The work displayed here is beautiful. In fact, this is what inspired me to ask Helaine if she does custom work. However something about my request--an urn for the ashes of my late pet--was apparently disquieting to her, as I was met with the same rude and abrupt manner I've seen mentioned in other posts here. I was told that I didn't understand anything about "colors" or "my glazes." How unfortunate. In these days of great little shops turning into ATM lobbies or cupcake shops, I'd like to think that merchants could better interact with their well-meaning, polite customers. I eventually commissioned a great piece privately. read more

I came here with my boyfriend in search of a wedding gift since I hate getting gifts of the registry (especially in a city like NYC with so many local artists!). There is a wide variety of pottery and it was very hard for me not to buy things for myself--I loved pretty much everything! The owner was very helpful in picking out pieces to make a set and was also friendly. She also wrapped everything up very well since we were going on a plane and wanted to make sure they traveled safely. The pieces were also pretty affordable for handmade, original art work which allowed us to get more than one piece. The only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is because I'm allergic to cats and my allergies were flaring up like crazy! Bring your benedryl! read more

I love coming into Clayworks Pottery. Helaine handcrafts each piece and the artistry shows. Helaine is very helpful in picking out pieces and I always leave with something unique and useful. I've bought several gifts at Clayworks and love giving them as much as I love getting them! The pieces are reasonably priced like the work of art that they are. If you are looking for a beautiful investment for your home, this is definitely the place to go. Be sure to call before you are heading in. Sometimes Helaine will stay open a bit later if you are running late. read more

This place is wonderful. I've been living in the East Village for a couple of years now, and I stop by every now and then to get a gift for someone because anything from this place is always a big hit. Clayworks is run by a woman named Helaine and her assistant, but I've only met the owner. She takes great pride in what she does and as far as I can tell (she hasn't said as much, but it's obvious to me) she considers her wares useable art. I completely agree with that sentiment. When you walk in, you'll find yourself surrounded by an impressive variety of pottery in blues, greens, and browns. I asked Helaine if she ever used red glazes--she doesn't. She does not like the chemicals she'd "have to inhale and work with" in order to create that glaze. That seemed like a pretty good reason to me. Types of items I came across today in the store: Cups, large mugs, bowls of all sizes including tiny dipping bowls, chalices, plates of all sizes, candle holders, vases, lidded pots, tea pots, sake sets, honey keepers, and garlic keepers (I got one of those, it's lovely). I'm sure I forgot some stuff. You can eat off of anything in the store. Also, everything Helaine makes is safe to use in the dishwasher or in high-heat environments like a microwave or oven, which is very handy. Prices: If you're comparing to prices of these same items if you were to buy them in Macy's or another mass-produced scenario, it's expensive. But if you factor in that these are hand crafted by one of two people and are far more beautiful than what you'll buy from a mass-produced scenario, it's completely reasonable. If you go right now you can get a few good deals from "seconds" (slightly flawed items) and student work (slightly more flawed, but still useable and pretty). There's a summer sale on these pieces but I don't know how long it'll last. They're just sitting outside of the store. Hours: I found the hours on the Clayworks website but you should call beforehand just to make sure they're open because sometimes the hours may vary a little bit. Monday-closed or by appointment; Tuesday-3:30-7:00 pm; Wednesday-1:30-7:00 pm; Thursday-1:30-8:30 pm; Friday-3:30-8:30 pm; Saturday-1:30-8:30 pm; Sunday-1:30-8:30 pm The website has a pic gallery worth looking at, mostly because the pictures very accurate. Sometimes people will take pictures of items you won't even see in the store, I really hate that. But I was just there and these items are totally representative of what you'll find. http://www.clayworkspottery.com/gallery_1.htm Okay well that's about it! I hope you enjoy the shop as much as I do. Gotta love these little East Village meccas. I hope it doesn't go the way of the dodo like so many other small businesses around here. read more

My mom was so upset when she broke her garlic cellar (most random item ever) that she bought in south street seaport 25+ years ago, back when it was all handmade items. She said she wouldn't be able to find another hand made one. I found this place on yelp and I'm so glad I did. The shop was so adorable and the garlic cellar I bought was cuter than the one my mom used to have too. This will definitely be one of my go-to places if I want to buy someone a nice gift. The woman who makes the pottery is also very nice and friendly read more

I was so excited when I happened onto this store purely by chance. Helaine has been in this East Village spot for decades, and is the Real Deal. All of the pottery is gorgeous, and it is almost impossible to pick something to buy because each piece is so exquisite. I bought a mug over the summer and it has been just perfect. It's the perfect size, great hand-feel, and I can't imagine my mornings without it now. Helaine seems like a fantastic person and I am so happy I found this shop. I know what my friends are getting for Christmas! read more

How many artists can say they've made a living selling their work in the East Village for over 40 years? Not too many. The work in this shop is all handmade by the owner, who will remain quietly perched behind the counter until you ask questions or need advice. She's a cool East Village character and her work is unique. She sells a range of vases, bowls, coffee, latte and espresso mugs and a whole ton of other treasures. Go when you have time to reflect on the pieces, so you don't have to rush into your purchase. Extremely reasonably priced, especially for original art. The perfect place for last minute Bday or hostess gifts on your way...or pick up something nice for yourself. Or if you're in from out of town, this would be a nice spot to get some local art to bring home as presents for everybody. Go on. Get in there! read more

Thank you, Helaine for the beautiful mug. I am so happy I could pop in and replace the previous mug that I had bought from you years ago. Your pieces are wonderful and I so look forward to using my mug again for coffee and tea. Highly recommend this fantastic shop. read more

I too have lived in the East Village a long while--over 3 decades--and have loved and appreciated this store. I've bought unique wedding gifts that couples have cherished for years and unique, one-of-a-kind birthday and Christmas presents: sauce pots, tea pots and cups, chalices, vases. You can get something hand-crafted and distinctive without spending an arm and a leg. I'd say it's excellent value for your dollar. Just went over there a month or 2 ago to buy a housewarming gift for two friends who moved in together--found two beautifully glazed coffee mugs that they enjoy and use all the time. Don't miss out on the opportunity to buy something both useful and beautiful -- and different--or yourself or your loved ones. read more

i bought a favorite piece here. a bowl/cup/dish. absolutely love this shop.

Clayworks is one of my favorite stores in the East Village. I look forward to waking up every morning so that I can enjoy my tea in one of my handmade mugs. I've also purchased two vases from clayworks that I love. Helaine's pottery is perfect for gifts or just to add a little something special to your own home. read more

I don't know what RF B. is talking about in his 1 star trite review of Clayworks Pottery on 9th Street because I have shopped there for years now. You must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed to find her manner rude and abrupt because there are few proprietors left anymore who will give you the one-on-one help that you get in this store, esp. anywhere in Manhattan. At my home I have at least a dozen Cobalt Blue glass items and I have many of her gorgeous handmade ceramic pieces that I mix together in my collection. Her many suggestions for additions to this eclectic combination of mine are "right on". The ceramic garlic holder with top in gradient shades of blue is a fav of mine, purchased years ago and in use in my kitchen practically on a daily basis. The storeowner and artist, Helaine is always helpful and from what I've seen through her interaction with others, well liked in her little community there in the East Village. There are so many items, in "Earthy" colors to choose from in her store and soon I'll be stopping by to make my purchases for Christmas gifts. As for this reviewer's comment about "...I'd like to think that merchants could better interact with their well-meaning, polite customers." WTFudge? I can't help but think that you, RF B. may have some sort of disparate motive or grudge that is unrelated to this first class pottery store. No one could stay in business very long, much less 40 years; with the bad attitude this shopper is intent on tarnishing Helaine's reputation. Everyone is entitled to their opinion however, yet people should think long & hard about giving a 1 star review which could hurt someone's business, especially over a perceived [negative] reaction, that was felt to be "..disquieting" to a customer's inquiry regarding "custom work", when there are tons of rip-off businesses, bald-faced liars and totally dishonest merchants all over NYC who are so much more deserving of such a bad review. read more

As a potter myself and an enthusiast we were very excited about this, what seemed like, gem of beautiful pottery. We had both agreed we were intending to buy something as the work was beautiful! We passed by the previous day but it was closed and so decided to come back the next day. When we entered the door, however, the woman behind the counter, who we later found out was the owner/potter, greeted us suspiciously and seemed confused as to why we were there in the first place. We looked around for a minute before asking her if it was her own work to which she replied standoffishly 'yes its all mine.' Further enquiring if it was her studio in the back she responded bluntly with a sharp 'no'. I carefully handled some of the smaller pieces, admiring the glazes but could feel her glare never leave me as I did so. She demanded to know if i was scratching her work to which i informed her i was merely admiring. An alarm went off and she informed us she had to close for a while. We left feeling disappointed and unwelcome. Her attitude towards our intrigue was shocking and rude and it felt as if she did not want to give us any information on anything or make any sales. So we adhered to that. read more

I had walked by Clayworks numerous times, but the business was always closed. Tonight, I had caught it open and went in to look. The individual I can only assume was the owner/artist was so incredibly dismissive and rude, it completely turned me off from making a purchase. read more