Handmade pottery rooted in nature and made for everyday joy.

The Potter

I’m Jillian, a potter in Lincoln, Nebraska.

O Happy Clay is my small home studio where I create earthy, functional ceramics with clean, modern shapes, and the occasional rustic edge. I enjoy creating art that belongs in everyday moments: your morning coffee, the light through a handmade lamp, the feeling of something crafted by hand.

I’ve always loved nature, had a strange obsession with containers, and found satisfaction in the flow of circles. Throw in a need to constantly be productive and make things, and you’ve basically got the ingredients for a potter — I just didn’t know it yet. Once I got my hands muddy, it was like everything lined up. The pottery wheel made it all click. O happy clay, indeed.

Each piece is made with intention, designed to be used, loved, and lived with.

Not every piece makes it, but every one teaches me something. Some explode, some surprise me, and some feel like tiny victories.

My Work

Here’s a peek at some of my past pieces — no two are exactly alike (because clay has opinions). If you see something you like or have an idea of your own, I'd love to hear it. Custom orders are open, and I love a good creative challenge.

Custom Order Inquiry

Behind the Scenes

I love the rhythm of throwing forms that feel good in your hands. Each one gets my JR stamp, not just as a signature, but as a little “yep, this one made me happy.”

My tiny volcano (kiln) lives in the garage. I’m not really a “set it and forget it” type — I hover, peek, obsess. The anticipation feels a lot like Christmas morning as a kid… if your presents could crack, warp, or explode unexpectedly.

These one-of-a-kind tiny bowls are just as happy holding your vitamins as they are your ranch… or the screws from that “I can fix this” project you started three weekends ago.

Pottery for the real moments.

Thank you

Thanks for stopping by O Happy Clay. It means so much that you took the time to explore my little corner of the clay-covered world. Whether you’re here out of curiosity, to ask a question, or to bring a piece of my work into your home — thank you.

As a kid, the song Oh Happy Day brought me peace. Even before I understood it, I was drawn to it. When I found my faith in my 30s, its meaning and joy hit home. You'll find reminders of this all around me and I can't help but break out in song when I see them. A friend, knowing this (clever boy), came up with the name, and it just felt right. So here we are - O Happy Clay. A happy day, indeed.

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