About

Hi! I’m Allison, the artist and owner of Artisan Coasters. Every coaster is lovingly made by hand by me in my small studio.

I remember being beyond excited to start taking my first ceramics class in high school, but I would have never guessed it would lead to a career - one I started in 2020. In between, I continued my study at the University of Washington by taking as many ceramics classes as I could, was a member and community instructor at 2 separate studios, and mentored by a production potter of 30+ years.

I’m all about building community, spreading love, and creating works that instill joy.

The idea for Artisan Coasters originated in 2022 when I was deep in the wedding planning process for my own wedding.I liked the idea of a wedding favor being given to guests as a mechanism for them to remember the day they were instrumental in making special. However, I kept hearing that favors were a waste of money, and I myself was guilty of throwing away countless of wedding “keepsakes” that looked similar to career fair giveaways.

My now-husband and I thought ceramic coasters would be the perfect favor - a small size easy for those traveling to fit in their suitcases, and something useful that people would actually keep. Right before I was about to start making coasters with our names and wedding date on them, we started thinking about table assignments and how to get people to their seats. The idea was born.

The resulting coasters were customized to each wedding guest, with their names embossed with metallic gold calligraphy on the front of an ivory hexagon. On the back, our names, wedding date, and the guest’s assigned seat.

Years later, we are delighted when we visit any of our 50 guests’ homes and see the coasters from our wedding day being used as staples in their everyday lives.

I am a LGBTQ+ ally and it is my privilege to work with, and create for all.