Skull of My Enemy Mugs

One day in 2019 my older sister text me out of the blue, as she does occasionally, with a request: I need a skull of my enemy mug. As per usual, I asked for a reference photo, and she provided one. A lifelike human skull with a handle, basically. Yeah, I think I can make that happen.

And, I did. This first one is still the best one, honestly. I spent a lot of time on it.

At that time I had just realized that using a wash method with black underglaze should be a no-brainer (it takes me a minute to catch on sometimes) when it comes to bringing out the details. Also, I knew I wanted it to be bare clay on the outside; this stoneware clay is very bone-like. So, before the bisque, he got a black wash.

Oh, and also there are two in this first batch. One for each of my sisters, obviously, because the younger one needed a skull mug, too.

The first two turned out beautifully, and an actual doctor told me that he was impressed with my rendering of a human skull. Yeah, I’ll take that compliment gladly!

The interiors also got black washed and clear glazed, along with the rims and the handles.

My sis let us know that she’s the only one who is allowed to drink out of that mug in her house, as she’s serving my husband coffee in it. Also, they say “My enemy” on the back. I went back and forth on that detail, but ultimately concluded that it was necessary.

The design evolved, as is usually the case, and basically all of the ones I have made since the first two have sold either in person or on Etsy.

Then, I had the bright idea that the handle could also be bone. So, the next round I did that. Also, I tested brown underglaze and a full clear glaze. I think that the naked clay with black underglaze is still the winner.

Those ones all sold prior to Christmas 2020, so I’ve been out of stock for a minute. Someone should really do something about that… Oh, yeah! I am doing something about it.

The smaller one…

I can never just make ONE of anything. I blame my pottery teacher, who often said “That’s lovely! Now throw 12 more.” (I love you, Cynthia!)

These guys are made from a stoneware clay that has grog in it, so I’ll give them a black wash after the bisque firing and a good sanding. They are, hopefully, in the kiln right now! I’ll know when I get into the studio tomorrow.

I’m just going to keep making these, and you can order your own in the NWB Shop any time! Production is 4 to 6 weeks, and you can customize the finish options to your heart’s desire.