Nestled in the heart of Sturbridge, Twiddle T’s Pottery is a warm artistic space filled with carefully crafted mugs, serving dishes, decorative pieces and more. It’s a full gallery experience, perfect for any fan of unique artistry and pottery.
We spoke with Rona T. Roy, the owner and artist, about her beautifully made pieces and what led to the opening of her brand-new location.
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Twiddle T’s Pottery and how it came to be?
A: I was at a point in my life where my full-time job as a chef wasn’t working for me or my family. My passion for pottery was still at the forefront, so I pushed hard on that. I discovered that I could still be there for my family and shift my career, so Twiddle T’s Pottery was created. I turned my hobby into a business; today, I consider myself a professional potter.
Q: Do you make all your own pieces at Twiddle T’s Pottery?
A: Yes, I make every unique piece in the store myself. I have no help in the studio and pride myself in that; however, at times, it is a curse.
Q: Can you tell us about the new store you just opened?
A: For years, I made do with a small in-home retail space that I ran by appointment only. At times, like during the holidays, it became too busy in such a small space, and it felt unfair to my family. I knew it was time to find something closer to town and to be open year-round. And from there, I found the perfect spot.
5 Snell St. was a tin/coppersmith shop years ago. I knew the minute I saw the star cupola at the top of the roof that I had to have this space for my pottery shop. It required a full renovation. I tried hard to bring in other elements that complement pottery, such as wood accents and glass lighting. We exposed some of the old beams and the original wood floors and refinished them. One look around and you’ll see all the thought that went into the wood accent walls, the unique live-edge sassafras shelving, and the sturdy mango wood tables, all with unique, handmade pedestal legs. The glass globe lighting adds a touch of elegance alongside the big storefront windows.
My goal was to fill the showroom with as much of my work as possible to get as many pieces in as I could. With each piece being unique, it’s important that you see as much as you can before making your decision. Everywhere you look, you’ll find something new. I hope that when you stroll through my shop, it offers you a way to pause the outside world and gives you a sense of peace and tranquility.
Q: For those planning to visit Sturbridge, why should Twiddle T’s Pottery be on their must-visit list?
A: It’s not too often that you walk into a store and see that everything is handmade by only one person. To add to that, it is women-owned and made locally, which makes it a must-see location.
Q: What is your mission?
A: My mission is to create and share handcrafted pottery that brings beauty, function, and a sense of connection to your everyday life, while supporting sustainable craftsmanship and building community through art. I like to say, “from my hands to yours,” meaning my hands have made this piece, and it’s now in your hands to enjoy forever.
Q: Is there anything exciting coming up in the future?
A: I do have something very exciting coming up for the community! I can’t share it quite yet, but I can give you a clue: Sturbridge Trails. Stay tuned!
Q: What does being a part of the Sturbridge community mean to you?
A: Being a part of the Sturbridge community means everything to me. This town isn’t just where I run my pottery shop; it’s also a community where I live and raise my children. It’s where relationships are made and where the growth of my business began. I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by others who love this town and are willing to support each other. Sturbridge has been the foundation of my business’s growth and my personal growth as an artist and resident. My shop, filled with handmade pottery that brings joy and fulfillment to others, is merely a piece of my gratitude. It’s a way to share that happiness with the community.
Q: What are your favorite places to visit or things to do in Sturbridge when you’re not at the store?
A: I love the little shops that are found in Sturbridge, and I like to stroll through them. They are often filled with unique items that are forever changing. There’s something special about that. Sturbridge also has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and breweries in town that we often go to as a family. All locally owned and one of a kind right here in our quaint town.
Twiddle T’s Pottery is truly a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sturbridge or looking for something beautiful to take home. Click here to learn more about what makes this spot so special.
