The Bug Mug Method:
In this course, I will guide you through my full creative process, from developing your initial idea and shaping the mug by hand, to sculpting delicate insect details, adding personality, and bringing everything together into a finished piece that feels completely your own.
You’ll learn how to approach hand-building with more confidence, make thoughtful design choices, and create whimsical ceramic pieces that feel playful, polished, and unmistakably handmade.
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MEET YOUR TEACHER
Hi, I'm Haley!
A natural history-inspired artist with a slight bug obsession.
When I'm not running experiments in an immunology lab, you'll usually find me at the pottery studio or tucked into a coffee shop somewhere, sketching whatever's caught my eye. I've been drawing the world around me since I could hold a crayon, and somewhere along the way, that habit turned into bugs, mugs, and clay.
My work is built on close looking, noticing the tiny shapes, textures and details that are so easy to walk straight past. I want every piece I make to feel a little like wandering past the glass cases in a natural history museum, or spotting something small and wonderful halfway through a hike.
The Bug Mug Method is where I finally get to share that whole process with you. I'll show you how I go from observing and sketching a creature to sculpting, attaching, carving, colouring and finishing it in clay, using the same approach I use in my own studio.
And more than anything, I want you to leave feeling ready to look at a tiny creature you love and think, yep... I could make that.
What is Your Ceramic Sculpting Style?
Are you a planner who thrives on precise details, or a free spirit who lets the clay guide the way? Take this quick 6-question quiz to discover if you are a Methodical or Intuitive sculptor, and learn how The Bug Mug Method can help you bring your wildest insect designs to life.
What you'll learn:
A step-by-step method for turning the tiny creatures that inspire you into detailed ceramic pieces that actually survive the kiln.
design your bug mug
I’ll show you how I find references, spot the details that make an insect recognizable, and plan where your little creature will live on the piece.
turn bugs into clay
Learn how I simplify complicated insect anatomy into shapes that are much less intimidating to sculpt.
sculpt, attach & detail
We’ll build your creature, attach delicate parts securely, and add all those tiny carved textures, legs and antennae without losing our minds.
bring it to life with color
I’ll show you how I layer underglaze, depth and variation so your bug feels lively rather than flat.
glaze, fire & finish
Learn how I approach glazing and firing, troubleshoot the fiddly bits, and help your Bug Mug make it through the kiln in one piece.
The Bug Mug Method
Inside 30+ step-by-step videos across 10 modules, I'll show you how I take an insect from reference and sketch all the way to clay. We'll sculpt, attach, carve, colour, glaze and fire together, so you can understand the method behind my Bug Mugs and start creating tiny clay creatures of your own.
Lifetime Access
Come back whenever you need a refresher, a little reminder, or another look at those tiny legs.
Learn Anywhere
Watch on desktop, tablet or phone and work through the lessons at your own pace.
Studio Demonstrations
Follow along as I show you the real process, the fiddly bits included, straight from my studio.
Step-by-Step Guidance
We'll move from observation and planning to sculpting, colour and firing, one tiny creature step at a time.
kind words from fellow pottery people
A few lovely notes from people who share my appreciation for clay, tiny creatures, and mugs that are perhaps a little more bug-filled than strictly necessary.
"Haley's work brings so much joy to my home. Every detail feels so thoughtful and alive."
Maya
"The bugs, the colors, the textures, it's clear how much love goes into every piece."
Sophie
"I've never seen mugs that feel this playful and unique. They're pure little works of art."
Clara
Let's Connect!
Questions about bugs, mugs, or anything in between? I’d love to hear from you! Just fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
