As Christmas and the new decade approach, I am also preparing for my departure to a new country. For the next four months I will be calling Italy my home, and of course taking advantage of the extended opportunity to indulge in the countries old and rich traditions in pottery.

Italy has long been known for its hand-crafted wares and talented artisans, and among these are potters. The areas around Tuscany are laden with ceramic history and some of the oldest pieces known have come from the area which is rich in natural sources of clay.