How To Make a Cappuccino Mug

Pottery is a fun, relaxing craft. The feel of the sleek, wet clay in your hands is a great way to unwind  as you shape and mold the clay into a  work of art. For the beginning potter, simple pieces are the best way to start as you gain experience on the wheel. A terrific project for the beginner in the world of pottery is a cappuccino mug. Here are some step by step instructions for making a simple cappuccino mug.

• To begin, start with a bit of clay placed in the middle of your pottery wheel. Cappuccino mugs are wide and shallow, therefore, the glob of clay you begin with should be approximately four inches wide by two to three inches in height.
• Create a hole in the middle of your clay. Smooth out the inside of the clay on the wheel until you have acquired an all over thickness of approximately one quarter inch.
• Gradually form out the edges of your clay by carefully pulling it toward yourself. Continue this until all sides of your mug are completely straight. Using a sponge, smooth and curve the rim of the mug before finishing.
• To remove the mug from the pottery wheel, take a string or wire cutter and carefully cut through the bottom of the clay, as close to the wheel as you can. Put the mug aside and cover.  Allow the clay to dry a little.
• To form the handle of your mug, start with a small amount of clay. Hold the clay securely in your weakest hand. Moisten your other hand in water. Carefully begin pulling, squeezing and shaping the clay until you have lengthened the clay and formed it into a tube shape.
• Roll the clay to form it into a long tubular shape. Be sure to keep all sides even. Keep on forming and molding the clay until the handle is the size you want. Remove excess clay and set handle aside.
• Once your mug has dried just enough to be worked with without becoming misshapen, carefully score the mug in the place where you wish to attach the handle. Place the mug upside down and then score your handle also. Firmly but gently, secure your handle into the scores of the mug. Gently smooth over any marks made during this process. Set your mug aside and let dry entirely, then fire it.

The finished project should be a simple, nice, hand-crafted cappuccino mug.