In the modern world of fast-paced everything, artist Claire Osmer is intentionally slowing down. As the founder of Clay by Claire Frances, she is turning raw clay into functional masterpieces, proving that the ancient art of pottery is the perfect antidote to a digital age.
Photography by Taylor Stanger
A JOURNEY SPARKED BY OBSESSION
For Claire, the discovery of her medium was almost instantaneous.
After switching schools during the pandemic, she stepped into a high school ceramics class and never really left.
“I fell in love with it immediately. It just felt so natural to me.”
That love quickly became an obsession. Claire spent before school, lunch, and after school hours in the ceramics classroom practicing and refining her craft.
The passion soon turned into a budding business. Encouraged by a teacher who also ran her own art business, Claire began selling pieces to friends and family before heading to Boise State University to study visual arts.
A PRIEST’S KILN AND A MIRACLE STUDIO
While Claire was navigating the typical uncertainty of pursuing a creative career—wondering whether art should become her profession or remain a passion project—she prayed for clarity.
The answer came unexpectedly.
A woman from church approached Claire with an incredible offer. She knew a retiring priest who was moving into a senior center and could no longer take his ceramics equipment with him. He wanted Claire to have his kiln—the specialized oven used to fire ceramics—completely free of charge.
“I was like, ‘This is crazy.’ Kilns are very expensive.”
When Claire and her father went to pick it up, they discovered the gift was even greater than expected. The priest gave her his collection of books, tools, and bags of clay as well.
When they moved the kiln into their home studio, they found that the space already had an outlet matching the kiln’s exact voltage and wattage, meaning no additional electrical work was needed.
To Claire, it felt like confirmation that she was on the right path.
THE HENDERSHOT INFLUENCE
Claire isn’t just creating art—she’s inspiring others to pursue their own creativity.
Her journey has already made an impact in local classrooms through Mr. Hendershot, an art educator known for teaching with the precision and depth of a science. He has used Claire’s story and work as an example for students, showing them that a creative career can be both attainable and meaningful.
That influence came full circle when a local student shared that learning about Claire’s work helped make the art world feel more accessible and real.
This connection to education continues to motivate Claire. She currently teaches a group of 20 students and plans to expand her workshops after completing her degree in Art Education.
FROM EARTH TO TABLE
Creating a piece at Clay by Claire Frances is a marathon, not a sprint.
Every mug, bowl, ornament, and vase goes through a thoughtful, hands-on transformation. The process begins long before the pottery wheel starts spinning. Ideas develop slowly, evolving as Claire shapes the clay and discovers the final form.
Each finished piece reflects not only craftsmanship, but also the creative journey behind it.
THE CLAY BY CLAIRE FRANCES PROCESS
Wedging
The clay is kneaded carefully to remove air bubbles and prepare it for shaping.
Throwing
The piece is formed on the pottery wheel, where balance, pressure, and movement work together to create the shape.
Trimming
Once partially dried, the piece receives what Claire jokingly calls a “haircut,” refining the shape and smoothing the details.
Firing & Glazing
Each piece takes two separate trips to the kiln—first to harden the clay, then again after glazing to create vibrant, glass-like finishes.
WHERE TO FIND CLAIRE’S WORK
Claire’s handmade ceramics have become a staple in the Eagle community. Her pieces can be found at:
- The Sundry Boutique — for pottery purchasing
- One Haute Cookie — featuring seasonal ornaments
- Instagram: @claybyclairefrances — for updates, restocks, and workshop information
By focusing on timeless over trendy, Claire Osmer isn’t just selling pottery—she’s inviting people to slow down, put down the phone, and reconnect with the tactile beauty of something made entirely by hand.
Interested in a private lesson or workshop? Claire is currently offering private lessons while finishing her studies. Reach out through Instagram to secure a spot and experience the therapeutic art of throwing on the wheel.
