Great coffee deserves a cup that’s made with the same care and expertise. That’s why we’re so excited to share our latest collaboration with local ceramicist, Melisa Dora Ceramics. Together, we’ve created our Brown Ceramic Coffee Cup, crafted by hand and made to elevate your daily brew. Whether you're looking for a Christmas gift for a coffee lover or just as a treat for you self, this cup is designed with your coffee ritual in mind.
We caught up with Melisa to learn a bit more about her studio and her process of making our ceramic coffee cups.
Tell us a bit about your studio
I graduated from Brighton University in 2010 with a degree in Ceramics and continued my love for making tableware while working in a few shared studios. I opened my first studio in 2016 in Honor Oak Park and in 2022 I moved into my current space in Forest Hill, where I continue to make all my work by hand.
Can you explain the process of making these ceramics?
All of my pieces are hand-thrown on the wheel in my studio using stoneware clay and made to precise measurements. Once thrown, each piece is trimmed to refine the form and base. After fully drying, all work goes through its first firing at 1000°C in my electric kiln. This stage removes all moisture from the clay, turning it hard and porous so it can be glazed.
I make all my glazes from scratch using a combination of raw materials and oxides, allowing me to have full control over colour, texture, and finish. The glazed pieces are then fired again, this time to 1250°C. Once the final firing is complete, I sand the bases to ensure they’re perfectly smooth and won’t scratch any surface they rest on. From start to finish, the process takes around 4-6 weeks.
The cups I have made for Volcano have been customised with their logo on the base and glazed in a chocolate brown colour which perfectly suits their brand. I am very excited to use this glaze as it’s brand new to my collection. The sizing of these cups are 8oz, designed for the perfect flat white.
Why did you choose to work with Volcano?
I love collaborating with independent brands that value handmade craftsmanship and the time, skill, and care that go into each piece. It’s also important to me to work with local businesses, supporting one another and helping to bring my work to new audiences.
Our Brown Ceramic Coffee Cup are available to buy now.
Want to learn more about how the ceramics were made? Check out our behind-the-scenes video.
Looking for more coffee gifts for Christmas? Check out our Christmas Gift Guide.
