Happily Handmade

About

Hi, I'm Tonya Hardy & I'm a Clay artist and Clay teacher. I hand build and wheel throw my pieces.

I started out like any child playing with playdough. I had a fantastic art program from Elementary school all through high school at Kaneland. At home my mom did slip-casting and had her own kiln. She bought me my first 25lbs of stoneware and I started handbuilding at 10 years old; making decorative plates for walls and selling them at my mom's shows out of our home. I tried a kids wheel, but it just was not my thing. 

In 2006, I finally took a Pottery class at Kishwaukee College and was hooked. My teacher even wrote in my sketchbook "Welcome to your future". I have taught on n off since 2008 and have sold items since 2006 starting at college shows and branching out with different art groups and on my own. 

I started my company in 2010 and became full time 2016, traveling to do shows and demonstrations, teaching in different counties, and doing custom orders. In past few years, my mom has jumped back into studio to help me create, paint and critique my ornaments and other pieces. We brainstorm and expand ideas, from Christmas ornaments, to yarn bowls.

I just love seeing peoples reactions to a pieces when a mug fits their hand just right, or a character piece that fits their personality.

Find me at my upcoming events by viewing the community calendar and follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Looking forward to meeting you!