Collecting Handmade Dinnerware: Tips for Beginners

If your hobby is collecting various items, you can consider immersing yourself in the dinnerware collection, which can be a rewarding hobby, especially if you venture into handmade dinnerware.

Besides handcrafted dinnerware being functional items, they also carry with them a unique charm and personality that you cannot get with mass-produced pieces.

Whether you are attracted to the rustic allure of handmade pieces, their delicate beauty, or their uniqueness, collecting handmade dinnerware can be a delightful experience, even as a beginner. Below are some tips that can help your dinnerware collection journey:

Define your style

Before you start your dinnerware collection journey, it would be best to identify your style and preferences. You may prefer contemporary or vintage designs, minimalist pieces, or even eclectic pieces. Also, you need to define your colour schemes, materials, and patterns that resonate with you. Thus, you need to know your style because it will help you to curate a collection that is not only visually appealing but also emotionally satisfying.

Research studios and artists

Unlike the mass-produced dining pieces that are made in factories, handcrafted dinnerware pieces are often made by small studios or individual artists. As you embark on your dinnerware collection journey, you need to do your homework well and find artists and studios whose style and designs align with your aesthetics.

You can attend local craft events such as fairs and shows, visit handcraft studios, or even check out online marketplaces to find unique items. While at it, you can also check out Supper Club Dinnerware as they are known for high quality and unique pieces tailored to suit the tastes and preferences of the customers. Doing extensive research and learning about various artists and studios and their techniques is a good starting point for appreciating their work.

Start slowly

Although you may be tempted to get many pieces in a short time, the secret to having a great dinnerware collection is to start with a few pieces that you truly love and treasure, and that you will find useful in your day-to-day life. A good place to start is with essential pieces like bowls, plates, and mugs.

After getting the essentials, you can then expand to collect teapots, serving platters, and other speciality pieces. When you build your dinnerware collection slowly, you have the chance to savour each addition and not get overwhelmed with your budget and space.

Explore different techniques and materials

Handcrafted dinnerware pieces are of different forms, and are made using diverse materials and techniques. You need to familiarise yourself with the various options available, for example, stoneware, earthenware, porcelain and many others. What you need to appreciate is that each material has unique features as far as texture, heat retention, and weight are concerned, so when you understand these nuances, you can have a better collection experience.

Consider functionality

As much as aesthetics is a key consideration as you collect dinnerware pieces, you should not forget the practicality of your pieces. It is crucial to ensure that the pieces you collect suit your intended uses. Therefore, consider such factors as dishwasher and microwave compatibility, durability and whether they are food-safe.

Conclusion

Dinnerware collection can be a delightful and fulfilling hobby and you can venture into it even as a beginner and gather wonderful items. The pieces should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should also be practical and useful in your daily life.