Shape, Scale, Function: Talking Craft with Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics

At Ratio, we’ve long admired the skill, intention, and warmth that define Wolf Ceramics. Their handmade mugs—crafted by a small team in Hood River, Oregon—have become a favorite among our community of home brewers and design lovers alike. With the launch of our latest mug collaboration, we sat down with founder and ceramic artist Sarah Wolf to talk about craft, creativity, motherhood, and what’s inspiring her as she looks ahead to 2026.

Sarah! It’s so good to see you. What inspired you to start Wolf Ceramics, and how has your path as an artist shaped the kind of work you create and how you run your studio?

I started Wolf Ceramics when I was 25. I was fed up with being at the mercy of an employer and wanted to be in charge of my own work life. I didn’t know exactly how my ceramic practice would evolve, but I knew I loved production, working with my hands, and making useful, beautiful things.

Designing pieces that lend themselves to production—things that can scale well—was both challenging and inspiring. Working in multiples of 50 instead of one at a time meant I needed to refine my order of operations, reduce loss, and design pieces that could be made consistently. Those constraints actually opened up creative pathways for me.

Today, my studio is a team of seven artisans. I try to hire people who also love production and who inherently care about quality and attention to detail. It’s extremely important to me to cultivate a workplace that’s enjoyable, supportive, and honors people’s bodies while giving them autonomy in their craft. That’s no small feat, but we’ve come a long way in the last ten years. I really love our team.

What does your morning routine look like lately? And of course, how do you take your coffee?

I actually start my morning with a tea made from Chinese herbs from my naturopath—a ritual I’ve kept for almost six years. After that, I have a tiny cup of coffee with breakfast. Maybe 6 ounces. My husband and I share a pour-over, and he definitely drinks twice as much as I do. Full disclosure: I’m also pregnant, so it’s probably for the best that my caffeine intake is on the low side these days!

When you’re designing a new piece, how do you think about the balance between everyday usefulness and creative expression?

When I’m developing new pieces, I often create a whole range of ideas—and decide along the way that many of them are terrible. When I land on an idea I like, I refine it. Functionality is absolutely essential. If I make a batch of 50 cups that are pretty but not functional, they won’t sell and they’ll just sit on the shelf. I want to make things people genuinely want in their homes—things they reach for every day. Period.

Glaze design is where I get to take a simple, functional vessel and turn it into something artistic. Even a small, intentional geometric element can be so beautiful. I love finding beauty in simplicity.

Of course, not everything has to be a bestseller. Some specialty pieces, like our ceramic cocktail cup, are more of an acquired taste. They won’t appeal to everyone, but there are folks who love sculptural vessels for specialty drinks. They might not be money makers, but I enjoy making these items from time to time just for fun.

Has your creative process changed over the years? Anything you do now that younger-you would be surprised by?

My creative process hasn’t changed dramatically, but I definitely struggle more these days to find time for deep creative exploration. The main reason is actually wonderful: I have a delightful toddler and another baby on the way! It’s no longer easy to stay late at the studio when inspiration strikes, or slip in on a quiet weekend day to experiment. But the trade-off is more than worth it. I still have plenty of ideas—I just have to be more efficient and focused whenever I do sit down to work.

Heading into 2026, are there any new ideas, techniques, or projects you’re excited to explore as part of the next evolution of your work?

If I had unlimited time and resources, I’d be launching a new line of ceramic lighting, developing sculptural wall tiles, creating a hand-built line of dishes and vessels, and traveling to trade shows to connect with more restaurant and hospitality clients who might be interested in our dinnerware. Way too much to take on at once! Especially while keeping our day-to-day operations running but I’m working on these things little by little.

My most important project in the new year is actually to be the best manager and mentor I can be, preparing my team to fly solo while I take maternity leave for a few months starting in March.

What’s something you’re curious about right now—inside or outside the studio—that’s inspiring or influencing you?

I’m always dreaming about textile design. It’s so different from ceramics, but thinking about shapes, colors, and textures in the context of block printing or weaving really feeds my ceramic creativity. Maybe someday we’ll add textiles to our line—who knows!

Thank you Sarah!

Sarah’s work, and the spirit behind Wolf Ceramics, fits so naturally with what we love at Ratio: thoughtful design, real craft, and pieces that make everyday moments feel a little more special. We’re so happy to be partnering with her and her team, and we hope this conversation brings a little extra inspiration to your day. 

Shop the Wolf Ceramics x Ratio collaboration

Instagram: @WolfCeramics