Embrace your Curves
Handcrafted Pottery Celebrating Every Body
How it started
Initially, Milk Mugs'n Jugs was an accident. I created the first cup during a ceramics class when we were instructed to build a set of functional dishware centered around a current social issue. I chose to research how women's bodies were being portrayed in media by juxtaposing idealized body shapes with more realistic curves. After enough feedback and requests, I finally decided to continue producing the mugs as a real business venture. Since summer of 2018, I’ve had the opportunity to see my mugs end up in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the California Coast, and almost everywhere in between.
Tessa Wheeler is the maker behind Milk Mugs ‘n Jugs, a collection of mugs and planters that feature all kinds of feminine shapes and sizes. What started as an assignment for a college ceramics class has evolved into a line of products that encourages body positivity and celebrates the female form, with all its curves and imperfections.
A look into the process
Each mug is hand thrown on the wheel and then sculpted and detailed with care. Some are made from beautiful dark clays while others showcase speckles atop a creamy base clay.
After each mug is formed, it must become “bone dry” and sent through the kiln for its first firing, a bisque, at around 1800 degrees.
After the bisque firing, glaze can be applied and the piece is again sent through the kiln for a final firing. Glazes range from bright pinks to matte white, neon yellow, subdued blues, and drippy turquoise with magenta accents. One of my favorite glazes, Mirror Black, comes out so chromatic that you can see the entire room reflected on its surface.
Finally, it comes out smooth and shiny - ready to hold the perfect cup of coffee or your favorite succulent! This final step is what coats the clay body, making it food-safe, dishwasher compatible, microwaveable, and even oven-safe.
Accomplishments to celebrate
The Milk Mugs’n Jugs shop has reached over 10.2K views.
Milk Mugs’n Jugs was selected to be a part of Annet Mahendru’s fundraiser, “Tacos for Tatas!” All proceeds went towards not-for-profit corporation, BreastfeedLA.
Recruited to partner with Madewell for a pop-up and local initiative.
Each piece is unique and made entirely by hand - no two pieces are the same! Every curve, detail, and handle are made with love.
Over 500 pieces have been created and shipped to customers, with a 5-star satisfaction rate.
@milkmugsnjugs has over 1,700 followers on Instagram reaching people everywhere from the USA to the UK and Australia to Italy.
