August Mug of the Month Progress Update: Sarah McGonigle
- PennOhio Clay Guild
- 14 hours ago
- 9 min read
Each mug in Sarah McGonigle’s series begins its life on the pottery wheel, where she throws the forms with care and intention. After shaping, the mugs rest under plastic for a few days to dry slowly and evenly. Once they have firmed up, Sarah flips each piece upside down to trim. Trimming is the process of carving a foot into the bottom of the vessel as it spins on the wheel, giving the mug both balance and character.
What makes each mug truly unique is the hand-carved tartan pattern etched into its surface. Choosing these tartans was no easy task because there are so many beautiful and meaningful designs to explore. Sarah wanted each pattern to carry significance, so she delved into the official tartan registry, starting her search with St. Andrews, the school she is about to attend in Scotland.
She quickly realized she wanted every mug to feature a different tartan, and that sparked a new idea. What if each tartan connected to a patron saint? Fascinated by iconography and the way symbols tell stories, Sarah saw this as a way to weave deeper meaning into each piece.
Once she finalized her list, Sarah began by drawing the designs on her iPad. With 10 glaze colors available for the project, she swatched each as an initial guide. Knowing these colors might change, she used them as placeholders for her designs. Each tartan pattern was then carved by hand, inspired by the traditional weaving process. Sarah often reflected on how this carving felt similar to the slow, meticulous hand weaving of tartan—filled with human touch, slight variations, and imperfections—making the combination perfect.
After the carving is complete, Sarah adds the handle to each mug, thoughtfully shaping it to complement the form and function of the vessel. Each mug is then left to dry slowly again until all the water has evaporated and the clay is fully dry. Only then can the mugs be safely added to the kiln for firing before glazing. Sarah’s list of patron saints is thoughtful and diverse, chosen by location, gender, and symbolic attributes.
Some examples of Sarah's previous work...
Alongside the ceramics, Sarah is developing The Wild Goose, an artistic journal documenting her trip to Scotland through photography of landscapes and cultural moments. This visual exploration highlights how travel and place influence her artistic and educational practice. Detailed videos showcasing her mug-making process are available on her social media pages. Follow along to see where her journey leads.
This collection of tartan-inspired ceramics will be available for reservation in early August. The project represents a thoughtful blend of art, education, and cultural storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with tradition through a modern creative lens.
Visit The Wild Goose and follow along with Sarah's journey.
Reservations to purchase her limited edition mug are no longer available. The final presentation by the end of the month.
Please note, due to the nature of Sarah's designs, mug choice will be offered in the order of reservation date.
Online Tartan Designer
Additional Research Details on Related Saints
Saint Name | From | How They Died | Patron Of | Feast Day | Common Symbols | Notes |
Saint Andrew | Bethsaida (Israel) | Crucified on X-shaped cross | Scotland, fishermen, singers | November 30 | X-shaped cross (saltire), fish | Brother of St. Peter, Scotland’s patron |
Saint Anthony of Padua | Lisbon, Portugal | Fever | Lost items, travelers, poor, sailors | June 13 | Lily, book, infant Jesus | Renowned preacher and miracle worker |
Saint Cecilia | Rome, Italy | Martyrdom (beheading/suffocation) | Musicians, poets, singers | November 22 | Musical instruments, palm branch | Feast celebrated with music |
Saint Christopher | Canaan/Anatolia | Beheading | Travelers, motorists, athletes | July 25 | Christ child, staff, dog | Carried Christ child across river |
Saint Joan of Arc | Domrémy, France | Burned at stake (martyrdom) | France, soldiers, martyrs | May 30 | Armor, sword, banner | Led French army in Hundred Years’ War |
Saint Patrick | Roman Britain | Natural causes | Ireland, engineers, snake catchers | March 17 | Shamrock, snakes, bishop’s staff | Brought Christianity to Ireland |
Saint Therese of Lisieux | Alençon, France | Tuberculosis | Missions, florists, aviators | October 1 | Roses, crucifix | Known as “The Little Flower” |
Saint Nicholas | Myra, Lycia (Turkey) | Natural causes | Children, sailors, merchants | December 6 | Bishop’s mitre, three gold balls | Inspiration for Santa Claus |
Saint Lucy | Syracuse, Sicily | Martyrdom (stabbed/burned) | The blind, eye ailments, writers | December 13 | Eyes on a plate, palm branch | Feast marked by light festivals |
Saint Francis of Assisi | Assisi, Italy | Natural causes | Animals, ecology, merchants | October 4 | Animals, stigmata, brown habit | Founded Franciscan order, loved nature |
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha | Near Albany, USA | Smallpox at 24 | Indigenous peoples, environment | July 14 | Lily, turtle, feather | First Native American saint |
Saint Sebastian | France or Milan | Martyred by arrows, then clubbed | Soldiers, athletes, plague victims | January 20 | Arrows, palm branch | Often shown pierced with arrows |
Saint Catherine of Alexandria | Alexandria, Egypt | Martyred on breaking wheel, then beheaded | Philosophers, students, librarians | November 25 | Wheel, sword, crown | Known for wisdom and debating skills |
Saint Ignatius of Loyola | Basque Country, Spain | Natural causes | Soldiers, educators, retreats | July 31 | Book, pen, flame | Founder of Jesuit order |
Saint Margaret of Scotland | Hungary | Natural causes | Scotland, queens, widows | November 16 | Crown, cross, book | Queen known for charity and reforms |
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary | Kingdom of Hungary | Natural causes | Charitable societies, bakers, widows | November 17 | Crown, roses, basket | Known for caring for poor and sick |
Saint Thomas Aquinas | Roccasecca, Italy | Natural causes | Students, universities, philosophers | January 28 | Book, sun, quill | Great medieval theologian |
Saint Cecilia | Rome, Italy | Martyrdom (beheading/suffocation) | Musicians, poets | November 22 | Musical instruments, palm branch | Feast inspires music festivals |
Saint Joan of Arc | Domrémy, France | Burned at stake | France, soldiers, martyrs | May 30 | Armor, sword, banner | Led French to victory in Hundred Years’ War |
Saint Andrew
Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Cecilia
Saint Christopher
Saint Joan of Arc
Saint Patrick
Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Nicholas
Saint Lucy
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint Sebastian
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Saint Margaret of Scotland
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Saint Thomas Aquinas
| Saint Andrew
Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Cecilia
Saint Christopher
Saint Joan of Arc
Saint Patrick
Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Nicholas
Saint Lucy
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint Sebastian
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Saint Margaret of Scotland
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Saint Thomas Aquinas
|
Saint Andrew, born in Bethsaida, Israel, is famously remembered for his martyrdom on an X-shaped cross, a symbol now immortalized in Scotland’s flag with its deep blue background and white saltire. As the brother of Saint Peter and patron saint of Scotland, fishermen, and singers, he embodies faith and sacrifice, with silver fish scales nodding to his humble beginnings as a fisherman and dark brown representing the wooden cross he bore.
From Lisbon came Saint Anthony of Padua, who passed away from fever yet left a legacy as the patron of lost items, travelers, the poor, and sailors. His iconography shines with pure white lilies symbolizing purity, soft gold halos and infant Jesus figures, and an earthy brown monk’s habit. Sky blue hues evoke the peace he offered to all on their journeys, reflecting his renowned role as a preacher and miracle worker.
In ancient Rome, Saint Cecilia’s story is one of spiritual devotion and martyrdom. Beheaded for her faith, she is celebrated as the patron saint of musicians, poets, and singers. Her tartan blends violet for spirituality and music, gold musical instruments, deep red for martyrdom, and soft green palm branches symbolizing victory over death. Her feast day inspires music festivals in her honor, a timeless celebration of art and faith.
Saint Christopher, born in the region of Canaan or Anatolia, is best known for carrying the Christ child across a dangerous river before being beheaded for his faith. As the patron of travelers, motorists, and athletes, his colors tell a story of journey and protection: forest green for nature, deep blue for water, gold for the Christ child, and dark brown for his staff, accompanied by the loyal gray of his dog.
The fierce and fearless Saint Joan of Arc hailed from Domrémy, France. Burned at the stake for her divine mission, she is the patron of France, soldiers, and martyrs. Her tartan reveals steel gray armor, crimson red for passion and martyrdom, a pure white banner, and golden accents symbolizing her crown and holy inspiration. Joan’s leadership in the Hundred Years’ War remains a powerful testament to courage and faith.
Saint Patrick, originally from Roman Britain, is celebrated for bringing Christianity to Ireland. His story is woven into the vibrant emerald green of the Irish landscape, gold for his bishop’s staff, white for the shamrock he used to teach the Holy Trinity, and black representing the snakes he famously banished. His legacy is one of renewal and spiritual triumph, celebrated every March 17th.
Known as “The Little Flower,” Saint Therese of Lisieux from Alençon, France, is remembered for her gentle spirituality and devotion. She died young of tuberculosis but became the patron saint of missions, florists, and aviators. Her tartan reflects soft pink roses symbolizing love, white for purity, light brown for her humble habit, and pale yellow light, echoing her radiant faith.
Saint Nicholas of Myra, whose kindness inspired the modern Santa Claus, is the beloved patron of children, sailors, and merchants. His colors—red bishop’s robe, white mitre trim, gold three gold balls representing generosity, deep blue for night and sea, and dark brown beard—tell a story of charity and protection that endures through the centuries.
Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Sicily, endured martyrdom through stabbing and burning, becoming the protector of the blind, those with eye ailments, and writers. Her vibrant yellow symbolizes light and vision, white purity, red martyrdom, green palm branches, and silver accents. Her feast day is marked by light festivals, symbolizing hope and enlightenment in the darkest times.
From Assisi, Italy, Saint Francis is beloved for his deep connection to animals and nature. Passing away naturally, he founded the Franciscan order and is patron of animals, ecology, and merchants. His tartan’s earth brown habit, green for nature, soft gray stigmata, and cream peace evoke his humble love for all creation.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint from near Albany, USA, died young of smallpox but is honored for her faith and care for the environment. Her colors—forest green for nature, soft white lily, earth brown reflecting her heritage, turquoise feather, and light blue water—tell a story of resilience and sacred connection to the land.
Saint Sebastian, possibly from France or Milan, was martyred by arrows and clubbed to death, becoming the patron of soldiers, athletes, and plague victims. His deep red symbolizes martyrdom, pale flesh tones his wounds, dark brown his hair, and olive green his soldier’s attire, representing endurance and protection.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, famed for her wisdom and debating skills, was martyred on a breaking wheel before beheading. Patron of philosophers, students, and librarians, her royal purple, gold crown, silver wheel, white purity, and dark blue hues celebrate intellect and faith united.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, from Spain’s Basque Country, died peacefully but left a legacy as founder of the Jesuit order. His tartan’s deep red flame, black robe, white book pages, gold pen and flame, and navy blue reflect his dedication to education, spiritual retreats, and soldierly discipline.
Saint Margaret of Scotland, born in Hungary, was a queen known for her charity and reform. Her colors—royal purple, gold crown, white for charity, emerald green Scotland, and soft pink—embody noble generosity and compassionate leadership.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary devoted her life to caring for the poor and sick, becoming patron of charitable societies, bakers, and widows. Crimson red for charity, gold crown and roses, white purity, earth brown humble service, and soft yellow warmth reflect her enduring legacy of love.
Finally, Saint Thomas Aquinas of Italy, a towering medieval theologian, is patron of students, universities, and philosophers. His deep blue of knowledge, white purity and wisdom, gold halo sun, brown monk’s habit, and gray shades symbolize his profound impact on Christian philosophy and education.