Why I Started Selling Mason Stains
Not long ago, a customer reached out and asked a great question: how is ordering stains from me any different than ordering from a ceramic supplier like Bailey or Sheffield Pottery? I asked myself this exact question before I decided to invest in this side component of my business. What would differentiate me from the large ceramic suppliers selling Mason Stains?
The stains themselves are exactly the same. I’m a distributor of Mason Color Works ceramic stains, just on a smaller scale. I started my business by ordering 10lbs of each color. Right now, I’m offering the 12 colors I personally use in my own studio. I hope to expand the selection over time, but this is where I’m starting.
What sets me apart isn’t the product, it’s the context and support that come with it.
Offering Resources
Over the years, I’ve realized that many people are interested in using stains but aren’t sure how to begin. My goal is to be a resource for those potters — to offer guidance, answer questions, and help people feel more confident experimenting. I designed the labels on my jars to include quick tips for making colored clay, and I’m gradually building out a blog full of tutorials, explanations, and ideas. I’ll also be expanding into videos in the future to show these processes in action.
I am open to answering any questions via e-mail so drop me a message if you need assistance!
There are small, practical differences too. I’ve never liked using baggies for powdered materials. They’re messy and hard to store. Aside from the 25g samples, I package my 1/4lb and 1lb stains in wide-mouth containers with screw-top lids. They’re easier to scoop from and reuse in your own studio. The labels can be removed cleanly if you prefer a minimal shelf.
Diversify Income
But beyond all that, another reason I started offering stains is to diversify my income stream. Over the last couple of years, while raising our young son, my ceramic business has slowed down significantly. The kind of work I make is time- and labor-intensive, and at the end of the day I often just don’t have the capacity to take it on. I wanted to find a way to stay connected to ceramics while generating income that didn’t rely on the same demands.
I’ve recommended Mason stains to countless workshop participants over the years. So I thought: why not offer them directly, with the information I wish I’d had when I was first starting out?
With George starting preschool in a few months, I’ll be shifting back toward more studio work. But in the meantime, I’m focused on building this part of my business and grateful for your support along the way.
