Charm Mug Experiment

Home & Garden Completed Projects
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It’s not too much of an experiment, since the wire is specifically high temp material, but I finally got around to playing around with the idea of using kanthal wire to add a charm to a mug! This takes a lot of advance planning compared to my usual methods (which are often just chaos) and for that, I am proud. :rofl:

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Immediately after throwing the mug body, I smoothed in the little alcove on the side, and then I added a wire loop when I was trimming and the clay was a little stiffer.
Then I carved the 'ōhi’a pattern and added some underglaze for the flowers.

I also handbuilt the little 'i’iwi bird separately and added a wire.

After they were done being fired (separately), I used a sterling silver jump ring to connect the loops and voila! It worked! (Although, finagling a jump ring in that limited space is a bit finickier than it feels like it should be!)

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My only reservation is that it is no longer microwave safe, due to the metal pieces. Oh well.

I do really like how it came out, though, so I need to get going on some more!

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That is amazing! what a clever idea! And a beautiful mug.

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What a unique idea! This is such a beautiful piece, I love the way you worked the colors throughout the mug. That hanging bird is a really fun touch!

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Absolutely gorgeous and such a cool idea. I adore the colors and the charm. It might be hand-wash, no microwave, but 100% worth it for such a lovely cup.

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Whoa, this is so cool! I had no idea that was possible! I think not being microwaveable is a good trade off for something so cool!

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Beautiful mug. :purple_heart::purple_heart: This is such a fun idea with so many ideas to turn it to! A ghost charm would be absolutely adorable too!

Is it dishwasher safe? I think that’s more important than being microwave safe personally.

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What a creative idea! Something like this never would have occurred to me.

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Thanks all!
@Manders, I don’t have a dishwasher to do any testing, but I think it would be better to not go in there, just in case it would clang the little bird around.

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How cool is this???

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It’s awesome!

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The mug is so beautiful! Even without the charm, its stunning, but the bird puts it over the edge. Gorgeous work. Love the colors.

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This is a delight! The carving and colors, the detailing on the feet and handle! And then that charming bird! Pun intended.

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So unique and pretty! I have a special plain mug I use to microwave stuff and then I just pour it into my handmade mugs. It is worth it to look at something so lovely.

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That’s absolutely genius! Who cares if it’s not microwave safe? In my opinion it’s an amazing piece of art. And art doesn’t need to functional in every way.

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Absolutely stunning! :heart_eyes: A true “art” mug. Also, 'ōhi’a is my favorite Hawaiian flower. :heart: I know for special mugs that I want (or need) to protect, my husband and I keep a basic, easy to clean microwaveable mug at the coffee station on our counter and just pour anything that needs to be re-heated into that one, then pour it back. :slight_smile:

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This mug is wonderful!
The bird charm is such a touch of whimsy, it’s just great!

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Absolutely stunning. Not a mug, but a moving little work of art.

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Aww, yall are the best! Thank you so much!

@AIMR and @EriChanHime, that’s a good idea to keep a “microwave” mug handy!

@Silky_Bee heehee, I personally don’t like reheated coffee very much, but my partner likes to reheat all day long, so I’m always afraid to make things that can’t go in the microwave!

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:sun_with_face: :orange_heart: :fire: Hot dang! Your awesome creation is a Featured Project this week! :fire: :orange_heart: :sun_with_face:

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Oh cool! Thank you so much!