Samantha Harrill

218-686-3569

northernsprucestudio@gmail.com

northernsprucestudio.com

Social media: @northernsprucestudio

Warroad

Samantha is a potter

Samantha Harrill is the artist behind Northern Spruce Studio, based in Warroad, where she creates functional stoneware inspired by the quiet beauty of the Northwoods. Her work is rooted in a deep appreciation for nature, simplicity, and the rhythms of everyday life. Working with clay allows her to stay connected to those elements — to slow down, be present, and create with intention. She currently works out of a downtown studio space, expanding her practice and deepening her connection to the local community.

In addition to her studio practice, Samantha enjoys teaching both private and group pottery classes for a range of skill levels. She works with both children and adults, creating a welcoming environment where creativity can be explored without pressure. Whether someone is new to clay or building on existing skills, she values the opportunity to share her knowledge and help others experience the same sense of connection and fulfillment that first drew her to pottery.

The foundation of making, fixing, and building things with purpose influences Samantha’s work. She is drawn to functional pottery because it allows her to create pieces that people can use and enjoy — objects that become part of daily routines and meaningful moments at home.

She appreciates the balance that creating pottery requires. It is both grounding and unpredictable — a process that asks for patience while also embracing the unexpected. She works primarily in earthy tones and natural textures, often reflecting the landscapes of northern Minnesota. Each piece carries subtle variations, making it unique while still feeling timeless and familiar.

She finds the most fulfillment in knowing her work becomes part of someone’s everyday life — a mug used each morning, a bowl shared at the table, a piece that quietly holds space in a home. Through Northern Spruce Studio, she creates pottery that is both beautiful and purposeful, inviting people to slow down and appreciate the small, meaningful moments.

Potter Samantha Harrill

An example of what can be created in a class with Samantha

Functional Ceramics: Designing and Creating Your Own Mug

Overview

In this residency, students will learn the fundamentals of working with clay by designing and creating a functional ceramic mug. The class introduces basic hand-building techniques, proper attachment methods, and surface decoration using underglazes. Students will gain an understanding of both the creative and technical processes involved in ceramics, from forming clay to the final firing stage.

Grade Level | 10th – 12th Grade

Class Structure

  • 5-day residency

  • 1 hour per session

  • Maximum class size: 12 students

Learning Objectives

By the end of the residency, students will:

  • Demonstrate foundational hand-building techniques using clay (slab construction, scoring, slipping)

  • Construct a functional ceramic mug with structural integrity

  • Apply surface decoration techniques including carving, stamping, and underglaze painting

  • Understand the ceramic process from wet clay to fired piece

  • Reflect on their artistic process and evaluate their work

Day 1: Introduction to Clay and Design Planning (1 hour)

  • Instructor & project introduction: 10 minutes

  • Explanation of materials and process (stoneware clay, underglazes, firing): 15 minutes

  • Demonstration: wedging, scoring, slipping: 10 minutes

  • Check for Understanding (CFU): 5 minutes

    • Why do we score and slip? What happens if we skip this step?

  • Student practice: wedging and joining techniques: 10 minutes

  • Mug design planning (paper template): 5 minutes

  • Early Finisher Option:

    • Sketch multiple mug variations or decorative ideas

  • Wrap-up, clay storage, preview of Day 2: 5 minutes

    • Clay stored in plastic to maintain moisture

Day 2: Building the Mug Body (1 hour)

  • Review and demo of slab construction: 10 minutes

  • Rolling slabs: 10 minutes

  • Cutting templates and forming mug walls: 15 minutes

  • Attaching base and refining form: 10 minutes

  • Check for Understanding (CFU): 5 minutes

    • What makes a mug stable? Why is even thickness important?

  • Continued building/refinement: 5 minutes

  • Early Finisher Option:

    • Refine rims, compress edges, add subtle texture

  • Wrap-up, storage, clean-up: 5 minutes

    • Cover loosely with plastic to prevent cracking

Day 3: Handle Making and Attachment (1 hour)

  • Demo: forming and attaching handles: 10 minutes

  • Create and refine handles: 15 minutes

  • Attach handles (score, slip, reinforce): 15 minutes

  • Check for Understanding (CFU): 5 minutes

    • How does handle placement affect comfort and balance?

  • Design refinement: 5 minutes

  • Early Finisher Option:

    • Add small decorative or functional elements

  • Wrap-up, storage, clean-up: 10 minutes

    • Ensure even drying, especially at attachment points


    Day 4: Surface Decoration (1 hour)

  • Demo: carving, stamping, additive elements, underglaze: 15 minutes

  • Student decoration (texture and carving): 15 minutes

  • Underglaze application: 15 minutes

  • Check for Understanding (CFU): 5 minutes

    • How do different techniques change the final appearance?

  • Continued refinement: 5 minutes

  • Early Finisher Option:

    • Layer additional color or refine details

  • Wrap-up, storage, clean-up: 5 minutes

Day 5: Firing and Finishing Process (1 hour)

  • Discussion: drying, bisque firing, glaze firing: 15 minutes

  • Glazing explanation/demo: 10 minutes

  • Check for Understanding (CFU): 5 minutes

    • What stages does clay go through before becoming finished ceramic?

  • Student Signing Work: 5 minutes

    • Students sign or mark the bottom of their mug

  • Reflection discussion: 10 minutes

  • Review pickup timeline: 5 minutes

  • Early Finisher Option:

    • Write a short artist statement

  • Final clean-up: 10 minutes

Materials

Instructor Provides:

  • Slab mats

  • Rolling pins and mobile slab roller

  • Basic clay tools

  • Sponges and texture tools

  • Scoring tools

  • Underglazes

  • Clear gloss glaze

  • Offsite kiln access

School/Students Provide:

  • Stoneware clay

  • Water containers (one per student)

  • Cardstock and pencils

  • Brushes

  • Worktables and stools

  • Optional aprons

Showcasing and Reflection

To celebrate student work and reinforce learning, the residency concludes with opportunities for both presentation and display:

In-School Display
Finished mugs will be displayed in a school display case or designated art space for approximately two weeks before students take them home. This allows the school community to engage with and appreciate the artwork.

Class Presentation and Reflection
Students will present their mugs to the class and reflect on their process, discussing:

  • What was successful

  • Challenges they encountered

  • What they would improve in the future

This encourages critical thinking, peer learning, and confidence in discussing creative work.

Optional Artist Statements:
Students may write a short artist statement to accompany their work, explaining their design choices, techniques, and inspiration.

End Result

Each student will create a functional ceramic mug that reflects their personal design choices. In addition to completing a finished piece, students will gain foundational ceramic skills and an understanding of the full process from creation to firing, along with experience in reflection and presentation.

Email Samantha