Post #403557 by MadDogMike on Sun, Aug 24, 2008 8:40 AM

Nevermind Bohemiann, he's just jealous because he has to BUY all of his mugs :)

Kiyosai, I'm no artist but I have made a few mugs with the help of some great people on this board. Here are a couple of great threads to get you started:

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=28065&forum=18
By Babalu & Bowana. Lots of great info on mold making and some info about making a clay master.

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=18329&forum=18&start=30
Here's an older thread by HMC. He went as far as to create a silcone master from his clay sculpt. Unless you plan on making hundred of mugs from the same design, that's probably not needed.

Network with local ceramics artists, even if they are not tikiphiles. I spoke with an instructor at my local Jr College (do you have those in Canada?), if you have a local ceramics supply store talk to them. Read a book or two. I called artists I knew who did not do ceramics and asked them if they knew any ceramics artists. I found a person who would fire my mugs for $40 a kiln-load, I found an awesome Tiki Central mentor (Babalu) in my area who fired several mugs for me for free, then I bought a small used kiln for $150.

Slipcasting is well within the reach of anyone with a little creativity and a little mechanical ability, I say go for it!