The Michigan Collection

The Michigan Collection captures and celebrates the spirit of Michigan. Since moving here, I’ve fallen in love with this state, its people, and what it means to be a Michigander. To celebrate that connection, I wanted to create a series of work that reflects the places, experiences, and culture that make Michigan special.

For this collection, I chose bold, bright colors and incorporated etched designs that represent specific places, events, and cultural elements. My goal is for each piece to tell a story and evoke a sense of connection.

This first release includes the Detroit, Ferndale, Michigan Wanderlust designs, but my intention is to continue expanding with new pieces in the future. If there is a particular place, event, or aspect of Michigan you would like to see represented in a future release, I would love to hear from you.  

I hope with first release of The Michigan Collection captures the spirit of Michigan as beautifully as I have come to know and love it.

These ornaments can be displayed on your holiday tree or wreath, but they are also designed to be enjoyed year-round. Hang one in your car, office, camper, or home as a reminder of the places, memories, and adventures that make Michigan special. Show off your Michigan pride and celebrate all that makes this great state unique.

Each ornament is a unique handcrafted piece that uses a blend of modern technology and traditional ceramic craftsmanship. The process begins with an idea, which is modeled in 3D and refined through multiple prototypes until the design embodies the original vision. Once the design is finalized, a mold is created. This mold begins with a 3D print of the object using PLA, which is then cast in silicone to create a “mother mold”. That “mother mold” is then used to create multiple plaster molds to use in recreating the piece. 

Using these plaster molds, each ornament is slip-cast with porcelain slip and carefully hand-finished. Once the porcelain sets, each piece is removed from the mold and allowed to continue drying. Then, every ornament is hand-painted with underglaze and left to dry once again. When ready, it is etched with a distinctive design using an infared laser before undergoing its first kiln firing at Cone 04 / 1940°F. Each piece is then inspected and cleaned before a clear glaze is applied to the front. The ornament is fired a second time at Cone 6 / 2232°F, creating a bold and glossy finish.

Because each ornament is individually hand-painted and finished, no two are exactly alike. The result is a one-of-a-kind work of art that celebrates Michigan through craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail. If you’re interested in seeing this process in more detail, check out my instagram page.