Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Turbo Top – Fun with Vitrigraph…Fast!!

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Here’s the first of many products that need to be talked about from my Las Vegas adventure. It’s the Turbo Top and the Turbo Lift by Innovative Glass Solutions. Have you tried vitrigraph? You pull hot glass from the bottom of a suspended kiln to make swirly shapes and canes and twists that are amazing additions to fufsed pieces but also make great jewelry items on their own. Larr Cunningham of Innovative Glass Solutions has created both the Turbo Top and the Turbo Lift to help make the vitrigraph experience that much better.

The Turbo Lift allows you to mount your kiln and be able to adjust the height of it to 5 vertical positions. So cool. It allows a vertical range of 28″ in 5 pre-set increments. And it comes preassembled so you can easily attach it to your kiln. The Turbo Top heats your kiln in half the time. This makes getting to your vitrigraph good times that much faster. And it fits most table top kilns. So if you’re ready to try it out, play with vitrigraph, you need these fabulous tools. And as a bit of a disclaimer, I’ve worked with Larr and Leigh Adams teaching Extreme Vitrigraph, which adds torchwork to the party, and these are essential add ons to your vitrigraph experience! Pull some hot glass!! You can currently find these at Pacific Art Glass…

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Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.