About the Maker — Rock Paper Scissor Designs
Rock Paper Scissor Designs started in 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska and is now in Bend, Oregon. Heather Szundy makes each piece by wheel or by hand, inspired by decades of mountain guiding in Alaska and long, dark winters.
Expect vibrant glazes, playful patterns, and textures that invite touch. From cheerful mugs that make every morning feel like a celebration, to bold earrings & necklaces to wear everyday or for events, my pottery blends durability with delight. Food-safe, fired to last, and finished with thoughtful details—these are pieces you’ll use every day and treasure forever.
Why choose Rock Paper Scissor Designs pottery?
Locally crafted: Made in a home studio & Mud Lake Studios in Bend—supports regional artists and the local economy.
Unique and colorful: No two pieces are identical; each glaze mix yields one-of-a-kind tones and patterns.
Functional art: Microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe options for real-life living.
Sustainable process: Small-batch firing, clay recycling and mindful materials reduce waste and celebrate craft over mass production.
Perfect for:
Gifting—birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, weddings with personality.
Home refreshes—add a pop of color to neutral spaces.
Everyday joy—mugs, bowls, and jewelry that make routine rituals feel special.
Bring Bend’s sunny spirit to your table. Choose handmade colorful pottery that tells a story, sparks a smile, and lasts for years of use and admiration.
More about the artist, teacher and mountain guide
Heather Szundy has been working with kids for 33 years in many capacities: a nanny, a substitute teacher, a volunteer to Boy Scouts of America, yoga teacher but primarily as an adventure tourism guide in Alaska for 20 years for the businesses she and her husband created, Ascending Path Guide Service and Glacier Film Productions. She has had thousands of clients over the decades of guiding large, small & very prestigious groups around the world and in the wilderness of Alaska. She has been a professional mountain guide, outdoor product tester & Patagonia gear tester since 2003. Her passion is teaching and sharing to anyone but especially to her son. Art has been a long time love since 1991 when she won a blue ribbon in hand-built pottery in high school. Since the early 90’s she has been making jewelry, drawing and painting. It was on her first flight to Antarctica in 2003 she learned to knit and then on “the Ice” tried throwing pottery in the studio at McMurdo Station. Since, she has knitted, made bath products and jewelry and sold them at art fairs in Alaska. One of her primary roles within her mom and pop business besides CFO & CMO was as its graphic designer for 20 years and working in the art department for films and productions. Since transitioning from Alaskan mountain guiding she has been able to focus on art & pottery. She relaunched her art business from 2010, Rock Paper Scissor Designs, which now sells pottery and jewelry made at Mud Lake Studios in Bend. Her art is sold in Bend at Cosa Cura & Austin Mercantile and has been featured in First Friday Art Walk’s in downtown, NWX Farmer’s Markets and pop up shops in and around Bend. If she isn’t making pottery, you can find her working at Patagonia, Bend as the event coordinator, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping or paddling with her family, dog and friends.