June's Mug of the Month is Here: Gerri vonHofen

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Final Reflections – June’s Mug of the Month

When I say the process of designing and creating the June Mug of the Month was a challenge, I truly mean it—but in the best way. This journey has been an incredible learning experience, not just in clay, but in discovering more about myself as an artist and as a person.

With no formal training, I stepped into this project knowing I had a lot to learn. But thanks to the patient guidance of Septimus and the support of my generous and talented guildmates—thank you all!—this old nurse found her footing. I developed new technical skills while also learning to look inward and trust my own creative instincts. Clay became more than just a material—it became a means of expression.

The mug’s design—a simple cylinder with a clean foot—might seem basic at first glance, but everything else about it was deeply intentional and anything but simple. The dramatic curved handle was both a visual focal point and a technical hurdle. Because it needed to be attached early in the drying process, I had to closely monitor the clay’s moisture level—something that shifted with each batch thanks to our unpredictable Western PA weather.

The carved design was deeply personal, created as a tribute to a dear friend.  My drawing was translated into a custom laser cut rubber stamp. This allowed me the ability to apply ink line impressions into the cylinder for the next carving steps.

Trimming became a careful balancing act, made trickier by the early handle attachment, but with a Giffin Grip®, a level, and firm sponges, I was able to achieve the crisp foot I had envisioned.

Perhaps the most time-consuming part of this project was discovering the right glaze outcome. Through many application techniques including, dip, spray and brush applied to many test tiles, I finally landed on Mayco® Blue Surf—a soft, surf-toned stoneware glaze that complemented the carving without overpowering it. Every glaze was applied by hand, and each batch was fired to cone 6, allowing me to fine-tune the results and bring out the depth of the design.

This mug tested me in every way—creatively, technically, and emotionally. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me to trust the process and, more importantly, to trust myself. I am proud of what I’ve created, not just because of how it looks, but because of the story and growth it represents.

Being part of the PennOhio Clay Guild has been an incredible gift. I’m grateful to be part of a community that supports exploration, encourages growth, and makes space for everyone to express themselves through clay.

~ Gerri