From Studio to Market: My Top Tips for Running a Pottery Stall

There is nothing quite like the shift from the quiet, dusty solitude of the studio to the vibrant energy of a local market. For days—sometimes weeks—it’s just you, the wheel, and the clay. Then, suddenly, you're packing up your life’s work into crates, setting up a gazebo at the crack of dawn, and preparing to share your pieces with the world.

Before I took the leap to turn LEXE Ceramics into my full-time dream, I spent years working in marketing and events. When I started doing markets across Cambridgeshire and now Dorset and Hampshire, those two worlds collided. I quickly realized that running a successful market stall isn't just about making beautiful pottery; it’s about storytelling, curation, and a fair bit of practical logistics.

Whether you’re getting ready for your very first craft fair or looking to refresh your market game, here are my tried-and-true tips for stepping out of the studio and onto the market floor.

1. Build a Story, Not Just a Table

When people walk past your stall, you have about three seconds to catch their eye. If your pottery is just sitting flat on a table, it blends together. You want to create a small, inviting haven that mirrors the aesthetic of your brand.

• Think in Heights: Use wooden crates, blocks, or shelving to lift your pieces up to eye level. It draws the eye naturally and makes the space feel more dynamic.
  

• Mimic the Home: I create pieces designed to bring warmth and ease into everyday life. Because of that, I want my stall to feel like a cozy kitchen or a calm living space. Use linen tablecloths, small dried flower arrangements, or simple props to help people visualize your mug on their morning coffee table or your trinket dish on their nightstand.
  

• The "Sensory" Factor: If you make tactile items—like textured stoneware or hand-poured soy candles—make sure they are within easy reach. Put a tester candle out so people can lift the lid and catch the scent. Let them pick up the mugs. Pottery is a deeply tactile art form; people want to feel the weight of the clay in their hands.
  

2. Transporting Fragile Cargo (The Sustainable Way)

Packing for a market can feel like playing a high-stakes game of Tetris with objects that can shatter in a split second.

My golden rule is to completely avoid single-use plastics or re-use. Unfortunatley over the years I've made a pretty decent colelction of bubble wrap from deliveries I have received. I use these over and over again. Otherwise there are other options it just takes a little thought.

• Invest in Sturdy Crates: Plastic or wooden heavy-duty stacking crates are a lifesaver.
  

• Eco-Friendly Wrapping: Wrap your pieces in thick, recyclable paper wrap or use repurposed fabric cloths to separate layers.
  

• Pack by Weight: Heavy platters and large bowls go at the absolute bottom of the crate. Mugs, delicate wax melt burners, and small spoon rests sit safely on top.

Pro Tip: Keep your inventory organized in the crates by product type. When the market opens and things get busy, you don't want to be rummaging through three different boxes just to find a replacement for a mug that just sold.

3. Your Packaging is Part of the Experience

The experience doesn't end when a customer hands over their card. The way you wrap their new treasure is the final impression they take home.

Because LEXE is deeply committed to being plastic-free, my packaging kit at the market consists of:

• Recyclable kraft paper sheets and hive wrap to protect the pottery

• Paper tape

• Biodegradable paper bags
  

4. The "Don't Forget It" Checklist

After a few early-morning panics, I put together a permanent checklist that I check twice before loading up the car. If you're prepping for a market, make sure you have these essentials:

The Practical Essentials	The Visuals & Branding
* Fully charged card reader	* Clear, visible price signs
* Portable power bank	* Business cards / Newsletter sign-up sheet
* A cash float (for those who still love coins)	* Tablecloths (always pack a spare!)
* Notebook and pen to track sales	* Branded banner or tabletop sign
* Snacks and a giant flask of tea	* Bubble level (for uneven outdoor ground)

5. Embrace the Connection

The absolute best part of a market is the conversation. Don't be afraid to step out from behind your table, stand up, and greet people with a smile. You don't need to give them a hard sales pitch. Just tell them the story behind the piece they are holding.

Tell them about the glaze inspiration—whether it's the blues of a stormy sea or the deep greens of a quiet forest. Share the process of wheel-throwing or hand-pouring. People aren't just buying a ceramic dish; they are buying a piece of your time, your hands, and your creative journey.

Savor the Day

Every market is a learning experience. Some days the weather will be perfect and your shelves will empty out completely; other days might be quiet, but you'll have an incredible conversation with a fellow maker that sparks a brand-new idea for the studio.

Be patient with the process, pack plenty of layers if you're outside, and celebrate the fact that you are out there sharing your craft.

Have you taken your pottery to a market yet, or are you preparing for your first one? What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to setting up? Let’s chat in the comments below, or drop me a message over on Instagram @lexe_ceramics—I’d love to cheer you on!