top of page

Tea Set

For the tea set project, we were tasked with combining influences from the literary world and a clay artist to create a unique tea set. I chose to draw inspiration from the beloved book "Strawberry Shortcake" and the renowned clay artist Bonnie Seeman.

01

Materials & Dimensions

  • Porcelain Clay 

  • Underglaze

  • Glaze

  • Teapot: 8 x 13 x 5

  • Teacups: 2.5 x 4.5 x3.5

02

Construction

   I constructed the tea cups using the potter's wheel, throwing and trimming them to achieve the desired shape. For the handles, I created coils and twisted them to add a unique, handcrafted touch.

   The teapot was built using slab construction in a mold, which allowed me to form the main body with precision. I then constructed the spout separately and attached it. Just like with the tea cups, I rolled and twisted coils to create the handles, maintaining a cohesive design throughout the set. I sculpted a strawberry by hand to place inside the pot, adding a cute and thematic surprise element.

   To further enhance the theme, I hand-painted blueberries on one cup and raspberries on the other. This combination of techniques helped me create a tea set that highlights the playful essence of "Strawberry Shortcake" with the intricate artistry inspired by Bonnie Seeman.

IMG_4572 (1).JPG
OIP (6).jpg

03

Literary Inspiration

For my tea set project inspired by "Strawberry Shortcake" by Muriel Fahrion, I aimed to give a sense of nostalgia while subtly referencing the beloved characters from the book.On one of the tea cups, I hand-painted blueberries to symbolize the character Blueberry Muffin from the book. On the other cup, raspberries were painted to represent Raspberry Tart. The teapot itself was painted to resemble a strawberry, honoring the central character of "Strawberry Shortcake."

04

Artist Inspiration


It seemed only fitting that I choose Bonnie Seeman as my inspiration for this project because of the way her creative style captures the spirit of the natural world and greenery. Seeing how Seeman's sculptures often capture the textures and organic shapes of fruits and plants connects well with my idea of a fruit and plant vibe for the tea set inspired by "Strawberry Shortcake."  Her work inspired me to incorporate a sense of fun and craftsmanship in addition to celebrating the beauty of floral aspects in my tea set. Bonnie Seeman

OIP.jpg
© 2024 by Isabella Champagne. Powered and secured by Wix
  • Instagram
bottom of page