Our story

Where it begins

Everyday Clay is a cosy home studio located along leafy Tannock Street in North Balwyn, Victoria. Launched in 2018, our story began with a vision; to uplift and inspire everyday living by crafting pottery that speaks from the heart. Our work is imbued with a sense of play, honesty and simplicity, and seeks to tell meaningful stories of shared connection, life learnings and personal lived experiences.

Along with our desire to create meaningful pottery, our vision was also shaped by feelings of disenchantment with living in a fast-paced, mass-produced world. In this world, products are often made cheaply, poorly and discarded after a short period of use.

We aim to shift this mindset here at Everyday Clay. Through slow and sustainable manufacturing practices, we continually strive to create high-quality products that can be treasured for a lifetime.

By slow making each and every piece by hand, rather than by machine, we hope to bring a better understanding of how everyday objects can be valued, appreciated and respected – no matter how big or small.

Amanda Reishi

ARTIST | FOUNDER | OWNER

Amanda is the ceramic artist and creative visionary behind Everyday Clay, and a dog mum to Franklin Bean. She graduated with an Honours degree in Psychology from The University of Melbourne, and spent the early years of her career working at Australia's leading research centre, Centre for Wellbeing Science.

Alongside research, Amanda was also drawn to professional practice and worked in a therapeutic capacity. She trained with Lifeline Australia and Candella (NDIS Services), providing direct support to individuals experiencing a range of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, suicide ideation and self-harm.

It was around this time that Amanda fell in love with pottery and began honing & perfecting her skills as a ceramic artist. Combining her passion for both therapy and art, she later pursued a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice and founded this studio.

At Everyday Clay, Amanda brings her wealth of experience and provides a fresh and unique approach to pottery; one that bridges the gap between therapy and fine arts practice. She embeds an integrated wellness perspective in everything she does, from producing ceramics and teaching studio classes, to hosting private bookings and private art sessions.

Grant Roberts

PARTNER | BEST SUPPORTER

Amanda and Grant met during the COVID-19 pandemic and their first date was a total meet-cute. They met at a laundromat and got to know each other to the background music of washing machines and spinning dryers. It was (literally) a hot and steamy date that led to many more and, eventually, to true love.

Grant has been an integral member of Everyday Clay since the first day he met Amanda. He’s her biggest supporter and travels to all her markets, no matter where they are. You may also have seen him at our workshops carrying tools or helping to set up the space, or in our Instagram stories with Franklin Bean. He’s the warmest, kindest and funniest person that we know.

Franklin Bean

STUDIO COMPANION

Born with a broken tail and seen as the runt of the litter, Grant rescued Franklin Bean from a farm in regional Victoria when he was just a puppy. Inseparable from each other, meeting Grant meant meeting Franklin – and how quickly Amanda fell in love!

Franklin has a beautiful soul and you’ll know it the moment you look into his hazel eyes. He’s always ready to play and kiss, and keeps Amanda company in the studio as she makes pottery. If you swing by our studio, don’t be alarmed by his barks! Being a vocal dog, Franklin loves talking and greeting people by the door. But don’t worry, he’ll never be in the way and we’ll ensure he doesn’t interrupt your class or pickup/drop-off appointment.