The Maker Series | Krissy Derick

Some of the best things happen where people gather: a florist stand at the market, a doorway that always smells like something warming, a workroom with someone's hands still dusty from the day's work. Introducing the Makers Series, our celebration of the makers and gatherers who make our neighbourhoods feel like home.

Meet our first Maker, potter and mother, Krissy Derick.

Tell us a little about yourself and your craft?

I'm Krissy, mum of Marlow, a very fun two-year-old, and Modeletto, my creative business where we sell pottery and painting kits alongside my handmade ceramics! As I'm writing this, I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant and very excited to become a girl mum soon!

My craft has evolved and changed so much over the years as I've become a mum. I started out throwing lots of pieces on the wheel, wholesaling hundreds of cups around New Zealand and making big sculptural bowls. Now that I'm juggling a business and babies, I mostly hand-build one-off pieces and really enjoy teaching people how to make their own.

My obsession over the last year has been making tiny pieces for my son - fluffy mugs, plates, bowls, tissue boxes and his name for his bedroom door!

What do you love most about the process of making?

I have a VERY busy mind, so I'm a massive fan of anything that slows my thoughts down, gets me out of my head and into a flow state.

The other amazing high is seeing my family, friends and lovely customers enjoying my pieces as part of their daily rituals. There is something so, so special about a handmade piece.

Has motherhood changed your relationship with your work or creativity?

It's inspired me in so many ways! Last year I launched a pottery kit that didn't exist in the market - a Nursery Letters Air-Dry Pottery Kit, so that mums and dads could make their own at home.

I'm so grateful to have a creative hobby that I can enjoy while my son sleeps. It's been a massive challenge to balance a business and a family, and I'm not quite sure how I'll manage with two almost under two, but it's a season and I just have to lean into growing the business a little more slowly and focus on us for a while.

In saying that, we're about to enter our busiest period over Christmas, so I'm just praying for an easier baby this time!

Where are the places where you find yourself coming together with the people you love?

Nowadays, it's a park or a family-friendly pub with a playground! I love this era, although catch-ups usually just involve me chasing my toddler around - if you know, you know!

I had the pleasure of making my daughter's name with one of my best friends the other day, which was such a special moment. I've had quite a few making moments with friends over the years and I absolutely love them. There's something really lovely about sitting down together, getting your hands busy and creating something.

Is there anything you hope your children learn from watching you work?

I can already tell my son loves to create! He's very hands-on and loves to paint and draw. As he grows, I'm SO excited to do lots of crafts with him and his sister, and I think it's pretty fun that he gets to see Mummy's work evolve from my home studio. Marlow points at his letters and fluffy mug and says mummy made it - honestly, the best feeling ever.

I hope they grow up seeing that being creative doesn't have to mean being perfect at something - you can just make things because you love doing it.

What are you noticing more since becoming a mother?

I think I'm becoming way more resilient, and I'm really trying to practise being more mindful and present. People always tell you how fast it goes, but wow, it really does! I want to savour every moment of these tiny years.

It can be really challenging to do that while also being a working mum and running a business, but in so many ways I'm also really lucky that my work gives me flexibility. I can be there for more of the little moments, and I'm learning that sometimes the business can wait.

What is it about clay that keeps drawing you back?

It's very addictive! Even when something doesn't turn out as I'd hoped, I love it for the process and the uniqueness of what I've made, and it always makes me want to learn and create more.

The community is amazing too - not just our amazing customers I get to connect with all the time, but the other potters I've met along the way. Some of them are just social media friends, but we cheer each other on from afar and share tips and ideas.

The number one reason, though, is what it does for my mental health. It slows me down, makes me present and gives my busy mind somewhere else to go. It's something I hope I'll always do for as long as I'm able.