Home studio pottery maker

Gift buyers, home cooks and people who like handmade tableware, mostly through craft fairs, online shops and local gift stores.

Direct sales of finished pieces at market prices, plus occasional custom sets for gifts or weddings. Selling direct keeps the full retail price.

• Wheel throwing or hand building
• Glazing and firing knowledge
• Patience and consistent quality
• Photographing and packing fragile items

• Kiln safety: ventilation, fire risk and electrical wiring, and check your home insurer's position
• Clay dust and glaze chemicals, so use proper protection and storage
• Food-safe glazes: check that glazes are labelled food safe, and check Health Canada guidance on lead and cadmium release for tableware
• Home-based business licence and zoning rules vary by municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $9,000, depending on the kiln, wheel and tools you choose. Kiln ventilation, wiring and your home insurer's position are worth checking before you buy.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many pieces you make and where you sell, such as craft fairs, online shops and local gift stores.

Check kiln safety, including ventilation, fire risk and wiring, and your home insurer's position. Also check that glazes are labelled food safe, Health Canada guidance on lead and cadmium release, municipal home-based business rules, and GST/HST registration.