My day in cups of tea
We take a trip to North Yorkshire to find out how potter Makiko Hastings spends her day in cuppas – and enjoy a peek at her handmade mug collection
Morning! What’s your first beverage of the day?
Usually peppermint tea. When I get up early (and I am trying!) to do meditation and exercise, I just drink cooled boiled water. We call it ‘sayu’ in Japanese.
Can you tell us about how your job?
I’m a potter working from my garden studio and I live in a small North Yorkshire town, with my husband, ten-year-old daughter and two house bunnies. I go for a run before breakfast – usually overnight oats or granola with fruit – then I start work once my daughter sets off for school.
What are your essential tools?
My potter’s wheel and a good sponge. For decorating, I use various pins and scratching tools.
Kettle’s on, what can we get you?
Peppermint all the way.
As a potter, do you have a preferred mug?
I LOVE using other potters’ handmade mugs that
I’ve bought at shows, with the memories of the people I chatted to. I choose one from my collection each day.
How about a snack with your tea? Are you a dunker?
I love fig rolls. I never dunk. Soggy biscuits aren’t my style!
Fair enough! Do you have an afternoon routine?
A quick lunch by myself, or with my husband if he’s at home. With pottery, it’s more about working in different stages, rather than having a set routine.
When is work done for the day?
I tend to finish when my daughter comes home, and then I put a different hat on. I do return to work in the evening sometimes, though.
Can we get you one last cuppa?
I’ll have one at tea-time: Peppermint or Japanese tea.
What are you looking forward to at the moment?
Planning workshops and a creative and healing day retreat. And visiting Japan with my family.