Make a Mug with Heart – Using Relyef’s Heart on a Mug Cutters
You don’t need a potter’s wheel to make your own mug. In fact, you don’t even need to be a professional potter. All it takes is some clay, a few basic tools, and a little creativity.
This guide is perfect for beginner ceramicists or hobbyists looking to dive into hand-building techniques. Let’s walk through a simple and satisfying project — making a charming mug with a heart-shaped handle using a slab of clay and the Relyef Heart on a Mug Cutters set.
What You’ll Need
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Clay slab (approx. 3 mm thick)
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Cylindrical object (e.g. a tin can or jar)
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Newspaper
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Scoring tool and slip
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Modeling tools (for cleaning up seams)
- Heart on a Mug Cutters by Relyef
Step 1: Create the Mug Body
Start by rolling out a slab of clay about 3 mm thick. For an even and consistent thickness, you can use our Relyef Tabletop Slab Roller - a handy tool that makes slab preparation quick and precise.
Wrap your chosen cylindrical object (like a can) in newspaper. This will act as your form and help you easily remove the clay later. Carefully wrap the slab around the cylinder, score and slip the edges, and blend them together. Now you’ve got the basic body of your mug!
Before removing the form, cut out and attach a base for your mug using the same slab. Smooth the seam both inside and out.
TIP: It’s a good idea to gently press the bottom of the mug inward — this creates a slight inward curve that helps your mug sit more stably on flat surfaces.
Step 2: Add Texture or Decorative Elements
At this stage, while the clay is still supported by the form, it’s a great time to add any texture, stamps or slab-cut decorations. The firm backing makes it easier to press details in cleanly and accurately.
If you’re using slab-cut decorations, apply them carefully and clean the edges before attachment. A smooth transition between decoration and mug wall makes a big difference in the final piece.
Step 3: Craft the Heart Handle
Now, let’s make that sweet, signature heart-shaped handle!
This is where the Heart on a Mug Cutters by Relyef come into play.
Use the cutter to create a heart shape from a thicker slab of clay — this will serve as your handle. For added comfort, you can reinforce the edges with a thin coil of clay to make it more ergonomic.
Score and slip the attachment points on both the heart and the mug wall. Gently press the heart into place. To secure it, add small clay coils to the sides and blend them smoothly into the mug wall. Use a modeling stick to clean and compress the join from the inside as well.
Let your mug dry slowly to avoid cracking.
Step 4: Fire and Finish
Once fully dry, bisque fire your mug, glaze it as desired, and fire it again to maturity. Then it’s time to fill it with your favorite hot drink and enjoy the handmade love in every sip.
Bonus Ideas for the Heart Cutters
Don’t stop at mugs! The Heart on a Mug Cutters set is also perfect for:
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Holiday ornaments
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Personalized gift tags
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Table place cards for special occasions
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Romantic décor for ceramics or mixed media crafts
Make with Heart
This project is a great reminder that pottery doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little patience, the right tools, and a bit of imagination, even beginners can create something both functional and heartfelt.
Ready to get started?
Explore the Heart on a Mug Cutters.
For more inspiration, explore our texture tools.
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