Hand built toadstool incense holder.
Each unique toadstools height is approx 4-6cm

Fungi have always been important for ritualistic and sacred purposes. They bring good luck, longevity, freedom and represent the sort of powers in the world that exist abundantly but are usually unseen.

Folklore tells us that Fairy rings are the dwelling places of fairies, pixies and elves, a place where time runs differently and where fairies dance and play. A place filled with magic we do not understand and are best to be wary of. It is said that if you step into a fairy ring you will be transported to a different time or made to dance with the fairies until you collapse from exhaustion. Northumbrian tradition states to run round it nine times under a full moon (never a tenth or it will bring bad fortune) before you investigate it and Welsh folklore states that you may lose track of time thinking you have danced in the ring for moments only to discover it has been days or weeks in human time. Whether the fairy rings are caused by the dancing feet of fairies or a marker for the fairy folk, they are most certainly a magical sight to behold and good luck can be had if you treat the fairies well.

These items are handmade at every stage in the making process and so each is unique. From creating the form, to hand making each batch of glaze, to hand carving and hand painting the designs, many variances are found at each stage of the process. Each piece is mindfully created in my studio over a number of weeks, with each finished piece having its own subtle differences. That is the beauty of handmade. These photos are a representation of the piece from this collection you will receive.

I am continually making and creating new work in my studio, and updating my shop with the latest creations hot out of the kiln. Follow me and see all the behind the scenes processes involved in making my pieces on Instagram @CarysMartinCeramics