Newfoundland Maria Glaser-Roeser admits she is very fortunate. She is one of those lucky people who gets to make her living at something she loves to do. It is more of a passion than a love, really. And she’s known it since she was just a girl. “Ever since I was a little kid, I was always good with art,” said Glaser-Roeser who is a potter and the owner of Stonehill Pottery in Newfoundland. So every day Glaser-Roeser goes to work in her home, which is also her studio, creating both functional and decorative art, many one-of-a-kind pieces. She comes from what she calls an artistic family, although she is the only one who makes her living that way. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams. But, as most parents do, they also suggested she get her art teaching degree. Just in case. She graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor of fine arts degree in pottery and art education. She did teach high school art in Bergen County for a couple of years but it wasn’t what she wanted to do. Now, her beautiful home, which was built in 1932 for a doctor, doubles as her studio. The large room where the doctor would see his patients is her showroom. The basement, which has all these little rooms, works perfectly for her. The coal room is now her kiln room. The room where the doctor mixed his medicines is where she makes her glazes. “This house was built for me,” she said. Glaser-Roeser creates several different types of pottery, which she sells at her studio as well as at shows throughout the year. Her functional pottery is a collection of dishes, mugs, vases, bowls and trays that are safe for the oven, microwave and dishwasher. They are unique and beautiful yet can be used day to day. Her decorative pieces are created for display only and they incorporate some interesting techniques. Glaser-Roeser said she likes to experiment and create new things. For example, her line of horsehair pieces. She said she read about it in a magazine and decided to try it. The clay is formed into shapes, burnished, dried and bisque-fired. The pieces are fired again in a gas kiln and, while they are hot, tail hair is singed on the piece before it cools, giving it a marbelized look. Another of the decorative techniques she uses is called Raku. Raku ware is fired in a gas kiln to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and then placed, while still orange hot, in organic matter. This achieves a reduction atmosphere which produces the bright colors and varied textures. And Glaser-Roeser loves the challenge of special order pieces. “I like to learn and create and make new things,” she said. Glaser-Roeser still puts that teaching degree to work, too. She has adult classes twice each week. The interest, she believes, is in the escape it provides. “You’re working with clay, it is relaxing,” she said. “And it’s never boring.” Glaser-Roeser is holding a holiday boutique this weekend and next weekend at her studio, which is located at 145 Union Valley Road in Newfoundland. In addition to her pottery, there will be hand-made jewelry by one of her students, antiques and collectibles, potpourri and gingerbread cookies for sale. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20, 21, 27 and 28 her studio will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. On two Sundays Nov. 22 and 29, the studio is open from 1-6 p.m. She invites all to stop by and take a look at the unique products being offered. Call her at 973-697-4114 or e-mail her at stonehillpottery@verizon.net. To see more of Glaser-Roeser’s pottery, go to her Web site, mysite.verizon.net/stonehillpottery. Stonehill Pottery Shoppe Holiday Boutique Nov. 20, 21, 27, 28 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 22, 29 1-6 p.m. 145 Union Valley Road Newfoundland, N.J. 973-697-4114