How Our Mugs Are Made

Every Onward Artifact mug starts long before it reaches your hands. These aren’t mass-produced objects. They are shaped, formed, finished, and inspected through a series of careful, human steps that honor the craft of ceramics.

We work with clay that’s selected for its strength, texture, and feel. It begins as raw material that’s refined and prepared for shaping. From there, each piece is formed in molds, giving it structure and character. Because each mug is handled rather than automated, no two are exactly the same. Subtle variations in shape or texture are part of what makes handmade ceramics special.

Once formed, every mug is trimmed and smoothed. It’s given time to dry, then it’s fired in a kiln to harden. After that first firing, it’s ready for glaze. We use thoughtfully chosen glazes that are mixed with intention, and each mug is dipped. The application of glaze — the way it flows, collects, and dries — adds its own signature to each piece.

After glazing, mugs go back into the kiln for a second firing. This step sets the finish and gives the clay and glaze their final strength, color, and surface feel. Once they come out of the kiln, each mug is inspected one last time, then packaged with care for you.

Because this is a handcrafted process, you may notice tiny irregularities in shape, color, or finish. We see these as evidence of real making — the human touch in every mug — and we hope you do too.

This process isn’t fast, and it isn’t simple. It’s slow, deliberate, and full of intention — just like the work you pour into your own day, every day.