Our family friend Blair has a ceramics company, The Newtown Studio, where she makes and sells mugs, bowls, jewelry holders, ornaments, jars and more. Every year, Blair reaches out to some friends for their word of the new year, which she engraves into a piece of pottery. The word can be anything from a mantra you repeat for the year, a goal, something you want to achieve or just a simple reminder to yourself.

This year I chose the word “courage” because I have been working on building my confidence and finding the courage to do things outside of my comfort zone. I think without courage you won’t experience life to the fullest; you may be afraid to do something different or take a big jump and try something new. This is something I have been working on: having the courage to say “Yes” to more and new things. You also need courage to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. I can’t wait to see where courage takes me this year!

In the past, Blair has made little bowls and jars with our words on them. This year, she made dishes that can be used as a spoon rest, jewelry holder, plate or just a decoration. Each dish features an imprint of a fern leaf, part of a gift Blair received from her neighbors. The dishes are porcelain, the most expensive and exquisite clay.

“I want the clay to symbolize the value of relationships, valuable and rare. When you see your small dish or even a living fern, let it remind you of all your relationships. Relationships that should be celebrated, cultivated and well-kept,” said Blair.

Although I’m not sure what I’m going to use my dish for, I can’t wait to put it on display so I can remind myself and others throughout this year and my life.

Follow Blair on Instagram to see her latest work: @thenewtownstudio.

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator