Ruby Holmes Ware

Ruby Holmes Ware Handmade contemporary ceramics inspired by the peaceful forests. Pottery Experiences in Belper, Derbyshire

The final restock of the year.Tonight at 7pm, the website will be updated with a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces. Perf...
12/12/2025

The final restock of the year.
Tonight at 7pm, the website will be updated with a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces. Perfect for adding a little handmade charm to your home, or for giving ad a thoughtful, personal gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Subscribers to my mailing list will have a little extra treat from me to you, so make sure you're signed up if you'd like to receive it.

Browse, enjoy and find something truly special before the year ends.

Thank you! I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that shopped with me at the  Christmas Market just over a week ag...
01/12/2025

Thank you!
I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that shopped with me at the Christmas Market just over a week ago.
It was lovely to meet so many of you, even when the weather was against us.

After a couple of days off, I've been busy in the studio with the last batches of pots for the year. They are just working their way through this week.

If you didn't get chance to make it to Shottle Hall, I have one more Christmas market this Thursday 4th Decemeber at Norwood Park with
It runs from 3pm-8:30pm and is a ticketed event. So booking is essential.

That will be the last chance to shop with me in person before Christmas.

I will have one final shop re-stock on my website on the 12th Dec for anyone that can't make it in person. More details to follow on this in the week.

I hope you are all starting to feel festive. Much love and see you soon.

It's that time of year again when the studio becomes a little busier and weekends are spent at festive markets. This yea...
13/11/2025

It's that time of year again when the studio becomes a little busier and weekends are spent at festive markets.

This year I've kept my calendar a little lighter, with three special events that I'm really looking forward to. Each one set in a beautiful location and filled with so many gorgeous handmade stalls and local makers.

Here's where you'll find me over the coming weeks...

★ Belper Food and Gift Festival - Sunday 16th Nov, 10am-4pm — Belper High Street.

★ Fabulous Places Christmas Market - Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd Nov at the stunning Shottle Hall, Derbyshire.
Booking is essential for this one as tickets are nearly sold out! Visit for all of the details and to secure your ticket.

★ Fabulous Places Evening Christmas Market - Thursday 4th Dec, 3pm-8:30pm at the gorgeous Norwood Park Estate in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
This is another ticketed event, so prior booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Visit for tickets.

Each Market has it's own charm and they're always a wonderful way to find thoughtful handmade gifts and meet the makers behind them.

I'll be bringing along these cute little star decorations for the Christmas markets this year too.

Wow - I can't quite believe it's November already. There's beeb lots happening quietly behind the scenes in the studio l...
03/11/2025

Wow - I can't quite believe it's November already.

There's beeb lots happening quietly behind the scenes in the studio lately as I prepare for the busiest season of the year.
The shelves are slowly filling again with freshly made pieces, and I'll soon be packing for the first of my winter events.

This year, I've decided to take a slightly slower approach to the season, with just three opportunities to shop with me in person. I'll share more about each one soon, but the first is on Sunday 16th November at the Belper Food & Gift Festival.

If you can't make it to an event, there will also be a small online shop update in the coming weeks, I'll share the date soon.

I'm curious, do you prefer browsing handmade work in person or discovering new pieces online?

August has arrived in a blur of sunshine and studio days. I've been enjoying some quieter time over the summer, which ha...
11/08/2025

August has arrived in a blur of sunshine and studio days. I've been enjoying some quieter time over the summer, which has given me more time to focus on making.

I'm looking forward to welcoming a small group for my next Hand-Building Pottery session on Saturday 23rd August for a relaxing morning.

If you've been curious about trying pottery, this could be the perfect time to give it a go. Whether you come solo or with a friend, they're always a friendly and welcoming space.

I look forward to seeing some of you there.

All the details and bookings can be made on my website.

I'm looking forward to joining the Belper Arts Trail again this year, taking place on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May.This...
01/05/2025

I'm looking forward to joining the Belper Arts Trail again this year, taking place on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May.

This is always a highlight in the calendar for me — artists and makers set up their stalls throughout Belper, and the whole town becomes a creative trail to explore.
I'll be there both days with a full display of ceramics, and I'd love to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones.

This year, I'll be in the Tyler's building on Cambell Street, but be sure to check out other makers too - it really is like one big treasure hunt!

It's open from 10:30am-4:30pm on both days. Tickets and maps will be available on the day from various points.

Visit www.belperartstrail.org for all the info.

April so far...A little glimpse behind the scenes as the months has unfolded:• New samples are taking shape on the workb...
24/04/2025

April so far...

A little glimpse behind the scenes as the months has unfolded:

• New samples are taking shape on the workbench - I've been testing out some fresh forms and ideas, I'm quietly excited about where they're heading
• My kiln has been keeping me on my toes, with a few more technical hiccups and puzzles than I'd like! Sometimes it feels like glaze and kiln have their own ideas!
• In the midst of it all, I managed to take a short break to the Netherlands to see the tulips 🌷 - They were just what I needed, a real burst of colour and a reminder to step away and soak up some inspiration.

Studio life is rarely straightforward, but it's always full of movement, learning, and those small wins that make it worthwhile.

Feeling truly grateful after this weekend’s Sample & Seconds Sale—thank you so much for all the support. I’m honestly ov...
24/03/2025

Feeling truly grateful after this weekend’s Sample & Seconds Sale—thank you so much for all the support. I’m honestly overwhelmed by the response and so grateful that so many pieces have found new homes.

If you missed out on something you had your eye on, I’m sorry—but I hope another special piece will come along just for you in the future.

You’ve chosen some really lovely pieces, and I’ve loved seeing the little collections you’ve put together. There are still a few pots available, and I’ll keep them live on the website for the rest of the week in case anything catches your eye.

If you’ve already placed an order and spot something else you'd like to add, I’m happy to combine postage and refund any extra shipping costs.

I’ll be carefully wrapping and packing your pots over the next couple of days, ready to make their way to you later this week.

Thank you again—it really does mean so much.

— Ruby

Kiln maintenance is one of those essential but often unpredictable tasks in a pottery studio. Changing my kiln elements ...
13/03/2025

Kiln maintenance is one of those essential but often unpredictable tasks in a pottery studio. Changing my kiln elements is something I do roughly every year to 18 months, but this time around, things didn’t go quite as planned. What should have been a simple fix turned into weeks of troubleshooting—error codes, suspected faulty relays, and failed firings. It’s been a process of trial, research, and a lot of patience, but I think I finally have things back on track. It will take a few more firings before I fully trust it again, but for now, I’m relieved to be firing as usual.

Despite the kiln setbacks, the studio has been busy. I’ve been building up stock for the year ahead, working on wholesale orders for some lovely retailers, and hosting plenty of pottery experiences. It’s been wonderful meeting so many of you in recent weeks and seeing your creations take shape—my shelves are filled with pots waiting for their final firings.

And with spring around the corner, I’ve been preparing for something special—the Spring Sample & Seconds Sale, launching on Saturday 22nd March. There will be unique sample pieces, one-of-a-kind glaze tests, and seconds available at reduced prices. If you’re subscribed to my mailing list, you’ll also receive an exclusive extra discount. More details coming soon!

For now, here’s a little look at what’s been happening behind the scenes. Swipe through to see the past few weeks in the studio.

✨️Give a gift they won't forget✨️Whether you're looking to try something different this year, or booking for a Valentine...
10/02/2025

✨️Give a gift they won't forget✨️

Whether you're looking to try something different this year, or booking for a Valentines / Galentines treat, join me for a friendly and welcoming, creative morning working with clay.

Spaces are limited.

For full details and bookings please visit my website:
https://www.rubyholmesware.com/service-page/pottery-hand-building-session

LGBTQ+ friendly 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

💕️Looking for something a little different this Valentine's? 💕Whether it's a date night, a fun experience with a friend,...
03/02/2025

💕️Looking for something a little different this Valentine's? 💕
Whether it's a date night, a fun experience with a friend, or a little treat for yourself, join me for a relaxed and hands-on Pottery Workshop in Belper.

🗓Thursday 13th Feb - 6-8pm or
🗓Saturday 15th Feb 10-12pm

📍 The Strutts, Belper, Derbyshire
🩷 £35pp

No experience needed! I'll guide you through the process of building a unique piece, perfect for marking the occasion.
It's a lovely way to spend quality time together while trying something creative.

Spaces are limited.

If you'd like to join, you can find all the details and book your spot here: 👇
https://www.rubyholmesware.com/service-page/pottery-hand-building-session?referral=service_list_widget

💕Feel free to tag someone who might love this 😊💕

Looking back at last year, I've been reflecting on how much kindness and love people showed me and my work. I feel so gr...
20/01/2025

Looking back at last year, I've been reflecting on how much kindness and love people showed me and my work. I feel so grateful for all of your support —especially during such a difficult year.

The start of this year has felt so different without Lola by my side. Adjusting to life without her has been harder than I can express, and her absence is something I feel every single day. She was such a constant presence in my life and in the studio, and everything feels much quieter now.

I was so ready for a break over Christmas— time to step back, breathe, and reset after what was a challenging year in so many ways. These past few weeks, I've eased back into work, focusing on those little studio improvements that had been waiting for some headspace to get done.
I've also spent some time reflecting on last year and looking ahead to this one. There's a lot to plan for, with some exciting projects in the pipeline (more on that soon).

For now, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.
Thank you for being here, for supporting what I do, and continuing to follow along.

🤍

Address

Belper

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ruby Holmes Ware posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ruby Holmes Ware:

Share