DIANI Spotlight: Morgan Williamson

At our home store, DIANI Living, there are some tried-and-true makers that continue to be best sellers. One of them is the uniquely beautiful handmade ceramics from Nashville-based artist, Morgan Williamson of Studio TN. She and her talented team design and create plates, bowls, mugs, serveware, vases and more that bring joy and beauty to everyday living essentials. We’re very excited to host Morgan for a Clay Workshop this Thursday, August 17th here at DIANI (tickets still available HERE). She will guide you through making your own handcrafted textured vase and keepsake ring bowl. In anticipation of this exciting event, I’m shining the spotlight on Morgan and sharing more about this artist, workshop host and mother of three.

Morgan grew up in a family of artists and went on to study fine art at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She was also a college athlete, and the ceramic studio became a welcomed refuge from her busy life. After working a “real job” after graduation, Morgan longed to create and took the leap to quit her job, buy a kiln on Craigslist, and in 2012, start Handmade Studio TN. Her first studio was on the side porch of her rental home, then it moved to the spare bedroom, and eventually she took over the kitchen, before finally renting a start-up space in Nashville, Tennessee.

Handmade Studio TN solely uses the handbuilding process, which means forms are created without a pottery wheel. Everything they make comes from slabs, that are then rolled out and handbuilt from there. This allows for adding to the surface of the clay before building. Morgan incorporates her signature lace on many of her pieces, including the bestselling Chamberlin Platter, Cookie Plate and Lace Vase. Anytime she travels, she collects lace and now has an ever expanding collection of lace from all over the world.

Handmade Studio TN has certainly grown over the last 10 years since we've been carrying the collection at DIANI Living. They now send handcrafted dinnerware all across the country and partner with brands and restaurants, offer wedding registries and host workshops and retreats. Morgan and her beautiful ceramics have been featured in Food & Wine, Kinfolk, Garden & Gun, Food52, Southern Living and One Kings Lane, to name a few.

And with this longstanding partnership, I'm thrilled to be hosting Morgan for one of her intimate Clay Workshops at DIANI Living this Thursday, August 17th from 6.30-9pm. She will guide you through making your own handcrafted textured vase and keepsake ring bowl. No experience needed. Just come ready to create and have fun! All supplies are included, but you're welcome to bring your own lace or foliage to press into the clay. We will be serving a cheese platter, English finger sandwiches prepared by Aspyn's Table, and edible flower shortbread cookies by Lori Stern. Local distillery, T.W. Hollister & Co. will be on hand to pour their signature vermouth spritzers in addition to chilled rosé. You will also receive a special DIANI gift, after hours shopping in all DIANI stores and 15% off any DIANI purchase. We are very excited for this event under the stars and there are a few seats left. You can purchase tickets HERE. If you feel like creating something from scratch with the guidance of a professional, and make new friends and enjoy the feeling of community, this event is for you. We hope to see you there! 

Sending lots of love,

Photos courtesy of Handmade Studio TN, Ray & Alyssa/@rayandalyssa