Wood Fired Wide Mouth Mug with Woo Blue and Goldspot Glaze
Wood Fired Wide Mouth Mug with Woo Blue and Goldspot Glaze
Start your morning ritual with a handmade stoneware mug that combines function, comfort, and natural beauty. Wheel thrown and fired in a wood-burning kiln, this ceramic mug features a comfortable hand pulled handle, and a gorgeous atmospheric surface. The effects of flame and ash swirling through the kiln are shown on the bare clay and in the variations of the glaze, making every sip from this cup extra special.
Details
This mug measures 4" tall, and 4" wide across the lip. It holds 10 ounces with room for milk and sugar.
The interior of the mug is glazed in a golden tan glaze, and the rim and top few inches is glazed in woo blue glaze. The bottom 2/3rds of the cup is unglazed, wood fired ceramic, which feels nice to touch. All of my pottery is microwave and dishwasher safe, unless otherwise noted.
Use
This mug is designed for daily enjoyment; ideal for a morning coffee, a cozy cup of tea, or hot chocolate. The wide mouth makes this a perfect cup for dunking cookies.
Process
This pot was thrown on my pottery wheel using BMix clay, a white stoneware. A rubber rib was used to press the swirl shape into the walls of the mug as it spun on the wheel. Once the mug was leather hard (partially dry, wet but firm) I attached and shaped the handle by hand.
This piece was fired in a wood-burning kiln at Desert Dragon Pottery Studio in North Phoenix. Unlike electric or gas kilns, wood firing relies entirely on burning wood to build heat and atmosphere inside the kiln. As the kiln is stoked, flame, ash, and minerals from the burning wood move naturally around the pottery, creating organic surface markings, flashing, and subtle color transitions that cannot be replicated through glazing alone.
The kiln used is a fast-fire wood kiln that reaches temperature in approximately 12 hours. The dynamic nature of wood firing means each piece responds differently to its placement within the kiln, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind works that capture the spontaneity and beauty of the firing process.
This wood fired vase combines warm, earthy tones with cool blue glaze for a striking, organic look. The lower portion of the vase is rich with the vibrant orange and cream tones of the orange flashing slip, while the blue and purple glaze gathers around the upper section and flows downward, creating a beautiful transition between the two.
With its tall, gently curved shape and generous opening, this vase has a simple silhouette that lets the variations of the wood firing and glaze take center stage. The finished surface is full of subtle movement and color, making this a distinctive piece for displaying a favorite bouquet or enjoying simply as an object on its own.
Details
The vase stands approximately 7.5 inches tall and measures about 4 inches wide at the belly. The lip spans roughly 3.25 inches across, with an inner opening of about 2 inches, and the base measures approximately 2.75 inches wide. Its proportions make it especially well-suited for smaller arrangements. All of my pottery is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Use
Perfect for fresh flowers, dried stems, or simple foraged arrangements, this vase’s narrower opening helps support and shape a bouquet. It also works beautifully as a standalone decorative piece, where the natural variation from the wood firing can be appreciated from every angle.