Hi, I'm Erica, the heart and hands behind High Five Ceramics!
As a childhood cancer survivor, wife, and mom of two, I've learned to treasure life's fleeting moments.
The idea for High Five Ceramics came from my love of preserving the little things that mean the most - tiny fingers, baby toes, and the paw prints of our beloved pets.
With a background in teaching and small business ownership, I bring both care and creativity to every impression I make. My hope is that each keepsake I create gives families a tangible way to celebrate their story and hold onto the people (and pets!) who make it special!
The Process Behind Every Keepsake
Each High Five Ceramics keepsake is so much more than a simple handprint or footprint — it’s a lasting piece of art created with care, craftsmanship, and intention. Every detail is handled by hand from start to finish to ensure your memory is preserved beautifully for years to come.
1. Impressions Made with Care
Each piece begins with a high-quality ceramic bisque tile or custom-cut clay slab — never air-dry clay. During your session, I gently guide each hand or foot into the clay to capture every tiny line and curve. This step takes time and precision to make sure each impression is perfect.
2. Drying & Kiln Firing
After shaping, the clay air dries slowly for several days to prevent cracks or warping. Once fully dry, it’s fired in a professional kiln at over 1,800°F, permanently transforming it into durable ceramic. Unlike air-dry kits, these keepsakes will never crumble or fade.
3. Hand-Painted Details
Each keepsake is then hand-painted with professional glazes and underglazes — from soft pastel washes to custom lettering and fine brushwork. Every color, word, and stroke is chosen to reflect your child’s personality or your home’s style.
4. Glazing & Second Firing
A clear glaze is brushed on by hand before the piece goes back into the kiln for its second firing. This gives your keepsake its signature glossy finish and makes it strong enough to last for generations.
5. Finishing Touches
Once cooled, each piece is carefully sanded and finished with ribbons or other custom details before being lovingly packaged and ready to display.
The Same Care, Wherever We Meet
Whether you book a private appointment in my backyard studio in Watson or join me at a pop-up event, you’ll receive the same level of care and quality. Every keepsake is created using the same materials, techniques, and attention to detail that make High Five Ceramics special.
I’ve had the joy of popping up in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Lafayette, Crowley, Hammond, Amite, and Metairie, and I’m always open to visiting new areas. You can even host an in-home impression event (perfect for playgroups or family gatherings) with at least four families, or invite High Five Ceramics to participate in school fundraisers.
No matter where your keepsake is made, it’s created with the same heart, craftsmanship, and love that go into every High Five piece.