You don't have to look hard to find the most creative household in Everly.

Larry and Deb Shanley's residence is loaded with hundreds of unique, handmade ceramic creations ranging from wildlife figurines to snowmen emblazoned with the name of your favorite sports team. The couple's passion is also a full-time business, and the Shanleys are eager to expand D & L Ceramics' client base.

"Our goal was that when I retired this year, we'd run the business full-time," said Deb, who previously worked in nursing. "We opened up and things were going good, then COVID-19 hit and everything shut down."

The Shanleys have more than 3,000 molds packed into their single-story Everly home. Each piece is unique, and the vast collection gives customers plenty to pick from.

"Each mold is around $150 apiece, so you've gotta pour 10 items to make them pay for themselves," Deb said. "You never know what people are going to want."

The process of making a single ceramic item takes several hours. First, clay slip is poured into a mold following an extensive mixing process that reduces it to the consistency of melted ice cream. The material is left in the mold and allowed to firm up before the excess sludge is poured out. More time is allowed for additional hardening before the molded item is removed.

Larry said a light coating of baby powder allows for easier removal. Once it's out, the item is cleaned of any imperfections before it's glazed and placed in the 1,600-degree kiln.

"Cleaning can take four-to-five hours a day depending on how much we've got, and it's the messiest part of the business," said Deb.

Glazing can also be an interesting process.

"It's kind of odd," Deb said. "Green glaze is red, orange would be yellow maybe. You never know what you're going to get."

The Shanleys have a special painting and glazing room in the back of their home for customers to use and hone in their creativity. It's loaded with all sorts of ceramic items, with some being more seasonal while others are for everyday display.

"We did around seven dozen eggs at Easter. They're kind of a pain because they're so small," said Deb.

The couple's interest in ceramics began six years ago when they lived near Madison, Wis. Deb gradually learned the trade and Larry joined on.

After relocating to Iowa in 2016 to be closer to their children and grandchildren, the Shanleys began expanding. In addition to their pouring/cleaning room and painting area, they have a shed in the back yard that's also used for the ceramic business.

Deb said the popularity of certain items has surprised her. In Iowa, people like chicken-related molds while children are fond of pop culture-related items.

"The poo emojis – it's just crazy how they sell," she said. "People are also really into the ducks, geese, wolves and fox."

The Shanleys only use glazes that are safe for food use. That's important, she said, especially in the Hawkeye State.

"Back in Wisconsin, it was a little different," Deb explained. "I think around here people feel more that you've got to be able to use it or it's not worth anything."

Larry and Deb admitted they've both been on a bit of a learning curve with the business. They now pour seasonal items ahead of holidays, and Larry is also continually learning better techniques for pouring, cleaning and repair.

"My biggest problem is with the larger molds, because I can hardly lift them," he said. "I installed a pulley system to help me dump them out and move them around."

NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS

Larry Shanley pours clay slip into mold.

D & L Ceramics is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday from 1-9 p.m. It's located at 103 N Main St. in Everly.

The Shanleys looked forward to sharing their passion with new customers.

"I like the creativeness to it," Deb said. "We've got so many molds, so a lot of times I'll add to a mold or do more carving to one to make it special. You've got creativity that way so every piece doesn't come out the same."