Birch Grove Tumbler
The Birch Grove Collection
A functional snapshot of a forest memory.
The Birch Grove series was born from a transformative summer trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. We spent a week surrounded by the serene, almost hypnotic landscape of the interior, staying in a small Airbnb tucked directly into a stand of old-growth paper birch (pictured here). These tumblers are my attempt to translate that specific, tactile, woodland serenity directly to your hands.
The Method & The Magic
Each piece is hand-thrown on the wheel using a sturdy, speckled stoneware that mimics the organic texture of the forest floor. Once the clay is leather-hard, I apply several layers of a white engobe to create a crisp, solid base.
Using a sgraffito technique, I carve through the layers to create the outlines of the grove. I then hand-paint the white of the trees, the vibrant background colors, and the characteristic "eyes" of the bark using brushed-on underglazes. After a bisque firing, the pieces are finished with a clear glaze and fired a second time to ensure they are fully functional and durable. The result is a high-contrast, textured surface that is as satisfying to hold as it is to look at.
Features & Care
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Capacity: Approximately 10 oz (perfect for your morning latte or an evening adult beverage).
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Design: Deeply textured exterior for a non-slip, sensory grip; clear-glazed interior for a smooth finish.
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Space-Saving: Designed with a subtle taper, allowing these tumblers to nest together for easy stacking.
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Durability: Dishwasher and microwave safe. However, to keep the "magic" alive for years to come, hand-washing is always recommended for handmade ceramics.
**Please Note: All our work is hand-crafted. Due to this and the artisanal nature of ceramic firing and underglaze application, slight variations in final products are to be expected. These unique "thumbprints" of the process ensure that your item are truly one-of-a-kind.