After shaping and enclosing the sugar jars for my mom’s 70th birthday, it was time to bring them to life with color and detail. I love this stage of the process—when raw clay transforms into something finished, functional, and personal. It often takes me a while to plan out exactly how I want t finish the work. I recommend experimenting and testing ideas before the final decisions are made.
Experimenting with Surface Design
Before glazing, I played around with Underglaze Transfers and slip trailing, testing different textures and patterns on the jars. I wanted them to have a sense of playfulness while still feeling elegant enough for a special gift. Seeing the jars in their raw, bisque-fired state made me excited for the next step—glazing!
The Glaze Plan & a Surprise Outcome
For the main color, I dipped the jars in a Robin’s Egg Blue glaze from Minnesota Clay Co., expecting soft, layered variations in blues where the white slip showed through. When I pulled them from the kiln, I found that the white details had almost disappeared! The glaze had melted more evenly than I expected, leaving a smooth, monochromatic finish. While still beautiful, It felt cold, and somber. I wanted a little more contrast, a little bit of light - something that would make the details pop.
A Touch of Gold
To elevate the design, I decided to add a final hand-painted layer of Mayco gold luster. This was the perfect finishing touch—bringing warmth, subtle shine, and definition to the jars. The moment I saw them catching the light, I knew they had become something truly special.
The Best Part: The Gift Reveal
After all the throwing, glazing, and experimenting, the best moment by far was watching my mom open her gift. Seeing her reaction made every step of the process worth it. Now, her custom sugar jars sit right by her coffee maker, a little daily reminder of love, creativity, and the joy of handmade things.
My mom and I usually have coffee and FaceTime together every weekend—our little ritual to catch up and stay connected. Creating these sugar jars was my way of celebrating those moments, a small reminder of how special our time together truly is.
Love you Momma! Happy Birthday!
And to everyone else,
Keep Embracing Your Inner Crazy!
Cheers!
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