Self-taught potter, mother of four, and the hands behind every piece.
I’m Amanda Kelly, a married mother of four who discovered her artistic calling in the most unexpected place: a garage in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Armed with nothing but YouTube tutorials and an unshakeable belief that clay was calling to me, I began an extraordinary journey.
What started as hobby, soon became Lohtu Ceramics—a thriving small business that touched lives across the globe, selling thousands of custom stoneware pieces worldwide.
I’ve learned that pottery isn’t just art—it’s a spiritual process.
While I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting, clay speaks to me in a language all its own. There’s something magical about the way it moves between my hands: that rich, earthy scent grounds me.
A powerful dance of transformation happens at the wheel. With clay, I never face a blank canvas. Instead, each piece is formed through a series of small movements—a silent conversation between my soul and the earth itself.
Leonardo Da Vinci
One of the reasons that I decided to try pottery in the first place was my love for comfortable mugs. You’ll notice very quickly that mugs are my best sellers as well as my favorite pieces to make.
Why? Because there is something special about a favorite mug. We use mugs as a part of our daily rituals, like morning coffee, to help warm us when we’re cold, to help cheer us up when we’re feeling down. It isn’t just a cup, it is a cup of comfort.
My pieces are not made to be displayed on a shelf, with elaborate decoration — they are made to cuddle, hold, and engage with. Their balanced shapes, pleasing weight, and vibrant colors are made for mug lovers.
In 2024, my husband and I made a major change and decided to move from Northern Minnesota to Central Florida. While Lohtu Ceramics will always hold a special place in my heart, I discovered something even more fulfilling: sharing my knowledge with others.
Through my new YouTube channel, Amanda Kelly Pottery, I’m building a community of dreamers, creators, and fellow clay enthusiasts.
Whether you’re:
I’m here to guide you through every step. My tutorials will be covering everything I know about pottery. I’ll be sharing step-by-step instructions, glaze guides, business tips, and other wisdom from my journey—designed to help you fall in love with clay the way I have.
Mary Lou Cook
When I’m not covered in clay, you’ll find me embracing life’s adventures. I love the ocean, snorkeling and scuba diving, horseback riding, going to theme parks, golfing, exploring park trails, or simply soaking up the Florida sunshine.
My quiet moments are just as treasured: getting lost in a compelling book, letting words flow through writing, exploring new places through travel, or unwinding with carefully chosen music, a fine-handrolled cigar, and a smooth glass of bourbon. These moments of reflection and pleasure feed my creativity and keep my artistic juices flowing.
Clay has taught me that the most beautiful things come from patience, intention, and the willingness to get your hands dirty. Whether you’re here to learn, to shop, or simply to be inspired, you’re part of this incredible community we’re building together.
Clay has taught me that the most beautiful things come from patience, intention, and the willingness to get your hands dirty. Whether you’re here to learn, to shop, or simply to be inspired, you’re part of this incredible community we’re building together.
