In this article, I’ll go over all the steps needed to turn a pile of clay into a beautiful handmade mug.

Let’s get started!

1. Prepare your clay

The first step in creating a piece of pottery is to wedge the clay. This process involves folding and spiraling the clay to remove any air pockets and make it completely homogenous. This is important for when throwing on the wheel.

Then divide the clay into 300-gram lumps, which is roughly enough to make a mug. Each ball of clay is then given another quick wedge two at a time to bring together the weighed out pieces and create a shape that’s easier to center. For anything larger than 300 grams, spiral wedge each piece individually.

Wrap the clay in plastic after wedging, wrap each piece of clay in plastic. This helps to keep the clay soft and prevents it from drying out.

You can learn more in my article on wedging clay.

2. Throw the clay

Firmly throw a ball of clay into the center of the wheel and spend a few moments centering and coning it up and down. Use wetted fingers to push down in the middle, open it up, and form the base. Keep your arms and hands steady by leaning your upper body weight onto your arms and bracing your arms on the plastic of the wheel tray.

Reach inside the clay and pinch from the base, then gradually pull the clay up until you reach the right hight and shape. Keep the clay and your hands wet throughout this process to prevent the clay from sticking and going off center.

Once you have the shape right, remove the skirt of clay around the base using a blunted turning tool and remove excess water from inside the mug with a sponge on a stick.

Scrape off the outside to removing the slip and neatening up the form. Smooth off the sharp rim with a chamois leather, and drag a twisted wire underneath to separate the mug from the wheel.

3. Drying the clay

Once you have achieved the right size and shape, you can set the clay mugs aside and let them dry in a well ventilated space.

The walls of the mugs will normally be leather dry after one night. But the base is a lot thicker and takes a while long.

After drying for one night, flip the mugs over onto their rims and set them aside again until they are completely leather hard.

4. Trimming the mugs

Place one of the leather hard mugs on your pottery wheel and center it. Once it’s in the right position, you can tape it in place with some clay.

While turning the wheel, use a tungsten carbide turning tool to trim the mug. This will create a thinner and lighter form and neaten up the shape. How much you want to trim is up to your preference.

Trim a beveled edge onto the bottom corner of the mug to create a base that is less susceptible to being chipped. You can also trim the base to remove any wiring off marks that were left over from removing it from the wheel before. Match the smoothness of the base to that of the walls.

Once you are done trimming, you can use your maker’s mark (if you have one) to carve your signature into the clay.

5. Pulling handle blanks

Start by preparing a larger block of clay. Grip the top of the lump and pull the excess clay down its length. Gradually thin out the clay and make sure to keep your hand wet throughout the process to prevent it from drying.

The length of clay you just pulled will become the handle blanks. Cut the length of clay against a sharp edge of a table or board with your thumb. Make sure they are the correct length and thickness. Place them close to each other and stack them together. Wrap them with plastic and spray with water to keep them moist.

Pull the handles with a delicate touch. It’s okay if they are slightly different from each other but try to aim for the same length for each handle.

Pulled handles require a lot of practice to perfect. Initially, it might be difficult, but with practice, it becomes easier. Practice pulling the handles until you get the desired results.

6. Attaching the handle

Take a leather-hard mug and score an area where the handle will join at the top, and dab a little bit of slip onto that area.

Take one of the handle blanks and tap out one of the ends. During this process, make sure that your hand is grasping the handle blank and isn’t doing so too firmly. You just want to create a flare of clay which you’ll easily be able to blend into the mug.

Firmly push the handle blank against the mug, making sure that you have two fingers inside opposite of the area where the pressure is being applied. This just supports it and stops the wall from potentially bending.

Once firmly attached, pick the mug up and begin to blend in that clay. This is where having soft clay helps as it is very malleable and you don’t have to use a lot of pressure to make a nice smooth even join. Whereas, if the handle blank is too firm, the amount of pressure you have to use can actually end up distorting the wall of the mug itself.

Use your hand to ladle on lots of slip to blend in the handle and create a seamless transition between the handle and the mug.

Repeat this process on the other side of the mug with another handle blank.

Leave the mug to dry slowly and evenly before firing it in a kiln.

7. Pulling the handle

Use your hand to ladle on lots of water onto the handle blank and begin to pull the handle. Make sure to not only pull in one orientation, but move the position of your hand to keep the cross-section of the handle even.

Use the tip of your thumb to pull in three grooves into the back of the handle to thin out the length and create interesting marks for glazes to interact with.

Once the handle is the right length and width, carefully hold it by the end and loop it downwards to join near the base. Check it from a few different orientations to make sure it’s straight, then use your finger to snip away excess handle on the base.

Smooth off the bottom join with just one finger by smearing the clay left and right very firmly. This makes a strong join and eliminates the need to score and slip before attaching it.

Use a wetted finger to smooth over any finger marks and create a seamless join as possible.

8. Cleaning and last check

Trim the bottom edge of each mug to remove any smeared clay and give it a quick burnish for a pristine finish.

Then place the mugs onto a plastic-wrapped board with the other mugs and let them dry out for a couple of days slowly and evenly. This will prevent cracks from occurring around the handle joints.

9. Bisque firing

After drying for roughly a week, the mugs should be completely bone dry and ready for bisque firing.

Pack the bone dry pottery parts into the electric kiln, trying to fit in as much as possible. The pots can touch one another, since the temperature they’re going to isn’t hot enough to fuse any of the clay.

Close and lock up the kiln, then turn the power on. Set the controller to the right firing program. The temperature mainly depends on the type of clay you are working with.

You can run an electric kiln overnight. But if you are using a gas kiln, you need to check up on it on a regular basis.

Once the firing is complete, wait a few days for the kiln to cool down before unpacking the pottery.

10. Applying wax to the base

Dilute the wax emulsion with boiling water to make it smoother when applying to the mug.

Then apply a thin layer of wax emulsion to the base of each mug using a brush. Be sure to cover the entire surface. Apply a little extra wax to your maker’s mark to ensure it’s completely sealed.

The layer of wax acts as a simple wax resist, preventing glaze absorption into the base of the mug.

If the base of the mug was covered in glaze, it could fuse to the kiln shelves during firing. This would damage both the mug and the kiln shelves.

11. Applying the glaze

Grasp the mug tightly with a pair of tongs and submerge the mug into the bucket of glaze for about 5-6 seconds.

Then steadily hold the mug in one place, let all the excess drain away, and set the mug aside to dry for a day or two.

Rub over any stray drip marks and the tongs marks too to smoothen the surface of the mugs.

Use a wet sponge and carefully clean the base of the pot, removing all the settled lumps of glaze that have formed on the wax.

12. Prepare the firing cones

Pyrometric cones are essential for gas firing. You’ll need to prepare a bunch of cones of different colors. Take a block of special clay and place one of each color cone into it at a slight angle.

This clay-like material used in this process is a simple mixture of 50% china clay and 50% coarse alumina hydrate.

During the firing process, the cones need to be positioned in specific spots opposite the spy holes in the kiln’s door. This allows you to observe the cones during the firing process.

As the internal temperature of the kiln rises, the cones will bend over accurately at specific temperature points. They also measure heat work, which is heat over time.

13. Glaze firing

Begin packing the kiln make sure that the pieces are not touching each other or they may fuse together. You might have to experiment with several layouts to find the most efficient way to pack the kiln.

Once everything is packed, lightly shine a light through the spy hole to ensure that the pyrometric cones can be seen.

Ignite the pilots in the burners and put them on their lower settings for a few hours. This lets the kiln heat up gradually.

Then increase the temperature and check the cones to ensure that the kiln is reaching the correct temperature.

Once the cones bend over, the kiln is at the right temperature.

14. Inspecting the final results

After letting the kiln cool down to room temperature, it’s time to open the kiln and inspect your mugs.

Even if everything went according to plan, you might still find a surprise or two when opening a gas kiln.

Make sure to check every mug individually to see if it is successfully fired or not.

If one of your mugs isn’t completely fired, you can fire it a second time or decide to throw it way.

Conclusion

I hope this step-by-step guide was helpful and you now know how to make your own mugs.

Try to make a few mugs yourself and let me know how it went!

And don’t be discouraged if the first few mugs don’t turn out exactly the way you wanted. Just keep trying until you get the hang of it.

Once you know how to make a basic mug, you might also want to check out these beautiful mug designs and take your skills to the next level.

Or are you just starting out and looking for inspiration?

Either way, you’re in the right place!

In this blog post, I’ve rounded up 40 stunning hand-made ceramic plates that will inspire and motivate you to take your pottery game to the next level.

Each plate is a unique work of art that showcases the creativity and skill of the artist behind it.

Let’s dive in and explore the world of hand-made plates together!

Unleash Your Creativity With These Stunning Plate Ideas!

Conclusion

There you have it, 40 beautiful hand-made ceramic plates that showcase the artistry and skill of the pottery world.

I hope that this collection has inspired you to create your own unique pieces and explore new techniques and styles.

Remember, the beauty of pottery lies in its versatility and the endless possibilities for creativity. So keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible.

And if you ever need a little inspiration, just come back to this collection and let these stunning plates fuel your imagination once again.

Until next time, keep creating!

Pottery may just be the hobby for you.

With its combination of creativity, relaxation, and practicality, pottery has been a beloved pastime for centuries. But for beginners, getting started can feel overwhelming.

That’s where I come in.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to learn more about pottery, whether you prefer online classes, in-person workshops, or books and tutorials.

Are you ready to explore the world of pottery?!

1) Pottery Studios Near You

If you’re just starting out, taking a class at a local studio or college art department is a great way to get your hands dirty and learn the basics.

Luckily, pottery studios are scattered all over the place, so finding one near you should be a breeze. Simply reach out to a few studios in your area and inquire about beginner courses or introductory lessons.

Learning from a skilled instructor is the quickest way to get the hang of pottery. Sure, you can try to teach yourself, but you might not even realize you’re making mistakes. With a teacher, you’ll get immediate feedback and guidance to correct any errors you’re making.

Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll be able to confidently create pottery at home on your own. So why not start your pottery journey with a local class and see where it takes you?

2) Pottery Books

If taking a pottery class in person isn’t an option for you, don’t worry – there are other ways to learn the craft. One great way is to dive into some of the many pottery books available on the market.

While there are a ton of books out there on the subject, some are better than others for beginners. Two popular options are Mastering The Potter’s Wheel and Complete Pottery Techniques, both of which cover all the fundamental steps involved in making pottery.

However, pottery is a nuanced art form, and some steps can be more complicated than they first appear. That’s why it’s important to choose your books carefully. Some can be overwhelming for beginners, while others are a perfect fit for more experienced potters looking to perfect their technique.

If you’re up for a challenge and want to take your pottery skills to the next level, consider checking out Amazing Glaze or Mastering Hand Building. These books take a deep dive into specific aspects of the craft.

3) Pottery Kits

Kits are a fantastic option that allow you to learn the basics through trial and error.

There are a ton of pottery kits available on the market, each with its own unique set of tools and materials. Prices can vary widely, with some kits starting at just $20 and others costing upwards of $150.

Most kits will include a small amount of clay, some basic pottery tools, and detailed instructions to help guide you through the process. Typically, these kits are designed to create a single project, such as a planter or a plate.

Of course, if you find that you love pottery and want to continue honing your skills, you’ll need to invest in some quality tools and equipment. But starting with a kit is a great way to test the waters and see if pottery is the right hobby for you.

4) Local Galleries

If you are looking for inspiration to jumpstart your pottery journey, why not head to a gallery and explore the work of talented ceramic artists in your area?

Browsing through galleries is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the beauty and intricacy of pottery craftsmanship. You’ll have the opportunity to view a wide range of styles, techniques, and materials, helping you identify what resonates with you as an artist.

Don’t just limit yourself to larger galleries – smaller ones can be a treasure trove of unique and exciting pottery styles. In fact, these smaller galleries often showcase pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind and may spark your creativity in ways you never thought possible.

5) Pottery Magazines

Reading magazines is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of pottery without any upfront commitment. And with the internet, you can now read almost any magazine online and on-demand.

Some pottery magazines you might want to check out are Ceramic Review, Clay Times, and ClayCraft.

You can normally find interviews with amazing potters and breathtaking pieces of pottery in these magazines.

However, most magazines don’t teach you how to get started. So once you find your inspiration to get started, get your hands in the clay!

6) Social Media

In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of our lives.

Whether it’s Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube, there is a vast collection of inspiration available for your pottery projects. These social media platforms are home to a diverse community of potters, ranging from beginners to professionals, who share their work and techniques with the world.

By connecting with them, you can learn new styles, techniques, and gain ideas for your next project. Don’t be afraid to reach out and engage with the pottery community!

7) Making Something With Kids

For parents looking for an activity to enjoy with their children, pottery is an excellent choice.

With a plethora of kid-friendly pottery kits and workshops available, you and your little ones can explore various beginner projects and hand-building ideas.

Pottery is an excellent way to bond with your kids while engaging in a fun and creative activity. Who knows, you might discover a new hobby that you can all enjoy together!

You could try one of the pottery projects for beginners or handbuilding ideas.

If your kids like it, you can even make it a weekly family activity.

This is not only a great way to get into pottery, but you also get to spend a fun time with your kids.

8) Craft Fair

Looking for a way to connect with your local pottery community?

Head to a craft fair in your area!

These events often feature potters selling their handmade creations, giving you the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and see their work up close.

Who knows? You might make some new friends who can teach you a few tips and tricks, or even help you find affordable secondhand equipment.

And with some practice, you could even sell your own pieces at a craft fair in the future!

9) Museums Or Historic Sites

Pottery has been around for thousands of years. And to this day we can often still find pieces of pottery made by our ancestors.

If you are interested in pottery, visiting a museum or historic site might be a great way to get familiar with the different types of pottery that have been made over the ages.

Seeing what people generations ago were able to make with their own bare hands might be the right spark to get you interested in making a few pieces yourself.

10) Online Classes

Don’t have access to a local pottery studio? No problem! Online classes are a great way to learn from the comfort of your own home. Many websites offer pottery classes for beginners, including big names like Domestika and Skillshare.

While online classes may not be quite the same as in-person classes, they’re a great option for people living in rural areas or with busy schedules. Be sure to choose a live online class if possible, so that you can get feedback and advice from the instructor in real-time.

Conclusion

Pottery is a great hobby that combines creativity, relaxation, and practicality.

While it may seem overwhelming for beginners, there are plenty of ways to learn and get started, whether you prefer taking classes, reading books, using kits, visiting galleries, or connecting with the pottery community online.

Parents can also involve their children in this fun and creative activity.

Pottery allows us to explore our artistic side and create something beautiful with our own hands.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get your hands dirty and discover the wonderful world of pottery!

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

I’m here to share some fun and simple pottery projects that will bring out your inner artist and help you create beautiful pieces of art.

These ideas are perfect for anyone who wants to experience pottery without having to buy expensive equipment or use advanced techniques.

You’ll be amazed at what you can create with just your hands and a few simple tools.

Let’s take a look at these handbuilding pottery ideas!

1. Mugs & cups

One of the easiest projects you can do regardless if you have a pottery wheel or not is to make mugs and cups.

A basic spherical mug can be made by rolling out a big slab of clay, cutting it in a rectangular shape, and connecting the two short sides.

Then add a handle and a bottom and your mug is done!

Making a mug that is perfectly symmetrical using handbuilding techniques is a little more tricky compared to using a wheel. But using a rolling pin to flatten the clay and a ruler to indicate where to cut the clay can help a lot.

But you don’t have to stick to the typical cylindrical shape when making mugs, so feel free to add some creativity.

For example, take a look at these cute heart-shaped mugs below.

2. Plates with faces

Another typical pottery project is to make plates. On a pottery wheel it’s relatively simple to make perfectly circular plates. But when you are using handbuilding techniques, it’s very difficult to achieve the same degree of symmetry.

You could roll out a big slab of clay and use a bowl or plate to mark where to cut. Or on the complete flip side, you can simply embrace the imperfection. Having slightly irregular shapes can add extra character to your plates.

Moreover, when using your hands, you have a lot of option to personalize or customize your places. Take a look at the plates with faces shown below as an example.

However, if you want to clean your plates in the dishwasher, you probably don’t want any decorations that are too big, since your plates might not fit in the dishwasher anymore or pieces could break off.

3. Animal figures

If you want a challenging project, you can try to make a clay figure of your favorite animal or pet.

You can really make these figures as simple or as difficult as you want. Below you can find examples of a pretty easy to make penguin, and a more complex cat.

When sculpting your figurine, keep in mind that small and thin pieces that stick out can easily break off, and you want to avoid using them as much as possible.

So instead of attaching legs underneath your figurine, try to attach them directly to the main body. The cat shown below is a great example of this.

4. Leaves

These ceramic leaves are a lot of fun to make in fall. As soon as the leaves start falling from the trees, you can go out to find a few pretty ones and use them as a template.

Not only can you use the leaves you found to indicate what the outline of your ceramic leaf should be, if you press the leaf firmly in the clay, you often get a nice imprint of the nerves as well.

The resulting leaf look super neat and can be used to hold your keys, jewelry, soaps, etc.

5. Cute mushroom family

I’m not a huge fan of eating mushrooms. But these clay mushrooms just look super cute, so I had to include them in the list.

Since they are so easy to make, you can a complete collection of small mushrooms, big mushrooms, baby mushrooms, etc.

After firing, you can also paint them in what ever color you want. Or you could stick to the typical red with white dots.

6. Citrus juicer

If you want to make something more functional, why not try making yourself one of these citrus juicers?

They are actually a lot easier to make than you might think. And you could be using it several times per week to squeeze yourself a fresh glass of orange juice.

Just make sure you are using the right type of clay and/or glaze to make sure that the result is actually food safe.

7. Four sided vases

Vases thrown in a wheel are all symmetric. So if you have seen a few of them, you have pretty much seen all of them.

By combining some handbuilding techniques and slab pottery techniques, you can create way more interesting shapes.

This video below will show you exactly how to make a 4 sided vase that not only looks good, but is also function.

8. Ceramic chimes

Looking to decorate your house with your own creations? Then these chimes can add some much needed colors to your house.

These are super easy to make and pretty much impossible to fail at. Just keep in mind that clay is pretty heavy, even after drying and firing.

So don’t make your ceramic pieces to big or your chimes might weigh too much to hang them safely.

9. Animal bowls

These cute bowls are a great combination between handbuilding and using a wheel. The bowls can easily be made on a wheel, while the face and legs can be added by hand.

You can make these as easy or as difficult as you want. Often a highly simplified head works a lot better than adding too many details.

Just make sure that you don’t make the head or any of the legs too thin, since they might break off easily.

10. Woven flower pots

Weaving clay coils isn’t a technique you see very often, but it’s a fun approach to combine weaving with pottery.

You can use this technique for all kinds of projects, but in the example below it was used to create flower pots.

11. Ceramic tray

Ceramic trays are very easy to make. You can first make the slap in any size and shape you want. Then you can use thinner strips or coils to make the edges of your tray.

You can use these trays to keep your important possessions such as jewelry or your keys. Or with a few small modifications, you could turn it into an ashtray as well.

12. Serving tray with handles

If you love to cook, you know how useful a large serving tray can be to feed the whole family at once.

And with some basic pottery techniques, it’s pretty easy to make one of these. Making one of these is very similar to making a standard tray but add slightly higher edges and two handles.

Just make sure that your final product is food-safe by using an appropriate glaze and firing temperatures.

More pottery ideas!

You can never have too many new ideas. So if the 10 handbuilding pottery ideas above weren’t exactly what you were looking for, you can also check out some of our other pottery ideas such as:

• Pottery ideas for beginners
• Slab pottery ideas
• Cute pottery ideas
• Coil pottery projects
• Pottery painting ideas

If so, you’re in luck!

Painting pottery is an incredibly satisfying and fulfilling activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level or experience.

However, we all know that sometimes coming up with the right idea can be a challenge.

That’s where I come in.

In this blog post, I’ve compiled a carefully curated list of the best pottery painting ideas out there, designed to help you unleash your creativity and create truly unique pieces that you’ll cherish for years to come.

From stunning floral designs to intricate geometric patterns, this list has it all.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take your pottery painting skills to the next level.

Let’s dive in!

Mug painting ideas

Let’s start with some pottery painting ideas for your mugs. Since mugs are pretty small, it’s normally best to stick to a simple design. And almost nothing is more simple than polka dots.

Covering your mug with these dots is super easy and fast. So you can paint all your mugs in no time. You can try some big dots, smaller dots, colored dots, or stick to the classic black dots.

For a design that looks slightly less symmetric, you can transform your polka dots into cow spots as well.

If dots are not your thing, how about some lines? You could use straight lines that run parallel or perpendicular to easy other.

Or for a more chaotic design, you can cover the mug with randomly orientated zigzag lines.

If you are painting a mug for a loved one, you can paint a heart patterns as well and write that person’s name.

The last two mug painting ideas are a little more advanced. But if you have some painting experience, you can try to paint a mini landscape on your mug.

The first example below shows some highly simplified landscapes, but they look amazing. The difficult part is knowing how to break down a complex idea into simple shapes.

Or for a real challenge, you can try to draw a complete landscape as well. Of course, this is much more difficult. And you’ll need some special paint, since standard pottery paint doesn’t make these smooth gradations very well.

Plate painting ideas

Among all ceramics, plates are the easiest to paint. You can paint almost anything you want because most plates have little to no curvature.

Like always, you could use dots to paint some easy patterns. But if you don’t want to make a repeating pattern, how about painting this heart below made almost completely out of dots.

Of course, you don’t need to make a heat. You could paint anything you like by using these colors dots. This art style is called pointillism and has been popular for centuries.

You don’t have to cover the entire plate with a pattern. Sometimes less is more. Take these plates below as an example, half the plate is a solid color and the other half is decorated with a simple pattern using circles or lines.

One type of design that has always been popular in pottery painting are leaves and floral patterns. The simplest variation on this is to paint a single per plate and make sure every plate is decorated with a different type of leave.

Before you know it, you’ll have a whole set of painted plates!

Painting a repeating floral pattern is a little more tricky, but if you already have some painting and drawing experience you can give it a try.

Here are some more examples of some plates with nice floral paintings on them.

If you want a more eastern style painting, you can go with a branch of your favorite tree. Especially paintings of cherry blossom trees are very popular in Asian countries.

When painting your plates, you don’t always need to use a ton of colors. Black and white also works great.

Bowl painting ideas

When painting a bowl, you have a lot more space to work with. So you can make designs that are way more elaborate.

But if you just want to start with something simple, you can give one of the dotted patterns below a try. Of course, the much bigger polka dots are also still a great way to decorate mugs.

Another simple yet elegant way to paint your bowls is with one these swirls. Use a (very) big paint brush and your favorite color paint, place the brush in the center of the bowl, and slowly twist the bowl while raising the brush.

For a slightly more complex design, you can also go with a repeating geometric pattern. You can read our article on drawing patterns for plenty of patterns to choose from.

Below you can find another example of repeating patterns that are a little more complex.

A fun painting idea to try with kids is are these fruit bowls. You can paint your bowl as you favorite fruit such as lemon, lime, orange, watermelon, etc. Don’t forget that you want to paint both the inside and the outside for the best effect.

Although you can often find simple floral patterns on cups or bowl, you don’t see tree branches very often in western countries. So if you want a more eastern style bowl, this could be a good option.

And as the final bowl painting idea, we have these cute characters that seem to be jumping out of the bowls. These are a little more difficult as the previous ideas, so you might want to try drawing a few of them on paper before moving to your bowl.

Vase painting ideas

Vases have a lot of surface area, so you can make really detailed paintings if you want. I personally prefer to stick to the simpler designs though.

Take these three vases below as an example. Each vase is decorated with 3~4 colored bands. Simple yet effective.

Since you have a lot of space to work with, you can also combine different patterns and ideas. The vases below use bands or circles of solid color, and combine it with the dots seen in pointillism.

Of course, most vases are used to hold flowers. So it’s not that surprising to find a lot of flower patterns on painted vases.

Below you can see a Delftware inspired vases painted with the typical blue colors.

For a more minimalistic approach, you could give these line drawings a try as well. This works especially well on square shaped vases, because every side can be used for a new drawing.

You can also choose to fill up the entire surface with paint. In that case, I would recommend sticking to a relatively simple design. Complex patterns like the vases shown below look great, but it will take you forever to paint.

A clever and fast way to paint the entire vase is to use a really big repeating pattern. For example, the vase below uses overlapping leaves that are quite big.

Imagine how much longer it would take to paint this kind of design if the leaves were only half the size.

Cup painting ideas

Finally, we get to the section on painting cups. But now you probably already have quite a few ideas that you could try out.

Mugs and cups are of course quite similar. So any ideas from before you could use here as well and vice versa. But I just wanted to show a few ideas that I thought looked pretty neat and might be used on other ceramics as well.

First are these cups and teapot with a nice colorful and repeating flower pattern.

Next is this simple but cute painting of flowers and plants.

And finally, I love these more abstract paintings of leaves on both the cups and the teapot.

More pottery ideas!

You can never have too many new ideas. So if the 29 pottery painting ideas above weren’t exactly what you were looking for, you can also check out some of our other pottery ideas such as:

• Easy pottery ideas
• Coil pottery ideas
• Cute pottery ideas
• Slab pottery ideas
• Handbuilding pottery ideas

Glazing might not sound as fun as throwing clay on a wheel at first. But once you start experimenting with different glazes, a whole new work opens up for you.

Whole books have been written on which glaze to use and how to apply them.

But for now, let’s first go over all the most important things!

What is glazing in ceramics?

A glaze is a suspension of ground minerals that can be applied to the surface of bisque-fired ceramic pieces. After drying, the coated pieces will be heated in a kiln to the appropriate temperatures. During this process, the ingredients in the glaze will melt and form a glassy surface.

When firing the glaze, it’s important to use the right temperatures. If the temperature is too low, the ingredients won’t melt. But if the temperature is too high, the glaze will melt completely and run off the surface.

Moreover, you want to make sure that the firing temperature for your glaze is close to the firing temperature of the clay. If the temperature difference is too big, you might end up with a very ceramic pieces.

What is the purpose of glazing?

A glaze can be used to color, decorate or waterproof ceramic items. Porous ceramics can be glazed to make them waterproof and food-safe. And applying one or more colored glazes can be used to decorate ceramic items.

For example, earthenware is a ceramic material that is porous even after firing. This means that water can leak through the walls and bacteria can easily grow in the pores. A ceramic glaze can be applied on earthenware to seal off the pores and make it safe to use as tableware.

Stoneware and porcelain on the other hand can be vitrified by firing at high temperatures. Meaning that the resulting ceramics aren’t porous. However, you can still opt to glaze these types of ceramics to make them more durable and chip-resistant.

Some glazes are also colorful and can be used to decorate ceramic pieces. There are many glazing techniques you can use to give your ceramics a unique look. If you are interested in these special effects, you can search for drip glaze or marble glaze.

Just keep in mind that most glazes look different after firing. So the color of the liquid glaze is not a good indication of the final appearance.

You can find some mugs with beautiful glazing in this article.

Do ceramics need to be glazed?

Not all ceramics need to be glazed. High fire stoneware and porcelain clays can fully vitrify at high firing temperatures and can therefore be used safely without a glaze. Low fire clays such as earthenware and mid-range stoneware often need to be glazed before they can be used as foodware.

Of course, ceramic pieces that are purely decorative and won’t be used for cooking, eating, or holding water don’t need to be glazed. For example, a vase that holds dried flowers doesn’t need to be glazed regardless of the clay used, because it won’t need to hold any water.

As mentioned before, a glaze can be functional or decorative. So even though you don’t have to glaze your ceramic to use them, you might still want to apply a glaze as decoration.

What are the main components of glazes?

A glaze consists out of five basic components: silica, alumina, flux, colorants, and modifiers. Although most glazes are made out of these ingredients, you can still find glazes in a large range of different colors and firing temperatures.

The silica sand is the main ingredient of the glaze. The silica will melt at high temperatures and form a glassy surface after cooling down. Different metal compounds such as copper oxide, cobalt oxide, and iron oxide can be added to change the color of the glaze.

The other ingredients are mainly there to change the properties of the glaze such as the melting temperature, opacity, how well the glaze sticks to the clay, etc.

Different types of glazes in ceramics

There are two ways to classify different types of ceramic glazes. The first one is to categorize them by their firing temperatures, and the second one is to organize them by their finish.

When you look at the first approach, there are three types of ceramic glazes: low-fire glazes, mid-range glazes, and high-fire glazes. The low fire glazes mature roughly between 1830 and 1950 degrees Fahrenheit, the mid-range glazes need to be fired around 2160 and 2260 degrees Fahrenheit, and the high-fire glazes need to be heated between 2280 and 2350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most potters go with a mid-range glaze for functional ceramic pieces, because the mid-range glaze is more durable than the low-fire glazes and don’t require temperatures as high as the high-fire glazes. However, low-fire glazes are normally used for decorative pieces, because the low-fire glazes normally have more vibrant colors.

When looking at the texture, glazes used for ceramics can be categorized in 5 types: gloss, matte, semi-gloss, semi-matte, and satin matte. It’s fun to experiment with all these different glazes and try out new glazing techniques. But keep in mind that not all of these glazes as food-safe. Especially, glazes with cadmium or lead are normally might result in safety issues. Make sure to check the ingredients of your glaze before using them!

Choosing the right glaze

When choosing a glaze, it’s important to check if the firing temperature for the glaze and the maturing temperature of the underlying clay body are close enough. If they are too far apart, you might find some crazing in your final pieces.

For more information, you can read our article on the causes of crazing on pottery.

How do you glaze ceramics?

For simple pieces, the process of glazing ceramics will include the following steps:

1. Mix all the components of your glaze
2. Apply the glaze to the bisque-fired clay
3. Let the glaze coating dry
4. Fire the coated clay in a kiln at the appropriate temperature

Of course, this is a very simplified process. And it might be a lot more complex for more advanced glazing techniques.

It’s important to notice that you can only glaze bisque-ware. So if you want to glaze stoneware or porcelain, you should only bisque-fire them before glazing and don’t fire them to complete maturation. This is because these clays are no longer porous after vitrification and the glaze will just drop off the surface. You can fire the clay to maturation after applying the glaze.

Can you glaze ceramics without a kiln?

Beginners often ask if you can glaze ceramic without the use of a ceramic kiln. Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible. Even the low-fire glazes still need to be heated above 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This is way above temperatures that you can reach in a regular kitchen oven, and is even difficult to reach with pit firing.

However, you might be able to use a local firing service, or you can contact a local pottery studio to ask if they have communal kilns available.

Glazing techniques used in ceramics

There are many ways to apply glaze to ceramics. The basic glazing techniques that any beginner can try are as follows:

• Brushing
• Dipping
• Dripping
• Pouring
• Splattering
• Sponging
• Spraying
• Trailing

Of course, simply dipping the bisque-ware into the glaze is the simplest and fastest way to glaze. But you can use a combination of the other techniques if you want a more interesting finish.

Besides these 8 basic techniques, there are also more advanced methods, such as using an underglaze to create a marble effect. But each of those advanced glazing techniques deserve a dedicated post of their own.

Do you need to bisque fire pottery before glazing?

It’s generally recommended to bisque fire pottery before glazing. Bisque firing is an important stage in pottery making that hardens and stabilizes the clay, making it more resilient and water-resistant. It also burns out any chemically bonded water molecules and organic gases that could cause problems during the glaze firing stage.

Without bisque firing, the clay may not be strong enough to withstand the glaze firing temperatures and may crack or fall apart. Also, the porous quality of bisque-fired pottery is ideal for glaze application, as the glaze is absorbed into the clay, helping it adhere better.

While it is technically possible to skip the bisque firing stage and glaze fire pottery directly, it can be risky and may result in ruined pieces. So, it’s best to bisque fire pottery before glazing, to ensure a successful final product.

Also read this article on bisque firing for more information.

Single fire glazing

Single fire glazing is a pottery technique where the bisque firing stage is skipped, and the pottery is glazed and fired in one step. In this method, the clay body is soft and porous, and the glaze is applied directly to it before firing. The pottery is then fired once to achieve the final product.

The main advantage of single fire glazing is that it can save time and energy because it eliminates the bisque firing step. This method can also create unique effects on the pottery, as the glaze may interact differently with the clay body when it’s fired in one step.

However, there are also some drawbacks to single fire glazing. One of the major concerns is that the clay body may not be strong enough to withstand the high glaze firing temperatures, which can result in cracking or breaking. Additionally, because the clay body is not bisque fired, any moisture or organic materials that are still present in the clay can cause issues during the firing process, such as bubbling, blistering, or pinholing in the glaze.

Overall, single fire glazing can be a useful technique for some potters, but it requires careful consideration of the specific clay body and glaze being used, as well as close attention to the firing process.

Therefore, I would only recommend single fire glazing to advanced potters that really know what they are doing.

If so, you’re not alone…

But what if I told you that making pottery mugs can be exciting and inspiring, and that with a little creativity and design savvy, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that will leave other potters in awe?

In this article, I’ve gathered a collection of 30 unique and beautiful pottery mugs that will help spark your imagination and reignite your passion for the craft.

Each mug showcases the endless possibilities of handmade ceramics, from intricate designs to bold colors and unexpected shapes.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to pottery, join this journey of inspiration and creativity, and discover how you can take your pottery mugs to the next level.

Let’s get started!

Unleash Your Creativity With These Stunning Mug Ideas!

Conclusion

And there you have it, a stunning collection of 30 unique pottery mugs that will inspire you to unleash your creativity and take your pottery skills to the next level.

From earthy and rustic designs to modern and sleek aesthetics, each mug in this collection showcases the beauty and versatility of handmade ceramics.

And the best part?

These mugs are not only beautiful to look at, but also functional and perfect for everyday use!

I hope this article has given you the inspiration and motivation you need to tackle your next pottery project with confidence and creativity.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to handmade ceramics, and with a little imagination, you can create something truly special and one-of-a-kind.

So, grab your clay, your tools, and get ready to make something amazing.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Wedging clay helps remove air pockets and ensures consistent moisture content, which are necessary for a successful pottery-making experience.

What is Wedging Clay?

Wedging clay is the process of kneading and compressing clay to remove air pockets and make it more workable.

Wedging involves folding the clay in half and pressing it down with the heels of your hands. This process removes trapped air and helps to homogenize the clay.

The primary purpose of wedging clay is to improve the plasticity and workability of the clay

Wedging also helps ensure that the moisture content of the clay is consistent, which is essential to prevent cracking and warping during firing.

Furthermore, wedging enhances the strength and durability of the finished product.

Benefits of Wedging Clay

There are many reasons why wedging your clay before use is so important. The most important benefits of wedging clay are:

• Improves clay’s plasticity and workability: Wedging clay enhances the plasticity and workability of the clay by breaking down the clay particles and aligning them in the same direction. This process makes the clay more malleable and easier to shape.
• Removes air pockets: Wedging clay removes air pockets that can cause defects, such as bubbles and cracks, in the final product. Air pockets can also cause uneven drying and firing, leading to warping and cracking.
• Evens out moisture content: Wedging ensures that the moisture content of the clay is consistent throughout the material. Consistent moisture content helps prevent cracking and warping during firing, leading to a more successful pottery-making experience.
• Prevents cracking and warping during firing: Wedging clay ensures that the moisture content of the clay is consistent throughout the material. Consistent moisture content helps prevent cracking and warping during firing, leading to a more successful pottery-making experience.
• Enhances the strength and durability: Wedging clay aligns the clay particles, making the clay stronger and more durable. The aligned particles also help the clay retain its shape and form during the firing process, leading to a better-finished product.

How to wedge clay

There is no one way to wedge clay. Here are a few common techniques used to wedge clay:

• Kneading technique: The kneading technique involves pressing and folding the clay repeatedly to remove air pockets and create a uniform texture. It is the most common wedging technique and is suitable for small to medium-sized pieces of clay.
• Ram’s head technique: The ram’s head technique involves using the heel of the hand to compress the clay and create a uniform texture. It is a more efficient method than the kneading technique and is suitable for larger pieces of clay.
• Spiral wedging technique: The spiral wedging technique involves cutting the clay and compressing it in a spiral motion. It is a quick and efficient method of wedging and is suitable for larger pieces of clay.
• Wire wedging technique: The wire wedging technique involves cutting and compressing the clay using a wire tool. It is a quick and efficient method of wedging and is suitable for large quantities of clay.
• Cut and slam technique: The cut and slam technique involves cutting the clay into two pieces and slamming them together repeatedly. It is a more aggressive method and is suitable for tough, hard clay.

How to determine when the clay is wedged enough?

It is essential to ensure that the clay is wedged enough before it is used for pottery. Wedging too little can result in air pockets, while wedging too much can lead to the clay becoming too dry and difficult to work with. Here are some ways to determine when the clay is wedged enough:

• Texture: The clay should have a smooth and consistent texture with no lumps or air pockets.
• Flexibility: The clay should be pliable and easy to work with.
• Color: The color of the clay should be consistent throughout.
• Sound: When the clay is slapped or patted, it should make a hollow sound, indicating that there are no air pockets.

Common Mistakes in Wedging Clay

While wedging clay may seem like a straightforward process, there are common mistakes that potters can make. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Wedging too little: Not wedging the clay enough can result in air pockets, which can cause the pottery to crack or explode during firing.
• Wedging too much: Over-wedging the clay can cause it to become too dry, making it difficult to work with and resulting in a loss of plasticity.
• Wedging in the wrong direction: Wedges should always be pushed together, not pulled apart. Pulling apart the wedges can cause the clay to split and develop air pockets.
• Using too much force: Using too much force when wedging can lead to fatigue and even injury to the wrists, elbows, or shoulders.

Tips for Effective Wedging Clay

When wedging clay, it’s best to start with small amounts. This will make the process easier and ensure that the clay is thoroughly mixed. Trying to wedge too much clay at once can make it difficult to achieve an even texture, which can affect the quality of your finished piece.

To ensure that the clay is properly mixed, it’s important to spend enough time wedging it. As a general rule, you should wedge the clay for at least 5–10 minutes. This will help to remove any air pockets and ensure that the clay is evenly mixed.

When wedging clay, it’s important to use a consistent technique. This will help to ensure that the clay is evenly mixed and will produce consistent results. Whether you choose to wedge the clay by hand or with a machine, make sure to use the same technique each time.

Air pockets can cause problems with your finished piece, so it’s important to check for air pockets regularly while wedging. To check for air pockets, slice the clay in half and look for any bubbles or gaps. If you find any, simply knead the clay again to remove the air pockets.

Clay can dry out quickly, especially when it’s being wedged. To keep the clay moist and pliable, it’s important to mist it with water as needed. This will make it easier to work with and will help to ensure that the clay is evenly mixed.

How Often to Wedge Clay

The frequency of wedging clay depends on several factors such as the type of clay, its consistency, and the climate in which it is stored. As a general rule, it is recommended to wedge clay before each use. This ensures that the clay is free from air pockets that can cause it to crack during firing.

Additionally, if the clay has been sitting for a prolonged period, it is advisable to wedge it again to ensure it is workable.

However, if you are using a particularly soft or wet clay, you may need to wedge it more frequently. Soft clays tend to absorb more water from the air, making them more difficult to work with over time. In such cases, it is advisable to wedge the clay every few hours to ensure it remains pliable.

Clay that needs wedging will exhibit several signs that indicate it is no longer workable. The most obvious sign is that the clay will become hard and difficult to manipulate. Additionally, the clay may begin to crack or show signs of deformation, such as warping or twisting.

Another sign that clay needs wedging is the presence of air pockets. These can be identified by pressing down on the clay with your fingertips. If you feel any air bubbles, it is advisable to wedge the clay before continuing with your project. Ignoring air pockets can result in the final product cracking or exploding during firing.

Proper storage techniques are crucial in ensuring your clay remains workable for longer periods. When storing your clay, it is advisable to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, storing the clay in a cool, dark place can help to prevent it from absorbing excess moisture from the air.

If you are storing your clay for an extended period, it is recommended to wedge it again before use. This ensures that any air pockets that may have formed during storage are removed before you begin your project.

Admittedly, they are very similar.

But there is actually a slight difference between pottery and ceramics.

What are ceramics?

Ceramics are a broad category of materials that are typically made from inorganic and non-metallic substances.

Some common examples of ceramic materials include clay, porcelain, glass, and cement.

One of the key characteristics of ceramics is their ability to be heated at high temperatures without melting or losing their shape.

This makes them ideal for use in applications where high heat or pressure is involved, such as in the construction of furnaces, engines, and cutting tools. Additionally, ceramics are often used as electrical insulators due to their ability to withstand high voltages and resist the flow of electricity.

In addition to their functional properties, ceramics are also valued for their aesthetic appeal. They can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be decorated using a range of techniques such as glazing, painting, and etching. This makes them popular materials for creating decorative objects such as sculptures, figurines, and tiles.

Overall, ceramics are versatile materials that have been used for thousands of years in a wide range of applications. Their unique properties and broad range of uses make ceramic materials important in many different industries, including construction, engineering, art, and manufacturing.

Examples of ceramics

Here are a few examples of decorative ceramic pieces.

Ceramics can also have a lot of practical applications depending on their properties, such as cutting tools, insulators, biomedical implants, and aerospace components.

For more examples, you can also read our articles on the best ceramicists to follow or ceramic materials.

What is Pottery?

Pottery is a type of art and craft that involves shaping and firing clay to create functional or decorative objects.

The practice of pottery dates back thousands of years, and it has been used in many different cultures for various purposes.

Pottery is made by molding or shaping clay using various techniques, such as coiling, slabbing, handbuilding and throwing on a potter’s wheel.

Once the desired shape has been achieved, the clay is fired at a high temperature to harden it and make it durable. Firing can be done in a kiln or an open fire, depending on the type of clay and the desired effect.

Pottery can be used to make a wide range of functional objects, such as dishes, bowls, cups, pitchers, and jars. These objects can be decorated with patterns, glazes, or textures to add visual interest or to make them more practical, such as creating a non-slip surface on a mug handle.

Pottery can also be used to create decorative objects, such as vases, sculptures, figurines, and wall hangings. These objects can be purely artistic or have a functional purpose, such as a vase for holding flowers.

Pottery is a versatile art form that can be practiced by people of all ages and skill levels. It can be done as a hobby or as a profession, and it offers a unique and rewarding way to express creativity while producing functional or decorative objects.

Examples of pottery

Below you can find a few good examples of pottery. As you can see, they are all containers (cups, mugs, vase, etc.) made out of clay.

Types of pottery

There are roughly three different types of pottery that are each made from a different type of clay.

Each type of pottery feel different to work with, need to be fired at different temperatures, and have different applications.

Let’s go over them one by one.

1. Earthenware

Earthenware is made from a type of clay that is porous and fired at lower temperatures than other types of pottery, typically below 2150F or 1200C.

What makes earthenware so special is that is remains porous even after firing. This porosity is both a strength and a weakness of earthenware. On the one hand, it makes the pottery more breathable, which can be useful for storing food or other perishable items. On the other hand, it can make the pottery more fragile and susceptible to cracking or chipping.

When glazed, the glaze sits on the surface of the clay as a separate layer. This is different from other types of pottery, such as stoneware or porcelain, where the glaze fuses with the clay during firing. The glaze on earthenware can be decorative, protective, or both. It can help to make the pottery more waterproof and less prone to staining.

You can find more information about earthenware by reading this article.

2. Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of pottery that is fired at high temperatures, typically around 1200 degrees Celsius.

During the firing process, the stoneware becomes non-porous and very strong, which makes it well-suited for many different purposes. Moreover, the glaze and the clay actually mingle to create their own mixed layer, which creates a very strong and durable surface that is both decorative and functional.

Another advantage of stoneware over earthenware is that it is denser, which makes stoneware less likely to chip or crack and ideal for use in dinnerware, cookware, and other objects that need to be durable and long-lasting.

However, stoneware encompasses a wide variety of different types of clay, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Some stoneware clays are more porous than others, and some are more durable or have different textures or colors.

You can find more information about stoneware by reading this article.

3. Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of pottery that is known for its delicate appearance and translucent quality. It is made from a fine white clay and typically fired between 1200 and 1450 degrees Celsius.

The firing process for porcelain is longer and more complex than that for earthenware or stoneware, which results into a single, non-porous material that is very hard, durable, and resistant to chipping or cracking.

Are pottery and ceramics the same thing?

Pottery is a type of ceramics, but not all ceramics are pottery.

However, both pottery and ceramics have a few important things in common.

First, pottery and ceramics can both be made out of clay, although ceramics can be made out of a lot of different materials as well.

Secondly, both pottery and ceramics go through a shaping and firing process. Pottery is normally made by hand, whereas ceramics can be handmade for decorative applications or made by a machine for industrial applications. Moreover, the firing temperate for ceramics is normally a bit higher than for pottery as well.

Finally, many items can be made out of either pottery or ceramics such as dishes, vases, and tiles.

So it’s not so strange that many people think pottery and ceramics are the same thing.

But there are plenty of differences as well!

Let’s go over pottery and ceramics individually first.

Differences between pottery and ceramics

Here is a quick summary of how pottery and ceramics are different:

• Type: Pottery is a type of ceramic, but not all ceramics are pottery.
• Material: Pottery is made exclusively from clay, while ceramics can be made from a variety of inorganic and non-metallic materials.
• Use case: Pottery is typically used to create functional objects such as plates, bowls, and vases, while ceramics can be used for both functional and decorative objects, including sculptures, tiles, and figurines.
• Firing temperature: Pottery is often fired at lower temperatures than ceramics, typically between 800-1200°C, while ceramics can be fired at much higher temperatures, ranging from 1200-1800°C or more.
• Manufacturing: Pottery is often handcrafted, with unique variations in shape and design, while ceramics can be produced in mass quantities with consistent shapes and designs.
• Texture: Pottery often has a matte or rough texture, while ceramics can have a range of textures, including smooth, glossy, or matte.
• Gazing: Pottery can be glazed or left unglazed, while ceramics are often glazed for added protection and decorative effects.

Both types of pottery might look the same at first glance, but both of them have very material properties.

So let’s start simple and go over a basic explanation of both stoneware and earthenware.

What is earthenware?

Earthenware pottery is made from coarsely grained clay that can easily be found in nature. Among the different types of pottery, earthenware requires the lowest firing temperature and can possess various colors such as brown, red, orange, or gray.

Since earthenware is porous, it is more prone to chipping than other types of pottery, and it requires a glaze to make it food safe and waterproof.

Read this article on earthenware pottery for more information.

What is stoneware?

Stoneware pottery is made from coarsely grained clay and needs to be fired at high temperatures to harden. It normally comes in lighter gray, tan, or brown colors. Stoneware only needs to be fired once and doesn’t require an additional glaze.

Since it’s heated at higher temperatures and less porous, it’s more durable than earthenware.

Read this article for more information on stoneware.

What is the difference between earthenware and stoneware?

So now that you roughly know what earthenware and stoneware are, let’s take a closer look at the most important differences in terms of the porosity, firing temperature, price, color, and durability.

1. Porosity

Earthenware is more porous than stoneware. Sometimes earthenware is even described as any type of pottery with a porosity above 5%.

This perhaps doesn’t sound like very much, but it has a big impact on your ceramics. For example, even after firing, earthenware can still absorb a lot of water or liquids because of its porous nature. Which is also why it’s not safe to use for food.

To make the earthenware waterproof and food safe, a glaze needs to be applied, which will provide a protective coating. However, this glaze also needs to be heated at high temperatures, so earthenware normally needs to be fired twice.

And even after glazing, the pores on the inside will still make earthenware prone to chipping. But we’ll discuss the durability later on.

Stoneware normally has a porosity around 2~3% or even lower depending on the temperature it’s fired at.

As a result, stoneware is waterproof and food safe without needing a glaze. It’s also less prone to chipping.

2. Firing temperature

Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures (roughly 2100F or 1150C) than stoneware (roughly 2200F or 1200C). However, the exact firing temperature can vary depending on the composition of the clay.

Moreover, earthenware is normally fired twice. The first time is called bisque firing and is done to harden the clay. The second time is called the glaze fire and is needed to vitrify the glaze.

For more information, read our article on the pottery making process.

Stoneware is normally only fired once. However, if you want to apply a glaze for decorative purposes, that’s still possible.

3. Color

Earthenware clay normally comes in a range of earth colors such as brown, gray, orange, tan, red, or white.

Stoneware often comes in gray, brown, or white. However, other colors can be obtained with additives such as iron oxide to achieve the typical red color that terracotta is famous for.

4. Price

In my personal experience, stoneware clay is normally a little more expensive than earthenware clay. But the price can vary a lot depending on what you buy it and the composition of the clay.

Moreover, for a fair comparison you should also take into consideration what the firing cost is and the cost for the earthenware glaze.

If you are pursuing pottery as a hobby, I wouldn’t worry about the cost too much though. Since the price difference is not that big anyway.

For more information, you can read our article on the price of pottery clay.

Is stoneware more durable than earthenware?

For decorative pieces, the durability isn’t the most important factor to consider. But if you are planning to use the cups, mugs and plates that you carefully crafted by hand, you want to make sure that they don’t break at the slightest touch.

Fortunately, both earthenware and stoneware are very durable.

However, when you compare the two of them, stoneware is a little more reliable than earthenware. And a very thin wall of earthenware has the tendency to break off more easily.

A way to prevent this from happening is to make all the walls a little thicker when working with earthenware and minimize the number of small attached pieces.

On the flip side, earthenware is a little more resistant to rapid changes in temperature. Which is important if you are planning to heat or microwave your ceramics.

Regardless of the type of pottery, it should be able to without change from room temperature to boiling hot water. But placing a frozen piece of ceramics into a preheated oven is never a good idea.

How can you tell earthenware from stoneware?

Imagine you have one earthenware mug and one stoneware mug, but you forgot which one is which. How can you tell the difference between the two?

Unfortunately, without a background and lots of experience in pottery, there is no easy way to tell them apart.

One method you could use is to weigh both of the mugs before and after placing them in water. The earthenware mug is more porous and absorbs more water. So you can observe a bigger weight increase for the earthenware mug.

Unfortunately, this only works if the earthenware mug isn’t glazed. Because any glaze will block the pores.

You can also try to make a guess based on their weight alone. As mentioned before, earthenware is more prone to chipping. As a result, handmade earthenware pieces normally are a little thicker and weigh more.

Earthenware vs stoneware glazes

Earthenware pieces need to be glazed to ensure that they are waterproof and food safe. While stoneware pieces only need to be fired at sufficiently high temperatures. However, a glaze can be added to stoneware as decoration.

The glazes used for earthenware normally contain bright colors and have a high sheen. However, these colors only survive at relatively low temperatures.

Stoneware glazes have more dull and natural colors because they can resist higher temperatures.

Which clay to choose?

Which clay you want to use depends a lot on your personal preference, your goal, and the clays themselves.

There is a pretty wide variety among both stoneware clays and earthenware clays. And the ratio between the components that make up the clay has a big impact on how easy it is to handle.

Roughly speaking you can use the clay for throwing on a wheel, hand building, and slip casting. And you want to choose your clay accordingly.

For example, for hand building you want a pretty solid and strong clay, so terracotta earthenware would be great. But white earthenware clay would be a bad choice because it’s very smooth and easily collapses.

On the flip side, for throwing on a wheel you want a clay that feels smooth, so stoneware clay with fine grog would be a good option, whereas stoneware clay with very rough grog would be a bad option.

As you can see, you can’t simply say earthenware clay is better for hand building and stoneware clay is better for using on a pottery wheel.

You’ll either have to experiment by yourself with different clays, or ask any local potters what their experiences are.

Which is better: stoneware or earthenware?

Now that we have gone over all the differences between stoneware and earthenware, I hope it helped you make a decision on which one to use.

Earthenware is slightly cheaper and requires lower firing temperatures, but needs to be glazed before it can be used. Stoneware is more durable due to the lower porosity and only needs to be fired once.

That being said, not every stoneware or earthenware clay is the same. So it’s difficult to say which one is easier to use.

What about porcelain?!

That’s right! Besides stoneware and earthenware, porcelain is also a very common type of ceramics that you can choose to work with.

For a good overview of the differences, read our article on the differences between stoneware and porcelain.