Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Studio Series: Attempting the Viral Quilt Mug

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The internet has fallen in love with the viral quilt mug trend—bright geometric patterns that look like fabric blocks stitched together on clay. In this video, the creator takes inspiration from the legendary Emma Bridgewater and shows us how to recreate this patchwork pottery look at home.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ceramicist looking for a fresh decorating idea, this project combines foam stamping, underglaze work, and patience into a playful experiment that feels equal parts art and craft.

 

What You’ll Need

  • Stoneware or earthenware mug (pre-thrown or slab-built) 
  • Foam sheet or sponge for DIY stamp-making 
  • Underglazes in bright, contrasting colors 
  • Carving or craft knife (for cutting stamps) 
  • Brushes & sponges for applying color 
  • Clear glaze (optional for a glossy finish) 

Step-by-Step: Making a Quilt-Inspired Mug

1. Create Your Foam Stamps

Cut simple geometric shapes (squares, diamonds, circles) from foam sheets. These act like printing blocks, giving you crisp, repeatable shapes.

Tip: Keep the designs bold and simple—tiny details may blur when stamping underglaze.

2. Plan Your Quilt Pattern

Before stamping, sketch out a patchwork grid on paper or directly on the mug with a light pencil. Quilt designs thrive on symmetry and rhythm, so map your layout for best results.

3. Stamp with Underglaze

Dip each foam stamp into underglaze and press firmly onto the leatherhard mug surface. Alternate colors to create contrast, much like arranging fabric quilt blocks.

Pro Tip: Rotate and flip the stamps occasionally—quilts are all about variation!

4. Fill in Details

After the main pattern is down, use a fine brush to sharpen lines, touch up edges, or add small accents. This step makes the design feel crisp and intentional.

5. Glaze & Fire

Once the underglaze design is complete and dried, apply a clear glaze to seal and brighten the colors. Fire according to your clay and glaze instructions.

Why This Project is Worth Trying

  • Beginner-Friendly: Foam stamps are cheap and easy to make. 
  • Customizable: Change the color palette to match your kitchen or gift theme. 
  • Trendy & Shareable: Quilt mugs are exploding on Instagram and Pinterest—it’s the kind of craft that stops the scroll.

 

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Raven Pottery Slab-Building Template

Ravens have always carried a sense of mystery and symbolism—wisdom, transformation, and even a touch of magic. So when I saw this Raven Clay Template for slab building, I knew it was one of those tools that could bring incredible personality to pottery projects. Whether you’re into rustic farmhouse vibes or something a little more mystical, this template opens the door to endless creative possibilities.

This listing provides a printable pottery template designed to help you create a striking raven form out of clay slabs. With its bold silhouette and curved detailing, the template makes it simple to cut, shape, and assemble a piece that feels sculptural, even if you’re relatively new to clay work.

Why It’s Special

  • Symbolic Subject: Ravens bring depth and meaning, making your piece more than just decorative.

  • Beginner-Friendly: Templates save you from freehand drawing and ensure consistent proportions.

  • Statement Piece: The finished raven works beautifully as wall art, a garden feature, or a standalone sculpture.

  • Flexible Use: Perfect for ceramics, air-dry clay, or even paper craft if you want to experiment.

Ideas for Makers

  • Glaze in deep blacks and metallics for a dramatic, gothic-style raven.

  • Use matte, natural tones for a more organic, rustic effect.

  • Add surface texture—like feathers, symbols, or carved details—for extra personality.

  • Create a series of ravens in different sizes for a striking wall display.

Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are a fantastic way to stretch your creativity without feeling overwhelmed. You get the framework of a powerful, symbolic shape, but how you finish it is entirely up to you. Whether your style leans toward folklore, fantasy, or farmhouse, this raven will find a place in your clay story.

You can grab it here: Raven Pottery Slab-Building Template on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I spotlight creative clay tools and templates that make hand-building both approachable and inspiring. And this raven template? It’s one that’s sure to take center stage in any collection.