About Inspiration by Craft

Hello!

I am Courtnie Harris, the mind behind Inspiration by craft and a local potter, crocheter, and blogger from McKinney, TX. A free-spirited individual who loves caring for those with special needs. Finding beautiful treasures at thrift stores, geocaching, and playing with my nieces and nephew in my free time brings happiness to my life. 

My journey into the ceramic world began in 2017 when I started my first pottery class with my Grandmother as a hobby. The joy of learning to make pottery sparked my passion for creating colorful and fun art pieces through hand-building and wheel-throwing that continued to grow over the years. Working with clay brings a calming peace, in which I intentionally slow myself down to connect on deeper levels (mind, body, and spirit). Not only does the clay alleviate the pain of my aching joints caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it also soothes my soul. Every piece of pottery I make is an extension of my kind and colorful spirit.
 

Just as all my other passions have begun, I stumbled into the world of crocheting as a new hobby. Over the summer, I have made several different tops for myself, friends, and other people upon request. With every piece I make, I love the craft more and more.

My most recent decision has been to create the website, Inspiration by Craft. This website came out from the collective of my life experiences and my desire to share my art and allow people inside my mind with my personal blog. 

I launched my blog to tell my story and perspectives and share others' stories and perspectives. I hope to inspire a world full of empathy and understanding by using diverse perspectives gathered from the world around me. 

My unique background of having a BA in Psychology, 54 credit hours of Master's level course in Counseling (including specializing in Play Therapy, participating in practicum with direct client hours, and partial internship in Art Therapy with all ages), and my own mental health struggles give me a unique view of life. 

As a visitor here, you are part of a fantastic community. I hope that Inspiration by Craft provides an outlet to connect with a wider audience by listening to all those who are willing to share the stories that often go untold. I plan to incorporate all artistic sides of myself within Inspiration by Craft while building new connections with people from all walks of life. The purpose of Inspiration by Craft is to create the foundation for change and become part of the change this world desperately needs. 

Thank you so much for being part of this community. There are plenty of ways that you can become more involved. Contact me to tell me your untold story, share your art with me to be considered a featured artist, or join my Facebook community for more like-minded and kindhearted people!