Mugs are very important to me.  As a child, I noticed they were more heat and cold resistant than glasses, and they always have that useful handle.  However my parents either bought mugs that were more tea cups – too thin – or there was their Starbucks mug collection, which was not so nice to look at.

So in my college years I began to buy cheap graphic mugs, things that said “I’m drinking this for your own protection,” or “I like a little coffee with my coffee.”  But these mugs still weren’t well-engineered, and honestly, not too funny.  So after college I began collecting mugs from my favorite shops as souvenirs, and only if they were well made – from the handmade ice cream shop, from the cafe, etc.  Although I had logos all over the place, I wasn’t yet happy.

Then as a wedding present, a friend of my husband’s gave us a handful of completely mismatching, handmade mugs.  The glaze reminded me of when I was really little, when an aunt of mine would take me to her kiln and show me her creations.  These mugs, though perhaps a little sloppily made, were nice and thick, well-designed, and the glaze was the real thing.  So I have started a new venture, that is of investing signigicant money (significant to me that is) in one beautiful, functional handmade mug at a time.

I have two so far. The aim is to eventually overwhelm the kitchen.

Wish me luck.