🥖 Picture a loaf of bread so intricately scored it could be mistaken for a bouquet.
That’s the kind of edible artistry Katrina Niesen, known as The Sourdough Mama, has turned sourdough scoring into both a craft and a career. Her loaves are storytelling on a crusty canvas, and her journey—from postpartum therapy to full-time career—is nothing short of inspiring.
I recently had the pleasure of asking Katrina a few questions, and her responses were as rich and layered as her bakes.
“Sourdough is everything to me.”
Katrina’s journey began as a healing process during a difficult time:
“It helped pull me out. What started as therapy has since blossomed into a full-time career, a creative outlet, and a way to return to teaching—something I’ve always loved.”
Scoring became her sanctuary—a pause in the chaos of life:
“When I score, I can’t think about anything else. I turn on music and just create. It feels like a gift every time.”
🌸 From Orchids to Halloween Skulls
Her loaves are as whimsical as they are intricate, often inspired by walks with her daughter:
“I sketch most of my designs ahead of time. It’s joyful and creative every time.”
Designs like the Tiger Lily, Daffodil, and her unforgettable Black Orchid loaf all started as pencil sketches—and blossomed into bread.
🎁 Baking for Others, With a Perfectionist’s Heart
Despite her talent, baking for others still brings pressure:
“I have high standards for my work. When I’m not sure I can create something I’ll be proud of, I find myself getting stuck in overthinking.”
But that same drive keeps her pushing boundaries and always learning.
🧪 Mistakes That Teach and Workshops That Stretch
Her biggest lesson?
“Every kitchen and climate is different. You have to learn to listen to the dough.”
It’s a message she carries into every workshop, helping students embrace trial and error.
“That’s where the growth happens.”
📚 Teaching the Art & Science of Sourdough
Through bundles, e-books, and online courses, Katrina has helped thousands of new bakers take the leap. Her message to beginners is always grounded:
“Take risks. Bake. Take notes. Bake again.”
She teaches that sourdough is part science, part art—but intuition only comes from practice.
🛠️ Her Favorite Tools & Colors
Here are Katrina’s go-to tools for creating magic:
🤝 Community, Connection, and the Bread Family
Katrina calls her followers her bread family—and now she’s part of ours too.
“Even though many of us haven’t met in person, it feels like a true bond.”
Being surrounded by bakers who care this deeply is what keeps her inspired.
🌿 Life Outside the Loaf
When she’s not baking, Katrina finds joy in nature, drawing, dancing, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog Luna.
“Nature and quality time with family are constant sources of inspiration and joy.”
🎨 If You’ve Never Tried Artistic Scoring…
“You’ll feel something. Trust me.”
Katrina encourages every baker to pick up a lame and just go for it. Whether it’s your first score or your hundredth, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating something beautiful and delicious.
Katrina, your bread and your story inspire us all. Welcome to the family. ❤️
To see more of her stunning work, follow her on Instagram: @the.sourdough.mama
📣 Inspired by Katrina? Show us your own artistic loaves by posting in the group with the hashtag #ScoreBig —you might just win a custom lame from Wire Monkey!
🔥 Ready to Score Big This April?
Inspired by Katrina’s incredible artistry? This month is your chance to experiment, explore, and express your own scoring style.
We’re teaming up with Wire Monkey for our April 2025 Challenge, and we’re giving away some incredible prizes to some lucky bakers in the group:
🎯 Grand Prize: The iconic Goose lame by Wire Monkey
🔪 Bonus: Post your bread using any Wire Monkey lame and get double entry
Use the hashtag #ScoreBig, share your loaf in the group, and show us what scoring means to you.
👉 Submit your entry here: https://scorebig-jp8784l.gamma.site
📸 And don’t forget to tag @the.sourdough.mama, @bakinggreatbreadathome, and #WireMonkey in your post!
“Every great loaf starts with a question, a failure, or a spark of curiosity. Keep baking.”
~Henry Hunter
Thanks for Visiting Baking Great Bread at Home!
👋
