Our Mug and Tumbler Moulds are a fantastic option for creating cups, mugs, vases and other vessels in consistent styles and sizes using the slab method.
Here are our steps and tips for using Fin Pottery Tools® Mug and Tumbler Moulds.
A note on your clay slab
Using fresh, wet clay from the bag can result in a mug that is stuck to the mould and tricky to remove without the use of compressed air to release it.
We recommend leaving your prepared slab of clay to firm up until it's at "soft leather hard" stage before forming around the Mug/Tumbler Mould. You want the slab to be wet enough to not crack, but firm enough to hold its shape and not be plastic or overly floppy. We like to roll a 6mm (1/4 inch) thick slab and sandwich it between two boards of plasterboard/drywall to speed up the process and keep the slab flat. Depending on how wet your clay is, this drying takes between 30-90 minutes.
Alternatively, if you're in a rush or prefer using wetter clay, you can sprinkle corn starch on top of the clay slab prior to forming around the mould, or cover the mould in nylon pantyhose/stocking before moulding the clay around it. These methods will help release the clay from the mould.
Mug and tumbler slab template guide
| 8cm Mug Mould | Cut rectangular slab 10cm tall and 28cm wide |
| 9cm Mug Mould | Cut rectangular slab 10cm tall and 31cm wide |
| 10cm Mug Mould | Cut rectangular slab 10cm tall and 34cm wide |
| 11cm Mug Mould | Cut rectangular slab 10cm tall and 37cm wide |
| 8cm Tumbler Mould | Cut rectangular slab 13cm tall and 28cm wide |
| 9cm Tumbler Mould | Cut rectangular slab 13cm tall and 31cm wide |
| 10cm Tumbler Mould | Cut rectangular slab 13cm tall and 34cm wide |
| 11cm Tumbler Mould | Cut rectangular slab 13cm tall and 37cm wide |
We recommend cutting out cardboard templates using this guide and using these when creating mugs and tumblers.
For the mug/tumbler base (the circular piece), use the flat bottom of the mould as a guide to cut a circle the correct diameter.
How to make a mug using a mug mould
- Roll an even rectangular slab 6mm (1/4") thick and use the template guide above to cut the base and wall pieces for your mug/tumbler. Leave pieces to firm up until soft leather hard (see clay notes above).
- When the clay is firm enough to handle, use a bevel cutter or knife to create a 45-degree bevel on one of the short sides of the rectangular slab. Flip the slab horizontally so that the unbevelled edge is now in the position as the first edge you just bevelled (so the two bevelled edges match up), and make another bevel cut. Score and slip these two bevelled edges.
- Now, place the mug form on top of the rectangular slab at one short end, and "roll" the clay and the form until the two short bevelled edges meet. Roll backwards and forwards over this join to ensure it is compressed and well connected. Use fingers and/or rib to smooth this join. Mould the clay around the bottom curve of the mould to prepare for the base attachment.
- It's now time to attach the base of the mug to the wall you've just created. Turn the mould so the flat base is flush with your work surface. Score and slip the bottom of the mug wall, as well as the circle of clay that will become the mug base. Attach the two pieces and smooth the join.
- Flip the mould again so the rim is now facing up. If there is excess clay on the rim, use a knife to cut off. Once you have tidied the rim and mug exterior, you can remove the mould.
Tip: Don't leave the mug on the mould for so long that the clay shrinks, as this can cause cracks and will make it tricky to remove from the mould. - Attach the Base/Handle to the mould, then gently support the mug while you pull and spin the Base/Handle and remove the mould.
Tip: If your mug is stuck to the form, gently pry the mug rim away from the mould and try again. You can also shoot compressed air to release the clay if suction has formed between the clay and mould. If you're having sticking issues, please refer to the clay note above; your slab may be too wet to work with). - Once you have removed the mug form, smooth the interior joins. Allow the mug to firm up upside down (on its rim) until leather hard before adding a handle (if you prefer) and tidying the clay. Once you're happy with your mug, leave to dry slowly under plastic. Then, once bone-dry, bisque fire, glaze, then glaze fire.
We hope you love using these mug forms! While they might take a little getting used to if you're new to mug-making, once you've practised a few times, you'll be pumping out beautiful, consistent mugs that everyone will love.
Be sure to tag us on social media (@finpotterytools) so we can see and reshare your work!
