making my take me with you tumbler collection

i decided after my summer drop that i wanted to sneak in a mini collection before i head into the autumn/holiday making season, and my travel tumblers felt like the perfect thing to make. they are a straightforward design with a little touch of whimsy and it’s a piece i had found myself using more regularly. they are cozy to hold and fits in most cup holders, and also means that i don’t have to use a boring paper cup when i go out to grab a matcha!

i made a full run of the original design from my summer collection that has indents all over ( i call it the feel it hug because i close my eyes and smoosh the clay to create the indents while i’m throwing on the wheel). i also decided to try a few different styles to keep things playful, and because i’m in charge, so i get to make all the decisions!

unfortunately, but fortunately, halfway through the process, i had some kiln issues that brought everything to a screeching halt. i had glazed and loaded each of these pieces into the kiln, only to have it not fire. thankfully, after some user error, scary mistakes i was able to hire a kiln tech and resolve the issue in about a week. there’s nothing like opening the kiln after a tumultuous time only to see these silly little cups smiling at you. the carved design below might be my favorite and the blue and white striped one is up there too. i think these carved tumblers just maaay be the best design that would suit the varying sizes of cup holders in the cars across america lol.

this micro collection came with its ups and downs, but i’m incredibly happy with the turnout. i can’t wait to send these off to their new homes very soon :)

if you want to see some more of my process in my home pottery studio, here is playlist of the videos made while working on these tumblers!