Visit me @softsetceramics for peeks into the studio.

September feels so different than it did. It’s my second time not starting back up to school with the kids. My second September in the studio is just starting. I’m reflecting on persistence and craft…how picky I am. Instead of trying to encourage each student to stick with craftsmanship or see their designs with a discerning eye, I am asking these tasks of myself. Stepping outside on a slightly overcast day, the lighting is just right to ponder my attempts and mistakes. One form is leaning too much to one side, the glaze is too thick on the rim of another piece. Narrowing down the keepers sometimes means starting fresh. #september #handmade #mainemade #studiopotter

can’t wait to spill the beans about these new pieces… #badpuns #handmade #smallbatch #collaboration

what should I call these new 12 oz. seamed mugs with a the loop handle? if you have been following along, I have the listening series of handles too. I do love a soft metaphor to carry an open ended story. As I made these I wondered if the connection would hold.. the points of contact so small and tidy. But the two connected places support each other and create an open bridge where the mug’s user will tuck their fingers through or wrap them around. I’m drifting into relationship territory… and it just a handle on a mug ☺️ #letyourmindwander #metaphor #story #mainemade #smallbatch #whitepottery

my new desk spot: a Charles White reprint from a calendar that I pinned up in my various classrooms or near my desks, it moved with me for at least 20 years, my grandfather’s stapler, drafts of new bowl forms in process on the ledge… #design #focus #handmade #form #lift

madeleines and tea make a perfect snack on a chilly gray day thanks @taliaolins #bake #handmade #mainelife #pottery

Nubble Point, Cape Neddick Maine Looking out across the sea, standing on the ancient rocks brings me into a trance. I can access my deepest calm here. Thank you ocean thank you rocks. #mainetheway #capeneddick

last night of vacation and goodbyes to family ahead of the storm Feeling so filled up with love and sand between my toes. Back in the studio Monday! #familytime #maine #yorkbeach

catching some family time in beautiful York, Maine this week.. oh the delights of summer by the sea. Back in the studio next week! #siblings #familytime #mainelifestyle

at home with SOFTSET testing out a new oblong fruit bowl design… what do you think? #handmade #design #fruitbowl #mainemade

carefully packed using layers of corrugated paper and recyclable tape ready to travel 🥰 SOFTSET wedding gifts love love ❤️ #loveislove #weddinggifts #handmadepottery #coastalhome #mainemade #softsetceramics

tall seamed vase last one in stock ❤️bunny tails from @abbygardenfloral #coastalhome #handmadepottery #homedecor #whitepottery #smallbatch #womanownedbusiness #buylocal #mainemade

A crafted object can solicit softness from an inspired collector, and the slowing of time can pass between hands through a touch. Join me in my infrequent newsletter for studio musings. @softsetceramics.com CONNECT #mainesmallbusiness #potter #studiopotter #newsletter #mainemade #emergingartists #design #coastalhome

nesting greenware unfired #handbuiltpottery #mainemade #softset

I’m building a new seamed bowl which will become part of a nesting set. What is your favorite bowl? I love the way this size feels in my hand. It makes a perfect rice bowl- a simple breakfast or dinner in our home includes sushi rice, homemade kimchi, seasoned seaweed and sometimes a fried egg. #studiodays #pottery #coastalhome #registry #handmadedinnerware #madeinmaine

what is a vase with a removable frog insert? what does it change for your floral arrangements? These are clippings from my city garden and I live how the frog allows the stems to stretch out wider than they would typically in an upright vase, but without dipping over. The frog insert gives them just enough support. Oh yeh- I’m loving this metaphor. Apply it where you need it. #coastalhome #mainemade #portlandmaine #floralarrangement #handmade #pottery #softsetceramics

What else goes into a work day besides making pots? Lucky me- today I caught up with these 2 amazing women to talk about how we organise our makers spaces, and block out our schedules when we work for ourselves. We are feeling pretty great that @ceiwomensbusinesscenter brought us together! Smiles to women entrepreneurs supporting one another on and off zoom! #womensupportingwomen #mainesmallbusiness #mainemade #mainemakers

All in one place we watched the setting sun and full moon rise. Thank you Maine & little Kettle Cove. #maine #mainetheway #kettlecove

butter dish just a few to offer #homedecor #coastalhome #handmade #pottery #softsetceramics

@abbygardenfloral is a beautiful new florist shop here in Portland, Maine. Visit her exquisitely curated space is filled with plants and locally made ceramics like these vases with a removable “frog”. For those new to floral arranging, that’s the part of the vase that spreads out the flowers. In my forms I wanted to design a removable frog so you could scrub out the vase thoroughly between uses! I don’t know about you, but the smelly pond water that arrangements leave requires more than a rinse. You can purchase one for at home use or enjoy the beautiful custom arrangements made by talented Courtney Sauer. #coastalhome #localflowers #shopsmallbusiness #handmade #mainemade #florist #softsetceramics

Look carefully…this is really about the amazing dessert recipe, but it’s served up on a SOFTSET platter! Thank you @yankeemagazine and @catrinekelty for the field trip! #newengland #comfortfood #coastalhome #summerfood #mainemade #buylocal #buysmallbusiness #handmadepottery

SOFTSET ceramics, the pottery studio of Mimi Olins, crafts small batches of thoughtfully designed wares made to share with you.

Please reach out to me at mimi@softsetceramics.com if you would like help curating a collection or have questions about the work.

spreading clay slop on the plaster board to dry

the marks left behind after cutting slabs into shapes

preparing for a firing in my Skutt electric kiln

stacks of bisque fired wares awaiting glaze