This week has been all about swimming mugs! I found out late on Wednesday evening that my swimming mugs have been featured in the Guardian’s ‘the filter’ section for The best Christmas gifts for swimmers in the UK, from swim socks to snorkels and it’s been a bit of a mad rush making mugs available online and getting deliveries out.
I knew that Colin Hill of Ullswater Swim Place (who has stocked my mugs for a couple of years now) had kindly recommended me to the Guardian a few weeks back, but neither of us were sure if they would take him up on his recommendations. I started to get a little more excited when the Guardian got in touch for some photos and was moving towards getting my website set up, just in case – then I was blown away this week when I actually made the cut!! In fact, they included three of Colin’s suggested gift ideas in their 2025 listing for swimmers.
Amazingly, I sold out of my usual swimming mugs very quickly – I’ve just a few of my smaller coffee-sized ones still available. But fear not, mug production is on full tilt! Due to other work commitments, I’m am hoping for the next batch – which is currently in the kiln for first firing – to be ready by 25 Nov (fingers crossed). I’ve started on the batch after that this weekend. Things are slow partly because I have another job, but also partly because I can’t rush the drying process. Once I’ve got an handle on a mug, it takes at least a week before I can get it dry enough for the first, bisque firing.
So while mugs are drying, I’m gradually adding a few different things to my website so that there are some things available for visitors. Do keep an eye out as I build up items over the coming weeks in the run up to Christmas.
Next job, I better order some more boxes!