When drinking hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, ceramic mugs can keep drinks warm for longer periods of time. Some people like to drink from a particular kind of mug. For instance, some people like to drink their morning coffee from a larger mug.
A mug may be more than a vessel that contains liquid. Mugs can have sentimental value, especially if they are given as gifts. They can serve as a reminder of a special occasion or person. Mugs can also be used as part of home décor, especially if they have a unique design or are displayed on a shelf or in a cabinet. Some people collect mugs as a hobby or for their distinctive designs.
Overall, mugs are a popular item for many people because they are both useful and have emotional and aesthetic value.
What so special about handmade pottery mugs?
Ceramic mugs are handmade by a potter or an artist. They can be made by throwing clay on a pottery wheel or by building with clay by hand. Because each mug is handcrafted, there will be slight variations in shape, size, and color. Pottery mugs that are made by hand are frequently priced for their individuality, skill and personal touch. People that purchase handmade ceramic mugs are directly supporting individual artists and their craft. This helps to keep their passion alive and also preserve the pottery-making tradition too!
Handcrafted individually locally in the home studio located in Brisbane, Australia. Have a peek at my studio! All our ceramic mugs are designed to reflect my design style and my individual preference of a well-made mug.
What qualifies as a well-made mug?
You'll find that many handmade mugs are relatively on the heavy side as compared to mass-produced mugs. Achieving a thin-walled mug requires extensive practice on the pottery wheel, and my past failures and experiments with various types of clay have helped me in perfecting this skill. Personally, I prefer my mugs to be lightweight with a flawlessly crafted rim so that the lips sits nicely when you sip your beverage.
With or without handle
Mugs with handles offer more practicality and comfort when it comes to holding and carrying hot beverages. The design of the handle plays an important role in the comfort of the hold - too small can be uncomfortable for big hands, too large can be hard to balance the mug. With the extra steps of making and attaching the handles, more time is buffered in to make mugs with handles.
On the other hand, some people prefer mugs without handles. With a minimalist and modern look, mugs without handles are made smaller so that it can be hold easily with a hand. It is great as a hand warmer for the colder seasons too!
There are so many to consider when making mugs, but ultimately, whether a handmade mug has a handle or not is a matter of personal preference and the intended use of the mug.
Size of the mug
The size of the mug you choose may depend on its intended use. For example, tea drinkers may not place as much importance on size as coffee drinkers do. And depending on how you like to drink your beverage, the standard coffee mug sizes hold about:
4oz (118ml) for espresso
6oz (177ml) for flat white
8oz (237 mL) for latte
12oz (355 mL) for a tea or cold brew
Ultimately, the best size for a mug is one that fits comfortably in your hand and holds the amount of liquid that you desire.
Glaze and colours
The issue of whether glazes are safe for food use is highly controversial, and the only way to determine if a piece is food-safe is to have it tested by a certified ceramics testing laboratory. However, many potters are reluctant to go through this process. One solution to avoid potential food safety issues is to make your own glaze, as this allows you to control the ingredients used. While this may introduce other concerns, such as the durability of the glaze, there are tools online which I've used to calculate the formula of the glaze to help ensure its durability.
Creating my own glazes can be an enjoyable process, involving numerous experiments and potentially some mess. Typically, I start with a small test batch to observe the colour and reaction between the glaze and various clay bodies. If I am satisfied with the results, I will proceed to make a larger batch and apply it to the bisque-fired wares.
Is it dishwasher and microwave safe?
If a piece of pottery is not excessively water-absorbent, it can typically withstand the dishwasher since it won't become waterlogged and weakened. I ensure that all my ceramic mugs are fired at high temperatures to vitrify the clay body, meaning that it is no longer porous. As a result, they are safe to use in the dishwasher.
Furthermore, my ceramic mugs are fully glazed except for the bottom or sometimes just the foot ring. This reduces the risk of water absorption, making them safe for use in the microwave as well.
Designing and creating mugs involves a multitude of factors to consider beyond just their function. Handmade mugs are unique pieces that are crafted with great care and attention to detail, making them much more than just functional items. I encourage you to appreciate the artistry behind handmade mugs and see them as the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces that they are. If you're interested in purchasing quality handmade mugs that, click the button below.
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