My thrift store habit taught me to spot handmade pottery

I've been hitting up thrift stores for years, and I started noticing that a lot of the mugs and bowls I found were actually handmade. At first, I couldn't tell the difference, but after picking up a few pieces, I got curious. I started looking for marks on the bottom, like signatures or studio stamps. One time, I found a chunky coffee mug with a rough glaze, and it had a tiny symbol carved in. I took it home and did some research online, and turns out it was from a local potter who worked in the 1970s. Now, I can usually spot handmade stuff just by feeling the weight and looking at the finish. It's like a little treasure hunt every time I go shopping! This skill has made my finds even more special, and I've learned so much about local artists.