From mud to mug: the making of my signature heart-shaped mug
There’s something special about drinking from a handmade mug. Maybe it’s the way it feels in your hands, or the knowledge it was made with care. And a heart-shaped mug feels even more personal.
What starts as a lump of clay becomes a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece you can hold, use, and cherish. Here's how I turn soft earth into a strong, shiny, heart-warming mug.
Take the clay
It begins with a chunk of stoneware clay. I wedge it – pressing and rolling to push out air bubbles and create a smooth, even texture. This simple, important step helps prevent issues during throwing and firing.
Spin and shape
Next, I throw the clay on the wheel. With both hands steady, I centre it and pull and lift the walls into a basic mug shape. The wheel spins, but it’s my hands that do the work, with each hand performing their own tasks while working together.
Every potter has their own way of throwing developed over many hours at the wheel. That’s the beauty of pottery, no way is wrong providing it gets the results!
For a heart-shaped mug, the real magic happens next.
Alter and transform
Once the form is shaped, I use careful pressure to alter the round rim into a heart shape. I pinch and press, curving one side in and the other out. It’s a delicate process and no two hearts turn out exactly alike!
Trim and fettle
This is the leather-hard stage when the mug is strong enough to handle without warping. I flip it over to trim and burnish the base and refine the shape. I also fettle the edges to ensure the mug will be comfortable to drink from. These small touches make a big difference in how the mug looks and feels.
Let it dry
Now the mug rests. It must dry completely before firing. Rushing this step risks cracks, or even explosions in the kiln, so I wait patiently until the clay is ready.
Fire it once (bisque fire)
Once dry, the mug goes into the kiln for its first firing, called a bisque or biscuit firing. This transforms the fragile clay into sturdy ceramic. The mug emerges lighter in colour, firm, but still porous and ready to be glazed.
Get glazing
This is where creativity flows. I dip my glaze over the bisqued mug but there are many different application techniques. After the next firing, it will melt into rich, glassy colour.
Fire it again (glaze fire)
The glazed mug returns to the kiln, where extreme heat works its final magic. The glaze fuses to the surface, the clay vitrifies, and what was once mud becomes waterproof, durable, and ready to use.
Package with care
Once cool, the finished mug is checked, polished, and admired! I carefully package each mug to make sure it arrives to you safely and intact. To minimise environmental impact, all packaging materials are eco-friendly: recycled, recyclable, or compostable wherever possible.
Your mug is not only handmade with love but also wrapped with care for the planet.
The heart of It
This process takes time, patience, and care. A handmade mug is more than just a cup, it’s a story. From wet clay to warm hands, it’s a piece of functional beauty.