• The Fundamentals of Hand-Building a Mug: The essential process of constructing a durable, everyday mug from scratch, using the slab-building technique.

• Selecting the Right Clay Body: How to choose a durable, mid-range stoneware or porcelain clay that is ideal for creating functional, food-safe mugs.

• Preparing & Managing Your Clay: The proper and safe way to wedge, roll, and compress your clay to achieve an even slab, free of air pockets.

• Constructing the Core Components: The method for cutting out and assembling the three key pieces of a mug: the body slab, the base, and the handle.

• The Principle of Score & Slip: How to effectively score clay surfaces and apply slip, the "clay glue", to ensure your mug holds together firmly through drying and firing.

• Refining the Final Form: Essential techniques for smoothing seams, shaping the handle, and refining the rim for a comfortable, professional-looking finish.

• Studio Safety & Best Practices: Important guidelines for maintaining a clean workspace, properly handling tools, and managing clay dust to protect your health and your work.

• Clay: Stoneware clay, recommended for hand-building (e.g., Crank or White St. Thomas).

• Glaze & Brush: A commercial brush-on glaze and a dedicated glaze brush.

• Household Tools:

  • Rolling pin

  • Ruler, pencil, and paper (for templates)

  • Kitchen knife

  • Old paintbrush

  • Sponge

  • Two bowls (one for water)

  • Fork (for scoring)

  • An old credit card or loyalty card (as a rib)

  • Two 5-6mm thick guides (e.g., placemats, breadboards)

  • 2 cylindrical objects : 1 small and 1 larger.
    eg. Small cylinder could be a dowel or pencil. Larger cylinder could be the insert for a kitchen roll.

  • Plastic bags

  • 1 square meter of fabric or a plaster bat (as a work surface)

  • Scissors

  • sewing pin or needle

Suitable for all levels.

The course is composed of two videos, a combined total of 60 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.