Post #8486 by Tiki King on Tue, Sep 17, 2002 9:53 AM

I have been making my own mugs and molds for about 7 years now. everything said above is true. I started because it seemed pretty simple. Make model, make mold, make mug, make Mai Tai! But have found that it is a lot of work and money for the small batch maker. I only make 50 or so a year for My Luau, and I am pretty happy with that. Granted, I have to start about three months before each year, but I guess it is the price you pay. My success rate is now at about 90%. I had looked into going "commercial", (producing mugs for general sale) but found that unless I jobbed out to Mexico or China like everyone else, it was not very profitable,(unless I sold for an "art" price) and also, I like that my mugs are more of a souvenir than just a purchase. Sometimes I sell a couple after the luau (if there are leftovers) but they usually sell out each year. It is not really "difficult" to produce your own mugs, but it is REALLY messy, very time consuming, fairly expensive, and takes a few go arounds to really get it down. Oh, and did I mention messy? Make sure before you start that your wife/husband/domestic partner/housmates don't mind weeks and weeks of mud on everything inside and outside the house, and then weeks and weeks of clay dust on everything inside and outside, followed by weeks and weeks of finding glaze spatters on everything. Other than that, go to it, and lets see some pics of your creations!