The Journey of a Cup: From Clay to Art
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The Journey of a Cup: From Clay to Art
The story of a handmade work of art from the heart to the home
Every mug that emerges from the Canarels workshop is a small work of art. It can be part of a morning coffee, an evening tea, or a special gift. But behind it lies a secret journey: a journey that begins in the earth, is shaped by fire, is crafted with patience, and is crowned with gold.
So how is a cup born? Here's the magical process that goes from "clay to art"...
1. Choosing the Soil: Where It All Begins
Every Canarels product begins with carefully selected natural clay. This clay is not ordinary; it must meet a specific density, moisture content, and consistency. It is kneaded by hand to remove any remaining air bubbles. A solid cup requires a solid foundation.
2. Shaping: The Artist's Hands Are In
The shaping process uses lathes or moldless hand techniques. Every move is a decision: should the grip be comfortable, should it be slim, which way should the handle be curved? This is where every Canarels cup stands out. Because no two cups are exactly alike.
3. Drying and First Baking (Biscuit)
The shaped piece is dried naturally for several days. Then, the first firing, called "biscuit firing," takes place at 900°C. At this stage, it is no longer clay; it has become ceramic. But it is still colorless and plain.
4. Painting and Glaze: Determining the Personality of the Cup
The biscuit-shaped mug is individually hand-painted, sometimes in muted pastel tones, sometimes with embossed floral patterns. After painting, a protective layer called "glaze" is applied. This both adds shine and seals the color.
5. Second Firing: The Fire of Patience
The glazed cup is fired a second time, this time at 1000–1050°C. During this stage, the colors become vibrant, the shapes become clear, and the surface becomes shiny. The cup is now usable. But for Canarels, the journey doesn't end there.
6. Crowning with Gold: The Final Touch of Elegance
Some Canarels-exclusive mugs are hand-decorated with genuine 24-karat gold. This process involves special brushes and liquid gold. Then, it's fired once more—this time at 780°C (1500°F). The gold motifs become a permanent fixture within the mug. Each firing, each brushstroke, requires meticulous attention.
7. Packing and Saying Goodbye
After quality control, the mug is carefully packaged in Canarels boxes. A small thank-you card with its story is included. And then it's on its way: to a home's kitchen, a mother's heart, a lover's hands...
This is not just a trophy...
...this is a work of art created just for you. That Canarels cup you hold in your hands every morning has passed through the soul of an artisan and reached you. And now you write the rest of the story.