The Bug Mug Method

Sculpt, Attach & Glaze Lifelike Insects on Functional Pottery.

 JOIN THE WAITING LIST! 

 

Hi, I'm Haley, and I'm so happy you're here.

I've always been fascinated by the tiny details most people walk right past. Whether it's a beetle, caterpillar, moth, or mushroom growing along a trail, I love studying the natural world and finding ways to bring that sense of wonder into functional pottery.

In this course, I'll walk you through my complete process for transforming a real insect reference into a lifelike ceramic sculpture, securely attaching it to a functional vessel, and bringing it to life with underglaze, glaze, and firing techniques.

Together, we'll build a beautiful bug mug from start to finish while learning how to simplify anatomy, create lightweight sculptures that won't crack or detach, and develop realistic colors and textures that make every piece feel alive.

Whether you want to recreate your favorite species or use my method to design your own nature-inspired pottery, this course will give you the skills and confidence to create work that's both functional and uniquely yours.

The course will be opening soon, and the waitlist is now open.

Perks of joining the waitlist

🪲 Receive an exclusive waitlist discount available only to early subscribers.

🌿 Be the first to know when enrollment opens and enjoy early access before the public launch.

🍄 Get exclusive course updates, behind-the-scenes content, and bonus announcements while I'm putting the finishing touches on everything.

Leave your details below, and let's bring a little piece of the natural world to life in clay.

I can't wait to create with you.

Haley 🪲
@leafbugstudio

🔒 By providing your information, you agree to the collection and use of your information in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

The Bug Mug Method

Sculpt, Attach & Glaze Lifelike Insects on Functional Pottery.

 JOIN THE WAITING LIST! 

 

Hi, I'm Haley, and I'm so happy you're here.

I've always been fascinated by the tiny details most people walk right past. Whether it's a beetle, caterpillar, moth, or mushroom growing along a trail, I love studying the natural world and finding ways to bring that sense of wonder into functional pottery.

In this course, I'll walk you through my complete process for transforming a real insect reference into a lifelike ceramic sculpture, securely attaching it to a functional vessel, and bringing it to life with underglaze, glaze, and firing techniques.

Together, we'll build a beautiful bug mug from start to finish while learning how to simplify anatomy, create lightweight sculptures that won't crack or detach, and develop realistic colors and textures that make every piece feel alive.

Whether you want to recreate your favorite species or use my method to design your own nature-inspired pottery, this course will give you the skills and confidence to create work that's both functional and uniquely yours.

The course will be opening soon, and the waitlist is now open.

Perks of joining the waitlist

🪲 Receive an exclusive waitlist discount available only to early subscribers.

🌿 Be the first to know when enrollment opens and enjoy early access before the public launch.

🍄 Get exclusive course updates, behind-the-scenes content, and bonus announcements while I'm putting the finishing touches on everything.

Leave your details below, and let's bring a little piece of the natural world to life in clay.

I can't wait to create with you.

Haley 🪲
@leafbugstudio

 

🔒 By providing your information, you agree to the collection and use of your information in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

What you will learn:

Turn Insect References into Clay Forms

Learn how to study a real insect, simplify its anatomy, plan the scale and placement, and sculpt lightweight forms that still feel detailed and recognisable.

Attach Delicate Details with Confidence

Master my approach to moisture control, scoring, slipping, supporting fragile parts, and drying slowly so legs, antennae, wings, and body sections stay securely attached.

Bring Your Bug Mug to Life

Build realistic texture and colour with carving, underglaze, glaze, and firing techniques, then finish a functional mug or small vessel featuring your own lifelike insect sculpture.

Meet the potter!

 

Hello, I'm Haley, the artist behind Leaf-Bug Studio.

I've always been fascinated by the tiny details of the natural world. When I'm not working in an immunology research lab, you'll usually find me in the pottery studio, sculpting insects, sketching new ideas, or wandering through nature looking for my next source of inspiration. My work is rooted in careful observation and a love for the creatures that often go unnoticed, from beetles and caterpillars to moths, mushrooms, and the incredible diversity of life all around us.  

Every piece I create begins with studying a real specimen. I love translating the shapes, textures, and colors I find in nature into lightweight, functional pottery that sparks curiosity and invites people to take a closer look. My hope is that each mug feels like holding a tiny piece of a natural history museum in your hands.

In my upcoming course, The Bug Mug Method, I'll guide you through my complete process for transforming real insect references into lifelike ceramic sculptures. Together, we'll learn how to simplify insect anatomy, build lightweight forms, attach delicate details without cracking, and finish each piece with realistic underglaze, glaze, and firing techniques.

Whether you dream of creating your first caterpillar mug or designing your own favourite beetle, moth, or other tiny creature, this course will give you the techniques and confidence to bring your ideas to life in clay.

I can't wait to welcome you into my little corner of the natural world and create alongside you.

Haley 🪲
@leafbugstudio
JOIN NOW