Ancient Copper and Seaweed over Obsidian by Elisabeth Ashley

Stoneware Mugs by Elisabeth Ashley

Every pot that comes out of the kiln tells a story. Some are experiments that fall flat, some bring small surprises, and every now and then, there’s a piece that feels like a little triumph. This mug is one of those — a moment where the glazes came together exactly as intended.

Elisabeth began with AMACO Obsidian for the interior and the upper portion of the exterior. On its own, Obsidian is a deep, glossy black, but the magic began when she brushed AMACO Seaweed over Obsidian. That combination created movement and life on the surface, shifting into vibrant tones of blue and green. Seaweed over Obsidian doesn’t just sit flat; it glows, catching light in a way that resembles sunlight shimmering on water.

To balance this cool play of color, Elisabeth turned to AMACO Ancient Copper for the base. Its warmth rises upward into the layered section, where it meets the Seaweed over Obsidian in a soft, organic transition. The effect is like the natural edge between land and water, grounding the piece without breaking its flow.

When the mug emerged from the kiln, the success was clear. The deep strength of Obsidian, the vibrant glow of Seaweed over Obsidian, and the earthy richness of Ancient Copper all worked together in harmony. The result was more than a functional mug — it became a quiet reflection of the sea.

• Clay body: Laguna Bmix 5
• Inside:
  • AMACO Obsidian x3
  • AMACO Seaweed x3
• Outside:
  • AMACO Obsidian top 2/3 x3
  • AMACO Seaweed top 2/3 x3 with some overlap
  • AMACO Ancient Copper bottom x3 bottom 1/3
• Fired to Cone 5

Credit Elisabeth Ashley