists - to leave their mark on ceramics. A tattoo artist from Haarlem is already on board, and in September she’ll paint a tattoo-inspired piece right here. We can’t wait! Dus: ben jij een kunstenaar en wil je ook eens spelen met klei? Kom langs, laat ons samen magie maken.

That morning also brought a dad with three teenage daughters (respect), each painting delicate, colourful plates. Then a lively Dutch family joined us — including my daughter’s basisschool teacher (so gezellig to catch up). But the star? Oma! She painted a little frog in a polka-dot costume, lounging in a bowl. Iconic.

Two mums also brought their daughters for a playdate — each one painting the cutest cupcakes with perfect little details. Echt te zoet.

Christmas is Coming (Yes, Already)

We’ve started making our own kerstballen! Simple, beautiful, affordable — with a little Moroccan lamp vibe. Perfect for families, and we can’t wait to see them on your trees.

Friends, Cake & Laughter

Three Dutch girlfriends stopped by, and what a lively trio! Cake, scones, almond-honey tart...plus art that made our jaws drop. Twee van hen komen terug om hun werk af te maken (can’t wait to see the results).

Two sisters also joined us: one booked the session for the other’s birthday. Champagne, scones, and the most beautiful butter dish and jewellery box  were painted. The sister who booked said she’ll be back with her kids – probably for Christmas baubleHonestly, every laugh and every story makes our studio warmer. Everyone who paints here leaves a little sparkle behind. 

Upcoming: Candle Magic with Froobel

Don’t forget — onze Froobel Candle Night! Dip your own candles, paint a candle holder, sip champagne. Het wordt een avond vol plezier, bubbels en creativiteit. First glass is on us — book via the link, want je wilt dit niet missen.

Froobel colab - click here

Fresh from the Oven

The kiln has been busy! Every plate, every mug, every little masterpiece came out shining, glossy, and full of heart. Bedankt dat je altijd een stukje van jezelf achterlaat bij Kiln & Kettle.

Every brushstroke, every laugh, every story, thats why we do what we do.

Dankjewel dat je deel bent van onze kleine magische wereld. 

See you soon, mijn lieve creatieve mensen...and remember: coffee warms the hands, but glitter warms the soul.

With love,

Charlotte Kiln

Keeper of kilns, spiller of glitter, and your local chaos-in-clay coordinator