July Mug of the Month is Here: Frank Parker

July Mugs are Sold Out!

We’ve reached the end of the trail — though at times, it felt more like the end of a trial. Today, the mugs came out of the kiln, and I’m happy to say they turned out just as I had hoped.

This Mug of the Month opportunity with the PennOhio Clay Guild has been both a challenge and a gift. It pushed me to design, make, and glaze a set of mugs that not only tell a story, but also taught me new skills along the way. Now, I can take a deep breath, step back, and reflect on the results.  Challenges remain, but I am better for it.

From Idea to Inspiration

I began with a vision: a mug decorated with painted tree imagery, inspired by my own watercolor tree paintings. I knew I wanted to translate that painting style into clay using underglazes. It was a process of testing and discovery — multiple test tiles, a few failed mugs, and many experiments with how glazes and underglazes interact.

Techniques That Brought the Trees to Life

To give the trees depth and texture, I used a combination of slip-trailing, carving, and chattering. The steps went something like this:

1. Throwing the Mug Body – shaping each piece on the wheel.

2. Leather-Hard Stage – trimming, chattering the bottoms and bases, and adding slip-trailed tree designs.

3. Handle Attachment – carefully balancing form and comfort.

4. Carving & Adding Coconuts – yes, coconuts, because details matter.

5. Slow Drying & Bisque Fire – patience is key here.

6. Underglaze Painting – nearly two hours per mug, painting each tree with care.

7. Final Glaze & Firing – completed right here at our Guild.

Lessons and Next Steps

Every stage had something to teach me, but the underglaze painting was where I truly felt the rhythm of the work. I now have even more ideas for future underglaze projects.

My journey in ceramics began years ago, growing slowly but steadily. Every time I sit at the wheel, I marvel at transforming mud into something useful, beautiful, and lasting.

As I hold one of these finished mugs, I see not just a cup for coffee or tea, but a record of curiosity, trial, and growth. And that, I think, is worth raising a mug to.

~Frank