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After the bisque firing, my next focus was choosing the glaze for the final mugs. I had a vision—something a bit more dynamic, in line with my usual style, but also capable of making each mug feel distinct. So, I turned to the textured test tiles I had made earlier in the process and began experimenting.

I started with a base dip of Folk Art Guild White, a glaze that pairs beautifully with the dark clay body and highlights the texture by breaking over raised surfaces. From there, I layered additional glazes I’ve enjoyed working with in the past, applying them with a spray gun to create smooth, natural transitions—something dipping or brushing often fails to achieve in a fluid way.

Curious about further depth, I tested a third glaze layer over the others. I chose a lichen glaze I had mixed earlier and had been eager to try. Spraying it on in a thicker coat allowed some of its distinctive texture to remain, adding a rich, organic character to the surface.

From here they all went into the small test kiln!

Glaze Fire Test Results

With these tests complete, I faced the tough decision of which glaze combination to use. My favorite was the green glaze paired with the lichen layer—it created some of the most intriguing surface effects and also evoked a strong visual metaphor. The result reminded me of a tree snag—those dead or decaying trees in forests that, despite their appearance, serve as critical components of their ecosystems by offering shelter, food, and protection. Many people have commented that the texture of my mugs resembles bark, and the carved details reinforce that natural, weathered look.

This comparison deeply inspired how I approached glazing the final pieces. I chose to spray the green glaze—as if it were moss—on the “north” side of the mug, using the handle as a marker pointing south. This directional approach helped me lean into the tree snag metaphor and gave my glazing process a sense of intentionality and narrative, rather than simply coating the mug evenly.

And now the final results!

In the end, I was really pleased with how the mugs turned out—and with everything I learned along the way. I figured out how to throw a double-walled mug in my style, designed a handle that isn’t the primary point of contact, and explored the concept of tree snags in a way that deeply influenced my glazing decisions.

Most importantly, this felt like my first major project in a few years, and it was incredibly rewarding to return to making something with real personal meaning. This experience also helped me clarify what I want to create going forward. I fell in love with clay because of its natural feel—how something so simple and raw can be transformed into functional, beautiful objects we interact with daily. That connection is powerful, and I want my future work to embody and honor the natural qualities of clay.

~Ryan