Home studio ceramics maker

Gift buyers, people who like handmade homeware, and customers at craft fairs, markets and online shops.

You sell finished pieces at a price that covers materials, kiln firing and your time. Extra income can come from commissions such as personalised sets or wedding gifts.

• Wheel throwing or hand-building
• Glazing and firing
• Photographing and selling your work online
• Patience and attention to detail

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a kiln at home
• Home insurance may not cover a kiln or stock, so ask your insurer about business cover
• Public liability insurance for fairs and markets
• Kiln safety, ventilation and fire risk, plus clay and glaze dust
• If you sell tableware, check food-contact safety rules and glaze suitability for food use

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your kiln, tools, materials and how you set up your home studio and online shop. Buying only what you need at the start can help keep costs down.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on how many pieces you make, your pricing and where you sell. Revenue is not profit, so allow for materials and firing costs.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a kiln at home, and ask your insurer about business cover. Also check public liability insurance for fairs, kiln safety and ventilation, and food-contact safety rules if you sell tableware.