How to Mark Ceramic Mugs

A ceramicist's mark is a unique design that identifies a piece with a specific artist, just like the signature of a painting. The tradition of placing artist's or maker's marks has been followed by individuals and companies for hundreds of years. Although they serve a utilitarian purpose these marks may be elaborately decorative, works of art in their own right. Seize the opportunity for creativity by leaving your signature on every piece you make; after all you never know whose mug your mug may meet.

Things You'll Need

• Unfired ceramic mug
• Food-safe ceramics glaze
• Carving tools
• Clay
• Kiln

Instructions

Stamped Mark

1. Wrap the mug loosely in thick plastic and allow to dry until leather-hard; at this stage clay will not be deformed by gentle-handling but is still soft enough to hold an impression. This may take up to three days depending on the type of clay, form of the vessel and thickness of its walls.

2. Use a moist sponge to dampen the area you wish to mark. Most ceramicists leave their mark on the underside of the piece.

3. 

   Consider ordering a custom wax stamper to mark your mugs.

   Depress a stamp into the clay while providing support from the inside of the vessel. You may use a store-bought stamp or shape your own stamps out of clay and bisque fire them to withstand multiple uses.

4. Finish the mug--smooth the clay, trim any excess, apply handles and paint--as desired. Avoid brushing the stamped area to prevent the pressure from damaging the image.

Paint-Stamped Mark

1. Finish the mug as described.

2. Dry the mug before painting. The clay must be completely dry in order to accept the paint.

3. 

   Inexpensive craft foam can be used to stamp paint.

   Apply paint to a rubber or foam stamp and tamp the extra paint onto a paper towel. Roll the stamp against the surface of the mug from left to right and lift away to leave a clean impression without paint seeping around the edges of the stamp.

4. Dry the mug overnight. Fire and glaze as desired.

Carved Mark

1. Dry the mug until it is leather-hard and suitable for carving.

2. Draw a design on a piece of paper. Place the drawing against the mug and use a pencil to trace the lines. The pressure will transfer the image to the clay.

3. Carve the mark into the mug. Vary the depth and angle of each cut to add visual interest to the piece.

4. Finish the piece. Dust the area and remove debris from the mug. Add handle if desired. Allow to dry. Paint, glaze and fire as needed.

Painted Mark

1. Rest the mug until it is bone dry.

2. Finish the piece and paint as desired. Paint your mark in a color that is distinguishable from the base coat.

3. Fire and glaze.

Tips & Warnings

• Although many marks are made on the bottom of mugs, you can place your signature wherever you wish. Consider stamping the inside of the mug, carving into the lip, or impressing the inside of the handle.

• When working with dry clay precautions should always be followed to avoid the inhalation of loose dust.

• Always use food-safe paint and glazes if you intend to eat or drink from your vessels.

• Never eat or drink while working on ceramics. Ingestion of the materials is hazardous.

References

• Stein Collectors International: The Basic Marks
• Pottery Marks: International Ceramics Directory
• The Painted Bisquet: How It Works

Resources

• Suzi Rhae's Art: How To Make Clay Stamps