Ceramic Stoneware Coffee or Tea Mug with Thumb Rest

Welcome to Lost Mountain Pottery where you will find handmade pottery.

Hi my name is Robin and I am the artisan behind every piece I make. I have had my hands in clay for about 20 years. This is my passion and I want to share it with you!

There is a special experience when you hold a piece of handmade pottery in your hands.Take a mug for example; I believe everyone should have at least one handmade mug in their workplace and home. This mug isn’t just a vessel; it’s a cozy companion on chilly mornings, a reminder to slow down and savor the moment. With every touch, it evokes a sense of home, comfort, and authenticity—elevating an everyday ritual into a special moment worth savoring. That one handmade mug becomes your “go to” each time you have a cup of coffee or tea. Each sip becomes an experience of pure warmth, evoking a sense of calm and tranquility. The weight of the mug is reassuring—sturdy but not heavy—adding to the sense of connection between you and your drink.

No two pieces of pottery are identical. Just as you are unique and have your own personality so does each piece. When you look at your decorative/functional bowl or tray on your counter, you know that no one else in the world has one just the same. It is as unique as you are. As you hold it, it feels warm with depth, soul, and history.

Making pots is one of the oldest art forms in history. This is part of the charm and I am honored to be a part of that. My mission is to make beautiful pottery for you so you can fill your home with one of a kind pieces. I hope my passion for pottery ignites a passion in you too! And know that each piece I make is made for you, with love and joy.

THE PROCESS

Each piece is hand-made whether on the potters wheel, by hand-building, or a combination of both methods. Once the piece is formed it sits until it is dry. This could take days to weeks. Then it is put in the kiln for its first firing. This is called the Bisque firing which is unglazed and prepares the piece for glazing. It takes about 12 hours to complete. Now the piece is ready for the glaze application. Once the glaze is dry it is time for the 2nd firing, the Glaze firing. It is fired to a very high temperature of 2260' F. Now the "magic" happens. The piece becomes strong, non-porous, the glaze melts, and becomes glass-like. It will take 7-12 hours. Now comes the hardest part of the process for all potters....waiting...waiting for the kiln to cool. At this point all I can think about is when that kiln lid can be opened so I can see how things turned out. It is always like a surprise party! Because there are so many variables which cannot all be controlled, the end result is always a surprise. Some wonderful and some not so much. But it is always very exciting!