REGISTRATIONS CLOSE SOON
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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 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.
A COURSE WITH HEART (AND BUGS)
What makes this course different?
look a little closer
I’ll show you how I study real insects, spot the details that make them recognizable, and turn all that tiny complexity into something you can actually sculpt.
learn my method, make it yours
I’m sharing the process I use in my own studio, but the goal isn’t to make copies of my work. You’ll learn how to adapt the method to your own favorite creatures and ceramic pieces.
build confidence with the fiddly bits
Already comfortable with the basics of clay? I’ll help you tackle the trickier stuff, like tiny forms, secure attachments, texture, colour and all those delicate little details.
serious technique, tiny weird creatures
We’ll get nerdy about bugs and thoughtful about ceramics, but this should still feel fun. Expect lots of clay, lots of little details, and permission to make something wonderfully strange.
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.
"Hayley'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
Ready to build your own bug mug?
I’ll show you how I take a tiny creature from reference to clay, then help you turn that same process into something that feels completely your own.
JOIN THE COURSE
In my course you will learn:
Modules 1 & 2
observe, sketch & plan like a naturalist
Before we touch the clay, I’ll show you how I really look at an insect and figure out what makes it recognizable. We’ll choose references, simplify what we see into sketches, and plan the scale, placement and composition of your Bug Mug before anything gets sculpted.
Modules 3 & 4
Getting Your Studio Ready
Tiny details are much easier when your tools, materials and clay are cooperating. I’ll show you what I actually use in my studio, how I set up for small-scale sculpting, and how I manage moisture and drying so everything is ready for the fiddly work ahead.
Modules 5 & 6
From Insect to Clay Form
This is where your little creature starts taking shape. I’ll show you how I break an insect down into sculptable forms, work out scale and proportion, prepare the vessel, and build the main body and features without making everything too bulky or heavy.
Modules 7 & 8
attach, carve & add the tiny bits
Making the bug is one thing. Keeping all those tiny pieces attached is another. I’ll walk you through moisture timing, scoring and slipping, supporting delicate areas while they dry, then carving texture and adding the legs, antennae and tiny structures that bring everything to life.
Modules 9 & 10
Color, Glaze & Fire
Now we get to bring your bug properly to life. I’ll show you how I build a palette from reference, layer color for depth and variation, add highlights and tiny details, then glaze and fire your piece while protecting all that careful sculpting we just spent so much time on.
Included in my course fees:
Materials & Tools
I’ll walk you through the clay, tools, brushes, underglazes and materials I use, including what’s genuinely useful for tiny details and what you can probably find at home. You’ll know what to have ready before we get into the fiddly stuff.
a full bug mug project
You’ll follow my Bug Mug process from start to finish, putting each technique into practice as we go. More importantly, I’ll show you how to use the same method with your own favorite insects and ideas.
Lifetime Access
Once you join, the course is yours for life. Come back whenever you want to revisit a technique, try a new creature, or remind yourself how we dealt with those tiny legs.
Learn your way
Everything is online and completely self-paced. Pause, replay, rewatch the tricky bits, and give your clay the time it needs. There’s no deadline and no rush.
Creative Community
You’ll join a friendly space where you can share your work, ask questions and swap ideas with other pottery and bug-loving people. I can’t wait to see what strange little creatures start appearing.
support when you need it
... and much more!
JOIN NOWBonuses
Extra content you will get for free when joining the course
Insect Appendages Paper Tracing Cutouts
Printable Reference &
Planning Tool
$27 - FREE!
Finding Insects in the Wild & Translating Them to Clay
Nature Observation Mini-Class
$57 - FREE!
Fragile Attachments Troubleshooting Guide
$27 - FREE!
REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSING SOON!
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SPECIAL INSTALLMENTS OFFER
Over the last few days, I’ve heard from a few people who’d really love to join The Bug Mug Method, but would appreciate a little more flexibility when it comes to payment.
So I’ve opened up a special installment option to make joining a little easier.
With this option, you’ll get access to the full course, all 3 bonuses, the student community, and lifetime access with six monthly payments instead of paying everything upfront.
The price below is shown in US Dollars, but you can complete your purchase in your own currency, with the conversion handled automatically at checkout.
I can’t wait to welcome you into my little clay-and-bug corner and help you turn the tiny creatures that catch your eye into detailed ceramic pieces full of character, texture, and personality.
My Guarantee to Every Student
If The Bug Mug Method isn’t the right fit for you, you can request a full refund within the first 14 days of purchase, as long as you haven’t watched more than 40% of the course. I want you to feel good about joining, with enough time to look around, try the lessons, and see whether this little corner of clay and bugs feels like the right fit for you.
Got Questions?
Is this course suitable for beginners?
I'll guide you through my process step by step, but I'd recommend having a little clay experience first so you can focus on the fun part: sculpting all those tiny creatures and details.
What materials and tools will I need?
You don't need a drawer full of fancy equipment, and some of the useful bits may already be hiding around your studio or home.
Do I need a pottery wheel?
You'll just need a suitable ceramic form to work on, plus the tools and materials we cover inside the course.
How long do I have access?
Come back whenever you want to try a new creature, revisit a technique, or remind yourself how we dealt with those tiny antennae.
Is the course live?
Pause, rewind, replay the fiddly bits, and take as much time as your clay needs. Tiny legs cannot be rushed.
Can I buy the course as a gift?
Can I pay in my own currency?
What payment methods can I use?
Why should I learn this process with you?
My goal is for you to finish the course looking at a creature you love and thinking, I know how I could turn that into clay.
Do you have a refund policy?
I want you to have enough space to explore the lessons, look around, and decide whether this little corner of clay and bugs feels right for you.
Is the price just a one-time payment?
Are registrations opening again soon?
If you want to join The Bug Mug Method, make sure you enrol by Tuesday, October 13 at 9 PM PDT. After that, the little bug doors are closing. 🐛
