1. Drive to Austin and pick up clay - usually 500 pounds.
2. Unload clay into backyard studio.
3. Weigh out amount needed for mug.
4. Wedge (knead) clay.
5. Center clay on wheel and throw mug.
6. Remove from wheel and let dry 24-48 hours depending on humidity.
7. Put mug back on wheel and trim.
8. Pull handle.
9. Let handle dry 1-5 hours (depending on humidity).
10. Attach handle to trimmed mug.
11. Let mug dry one week minimum.  If mug cracks at this point, recycle clay and start over at step 3.
12. Place mug in kiln and fire to 1850° - about 10 hours.
13. Wait for kiln to cool to room temperature (about 12 hours) and unload mug from the kiln.  If mug has cracked during the first firing, discard, write-off and start over at step 1.
14. Mix glaze(s).  Each glaze requires approximately 2 hours to mix and sieve.
15. Put wax on bottom of mug so it will not stick to the kiln shelf.
16. Choose glaze design and glaze mug.  This can take anywhere from several minutes to upwards of an hour.
17. Let mug dry thoroughly.
18. Load glazed mug back into kiln.  If glaze scratches or gets bumped, wash with water and start back at step 13.
19. Fire glaze mug to 2250°.  This takes about 12 hours.
20. Hold at 2250 for 20 minutes.  Make sure all shelves reach the same temperature.
21. Wait approximately 14 hours for the kiln to cool to below 100° before opening.
22. Remove and check mug.  If cracked, discard, write-off and start over at step 1.
23. If mug has miraculously survived to this point, clean sharp bits off the bottom with grinding stone by hand, and price for sale.
24. Last, but certainly not least, try not to attack the foolish person who innocently says "I think I can get this a lot cheaper at Walmart."

 AND, let us not forget all the hidden steps not numbered here:

• Work other full-timie job
• Answer phone
• Sell pots
• Pay Bluebonnet Electric
• Develop new glazes and slips
• Create new designs
• Pay Bluebonnet Electric
• Recycle clay
• Pay Bluebonnet Electric