INDIALANTIC, Fla. – That crisp smack when the clay first meets the potter's wheel is a comforting sound to Kristina Lavtraverse. You could call it her happy place.

“I think some people think it's easier to do that it actually is. I mean, Demi Moore made it look pretty easy in Ghost, but it just takes practice," Lavtraverse said. 

While it might not be as easy as it looks, Kristina is more than willing to share her skills. Studying art and art education at the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida, she has a well-rounded knowledge, especially in the field of ceramics. 

“I love that you can create art that you can use in your everyday life. It's part of your morning ritual almost, like when you grab your morning coffee, in your favorite mug, and I love that it's all handmade.”

Now in her tenth year of teaching pottery and clay she's experienced quite a bit, from writing art curriculum for grades K-12, to having her ceramics displayed in galleries around the country.

All of that leading to her next great adventure and opening her own spot, Seagrass Pottery, where she can share her love and skills with her Indialantic community here in Florida. 

“I fell in love with carving, and you know everyone has their own journey, but it's just my favorite part when I'm carving away in the clay.” 

Creating and teaching inside her cozy cottage studio where she'll introduce you to the wheel and the thousands of different textures you can find in every day items that will elevate your pieces and take you to new heights as an artist. 

It's the true home grown local spots like Kristina's that make small communities like this coastal town thrive, especially when the owner brings a warm charm to every aspect of her business. 

For more information on their classes, check out their website.