Hi, I'm Emma

I'm the maker behind Elou Ceramics, creating wheel-thrown and handbuilt pottery from my home in Melbourne's Bayside.

People often ask where my studio is.

Well... technically I have one in our tiny garage.

Realistically? It's everywhere.

My dining table has become my hand-building bench, the garage is my throwing studio, the laundry is my drying room, the lift is not usable as a lift - it now has shelving and is where I keep my collection of glazes.  If you're wondering why there's clay in every corner of the house and in my hair... so is my partner!

Ironic, really, because I hate having dirty hands. Choosing pottery as a side hustle was a questionable life decision... yet somehow clay became my therapy. There's something about slowing down, switching on a podcast or audiobook and transforming a lump of clay into something that becomes part of someone's everyday life. It's messy, unpredictable and sometimes a little frustrating—which, as it turns out, has been a pretty good life lesson. 

Before clay took over my life, I spent years working in retail, specialising in buying, where I developed a love for thoughtfully designed products, beautiful everyday objects and world crafts. Even before that, in my early twenties, I ran a little jewellery business as a side hustle. That's where I first discovered weekend markets.

Fast forward twenty years, and I'm back doing what I love. One of the best parts has been reconnecting with the incredible community of makers. One of my favourite full-circle moments was seeing Gerry and Sharon from Gerry's Veggie Burgers. We shared Greville Street Market 20+ years ago, and now we're both doing the same markets together again. (If you ever see them, do yourself a favour and order a veggie burger. with satay sauce and sweet chilli. You can thank me later.)

When I'm not out at markets, you'll usually find me restocking my pottery and vintage stall at Market Fair in Ferntree Gully, loading another kiln, or hunting for treasures at an op shop. 

At home, life is always busy. I live in Melbourne's Bayside with my partner and our two little rascals, who have accepted that living with a potter means there's probably clay somewhere it shouldn't be. 

Every piece I make is designed to be used, loved and become part of your everyday rituals. Whether it's your morning coffee, an evening tea, lighting some incense or simply a favourite bowl that makes you smile every time you reach for it, I hope my work brings a little joy to your day 🤎

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Emma