Leap of Clay || Crafting Playfulness and Originality in Every Piece
“Leap of Clay” is a result of fate, flights, and a love for creativity collide. Shada, an architect, and Gida, a graphic designer, met by chance on a plane to England, both en-route to a dance competition with their daughters. Little did they know, this chance encounter would spark playful pottery that is bringing joy to your table.
Together, they’re creating whimsical ceramic pieces that add personality and charm to everyday dining. With each hand-crafted piece, Leap of Clay celebrates Jordanian craftsmanship, storytelling, and a touch of magic that turns mealtime into a memorable moment. Join CIIN for some insight to their serendipitous journey.
What’s the “leap” in Leap of Clay all about? Was there a moment when you knew you had to bring quirky ceramic tableware into the world?
The “leap” in Leap of Clay represents the daring step into a world of creative freedom and unconventional design. We wanted to challenge traditional pottery, to make pieces that feel alive, joyful, and full of personality. The inspiration came during 2020, a time when the world seemed uncertain, and creativity became a refuge. We felt that by creating oversized, playful clayware, we could bring warmth and a touch of whimsy to people’s tables, making everyday moments feel more special.
Your pieces have a distinct, playful aesthetic. How do you bring that sense of quirkiness into each piece you create?
Each piece is like a blank canvas that invites a bit of spontaneity and fun. We embrace natural, freeform shapes and irregularities, allowing the clay to tell its own story. We play with exaggerated proportions, unique curves, and fluid lines that feel less structured, giving our tableware a “perfectly imperfect” character. Every piece is designed to have its own personality, evoking a sense of joy and lightheartedness.
What materials and techniques do you prefer when working with clay? Are there any unique methods that set Leap of Clay apart?
We work with high-quality clay, and every piece is entirely handmade here in Jordan. Each piece is unique, crafted with care and attention to detail. We’re incredibly proud of our local craftsmanship, as it reflects the essence of Jordan’s heritage and artistry. By hand-forming each item, we embrace subtle variations that give each piece its own personality, creating truly one-of-a-kind tableware.
How do you decide on the themes or designs for your collections? What do you draw inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from the changing seasons and natural landscapes. Our color palettes reflect the hues of each season, while our shapes take cues from nature’s forms. We love creating oversized serving plates, designed to avoid overcrowding with food. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted so that food can complement the plate, making dining a more beautiful experience.
Your pieces have both a functional role and an artistic flair. How do you balance functionality with creativity?
Our plates are designed to bring any dish to life! From salad bowls that double as soup or rice bowls to our generous fish plates—perfect for anything from fillets to a whole leg of lamb—each piece is crafted to adapt to any meal. We also have deeper plates for dishes with sauce and low-serving circular plates for a variety of options. With every plate being multi-purpose, they make food look vibrant and inviting, creating a joyful scene on the table, ready to be enjoyed.
Leap of Clay’s products are often described as “whimsical.” What does that word mean to you, and how does it guide your design process?
To us, “whimsical” means playful, lighthearted, and full of life. It’s about adding elements that spark curiosity and make people smile. This idea of whimsy guides our design by reminding us not to take things too seriously and to embrace spontaneity. We want our pieces to invite joy and imagination, to become something people look forward to using.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of pottery. How do you ensure the quality and longevity of each piece while still allowing for playful designs?
One of our clients shared, “Instead of collecting my silverware, now I’m going to start collecting my clayware,” which felt like a true testament to the timelessness of our pieces. Our designs are crafted to be cherished and collected, pieces you’ll never grow tired of. To make storage easier, we offer stackable storage boxes, knowing that while these pieces may take up space, they’re worth it. Each piece becomes a lasting treasure, bringing warmth and joy into any home.
Sustainability is increasingly important in the craft industry. How does Leap of Clay approach sustainability in sourcing and production?
Sustainability is integral to our mission. Clay is a natural, environmentally friendly material that is readily available, which aligns with our commitment to supporting the environment. Our process focuses on quality over quantity, crafting each piece to a high standard. We’re also very proud that all our plates are made in Jordan, as it allows us to support our local community and celebrate regional craftsmanship.
What role does storytelling play in your brand? Are there particular narratives or emotions you aim to convey through your work?
Storytelling is woven into every aspect of Leap of Clay. We want our pieces to be conversation starters, to evoke feelings of warmth, joy, and connection. Each piece is designed to be a part of special gatherings, to hold memories, and to enhance everyday rituals. We hope our work brings people together, creating moments that are both meaningful and memorable.
What advice would you give to aspiring artisans who want to blend creativity with functionality in their craft?
Think carefully about how your work will be used, but also how it will make people feel. Balance is key design with intention, focus on quality, and let your craftsmanship shine through. By combining practicality with thoughtful design, you create pieces that resonate with people and add joy to their everyday lives.
