Mudtools (@mudtools)

Long, continuous ribbons of clay, smooth surfaces, and the gradual refinement of a form. Trimming is one of those stages in the making process where small adjustments can make a big difference. Here, we're using our Do All Trimming Tool to remove excess clay and refine the form. With the right clay consistency, a sharp tool, and controlled pressure, the process becomes as enjoyable to watch as it is to do. What’s your favorite part of the pottery-making process? #Mudtools #DoAllTrimmingTool

Today we are hoping to show up for another artist in the ceramics community. After a devastating electrical house fire, Laurie, Morgan, and their dog Jess were forced to leave their home. While everyone is thankfully safe, the damage to their home and studio is immense, and the road ahead will be long. Laurie’s studio space, work, molds, and tools now face extensive cleaning and recovery, and many of the business-related losses will not be covered by insurance. With her first sale of the year canceled and uncertainty around when she can safely return to work, this support means everything. We have shared their GoFundMe link in our bio, and thanks to the incredible generosity of this community, they have almost reached their goal. It would be amazing to help carry them the rest of the way. If you are able to contribute or share, every bit helps as they begin rebuilding this next chapter together. 🧡 #CeramicsCommunity #SupportArtists #ClayCommunity #PottersHelpingPotters

St. Pete Ceramics Studio has experienced a devastating fire, losing their space, equipment, kilns, wheels, and so much of what made their studio a home for their community. For many, ceramic studios are more than workspaces. They are places of learning, connection, healing, and creative growth. Seeing a space like this suffer such a tremendous loss is heartbreaking. They are now working to rebuild, and a GoFundMe has been created to help them recover and reacquire the equipment and supplies needed to bring the studio back to life. If you are able to give, share, or help spread the word, it would mean a great deal. Please consider supporting St. Pete Ceramics Studio during this incredibly difficult time. We are holding them in our thoughts and cheering them on as they begin the long process of rebuilding. Link in Bio!! #ceramicscommunity #stpeteceramicsstudio #ceramics #potterycommunity #claycommunity #supportartists #supportlocalart #ceramicstudio #pottery #mudtools

STACKERZ are NOW live online! A simple solution for something most of us deal with daily keeping tools organized, accessible, and where you need them. Designed to fit our polymer ribs, STACKERZ allow you to magnetize your tools for easy storage and quick access in the studio. As an artist, we use them to keep my most-used ribs within reach and off the table. As an educator, they’ve become a way to map out projects placing tools directly on the board alongside assignments, timelines, and demonstrations so students can clearly see what’s needed. Small tool. Big shift in workflow. Now available on our website. Please note: STACKERZ do not work well with Pink Ultra Soft ribs due to their flexibility. #mudtools #STACKERZ

A moment from NCECA in Detroit this past week. GM Modeler shaping the contours of a concept vehicle using our Long Scraper Stainless Rib. Different material, different scale, same principles of form, surface, and control. It’s always interesting to see how tools move across disciplines and find their place in unexpected processes. #Mudtools #NCECA #Detroit #IndustrialDesign #SurfaceAndForm #ToolsForMakers

The Pink Line Has Arrived! The full Polymer Rib lineup in Pink ULTRA Soft Flexibility is now available, including: • Shapes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 • Small Bowl Rib • The EDGY • The Mudmouth Series Each of these tools now carries the same ultra-soft response designed for gentle compression, subtle shaping, bending to your every imagination, transfers, and so much more. The flexibility allows the rib to move with the clay, giving YOU a lighter touch and greater control. If you’ve been waiting for your favorite shape in Pink Ultra Soft, now is the time. This release was shared first with our Mudtools email subscribers, giving them early access before the public announcement. If you don’t want to miss future releases, updates, and studio insights, make sure to sign up for the Mudtools newsletter on our website.

Our Ultra Soft Pink Polymer Ribs are becoming our go to tool choice for removing trimming lines and burnishing vessels! #ULTRASoft #mudtools

One of the simplest ways I save time and money in the studio is by scraping the glaze residue from the sides of my buckets and remixing it back in. That buildup contains hundreds of dollars’ worth of raw materials that have splattered and partially dried during previous mixing. Instead of letting that material go to waste, I scrape it down and reincorporate it to maintain the glaze’s intended chemistry and performance. I use a small Mudtools Bowl Rib for this. Its curved edge contours perfectly to round buckets, and the flexible material won’t chip or shave plastic into the glaze. Which can cause surface issues later. Reclaiming that residue not only protects the investment in raw materials, it ensures the glaze fires the way it was designed to. Small habits. Big impact. How do you maintain your glaze buckets over time? #Ceramics #GlazeMixing #StudioPractice #Mudtools #PotteryProcess #CeramicStudio #GlazeChemistry #ClayLife #mudtools

A look inside the toolbox of Michael Sherrill tells a different story than finished tools on a shelf. What you see are iterations. Experiments. Textures tested and re-tested. Solutions born directly from problems discovered in the studio. In many ways, tools have more in common with a bag of clay than they do a finished piece. They are starting points. Forms that need to be molded, shaped, cut, altered, and refined through use until they find their true purpose. This is how tools evolve at Mudtools. Not as static objects, but as living responses to making. Always shaped by hands. Always informed by practice. #Mudtools #ToolDesign #CeramicsStudio #ProcessDriven #ClayCommunity #StudioThinking #ToolsForMakers

How do you prepare your clay prior to working??? Clay preparation matters just as much as what happens next. Our preferred method starts with spiral wedging 10–15 lbs of clay to align particles, even out moisture, and build consistency. From there, we break it down into smaller, throwable weights for the wheel. When we’re working with groggier clay bodies, we always reach for our heavy duty Mudwires. They’re built to handle resistance cleanly without kinking or dragging through the clay. Today’s prep is for mugs, and we’re using the new Short Heavy Purple Mudwire to portion out the wedged clay with control and precision. #Mudtools #ClayPreparation #SpiralWedging #PotteryProcess #WheelThrowing #Mudwire #CeramicsStudio #ToolsForMakers

From the production floor to the clay studio, our tools are designed to move with you through every stage of making. Built for repetition, refinement, and real studio use, Mudtools are made to stand up to daily work while still feeling intuitive in your hands. Whether you’re producing work at scale or slowing down to explore form and surface, these tools are there to support the process from start to finish. Tools for makers. #Mudtools #PotteryTools #Ceramics #ClayStudio #StudioLife #ToolsForMakers #WheelThrowing #Handbuilding

Mark your calendars! Our biggest sale of the year is almost here. From November 24 – December 1, you can save big on the Mudtools favorites you’ve had your eye on: 🖤 15% off orders $50+ 🖤 25% off orders $100+ 🖤 35% off orders $200+ Stock your studio, upgrade your toolkit, or grab gifts for your clay friends. This is the best time of the year to do it. Discount applies to product totals only. Shipping not included. #Mudtools #BlackFridaySale #PotteryTools #Ceramics #StudioEssentials #ClayCommunity

Our documentary Holding Ground premieres tonight at 5PM EST on YouTube! One year ago today, Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, devastating families, businesses, and entire communities. For us at MudTools, it meant seeing our original production facility office, and one home be destroyed in seconds. What followed was not just a story of loss, but of resilience. With the encouragement of the clay community, we found the strength to begin again. Your support has been the foundation of our recovery and the reason we continue to move forward. “Holding Ground” tells this story of devastation and rebuilding but most importantly, of the people and community who made it possible. In celebration of how far we’ve come, and as a thank you to the clay community, we’re giving away THREE “Flood Kits.” These are authentic Mudtools that were recovered from the Broad River after the storm and carefully packaged. They are a literal piece of the flood, our story, and our recovery journey. Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Like the documentary video on YouTube 2️⃣ Share it 3️⃣ Comment your thoughts on the film Winners will be announced on our Instagram page one week from today. Watch the premiere tonight at 5PM EST on our YouTube channel (link in bio). #HoldingGround #MudTools #ClayCommunity #HurricaneHelene #Resilience #Ceramics

I swear I’m just buying one. #mudtools #pottery

I swear I’m just buying one. #mudtools #pottery

Top comment wins.... There has been some fun debate in our studio regarding the terminology to the following stages of throwing. We (meaning YOU reading this and ourselves.) have all learned the subtle nuances and stages of throwing on the potters wheel. BUT, we have all learned from so many different and AMAZINGLY talented artists, craftsman, and educators. With that diversity of education comes a diversity of terminology and we want to know what you have to say about that! What were these stages of throwing called when they were first introduced to you? Imagine you are sitting at the wheel teaching a friend, family member, or new studio member. What would you say during these stages? What would you classify them as? Drop those comments below and lets see what our collective experience has to say about this! #mudtools #stagesofthrowing #pottery #wheelthrowingtips #wheelthrowing

How to Sharpen Your Do All - STEP 4: FEEL FOR THE BURR Once you’ve made a few passes with your Diamond Burr, gently run your finger along the back of the edge. If you feel a slight burr — that’s your sign: your edge is sharp. ✔️ Use 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper to polish that burr off the back. It’s quick, it’s clean, and it protects your tool from dullness down the line. 🎥 Want to see the full sharpening process from start to finish? Watch the full tutorial on our YouTube — Link in bio! 🛠️ And this week only: Get 15% OFF the Do All Trimming Tool, Diamond Burr, and Feed and Wax 📦 No code needed — discount auto-applies at checkout ⏳ Offer ends Sunday, June 8 at 11:59PM EST Keep your edge clean. Keep your tools sharp. #mudtools #potterytools #doalltrimmingtool #ceramictools #sharptools #toolcare #potterytips #potteryvideo #ceramicscommunity #trimmingtool #burrcheck

How to sharpen you Do All - STEP 3: SECURE + SHARPEN Before you sharpen, make sure your Do All is secured in place — a bench vise with rubber grips works great. Then? Grab your Diamond Burr, load it into your rotary tool, and start with a light, even pressure. 💡 Pro Tip: Use a back-and-forth motion across the full edge — avoid grinding in one spot or you could create gouges or divots. You're not reshaping the whole tool — you're just refreshing the edge. 🎥 Catch the full sharpening walkthrough on YouTube — link in bio! 🛠️ And for the first week of June only: Get 15% OFF the Do•All Trimming Tool, Diamond Burr, and Feed and Wax 📦 Discount is automatically applied at checkout ⏳ Ends Sunday, June 8 at 11:59PM EST Tool care = better trimming = cleaner pots. #mudtools #potterytools #trimmingtool #doalltrimmingtool #ceramictools #sharpblades #toolmaintenance #potterytips #ceramicscommunity #sharpeningtools #diamondburr

How to Sharpen Your Do All STEP 1: OBSERVE THE EDGE Before you even touch a tool to your Do All, take a close look at the edge. 👀 The interior bevel is the only side you’ll sharpen—and matching that angle is key to a clean, effective edge. 🎥 Want to see the full sharpening process? Head to our YouTube for the full tutorial — Link in bio! 🛠️ And don't miss our DISCOUNT! Get 15% OFF the Do All Trimming Tool, Diamond Burr, and Sharpening Burr 📦 No code needed — discount auto-applies at checkout ⏳ Offer ends Sunday, June 8 at 11:59PM EST Your tools deserve a little TLC. #mudtools #trimmingtool #potterytools #ceramictools #toolmaintenance #doalltrimmingtool #potteryvideo #potterytutorial #sharpedges #ceramicscommunity

🛠️ NEW VIDEO DROP! Learn how to properly sharpen your Do All Trimming Tool like a pro. 💥 Whether you’re touching up the edge or doing routine maintenance, this tutorial will walk you through every step—start to finish. 🎥 Watch now on YouTube — Link in bio! 🧰 AND — For the first week of June only: Get 15% OFF the Do All Trimming Tool, Diamond Burr, and Diamond Burr 📦 Discount auto-applied at checkout ⏰ Offer ends Sunday, June 8 at 11:59PM EST Happy Trimming!!! #mudtools #ceramictools #potterytools #potterytips #doalltrimmingtool #ceramictutorial #potterytutorial #toolcare #ceramicprocess #potterysharpening #potteryvideo #trimmingtool

Michael Sherrill shares his deep appreciation for material as a language of human expression. Reflecting on the work of artists like Dan Webb and Steven Lee, Michael explores how material can be transformed to reveal emotion, story, and spirit. This video was filmed as part of Connections: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery, a previous exhibition that honored the evolution of the American Studio Craft Movement while celebrating the vision of today’s makers. #ContemporaryCraft #MaterialMatters #AmericanStudioCraft #MichaelSherrill #RenwickGallery #Mudtools #ArtAsExpression #CeramicVoices #PotteryCommunity #ArtistReflection

The story behind The Edgy — Part 3 We teamed up with Jeff from GR Pottery Forms to bring a brand-new rib tool to life — The Edgy. In this three-part series, Jeff shares the full story: how the idea came to be, how the collaboration with Mudtools took shape, and how he uses The Edgy in his own studio practice. Whether you're a potter, teacher, or just tool-curious, this behind-the-scenes look is packed with insight into how tools are made by artists, for artists. #Mudtools #TheEdgy #GRPotteryForms #PotteryTools #ToolDesign #PotteryProcess #CeramicStudio #ClayCommunity #PotteryTok #MadeForMakers

The story behind The Edgy — Part 2 We teamed up with Jeff from GR Pottery Forms to bring a brand-new rib tool to life — The Edgy. In this three-part series, Jeff shares the full story: how the idea came to be, how the collaboration with Mudtools took shape, and how he uses The Edgy in his own studio practice. Whether you're a potter, teacher, or just tool-curious, this behind-the-scenes look is packed with insight into how tools are made by artists, for artists. #Mudtools #TheEdgy #GRPotteryForms #PotteryTools #ToolDesign #PotteryProcess #CeramicStudio #ClayCommunity #PotteryTok #MadeForMakers

The story behind The Edgy — Part 1 We teamed up with Jeff from GR Pottery Forms to bring a brand-new rib tool to life — The Edgy. In this three-part series, Jeff shares the full story: how the idea came to be, how the collaboration with Mudtools took shape, and how he uses The Edgy in his own studio practice. Whether you're a potter, teacher, or just tool-curious, this behind-the-scenes look is packed with insight into how tools are made by artists, for artists. #Mudtools #TheEdgy #GRPotteryForms #PotteryTools #ToolDesign #PotteryProcess #CeramicStudio #ClayCommunity #PotteryTok #MadeForMakers

Mark your calendars—February 17th is the day to upgrade your workspace! Our DEX Tool Roll keeps your 6 stylus tools neatly organized in custom waxed canvas, complete with a standout orange securing band, all handmade in Bat Cave, NC. Get ready for quality and convenience, USA-made by Mudtools. #DexToolRoll #OrganizedLife #Mudtools

During our last studio session Michael elaborated on the history of Mudtool Stainless ribs and the creation of the Shape 7 Stainless Rib for multipurpose projects. #mudtools #clay #ceramics

Did you miss the December 27th episode of Craft in America: Collectors on PBS? Here’s a sneak peek with Sonny and Gloria Kamm and their extraordinary teapot collection with over 1700 peices! Las Angeles Residents and collectors Sonny and Gloria have collected and commissioned countless artists, including Mudtools founder Michael Sherrill. As Michael says: "Sonny and Gloria Kamm are the king and queen of many collectors... They are a stepping stone for many, and I am proud to be in the collection and grateful for what they have done for so many artists!" 📲 Catch the full episode online—link in our Instagram bio! 🎥 Video credit: Craft in America #CraftInAmerica #Collectors #KammTeapotFoundation #Mudtools #MichaelSherrill #PBS