There is something sacred about the objects we reach for every day.

A mug that fits just right in your palm.
A platter that holds a meal made with care.
A vase that makes even grocery store flowers feel ceremonial.

Val Chan Eldridge, founder of MOSCOT Studios, creates ceramics that live in the rhythm of daily life. Her work is tactile, thoughtful, and deeply human  the kind of pieces that don’t just sit on a shelf, but become part of your rituals.

We are so honored to be bringing bespoke work of hers into our Hudson store this season.

Below, Val shares what her hands return to again and again.

Healing Hands Questions:

How do you warm up your hands (or mind) before working on your craft?

“I like to warm up my practice by sketching — different forms and motifs that I’ve been thinking about or have come across. Whenever I feel stuck in the studio, I like to revisit my sketches and it helps with any creative blocks I may be feeling on any given day.

I more so like to (literally) warm up my hands after working — especially during the colder months. After a few hours in the studio, my hands become so, so dry and crusted in clay. After working, I like to soak them in warm water and lather on a thick salve afterwards. The My Neighbors Manuka Honey and Rose Tallow Hand Balm has been on HEAVY rotation this winter and has been saving my hands!”

What’s one thing you’d let go of if you could?

“Overthinking. I always thought this was an asset of mine — that I was just being detail oriented and over prepared. I am a Virgo rising after all! But recently, especially since I’ve entered motherhood, juggling all the different thoughts in my brain has become a bit overwhelming.

Something clicked in me recently that made me realize — oh! This must be anxiety. I guess I’ve always been an anxious person, but in the past it was masked by a false sense of productivity. Now, I’m actively working on trying to be more ‘present’ and focus on the task at hand and not get stressed out by the other million things I have on my plate. One thing at a time.”

Who would you most like to high-five right now and why?

“Honestly? Probably my daughter’s teachers.

She recently started at a wonderful day care. She has wonderful teachers that create such a nurturing and fun environment. Up until recently, she was home with me full time which was amazing, but also very tiring (any parents of toddlers out there would know!).

She has always been a great napper, and when she was younger I’d be able to sneak into the studio to get quite a bit of work done. But as she started getting older and the naps started getting shorter, it became evident to me that I needed some help.

Now she goes to ‘school’ twice a week and absolutely loves it, and I’m able to get some deep work done in the studio. Childcare is such hard and important work and great teachers and caretakers really deserve everything in the world for the incredible impact they have on children and families every single day.”

What’s one tool (physical or mental) you can’t live without?

“Notebooks — I have a bunch of them scattered all over the house and studio for different purposes. Sketching, glaze recipe testing, journaling, life upkeep.

I’ve tried to use a bunch of different apps on my phone to organize my thoughts, but none of them have stuck. I think I’m just a pen and paper girl.”

What’s a ritual (big or small) that helps keep you grounded?

“Journaling. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I like to dump all my thoughts on paper. It makes me feel like I’m emptying my brain and allows me to move forward in my day.”

How has your relationship to your hands changed over time?

“I used to have a corporate career in the fashion industry and would get a gel manicure every other week. Both life and my hands look a bit different now.

My hands are no longer a source of vanity for me, but have become tools for my livelihood. I am so grateful for them, and have come to learn that I need to treat them with respect.

Ceramics is quite physically demanding and there have been times when I’ve overworked myself and sprained a finger or wrist and am out of commission. I’m learning to be easier on myself and my body for the sake of longevity.”

What do you hope your work passes on to others?

“I love creating functional ceramics because they are objects that are woven so intricately into people’s everyday lives. I hope my pieces enhance and bring a bit of joy and beauty to my customers in their daily rituals — whether it be through having a cup of tea in one of my mugs, displaying a home cooked meal in one of my platters, or arranging a bouquet in one of my vases.

So much of my work is also inspired by feeling in awe of the beauty and ephemerality of nature and I hope this translates into my art as well!”

From Clay to Countertop

Val’s work reminds us that beauty does not need to be precious to be powerful. It can live in the everyday — in tea, in touch, in repetition.

We can’t wait for you to hold her pieces in your hands in Hudson.

Because the objects we choose to live with shape the rituals we return to.

And rituals, in the end, shape us.