The Joy of Hostessing: How Elemental Claycation Connects People Through Creativity
- Marea Olafson
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Lately, I’ve found myself in a season of reflection—the kind where you pause just long enough to look back on the journey and dream about what’s next. As I sit at my wheel shaping clay, I’ve been thinking about the career I’ve built, the experiences I offer through Elemental Claycation, and the art I create with my hands and heart. It’s not because I’m second-guessing what I do (spoiler alert: I love what I do!), but because this next phase of my business feels big—like a deep breath before the next creative leap. And just as I was sitting with these thoughts, the Spring edition of Prairies North Magazine arrived. Ashlyn George’s beautiful article about Freba Pottery made me feel deeply seen, in a way that was both humbling and affirming. It was the kind of moment that makes you say, yes… this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
The Joy of Hostessing: How Elemental Claycation Connects People Through Creativity
I recently heard a quote that stopped me in my tracks: “The joy of hostessing for me is surprising people with moments that let them know I was thinking of their whole experience from morning to evening.” And honestly? It’s exactly what Elemental Claycation has become for me.
When I first dreamed up this immersive pottery retreat in Saskatchewan back in 2022, I wasn’t just thinking about hosting a weekend getaway. I was designing an experience—one where every single detail, from morning coffee to evening fireside chats, made guests feel cared for, seen, and inspired.
The heart of Claycation is in the tagline: Connection Through Creativity. But this connection goes beyond learning how to throw pottery or hand-build a bowl. It’s about connecting through:
✔️ The warmth of locally-sourced, chef-prepared meals.
✔️ The joy of learning something new (and messy!) in clay.
✔️ The quiet moments in a historic prairie home, watching the sun rise with a cup of tea in hand.
✔️ The surprising conversations sparked by sharing space with like-minded creatives.
Big Dreams for 2025: The School House Studio
This spring, something I’ve dreamed about for years is finally happening—the creation of the School House Studio on our property. This stand-alone pottery studio will be a dedicated creative space for Claycation retreats, leaving my basement studio for my own production work.
The School House Studio isn’t just about having more space. It’s about elevating the guest experience:
✔️ Thoughtful design that inspires creativity.
✔️ A nod to my “teacher DNA,” offering future pottery workshops outside of Claycation weekends.
✔️ A gathering place for artists, dreamers, and doers to explore clay and connection in a way that feels deeply meaningful.
I literally dream of what will be created here—the stories that will be shared, the friendships that will be made, and the moments that will fill our little corner of rural Saskatchewan with joy.
A Note from Prairies North Magazine
In the Spring 2025 issue of Prairies North Magazine, travel writer Ashlyn George wrote:"Marea is a connector, a storyteller, and an advocate within her rural community. Her robust laugh and energy are contagious. While she loves to create, she also loves to share her passion with others."It’s an honour to be seen this way—because that’s truly my goal. Elemental Claycation isn’t just about pottery. It’s about creating connection, sparking creativity, and fostering community right here in Saskatchewan.
Ready to Join the Experience?
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting away for a weekend of creativity, connection, and inspiration, there are limited spots available for 2025. Whether you’re looking for a professional development opportunity, a girlfriends’ getaway, or a personal retreat to spark your creative soul—Claycation is your invitation.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
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