Mugs

For my first soft slab project, I made a beehive themed mug for my older sister, Sophia. After the clay went through the roller, I used a straight edge to cut off the excess clay, creating a smooth rectangle to work with. I covered a tennis ball container in news paper, then rolled the slab around the container. Using the excess clay from the slab, I created a bottom for the cup by outlining the slab and tennis ball container with a needle tool. I then slipped and scored the bottom piece and slab and attached the two, then used a toothed tool to secure it, then smoothed the clay. Also from the excess clay, I cut a 1.5"x4" strip of clay to be used as a handle. I slipped and scored it to the body of the mug, then smoothed out the edges for comfort. Using the head of a bolt, I created a beehive pattern, scattered over the surface of the mug. Then, using letter stamps, I printed "Sophia" just left of the mug so that the name could be seen while holding it in the right hand. I then removed the mug from the container and sealed the inside where the bottom was attached, and smoothed the lip of the mug for a comfortable sip. To glaze this mug I used Marigold (C-60) for the hexagon pattern, Yellow (SM-63) for the body, and Black (SM-1) for the letters and inside of the mug. As this project evolved I decided to paint on bees rather than trying to cut out and attach little bee figures. I am happy with the beehive design and the form of the cup. If I could go back and do it differently, I would use a darker colored glaze for the hexagons so that they stand out from the body of the cup more.

Using soft slab construction with an extra long slab, I rolled it around the container, then used the excess clay to fold it back on itself to create a pocket for the inverted handle. For the stars I used a star shaped cookie cutter. I used Blue Green (SM-29) and White (SM-11) for the glaze. This mug is unique because of the inverted handle. I had no clue how to approach it and had a few trial and errors before finally being able to achieve the correct size, shape, and look I was going for. Because the sky is blue and stars are white, I wanted to do the opposite and I wanted the dark and light contrast. I am really happy with everything about this mug. I love the colors and the simplicity of the stars and the glazing. I am most proud of this piece because the inverted handle created a challenge for me, yet I was able to come away with a smooth, well constructed result. The only thing I would change about this mug is an increase in the deepness of the inverted handle.